Farrakhan’s Baggage: What’s All the Fuss?

Farrakhan once wrote that Malcolm X, seen above, was "worthy of death." This portrait can be downloaded as desktop wallpaper on The Official Web Site of Malcolm X.

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So what is Farrakhan’s baggage?

Role in Killing of Malcolm X

Many Farrakhan supporters also admire Malcolm X, known at the time of his death as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.

While in prison in 1948, Malcolm began studying the philosophy of Elijah Muhammad, the prophet and leader of the Nation of Islam. Upon his release in 1952, he met with Muhammad. Within a year, he was an NOI minister. Malcolm X inspired Farrakhan (then Louis X) to join the movement in 1955. Malcolm became Farrakhan’s mentor.

In March 1964, Malcolm broke with the NOI after he found out about Muhammad’s extramarital relationships with several women. Malcolm embraced mainstream Islam, renounced the NOI’s racial supremacist theories, and established his own movement. After Malcolm’s departure, the NOI denounced him. On Feb. 14, 1965, his home was firebombed. A week later, three NOI gunmen killed Malcolm as he prepared to make a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. His wife, Betty, and daughters witnessed the shooting.

In 1991, Stanford University historian Clayborne Carson stated that Louis X “was one of those in the Nation responsible for the climate of vilification that resulted in Malcolm X's assassination."

After Malcolm’s defection, Louis X wrote in an NOI newspaper that "the die is set, and Malcolm shall not escape, especially after such evil foolish talk about his benefactor, Elijah Muhammad. Such a man as Malcolm is worthy of death."

Carson explained: "The question is not whether they wanted to see him [Malcolm X] dead, but whether they actually ordered the assassination. Within the context of the Nation of Islam, there was no need to do it. If you label somebody as an enemy of your religion, then the strongest believers are going to believe that is an invitation to take matters into their own hands. … Farrakhan would not have had to order the assassination. All he had to do was identify Malcolm as a traitor."

In a 1995 speech, Farrakhan said that he, Malcolm, Elijah Muhammad, and NOI members were victims of a government conspiracy to divide the movement.

“Our zeal, our love and hatred, our ignorance was manipulated by powerful outside forces and the result is that members of the Nation of Islam were involved in the assassination of Malcolm X,” he said to the audience, which included Malcolm’s widow Betty Shabazz. “And the Nation has taken the heat and carried the burden of the death of Malcolm X. We cannot deny whatever our part was. That is true. But we must not let the real culprit get away by hiding his hand and keeping us fighting and killing one another.”

He offered an apology of sorts: “We pray for Allah's forgiveness for our mistakes and errors and I personally pray that Allah will allow the heart of Sister Shabazz and her children and us to face truth and in that spirit if I have been wrong or wronged, I will seek forgiveness and will petition Allah and you for the same.”

Anti-Semitism

The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks anti-Semitism and other forms of bias, has an extensive archive of Farrakhan’s anti-Jewish remarks.

The remark below, made by Farrakhan in 2003, is among many posted on the ADL site:

"You say I hate Jews. I don't hate the Jewish people, I never have. But there [are] some things I don't like. 'What is it you don't like, Farrakhan?' I don't like the way you leech on us. See a leech is somebody that sucks your blood, takes from you and don't give you a damn thing. See, I don't like that kind of arrangement. You become our manager, you become our agent. Every one of us that got talent, we can't make it because you opened the door, and when you opened the door you get and we end up dead with nothing, owing the IRS."

In a 1998 interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, a reporter for the Jewish newspaper The Forward and other publications, Farrakhan expounds on his views about Judaism. The NOI leader repeatedly states his admiration for the Jewish people.

For example:

“I admire the Jewish people because in every field of human endeavor, Jewish people – if not at the very top of that field – have contributed greatly to the growth and development of every discipline that is worthwhile; every aspect of science that is worthwhile; every aspect of culture that is worthwhile. So in essence, I have great admiration for the Jewish people.”

But his remarks are also peppered with heavy criticism. The interview was never published but the transcript is posted on line. (See links at the end of the article.)

