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We're so scared of assassins, says Barack Obama's brother
Kiran Randhawa30 Oct 2008
BARACK OBAMA's family fear his life could be at risk as he moves closer to the White House, the Standard can reveal today.
In an exclusive interview, the brother of the presidential front-runner told how he communicates with him every day and worries that he has become an assassination target.
Abongo Obama said he is "hoping and praying" that no harm will come to the Democratic hopeful after federal agents foiled an alleged plot by two racists to kill him this week.
The 51-year-old said: "We are extremely excited about how it's all going and really positive about it, but when you hear about a threat against Barack's life, you are brought back down to reality.
"All the dangers he is facing become apparent again. We are hoping and praying that he will be protected.
"Based on American history, it's a reality that we have to consider seriously. A lot of people have been assassinated. When you're in that position, you're a big target. Barack is not only in danger because of his race, but because of the position he is going for. There's always a danger and fear he can be hurt."
The accountant, who has lived in Washington DC for 23 years, is the eldest of Mr Obama's siblings. The brothers have the same father, Barack Obama Snr, but different mothers.
Abongo Obama's mother Kezia was Mr Obama Snr's first wife. They married in their homeland of Kenya. He went on to marry two more women, the presidential candidate's mother Ann Dunham an American he met during a scholarship to the US and an American teacher called Ruth. He eventually went back to his first wife, with whom he had four children.
After his father's death, Mr Obama, then 21, went to Kenya and met his sister and brothers for the first time.
"I am very close to Barack. I was best man at his wedding and he was best man at mine," said Mr Obama. "I have no doubt that he is going to be successful in his campaign. I am in constant touch with him on the phone, by text and email to show him that I'm here for him and I'm supporting him."
Mr Obama, a married father-of-eight, is currently holidaying at their family home in the village of Nyan'goma Kogelo, western Kenya, with his mother, who flew there from her home in Bracknell, Berkshire this week. His siblings Auma, 48, Abo, 40, and Ben, 36, who all live in Kenya, are also there. The family wanted to be together on election night to celebrate together.
"We look forward to celebrating and congratulating our brother," he said. "Our father would have been very proud of him.
"America has come a long way in recent years, my brother's progress shows that."
Mr Obama has been at the centre of more than 500 death threats since launching his campaign. At least 12 were so serious that secret service agents hunted the suspects, according to reports from the US.
The revelations came after neo-Nazi skinheads Daniel Cowart, 20, and Paul Schlesselman, 18, were charged with conspiring to assassinate the 47-year-old senator, and more than 100 other black people.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday last week after shooting at a church in Brownsville, Tennessee, and appeared in court on Friday surrounded by agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives Agency.
The agency is supposed to share information with the secret service but the 12 agents assigned to Mr Obama were not told of the plot until Monday afternoon.
Reader views (32)
ITs not something we like to think about but its a harsh reality.Obama has done the unthinkable and Ive never been so proud to be an American until now.However,there are many traditional white bred Americans who are afraid of change.Obama is paving away for many but its gonna be hard stuggle.This day marks a wonderful day in history but not without its uncertainties.Obama s aware of the impact he has made on our nation but unfortunately he has to take the possibilities that come with it.I'll pray for him.We all shall pray.Im just impressed to see what hes willing to put on the line for what he beleves him.
- Nyah S, BX , NY, 05/11/2008 05:31
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These are the first paragraphs from a release issued by the LaRouche Political Action Committee (LPAC):
Is Assassination of Obama Britain's Next Move?
Nov. 2 (LPAC)—The highly probable threat that Barack Obama, especially if he wins the election on Nov. 4, could be assassinated, is currently a matter of the utmost concern among serious political circles in both political parties, Lyndon LaRouche noted today. It is therefore urgent, he added, that there be built a bipartisan commitment to deal with this threat potential. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but a national one.
Two immediate measures have to be taken: first, try to prevent such an assassination from taking place; and second, be prepared, if it does, to prevent the kind of riotous disintegration and pulverization of the nation which the authors of such an assassination would be aiming to create.
As LaRouche has previously warned, back in February and April of this year, the British enemies of the United States not only have a history of assassinating American political figures, including Presidents, but they are the only credible force who could and would engineer such an action. True, Obama has recently garnered the apparently enthusiastic endorsements of leading British establishment publications, including the Financial Times and the viciously anti-U.S. Economist magazine. But, it would be highly unwise to forget the age-old tradition of betrayal with a kiss.
