TIN EAR SYNDROME, UNCURED AT THE WHITE HOUSE – AT 10:19 P.M. ET:  Sometimes I have to wonder how something like this happens.  In this White House, it happens quite a bit.  From Fox:

The White House on Wednesday defended the invitation sent by first lady Michelle Obama to rapper and actor Common to attend a poetry event amid backlash over some of his lyrics that critics say promote violence.

Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., is not considered a gangsta rapper, but some of his songs and poems feature violent imagery.

In one poem, he called for the metaphorical burning of President George W. Bush -- a "burning Bush." And in a song, he praised convicted cop-killer and former Black Panther Assata Shakur.

"While the president doesn't support the kind of lyrics that have been raised here, we do think some of the reports distort what Mr. Lynn stands for more broadly in order to stoke controversy," White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday.

"He is within the genre of hip hop and rap in what's known as a conscious rapper," he said, adding that President Obama appreciates the way Common tries to get children to focus on poetry, "as opposed to some of the negative influences of life on the street."

Carney cited a Fox News report from last October that described Common as a "rap legend" whose "music is very positive."

Carney added that he did not know whether the White House vetted the poetry to be recited at the reading Wednesday night.

"The fact is, Mr. Lynn has participated in other events in the past, including lighting the Christmas tree. I believe he's a multi-Grammy award-winning artist and he's been invited to this event about poetry," Carney said.

Some conservatives have howled in protest over Common's invite.

"Oh lovely, White House," Sarah Palin said sarcastically in a tweet.

COMMENT:  Or, as they said several generations ago, Mussolini made the trains run on time, and Hitler had a great social security system.  Nice roads, too.

Some in this society are forever trying to clean up the reputations of people who've done some very bad things simply because they've done some good things as well.  How about putting the emphasis on people who only do good things.

I think it's hilarious that Mr. Obama is quoted as saying he doesn't support all of this chap's lyrics.  Oh goody.  Try to tell that to the kids who listen to them.

Shame.

May 11,  2011