Farrakhan's numerous, continued anti-Semitic remarks should be troublesome to any person of good will. The NOI minister, who is so fond of quoting of Jesus, might want to consider this passage: "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34)." He should know this Scripture. It follows the passage he cited on Tavis Smiley's show. "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit (Matthew 12:33)."

Ties to Terror Supporters

The ADL has documented Farrakhan’s links to terror supporters. In 1996, Farrakhan met with leaders of Libya, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria, nations identified as state sponsors of terrorism. His meeting with Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi, who was responsible for the Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, was particularly problematic. The 1988 terrorist attack killed 259 people on the plane and 11 on the ground. After Farrakhan’s visit to Tripoli, Qaddafi publicly promised NOI supporters that he would give them arms to destroy "white America."

In 2003, the Libyan government admitted responsibility for the Pan Am bombing.

Recent Inflammatory Remarks

In an October 2005 speech, Farrakhan suggested that the 9/11 attacks and the collapse of levees in New Orleans were part of a U.S. government plot. Farrakhan alleges that both the levees in New Orleans and the Twin Towers in New York City were rigged with explosives planted by the U.S. government, Cybercast News Service reported.

"When you have people who politically feel that they get their advantage by killing people and blaming it on somebody else, then it makes us wonder what really happened to the Twin Towers,” Farrakhan said.

Conclusion

The charismatic, eloquent Farrakhan continues to electrify and inspire many. Why doesn’t his baggage bother supporters? Why isn’t his role in Malcolm X’s death an obstacle for those who rally around him?

Actor Ossie Davis presented the eulogy at Malcolm X’s funeral: “Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood! This was his meaning to his people. And, in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves. … He was and is a prince -- our own black shining prince -- who didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so.”

It seems that Farrakhan gets a pass for condemning African-Americans’ shining black prince to death.

How Farrakhan is seen is dependent on the position of the observer. Consider the Doppler effect. To a train passenger, the pitch of the horn remains constant. However, to someone standing by the tracks, the pitch is higher as it approaches and lower as it speeds away. And that is the mystery of Farrakhan’s lasting appeal.

CNN, Crowds Gather for Millions More Movement
The Final Call (an NOI publication), Farrahkan's 1995 reconciliation speech
PBS, Tavis Smiley transcript
Jet magazine, Minister Louis Farrakhan Sets the Record Straight About His Relationship With Malcolm X
Stanford University, historian's comments on the death of Malcolm X
Wikipedia, Malcolm X article
Transcript of Jeffrey Goldberg's interview in which Farrakhan explains his views on Jews
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Anti-Defamation League, Farrakhan quotes
Anti-Defamation League, Farrakhan travels
Wikipedia, Pan Am Flight 103
Cybercast News Service, Farrakhan speech on 9/11, New Orleans levee failure
The Official Web Site of Malcolm X, eulogy
Christian Century, Farrakhan Says He's a Changed Man
Washington Times, Farrakhan Bestirs 'Millions' Rally
Washington Blade, Wilson Blocks Boykin From Millions More Stage," lists Farrakhan supporters
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A Kinder, Gentler Louis Farrakhan?

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Of late, Farrakhan has been drawing heavily on Christian themes in his talks. Although Muslims believe that the Bible contains some divine revelation, that revelation is tainted. Only the Quran contains the pure truth about God.

Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet, but they reject the notion that he is the Son of God. According the Islamic Web site Sound Vision: “The notion of Jesus as son of God is something that was established under the influence of Paul of Tarsus (originally named Saul), who had been an enemy of Jesus, but later changed course and joined the disciples after the departure of Jesus.’’

Sound Vision says that Paul’s teachings that Jesus is the Son of God who atoned for the sins of the world on the cross are “blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus.”

Now Farrakhan cites Paul (a heretic in Islam) in his speeches and interviews. The Chicago Tribune quoted Farrakhan citing 1 Corinthians 13:11: "In other words, you know, Paul said it like this: `When I was a child, I spoke as a child, because I understood as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things.'"

Morever, Farrkhan proclaims his love of Jesus and the church.

