Oh man...sometimes the news gives me a headache. Yesterday was that kinda day. The particular story which I hold responsible is the news of the "New" Black Panter Party holding a protest at Duke University over the "La Crosse Team Rape".
Don't get me wrong...if those guys are guilty, I hope they rot in jail the rest of their lives.
But for crying out loud...The "New" Black Panthers!?! Isn't that a bit like having Klu Klux Klan Lite (Same Hate, Less Killing) take your side? Heck, even the Black Panther Party has a section on their website trying to distance themselves from the "new" and watered down version of the Black Panthers. I guess they are not hateful enough.
The Black Panthers. What a wonderful group to emulate. Founded by the highly educated and motivated Dr. Huey P. Newton. A man, who despite accomplishing some good things, advocated change through whatever means possible...including violence. Newton was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter for the murder of a police officer and was later tried and aquitted for the killing of a 17-year-old prostitute. He was also suspected of funding Black Panther activities by shaking down drug dealers, pimps and prostitutes. Still, he is proudly touted on their website, minus any mention of killings and extortion of course.
Were I to be assaulted, the last people I'd want posing in my corner was a hate group like the Klan or Black Panthers (new or old versions) trying to get some free media attention and fanning the flames of hatred.
Personally I think it should be more about the victim, the crime and the assailants. We need to proceed under the assumtion the woman's claims are real and valid and fully investigate the incident. If evidence exists which backs up her allegations it needs to go to trail...Period.
I just wish we could deny hate groups from gaining any traction from hitching a ride on public sympathies for the victim and fear of an alledged crime which has far more to do with control, fear, sex and domination than it does with any racial tensions and fears.
I would like to join
Posted by: Dr. Thomas Harvey | January 11, 2007 at 02:20 AM