Georgia Newspaper Puts Obama In Crosshairs

Via Wonkette, a small paper serving the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, Georgia called the Roswell Beacon is drawing fire for running a cover that depicts Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama in the crosshairs of a gun sight. The cover image promotes a story by freelance reporter Alan Sverdlik, who penned the article because "he was curious how law enforcement agencies were handling the increased number of threats lodged against Obama by white supremacist groups" in the Fulton County area. Sverdlik has told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he had no input on the cover design that accompanied the article.

A diary on the popular liberal blog DailyKos is driving much of the outrage at the Roswell Beacon. As Kos Diarist "Spiral Stairs" puts it:

The accompanying article is about hate groups in the area who are upset about Senator Obama's candidacy and concerns the local authorities have about possible violent acts from these groups. The article itself is not offensive, but the cover is beyond the pale. As indicated by the article, there are some serious racists in the area, and Obama's candidacy has brought out the worst in a lot of people. The last thing we need is a newspaper to suggest assassination with an incendiary cover such as this.

The AJC reports that the outcry has had limited effect:

Readers -- Kos receives more than 1.3 million visits a day, according to sitemeter.com -- were encouraged to contact the newspaper and its advertisers. By day's end, Holiday Inn announced it would no longer do business with the Beacon, though the paper's publisher, John Fredericks, said editorial decisions would not be influenced by "liberal blogger thuggery."

"Good, bad or ugly, we tell the truth," he said.

Fredericks and senior editor Tim Altork said there was little internal debate over the appropriateness of the imagery, though they were aware it was likely to create a stir.

"We knew we were on the provocative edge," Altork said. "But it's a very fair piece, a smart piece."

Nevertheless, this "fair...smart piece" has been seemingly expunged from the newspaper's website.

Comments

[ccrnjr]

Why doesn't the secret service visit them? They would get a visit if it were Bush and McCain in that photo.

[MilesTone]

Because he's not the President....Not yet anyway.

[papatag]

GOOD POINT!

[IndependentMynd]

Was any other candidate put in crosshairs? Seems like they are trying to 'encourage' an unstable mind to take the 'fear' away. Could it be the Muslim 'smear' or the race-baiting that stoked the racism that was lying in wait? If anything happens, who will be to blame?

[Bobrobert]

You are to blame!!!

Think about it.

[Dane1911]

Oh look a racist Clinton support..lol

[Dane1911]

The CLintons will be the one to blame.....I am so disgusted with the CLintons and the Democratic party.......

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

True. The Clintons called the Beacon and make a special request to put Senator Obama on the cover and place crosshairs over his face. For God Sake. How in heck can THIS be the Clintons' fault. You folks are getting ridiculous now.

[Petwlkr]

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
Albert Einstein

[XME]

What really amazes me is that the same people who do stuff like this cover, who are active KKK members, etc., are the SAME people who are chastizing Obama's wife for comments that America is a mean country!!! These are the same people that are saying that black people should be THANKFUL they live in America that they have it better here than they could anywhere else on earth. They are the same people accusing Rev. J. Wright of being a racist because he points out the hate that SOME white people show towards blacks.

Not only is America a mean country, but a severely hypocritical country...and saying that doesn't make me anti-American, nor does it imply that I've stated that EVERY American is mean and hypocritical. Same is true of the Obamas. Sadly, THESE people are what is wrong with America and what makes me ashamed of us, NOT Barack or Michelle Obama.

[ohnoyoudidnot!]

Well said. Thank you!

[GSundheim]

This guy says he lives in Roswell and he seems to think there is some ideology at work here on the part of the Beacon's publisher, Mr. Fredericks --

http://randomlunaticnews.com/post/35553225.

He links to an editorial by Fredericks. It contains a disclaimer about the publisher contributing to McCain's campaigns as far back as 2000.

[dawn2dusk]

The roswell beacon must be known to suck if it sunk to such lows to sell papers. wtf?

These violent factions that the article references (I haven't read it) must run a road through the republican party a mile wide as they and republican surrogates seem to all be distributed the same talking points, the same jokes.

I hope this big sore that has been ripped open in our country will be done oozing toxic pus such as this by November.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

This is a fairly new paper. I've just seen it around for about maybe a year or so. I still go up there to get my hair done and to see my longtime physician, and when it first came out, it was proclaiming itself to be "non-partisan". In fact, my friend/hairdresser, knowing me to be a flaming liberal, told me I should contact them about doing some writing for them. (I am a frequent contributor to the AJC). I knew when it came out, coming from that part of the state, there was no way in HELL that this could be a non-partisan rag. Man....how correct I was!!! She also told me that the publishers just go around and put this crap in your mailbox. You don't have to subscribe or anything. In other words, they spend a TON of their own money on distribution. Problem is, if you don't want it anymore they won't honor your requests to stop delivery. John Birchers for sure.

[Shack2008]

Here's the link to the original DailyKos diary that started it all. It lists the advertisers and their contact information.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/20/123456/580

[Turtleluv6]

Thank the reacist Huckabee

[RandyGaume]

please stop such ignorant statements - you don't know the man

[thymetwo]

And you do? Huckabee's comment was so far out of line I serious believe he should not even be allowed to speak on any broadcast outlet again.

[Insideout143]

Huckabee a racist southern baptist. Nuff said.

[Dane1911]

Yes Huchabee made the joke and the Clinotns injected race into the election. its a sad day for the american people that want change. Now i reallyu fear for his life!!!!This photo, the Clintons actions and the democratic party is an embarrasment to the american people and to this great country. How dare people question Obama patriotism, when ignorant people get to walk around spreading hate.