“The church is my family. I had a Christian upbringing; I sang in the choir; I carried the cross; I know all the hymns of my church. Sometimes, on Sunday morning while I am changing channels on my television, I hear some of those hymns that I used to sing and I sing quietly to myself and the tears fall from my eyes, because I remember my church,” Farrakhan states in a speech posted on the NOI Web site. “There is no power that will separate me from the church. Even though I say that I am a Muslim, without the church our people are lost.”

Muslims have a duty to invite non-Muslims to accept Islam – an obligation known as dawa. By glossing over the significant differences between Christianity and Islam, Farrakhan can draw a broader audience. Could dawa be his unstated goal?

Supporters say the leader is sincere and that he has softened his views on many topics, including his notorious anti-Semitism. Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, is not convinced. (The ADL tracks anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination.)

He dismissed Farrakhan as “a bigot and a racist and an anti-Semite and conspirator," the Chicago Tribune reported.

Farrakhan will remain a pariah to some and a charismatic inspiration to others. One thing is certain: He will never be ignored.

CNN, “Crowds Gather for Millions More Movement”

Chicago Tribune, “Farrakhan Now Opens Arms With Millions More March”

The Advocate, “Gay Rights Leader Barred From Speaking at Millions More Event”

The New Standard, “Millions More Organizers Bar Gay Black Speaker, Upsetting Many”

Brainy Quote, Farrakhan statements

DanielPipes.org, reviews of books about Farrakhan

Sound Vision, mainstream Islamic view of Paul and Jesus

Nation of Islam, Farrakhan speech about Jesus

Anti-Defamation League, reports on Millions More Movement

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How Much More Can U.S. Catholics Take?

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Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), which formed during the sex-abuse crisis in the Boston Archdiocese, posted this statement on the Web: “For 75 years, the records indicate that [Los Angeles] diocesan leaders met repeated warnings and alerts of sexual abuse by clergy with a virtual guarantee that the abusers would continue to abuse – they shuffled priests to new assignments and appealed to parents for their silence. And these are not the complete files that will emerge in any civil and criminal trials.”

“Tragic and horrific as the parsed and sanitized stories in these documents are, they only represent about half of the priests accused in pending trials,” the VOTF statement said.

“The survivors deserve justice and the laity deserve accountability from its hierarchy,” VOTF President Jim Post stated.

In a statement posted on its Web site on Oct. 12, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) sharply criticized the cardinal and the L.A. Archdiocese.

Mary Grant, Western Regional Director of SNAP, stated: “Once again, we see huge gaps between what Cardinal Mahony claims and what his own documents prove.

“Mahony claims he let four priests stay around kids after getting reports of abusive behavior. These documents show that Mahony let at least eight priests remain around kids after abuse reports.

“The bottom line is that the Cardinal put twice as many kids in harm's way than he's ever admitted.

“Mahony claims 219 L.A. priests are accused of molesting kids. These documents show that at least 245 L.A. priests are accused of molesting kids.

“The bottom line is that the Cardinal misled his flock again. There are 26 more likely predators than the Cardinal has ever admitted before.”

Grant warns: “When the real documents … finally surface, the truth will be much worse.”

Catholics may well ask: What went wrong? Will church leaders fix the system?

The Church itself describes the gravity of the crimes. Paragraph 2356 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Rape is the forcible violation of the sexual intimacy of another person. It does injury to justice and charity. Rape deeply wounds the respect, freedom, and physical and moral integrity to which every person has a right. It causes grave damage that can mark the victim for life. It is always an intrinsically evil act. Graver still is the rape of children committed by parents (incest) or those responsible for the education of the children entrusted to them.” (Bold emphasis mine.)

The priests who molested so many children did not operate without accomplices. In most cases, bishops covered up the crimes and allowed the molesters to continue on their destructive paths. Some of America’s leading cardinals have been implicated in these scandals. As of yet, none has been asked to surrender his red hat. The cardinals elect the pope from their own ranks, and the pope appoints the cardinals. Can these men judge themselves honestly when they answer only to one another?

