President Obama skipped the events of National Police Week in D.C. this week, instead hosting a controversial rapper at the White House who has praised a convicted cop killer.
On Wednesday, the White House hosted a poetry night with a performance from Common, author of the work, "A song for Assata," in dedication to Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur, who was convicted for the 1973 slaying of New Jersey Trooper Werner Foerster.
Earlier in the week, Fraternal Order of Police National President Chuck Canterbury sent a letter expressing his "profound disappointment" with the invitation and followed it up with a phone call reminding President Obama's staff that National Police Week is "a time to honor law-enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice."
Obama did not attend the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's candlelight vigil Friday evening. He also skipped the Peace Officer's Memorial Service on Sunday on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. President George W. Bush attended the Peace Officer's Memorial every year except one.
President Obama spoke at the National Peace Officer's Memorial in 2010.
By Paul Clinton
Source: Washington Times
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