Jesse Lee Peterson is one of the right-wing extremists who helped organize this month’s “DC March for Jobs,” an anti-immigrant rally featuring Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Rep. Mo Brooks and former Rep. Allen West that included the usual mix of racism and hyperbole.
As one of the key figures in the Black American Leadership Alliance, which staged the March for Jobs, Peterson has emerged as one of the nativists’ favorite critics of immigration reform.
In a speech to the conspiratorial, anti-Semitic John Birch Society last year, Peterson expanded on his claims that President Obama is racist and demonic, charging that “Barack Obama hates white Americans” and represents “evil.”
He also took issue with First Lady Michelle Obama: “We have an angry black female in control and if you want to know what an angry black female can do to you, go to the Post Office.”
Later, Peterson claimed the president “wants to take power away from the white man and give it to people who [want] handouts, with socialism mentalities.”
He encouraged the John Birch Society members to push back against Obama’s black “mission” against white people by acting like parents who sometimes have to punish rebellious children: “if you don’t stand up to your kids they will take over your household and they’ll put you out if you allow them to have their way.”
Peterson wasn’t just a speaker at the event. He also said he is a longtime member of the John Birch Society and considers the organization to be like family.
“Whenever I come to speak at the John Birch Society I feel like I am coming home to family,” Peterson said. “I am a proud member of the John Birch Society, I have been a member I’ve forgot how long.”
