Smitherman likens ML King to Jeremiah Wright

From the NAACP:

Media Release

April 4, 2008

Race, Politics, and Religion

Today is the 40th anniversary of the murder of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Cincinnati Branch of the NAACP extends its condolences to the King family. We recognize the King family's great sacrifice of losing a husband and a father.

The Cincinnati Branch appreciates that Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. consistently spoke truth to power. The African American Church has always been important to the African American Community. Any attack on the African American Church is an attack on the African American Community.

Smitherman says, "Both Rev. King and Rev. Wright challenged the status quo regarding American wars during their life time. Both consequently, were called Anti-American. The recent bomb threats on Rev. Wright's church are completely unacceptable. The death threats made against Rev. Wright are a sign that even after 40 years we have not made the progress needed for peace and justice for all. I believe strongly that the United States Government had a great deal to do with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and should be held accountable for its involvement"

Note: The Enquirer has a call into Smitherman, but has not heard back from him.

Meanwhile, here's Gov. Ted Strickland's statement.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life was taken 40 years ago today.

“Through his actions and his words, Dr. King called our nation to live up to our most deeply held values as Americans. Though he has now been gone from this Earth longer than he was with us, Dr. King’s legacy will forever live within all those who seek peace and justice.”