State Department to Send Rap Stars to Asia to Promote “Conflict Resolution”

The State Department is looking to send black hip hop musicians to Asia and eastern Europe on an all-expenses-paid tour to promote “conflict resolution.” How musicians that are often associated with murdering people in drive-bys, denigrates women as bitches and hos, and sings about getting rich as a “gangsta” is supposed to teach anyone about resolving conflicts is anyone’s guess. But the taxpayers are going to foot the bill for this tour.

From BuzzJacobs here:

The U.S. Department of State in conjunction with the University of North Carolina is seeking a “beat maker,” “DJ,” “hip-hop dancer,” and “MC” to travel to Eastern Europe, Africa, and South Asia at taxpayers expense.

Yes, you read that correctly. While Washington is cutting benefits for Veterans and military families, they are sending rappers and hip-hop dancers on an all expense paid trip to conduct “cultural diplomacy and conflict resolution.”

I know Washington has changed a lot since I left the White House in 2007, but the last time I checked we have professionally trained, highly educated, skilled practitioners of diplomacy whose job description includes “conflict resolution.” I can’t imagine how this program is the best expenditure of limited funds, especially during a time when tough budget decisions are being made.

Here’s some straight talk. This is just another example of why Washington is out of control. I know in the big scheme of things this is likely a minor expenditure of funds, but is this really the best use of our money? Someone, anyone, please explain what specific benefits to national security this program has attained.

Heh. David Burge notes that some artists will not be invited:

Tupac and Biggie were not available http://t.co/282Vg1Kjp5

— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) December 27, 2013