In Paragraph 1431, the catechism describes the path of conversion for the sinner. “Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed.”

Concerned Catholics can only hope their leaders will heed the precepts that they are entrusted to teach.

To learn more, click below:

L.A. Times, “Study Reveals Vast Scope of Priest Abuse”

SNAP statement

VOTF statement

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Healing With Animals

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Today, we are taught that animals are here for our sport (hunters in the Bible are considered to be rebels against God), our entertainment, our food, and for our supposed benefit in research laboratories. Billions of animals suffer daily in the U.S.A. alone for mankind's desires and the economy. Since our spiritual lives are linked with our relationship with animals, we need to learn about the many issues in the world today to restore the human/animal relationship.

The links between domestic violence and animal abuse have been substantiated. The Humane Society of the United States has the First Strike campaign, which promotes and supports the development of local efforts to reduce violence against all lives. Cross reporting is encouraged when animals are in violent homes. Society and Animals Forum (formerly Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), are making great strides to heal those directly and indirectly involved with animal abuse with education and counseling programs. This group offers community seminars for professionals and a great resource list of organizations that promote healing through the animal/human relationship.

The Delta Society also provides programs on pet loss, pet assistance for the disabled, and pet therapy for nursing homes, schools hospitals, etc. There are many local organizations and individuals that provide such education and therapy.

To expand beyond the domestic animal domain, we need to look at how children are desensitized to animals in general. Are we teaching kindness and compassion by instruction and example for turtles, snakes, lizards, bugs, and yes even fish (the disciples ultimately left their fishing behind to follow Jesus), by allowing them to live stress free in their natural habitat? Are we teaching respect for all life to live as they were created to live?

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine also uncovers many of the myths we have been fed concerning animals used for food and research. The animal products we eat and drink causes us to be a physically (and spiritually) unhealthy society.

Programs and educational materials are available for us to help restore the intended relationship we were created to have with animals. We would all be much more healthier physically and spiritually by following Jesus more closely wherever and however He leads us.

Fredericks is founder of God's Creatures Ministry, chairwoman of Catholic Concern for Animals-USA, a licensed counselor and Christian educator.

Click below for more information about organizations mentioned in this article.

Humane Society of the U.S.

God’s Creatures Ministry

Catholic Concern for Animals

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Delta Society

Society and Animals Forum

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Does Barring Gay Priests Solve Abuse Problem?

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The study, conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, covered 1950 to 2002. It found that 4 percent of priests were abusers. A total of 4,392 men abused 10,667 minors. The largest segment of victims, 40 percent, were boys between the ages of 11 and 14. Men ordained prior to 1979 committed 68 percent of the abuse. Victims younger than 10 accounted for 22 percent the cases. Seventy-five percent of the abuse took place between 1960 and 1984, CNS reported.

According to Dr. Anna C. Salter’s book “Pedophiles, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders” (Basic Books, 2004), girls greatly outnumber boys as sexual abuse victims. Depending on which study you look at, up to 38 percent of girls in the U.S. have been sexually abused by the time they reach age 18. The estimates for boys run up to 16 percent, Salter wrote. (In the studies Salter cites, only 5 percent of the victims reported the crimes committed against them.)

Using high-end estimates for girls and boys, the typical population of child and youth sexual-abuse victims should be 37.2 percent male. Given the disproportionate number of male victims in the clergy abuse scandal, the ban on gays seems like a no-brainer – until you consider one fact: More than 95 percent of adult men who sexually abuse children of either gender claim to be heterosexual.

Adult men who abuse boys outside of their own families are rarer than those who abuse girls. But they claim far more victims. Salter writes about a study of imprisoned offenders. These men had to submit to polygraph tests and admit their true number of victims as a condition of their treatment. This study found that men who abuse girls out of the home typically admit to 20 victims. Those who abuse boys admit to 150 victims.

The notorious John Geoghan, a defrocked priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, is typical of the highly active offender who targets boys. One hundred thirty victims accused Geoghan of abuse, which took place from the Sixties to the Nineties. Geoghan was convicted of fondling a 10-year-old boy in 2002. Sentenced to nine to 10 years in prison in February 2002, Geoghan was murdered by a fellow inmate in August 2003.

