No unity pony for you:

Tavis Smiley, the bestselling author of the "Covenant With Black America," is in a world turned upside down. He said he's being "hammered," "barbecued," and is "catching hell" from black Americans for suggesting that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) made a major mistake by declining to speak at the State of the Black Union event that Smiley plans to host next week in New Orleans.

"There's all this talk of hater, sellout and traitor," Smiley said to me in a telephone interview. Smiley even mentioned getting death threats, but wouldn't elaborate. He said his office has been flooded with angry e-mails. "I have family in Indianapolis. They are harassing my momma, harassing my brother. It's getting to be crazy," Smiley said.

Dear Senator Obama,

Will you meet the “folk” in New Orleans?

"See my website" is not an acceptable answer. Tavis asked you a question. Don’t. Please don’t ever disrespect that brother like that again.

Tonight was just one of those nights. First - to Tavis Smiley – Great Job Tavis!

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