Mark My Words - commentary on news, politics, religion, philosophy, science and social issues

Some problems of late with the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's Hate Crime Panel

Two members of hate crime panel resign over Nation of Islam's role

The frenzy over Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment of a Nation of Islam official to the state hate crimes commission escalated Thursday as two Jewish members resigned in disgust.

"Having a top member of an organization that continues to spew out hate on a regular basis made it impossible for us to continue to serve," Lonnie Nasatir, a regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, told The Associated Press.

While I think that the very concept of "hate crime" is foolish and dangerous, as it is one step closer to Orwellian thought control, if one is going to push the concept, it might be wise to be a ;careful who you appoint to such panels.

He reportedly wont remove a Farrakhan supporter because he doesnt believe in guilt by association. Nice twist on words there Kennedy wannabe. This is not the same as saying Christians support and agree with a "reverend" Fred (god hates fags) Phelps type because ;Phelps claims to be a Christian. That association is tenuous at best and even up for serious debate over the actual Christianity displayed by someone like Phelps. On the other hand, Sister Claudette Marie Muhammad is director of community outreach for the Nation of Islam. This isn't guilt by association but support and advocacy, until she denounces Farakhan's words.

Her presence was unknown to most people -- including Blagojevich -- until last month, when she invited members of the commission to attend a speech by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has often attacked whites, Jews and gays over the years.

So far, her response has been rather vacuous and she has not denounced the Nation of Islam Leader.

One has to wonder, what happened to little Rod's self proclaimed testicular virility?

"This is the kind of thing that I think, frankly, separates the men from the boys in leadership. Do you have to have testicular virility to make a decision like that knowing what's coming your way, knowing what's coming your way? I say I do," Blagojevich said.

Did it go limp because of the Wrath of Farrakhan?