[Sixtwo]

This is America.! America has always had racists who believe ( or wish) that Blacks whould or should not be here, much less hold the highest office in the country. The day Obama announced his candidacy for President, I knew without a doubt that HE LOVES AMERICA--HIS COUNTRY, and was willing to die for what he believes in. As the first serious Black candidate to reach this milestone in the history of this country, he had to know that he would be a target for hundreds of cracy people out there who hate Blacks and have total disregard for human life. But, I am so glad that I believe in a Higher Power who tells us that if He is for us, who can be against us. Also, that what man meant for evil He (God ) meant for good. We need more love--love is the glue that holds relationships together, even though some folks don'e even love themselves and is incapable of loving someone else.

[Genisa]

Amen! I always thought it was ludicrous when I would see posters claim that Barack Obama is weak. Huh? The guy had to consider assasination, before running for President.

All I know is that prayer works. I've repeatedly asked God to put some of his big angels around Barack Obama, and a wall of protection around he and his family. No weapon formed against me (him) shall prosper!

[Dane1911]

Hiliary want to cry sexism, when she was calling him weak and soft.....If Obama would've called her those things, then the heat will be raised to 110 degrees.

[blaqntelligence]

Genisa: "The guy had to consider assasination, before running for President. "

Not only did he consider it, his wife addressed it during an interview immediately after announcing his run.
Shortly after that, he was given Secret Service protection, the threats had already begun.

[GrainOSand]

All of the media interests that want to toy with the subject of something happening to Mr. Obama need to think about the fact that the riots of 1968 were confined mostly to the neighborhoods of the rioters. With the prevalence of the internet today these people should be careful of being complicit in anything happening to Mr. Obama because a riot may come to their front door. The crosshairs of justice will be squarely on them (not just the sacrificial patsy) if anything happens and nothing will stop the swarm for and of justice. Brown people in this country have been very gracious and kind through all they have suffered. There is a limit (a breaking point) to that kindness I believe and the paid media bigots need to know they will be held personally accountable for anything untoward that happens. So fan the flames if you like but when the flame grows do not be surprised that it will not come under control and that its action will not be predictable and its result will be most injurious to the entire nation. As a pacifist I deplore violence of any sort. As a child of God I believe in justice for evil acts and parts of America continue to show a penchant for evil. To that segment I say, mend your ways for the fire of hell on earth burns very hot.

America the beautiful indeed! Less hype and more devotion to greatness is the call!

[simple]

AMEN

[Insideout143]

I will add that if unrest results from this, it will not be just African Americans revolting, it will include the many of us who are not, but are also so sick and tired of how peoples of all kinds are discriminated against. The entire world needs to learn tolerance. Those unlike ourselves are not necessarily bad, they need to be considered for their character above all else. Unfortunately the continued stereotyping and bigotry is still too much a force in the world. I only hope that we don't create civil or world war over such insane beliefs as many still hold.

[GrainOSand]

It is hypocritical to speak of bigotry then turn around and engage in it. In that regard my statements implying a public revolt included all brothers and all sisters who favor fairness, kindness, and goodness. We will bring new meaning to the label, “The Village People” as we bring the guilty out to face the people. I am praying that the foolish are aware that the people of 2008 are a very different people from those of 1965 Watts, 1968 Detroit, Baltimore, DC, and Chicago, and 1992 LA. This new people are multi-ethnic, determined to prevail, educated on how the enemy works, and know where power lives and breeds. They had better leave the man alone or face the people.

[gtpeds]

I guess this is another newspaper that can be used for toilet paper emergency.

[youknowwhat]

The scary thing is that it seems every time the word assasination is put out there, Barack Obama's name comes up. First the Texas incident, then the Huckabee incident, now this. Just reminds me of the Kennedy's and ML King.

"Violence is as American as cherry pie". H Rap Brown

[PioneerKing]

Wow! what type of people think of this kind of crap. Oh, yeah Mike Huckabee, McCain and his other republican party associates.

[Mayoyo]

I am speechless­.....maybe they should give the Huck a call...Wow!!!

[UsofA]

Following is a copy of an email I sent Roswell Beacon publisher, John Fredericks:

Dear Mr. Fredericks,
Your defense of the indefensible concerning the repellent cover on the Roswell Beacon depicting Barak Obama in rifle crosshairs, only perpetuates a stigma many southerners, including myself, have endeavored to change: that of a State of inbred imbeciles incapable of rational debate or progressive thought. To carry those traits yourself is your business. But to adopt the mantle of a publisher and to place such a cover on a periodical that represents most Georgians, who are not dyed-in-the-wool bigots, is reprehensible.
Curious, how Obama's beacon is one of hope. We now know what your Beacon represents.
Sincerely,
(My Name)
Roswell, GA.

[suzyhein]

i emailed one of his advertisers and they sent me the following:
To Whom It May Concern:

We are deeply disappointed at the recent cover and article regarding Barack Obama in the Roswell Beacon newspaper. In no way, does the selection for the cover page or article reflect the views of Carl Black Pontiac Buick GMC Hummer. As a result of this poor judgment, Carl Black Pontiac Buick GMC Hummer will no longer advertise with the Beacon newspaper.

Tod Baker
General Manager

That felt kinds good.

[hcbuck]

Good for you!!

[ChicagoDMT]

bravo. nice work. I believe I read that the local Holiday Inn (maybe it was another hotel) also pulled its advertising.

Were common sense fails, dollars work.