ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 31, 1996 TAG: 9601310026
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Cal Thomas
SOURCE: CAL THOMAS
SOME OF Louis Farrakhan's defenders had to swallow hard in the face of his condemnation of Jews, whites and the American system of government and way of life. Now that Farrakhan has gone the extra mile and visited with the Libyan dictator and innkeeper to terrorists and murderers, Moammar Gadhafi, maybe they'll choke.
The Justice Department wants to know if the Nation of Islam leader has become an agent of Gadhafi in the United States. If so, Farrakhan may have to register as a foreign agent. I suggest he register as the agent anthrax, because he is a disease, not only to blacks but to all of us.
Libya's official news agency, JANA, reports that Farrakhan and Gadhafi have discussed ways to increase the influence of American minorities in this fall's elections. JANA said the two agreed to ``mobilize the oppressed minorities,'' especially blacks, Arabs, Muslims and American Indians, ``to play a significant role in American political life.''
An indication of how much influence Gadhafi would like to have in undermining our political life may be seen in his statement following the meeting: ``Our confrontation with America used to be like confronting a fortress from outside. Today, we have found a loophole to enter the fortress and to confront it from within.''
What Gadhafi has said comes very close to fomenting sedition, which is defined as ``incitement of resistance to, or insurrection against, lawful authority.'' And Farrakhan is his co-conspirator.
Farrakhan was quoted by JANA as praising Gadhafi for working for the liberation of oppressed people, including black Americans in the United States. Most observers will find it curious that Farrakhan has inducted Gadhafi as an honorary member of the civil rights movement. How can one who oppresses and hates others (Jews, in particular) be considered a liberator of anyone?
But, then, the mutual hatred of Jews by Farrakhan and Gadhafi make them soul brothers. Unfortunately for them, their kind of soul kindles fires of hatred. What a terrible way to begin the observance of Black History Month.
``I have met my brother, Col. Moammar Gadhafi,'' said Farrakhan in a statement. He said the purpose of their meeting was to unify Arabs, Muslims, blacks and ``oppressed communities in America to play a strong, significant role, not only in the American elections, but in American foreign policy.''
This wasn't the first meeting between the two. In 1985, Gadhafi ``loaned'' Farrakhan $5 million for various business projects associated with the Nation of Islam. The same year, Gadhafi told Nation of Islam followers by satellite that he wanted to help American blacks overthrow oppression through armed struggle. At that time, Farrakhan ``politely'' rejected the offer of arms.
Sixty years ago, when defenders of Adolf Hitler praised him, they were roundly condemned in American intellectual circles. Will there be similar condemnation, even ostracism, of Farrakhan now that he is seeking a liaison with a contemporary dictator? Whatever good Farrakhan may have done at his Million Man March last year could be quickly wiped out by his palling around with Gadhafi. It could also break the final link in an already weakened chain between American blacks and Jews.
The Justice Department should do more than require Farrakhan to register as a foreign agent. It should monitor his activities with Gadhafi or anyone else who is the enemy of the U.S. government and our way of life. If Farrakhan thinks American blacks are so oppressed that they need the help of a man like Gadhafi, he should take those who feel as he does and see if ``liberated'' Libya is more to their liking.
- Los Angeles Times Syndicate
LENGTH: Medium: 70 linesby CNB