Somebody once said, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." They could very easily have been referring to Jewish Defense League chairman Irv Rubin. He is a lot older, and I am sure he looks quite a bit different than when I last saw him, but, according to California newspapers, he is still singing the same old stale song.

This time, he is particularly complaining because of the telecast of "FARRAKHAN SPEAKS" over the cable access station KGEM, in Monrovia. The PASADENA STAR-NEWS quotes Rubin as stating, "What we put on in the name of free speech, in the name of one person�s rights, is disgusting in my opinion." He also threatened to consult with his attorney over what he claims is "the city endorsing sectarian views" through the broadcast. "We don�t need Louis Farrakhan," he reportedly complained, "and we don�t need his brand of Islam. He is a purveyor of hate."

According to the press, Rubin announced that he plans to consult with his attorney over what he claims is "the city endorsing sectarian views" through The Minister�s broadcast. City Manager Don Hopper countered, however, that the city cannot dictate what the television station � which is run by Community Media of the Foothills � should broadcast.

"You simply cannot, as a City Council, invoke any right to say �This goes and this doesn�t,�" Hopper said. "The City Council does not have any say whatsoever as to the programming that goes on."

According to the law under which the station operates, it is bound to give residents access to television and to protect their free speech. The show is sponsored by a local resident, Ralph Walker, who is also a board member for the station. He is quoted as stating that he is not planning to spike the show despite the controversy. While not a member of the Nation of Islam, Mr. Walker made it plain that he airs the show so people can hear first hand what Minister Farrakhan has to say.

"Only through communication can we understand more about each other," Walker is quoted as saying. "It�s been on for three years. Why all of the sudden the outcry?"

The outcry is the result of pain felt by those doing the crying. Remember the old saying: "Throw a rock into a pack of dogs � the hit dog will holler every time!"