"So what should we do about this?" I asked.

"You got to keep this quiet, but me and some brothas have set up a training space inside an abandoned building. When we're ready, we're going to stage a commando raid on the White House to free Obama. One of the cats knows kung fu and he's training the rest of us. You should see our outfits, all black hoods and masks." Mulenga made a chopping motion with his hand. "I can't wait to take out a Secret Service agent."

"Oh, I'd like to see that," I said. "So with all this secret stuff, why are you telling me about this now?"

"I'm setting you up to have the story ready when it all comes down. Maybe you want to come to our training facility and see what we've been up to."

"I don't think so," I said. "It's better if I don't know. Then if the man gets to me I can't turn you in."

"Brotha, are you starting to waver on me? Is your resolve weakening?"

"Naw, but I was just wondering. We had those 17 shootings in 24 hours last week when six people got killed. Maybe it would be better if you focused your efforts locally. Try to find the shooters. Or maybe you should volunteer as tutors to teach youngsters how to read."

"I tried that tutoring thing but they kicked me out when I tried to tell the kids what really is going on," Mulenga said. "Reading doesn't help if your head ain't right. Look at West and Smiley, the brothas have degrees and all but look at what they're doing."

"Shouldn't they be free to do and say what they want, believe what they want to believe?" I asked.

"Not while Obama's tied up in the basement."

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