Paul Perruzzi of Pompton Lakes, N.J., is an example of the “heterosexual” abuser who targets boys. Perruzzi, a married father, abused at least 21 boys in their early teens, according to a 2000 story in The Record. He was sentenced to five years in a prison for sex offenders in Avenel.

In some cases, abusers are sexually fixated on one gender and a certain age range. Other abusers will take advantage of any child.

According to CrimeLibrary.com, Father James Porter of Massachusetts molested at least 222 children of both sexes across five states. But his crimes came to light while he was serving as a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston. Born in 1935, he molested his first known victim, a 12-year-old boy, at a church camp in 1953. His abuse of children continued through the Eighties. Eventually exposed as a child molester, Porter faced trials in Minnesota and Massachusetts. In December of 1993, he was sentenced to 18 to 20 years for 41 counts of child molestation.

Just what is the church accomplishing anything by keeping out priests who acknowledge same-sex attraction towards adult men?

The church may set any standards it wishes for entry into the priesthood. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (issued in 1994 and compiled under the direction of Pope Benedict) states: “No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God. Anyone who thinks he recognizes the signs of God's call to the ordained ministry must humbly submit his desire to the authority of the Church, who has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive orders. Like every grace this sacrament can be received only as an unmerited gift (1578).”

So the church is well within its rights to ban gay priests. But will children be safer? How can it be when 95 percent of men who abuse children call themselves heterosexual? Is this ban an easy way to improve the church’s image?

Child molesters are experts at presenting themselves as respected members of the community. That’s why they call themselves heterosexual. They will continue to do what they are best at – lie, manipulate, conceal.

A multi-faceted approach is the best way to keep Catholic kids safe at church and everywhere else. Some important protections that are already in place include:

* Psychological testing and background checks to keep predators out of the priesthood. Screening of all adults and teens who work with children in the church.

* Continuing to teach each child that he or she has the right to say no to “bad touches” and to report the experience to a trusted adult.

* Warning parents and other concerned adults about predator traits and tactics. Traits of a typical adult who sexually abuses children or teens: male (only 10 percent of abusers are female); focuses on children, seeks opportunities to work with youngsters (coaching, teaching), has no adult spouse or romantic partner, has no adult activities or hobbies; finds victims by isolating a single child for personal attention, private time, and gift giving.

* Urging parents, teachers, and others to believe children who report abuse.

It is widely known that since the 1980s until the present, many U.S. priests have become open about being gay. In my own experience as a religion journalist, I have spoken with many Catholics (lay and ordained) who say that a high percentage of priests they know are gay. Father Mychal Judge, the Franciscan friar who died on 9/11 while ministering to firefighters at the World Trade Center, openly acknowledged his homosexual orientation, according to Michael Ford’s book “Father Mychal Judge: An Authentic American Hero” (Paulist Press, 2002). As Ford reports it, Judge was an exemplary priest.

And what of the church’s message to homosexual men and women?

The Catechism states: “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

“Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection (Paragraphs 2358-2359).”

Prior to 1997, the Catechism included the following sentence in paragraph 2358: “They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial.” (This first part of the sentence was deleted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.)

In the purge to come, the church may feel it has accomplished something important. But will children be safer? And will faithful, chaste gay and lesbian Christians be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity?

Sources

“A Trusted Neighbor and a Terrible Secret,” The Record (Bergen County, NJ), Nov. 19, 2000, Pg. A-1.
Anna C. Salter, “Pedophiles, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders” (Basic Books, 2004).
Michael Ford, “Father Mychal Judge: An Authentic American Hero” (Paulist Press, 2002).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Crime Library, Porter article

American Catholic, John Jay study

University of California at Davis

Open-Mind

“Heterosexism, Homosexual Health, and the Church

The Boston Globe, Geoghan reports

The Boston Globe, Porter reports

Telegram.com

“Careful Selection and Training of Candidates for the States of Perfection and Sacred Orders”

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