- David Cherry, Washington, DC, USA, 03/11/2008 05:03
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Barack is under the protection of God and no attempt to assassinate him will materialise
- Alfred Sarvies, Accra, Ghana, 31/10/2008 15:30
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It is written in the Word that, "No weapon that has been formed against you shall prosper"! I will not even "Speak" any harm to our "Future President". Instead, I will "Speak" all those things that the United States has to look forward to. It's not a "black" or "white" thing, it's a "Lack of Height" thing. America for so long has lacked its potential height. That is to say: Height denotes extent upward (as from foot to head) as well as any measurable distance above a given level. It's time for America to rise. God's got your back, so keep doing what ya doing!
- Latonya, Manassas, Va, 31/10/2008 14:56
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Race hase nothing to do with this we are all God's kids, just leave him alone.
- Zumrute Ahmetaj, Italy, 31/10/2008 12:18
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I think it is a shame that in America today people still judge upon the color of someone's skin. this is a man who truly wants to change America. Change is what we need. America is called the melting pot, yet in this day and age some still cannot understand that. Their are so many mixed races in this country and I find it ignorant of Nazi skinheads to try and target someone of another race. Unless your family just came to America we are all of a mixed race some where along our family line. It is even more sad that Nazi skinheads believe in the Bible, so they say. I am supporting Obama because he is genuine and America needs change. He has gone through many life experiences that we average Americans have. GO OBAMA!!!
- Star, Ohio, 31/10/2008 12:10
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god willing,he will survive all treats.he is the choosen one among the black color
- Garretson, vasteras , sweden, 31/10/2008 11:49
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I strongly belief that God will see Obama throuh and he is going to win the election. It is time for a change and i know America will never be the same again after Obama's victory. He is God annointed for the White House
- Thomas Ogungbenro, LAGOS, NIGERIA, 31/10/2008 11:12
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In my 65 years, I have never been involved in following a presidential campagne as I have this one. I believe that the United States, is the greatest contry in the world.
We have heard from the republicans that senator Obama, has no experience/ Look what people with much experince have done and created the last 8 years
I listen and look to what this man says, I believe that he is sincere and honest in wanting change. The color of a mans skin, doesn't make the man, it only defines his race, not his heart amd soul
It would be nice if we as a country worked together for a change, rahter then acting as Goerge Bernard Shaw states, feverish selfish, clods of greviences, and ailments, complaining that the world will not dedicate it self to making them happy!!!WAAAAA!
iT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE, ITS TIME TO GET OFF OUR DUFFS, STOP COMPLAINING, ROLL UP OUR SLEVES, PUT ALL OUR PREJUSTISES ASIDE, AND WORK FOR A BETTER PLACE FOR OUR OWN FUTURE GENERATIONS
I and others feel that its time for a change.
We will keep the next president and his family in our prays.
God Bless America
- J. Thomas Spy, spencer Tenn., 31/10/2008 11:08
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It's been a long time comming,only the brave choose to stand
- Karlene M, Jamaica, 31/10/2008 10:38
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Hey, They should leave him alone. He's not a bad guy, he's a hard working senator who wants to serve his country.
If he fails as a leader that's his responsibility and if he succeeds that's good for the American people.
- George Ghana, Accra, 31/10/2008 10:32
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America is in need of a change in every way. I am praying for Obama and his family.
- Barbara, Landover, Maryland USA, 31/10/2008 10:27
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I know Barack Obama will be there.My spiritual Leader,Leader O.O.Obuu told the congregation in one of His sermons deliver about 18 years ago that the leadership will be taken from Jacob and given back to Esau.They cannot kill Obama if he is the one annointed to stand for Esau as this change of baton in leadership is in process.'man can receive nothing except power is given him from above'.
- Chukwuodii Kennedy, Praha,Czech Republic, 31/10/2008 10:16
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I wish Barack Obama lives like J F KENEDDY but should live to be a hundred.God bless him.
