When Barack Obama became the first African-American President in U.S. history, billions lined the National Mall or watched their televisions closely to witness this once-in-a-lifetime historical moment. But apparently, not everyone is head-over-heels in love with the idea of a black President, as Mr. Obama is the target of more than 30 potential death threats a day and is being protected by an increasingly over-stretched and under-resourced Secret Service.
`
`
Since Barack Obama took office, the number of threats against him have increased a whopping 400 percent from the roughly 3,000 per year under President George W. Bush, according to Ronald Kessler, author of the new book “In the President’s Secret Service.”
`
`
Some threats to Mr. Obama, whose Secret Service codename is Renegade, have been publicized, including an alleged plot by white supremacists in Tennessee late last year to rob a gun store, shoot 88 black people, decapitate another 14 and then assassinate the nations first black President. But most are kept under wraps by the Secret Service out of fear that revealing details of them would only increase the attempts of copycats. Although most threats are not credible, each has to be investigated thoroughly.
`
With so much hatred and ill will directed toward the First Family for being black, they seem to be taking it in stride and living their lives as normal as possible. One day, Malia and Sasha Obama will grow up to realize the incredible and brave sacrifice their father made to make history.
