What about us, a legitimate question

Now that the National Democratic Convention is a done deal, any self-respecting community would reflect on what just went on and ask themselves, what did we get out of it?

That�s the question the Black community must be asking, and if a truthful examination is made, we are left scratching our heads.

There they were, Al Gore and Joe Lieberman, the two men the Party has vested its hopes in to take the White House in November. But in order to get there, they must have one thing�heavy support from the Black community.

If that�s so, to what extent did Gore and Lieberman go to make sure they would have that support? Did they act as if their hopes for the White House depended on us?

Well, Mr. Lieberman did make his first official visit during the Convention to the Black Caucus. That visit was to assuage concerns of Black Caucus members about his voting record. Don�t believe what I did in the past, believe what I tell you I�m going to do in the future, Mr. Lieberman told the Caucus, hoping they�d believe he�s a changed man.

Rep. Maxine Waters of California challenged him right away on his support of Proposition 209, an anti-affirmative action bill. He also could have been challenged on his support for school vouchers, etc., etc.

He and Mr. Gore could have been presented an agenda that is a comprehensive view of the concerns of our community. We don�t think that happened, but there was one available. It�s called the National Agenda of the Million Family March.

After being criticized for not tying the Million Man March to a political agenda, which is not true, Min. Farrakhan gathered scholars and produced the historic document.

He has personally introduced the Agenda in more than a dozen cities over the last month, and to hundreds of organizations and politicians. But are any of those critics of the MMM holding up the Agenda as a starting point, at least, for political discussion with the candidates for oval office?

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times made a desperate attempt to distract observers, particularly Blacks, from the substantive issues, instead hoping to create a political flap over whether the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is anti-Semitic simply because he asked questions of Mr. Lieberman already openly posed by white male commentators on television and quietly asked by many around the nation.

It�s possible for a candidate to change his or her views about issues. But don�t stifle debate when Black people ask questions. The Anti-Defamation League of B�nai B�rith and other reactionary Jewish groups who want to maintain control of Black organizations by trying to tarnish independent Black voices who challenge their control, only prove the point when they hurl the same, tired invectives at leaders like Min. Farrakhan whenever he�s critical of, or raises questions about, Jewish conduct.

Mr. Lieberman can look to Philadelphia for an example of the kind of concern for healing the wounds of the American people Min. Farrakhan has.

Two years ago, the current Democratic National Committee Chairman and then Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell faced racial strife in his city. Mayor Rendell solved the problem by inviting Min. Farrakhan to his city for a brotherhood meeting.

The Mayor, who is Jewish, wound up on stage, holding hands in prayer with Min. Farrakhan. The Jewish leaders of Philadelphia rebuked Mr. Rendell for his action, but mail at a local daily newspaper ran 10-to-1 in his favor. It was a risky thing for him to do, and it succeeded.

Sen. Lieberman has told a reporter that he would be willing to meet with Min. Farrakhan. Min. Farrakhan has also indicated he is willing to talk with Mr. Lieberman.

Such a meeting would benefit Sen. Lieberman because he would get an honest discussion of the realities that confront America from the perspective of a spiritual man.

In this day of lies, hatred, cheating and false values, a discussion with an honest man who has no hidden political agenda, only a desire to see justice rule where falsehood governs, may be a welcomed breath of fresh air for the Senator.