- Alex Sarfo,, Accra, Ghana, 31/10/2008 10:15
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Fox God Bless him TheUnited Stares of America is not like u know it thinks has changed ppl understand race will not be effective in this election and Barak Obama will be The President of great country called United States Of America he will change America to Promise Land as it was this will be history in 21century God Bless The United States of America and God protect Our next President Barak Obama, MR MacCain retire plz SAra messed your campaign. Just congratulate for Mr Obama it's done
- Drar, Virginia, 31/10/2008 09:29
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If JF Kennedy can cop it then what hope is there for Obama? If some nutter does the unthinkable then it could ignite a racial war.
- Jim, Auckland, New Zealand., 31/10/2008 09:17
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No weapon fashion against Obama shall not prosper in Jesus Name. Amen.
- Owoh Ibanga, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 31/10/2008 08:55
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Obama is God's own chosen man for America and will protect against all assasins.No harm will come to him in Jesus name.
- Conrad Asia, accra,Ghana, 31/10/2008 08:49
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The threats are nothing but obstacles; i'm confident that the obtacles would crumble and he 'll win the race to the oval office. God Bless Obama.
- Nwanze, johannesburg, south africa, 31/10/2008 08:26
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My very first reaction after hearing about Obama's bid for the Presidency was fear for his life and that of his family. I support his run for the White House and hope in January the Obbamas will be moving in. Ameica has suffered through a quagmire for 8 long years years in this country and nothing seems to get better, just worse by the minute. We need a president we can count on. NO MORE WAR!
- Mary Ellen Sage Lane, Bennington, Vt., USA, 31/10/2008 07:55
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They will try to assassinate him but they will not succeed because God will protect him. I wish Barack good luck.
- Marshall, Accra Ghana, 31/10/2008 07:28
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I have a prayer band, and we pray daily that God will protect Obama & his family and that he will be our next president. There is so much hate that has been inspired by McCain/Palin and name calling. McCain and his people are always angry, even at his rallies. There is so much joy and happiness at Obama's rallies. I love attending them, and working in his campaign. I believe God is in control of this election, and no matter what they call him, try to frame him with smears, nothing will harm him
and he will be our next president.
- Krishan Favors, Las Vegas N, 31/10/2008 07:19
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The whole world is aware in the past twentieth century,many assassinations have happened to people who want to change America including:Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, John .F. Kennedy...........! But this time round the world is watching.Otherwise i wish Obama a happy successful election.
- Sekyewa Saidi Ahmed, Kampala, Uganda, 31/10/2008 07:04
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If Obama would happen to get hurt or poss shot, there would be the biggest riot since when M L King died, and it would deff not be good for the US.
- Mike, columbus ohio, 31/10/2008 05:26
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America has so proudly shown to the world color of skin is not a factor when deciding to pick a President of the US. I sincerely hope to see Sir Barrack Obama as the 44th President of the US on 4th Nov 2008.
I 've been reading a lot about you and your accomplishments Sir in the past as well as the debates that you had handled so professionally.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Regards.
PS. If you ever visit Malaysia Sir, I 'll be so proud to welcome you.
- Michael S. Anthony, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA, 31/10/2008 04:48
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Yes,I am concerned about the safety of the President to be, the chosen, Barrack Hussein Obama. Nevertheless, I know that the good LORD will guide him and keep him safe always. This great country has come this far to overcome race issues and history is about to be made, but if Barrack loses his life because of this election, it will be very devastating to the country, the world and let's not forget the detriment to audacity of hope on our children and their future.
- Abiola, nashville tennessee, 31/10/2008 04:46
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No, we don't NEED him at all, but I sure don't wish him any harm. But, if you run for public office, it's always the chance you take.
- M G Lake, Kentucky, USA, 31/10/2008 01:39
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His brother is concerned? More concern than Obama has taken about his immediate family. His half brother lives in a 3 by 2 meter carton and on one pound a month. His ante lives on a ground floor flat and has nothing? why all the concern NOW?
- John (Brit Exp Pat), Phoenix USA, 30/10/2008 21:56
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I am very concerned, also. I have encountered some nasty people myself just wearing his pin or t-shirt and while working on the campaign.
God bless him and keep him safe. We need him so much.
- Joni Gregori, Jensen Beach, FL, USA, 30/10/2008 15:00
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I reckon he'll be brown bread within a year.
- Eddie, Hammersmith, 30/10/2008 14:47
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Its a risk any President takes; there will always be nutters out there having a go at the President.
- Dhanraj, Basildon, 30/10/2008 14:09
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Looks like Barack already has his Billy Carter.
- Squiz, Islington, 30/10/2008 11:08
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