Criticism of a Hero Divides Blacks

The NYTimes ^ | July 4, 2003 | RACHEL L. SWARNS

[Pan_Yans Wife]

WASHINGTON, July 4 — When the TransAfrica Forum decided to speak out last month against Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, for condoning the jailing, beating and killing of black opposition party supporters, it shouldn't have been all that surprising.

After all, for decades, TransAfrica, a research and lobbying group based here, has been speaking out on the struggles of Africans on the continent and elsewhere.

In the 1980's, for instance, it led the anti-apartheid marches that helped press the American government to change its policy of "constructive engagement" with the white government of South Africa. In the 90's the group protested against the repressive black regimes in Haiti and Nigeria.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

But the decision to condemn Mr. Mugabe publicly — which was hailed as long overdue in some quarters — has also touched off an outcry among some black intellectuals, activists and Africa watchers. Mr. Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since white rule ended in 1980, is still considered a hero by some African-Americans. And in some e-mail messages and on radio talk shows, the signers of the letter have been described as politically naïve, sellouts and misguided betrayers of Africa's liberation struggle.

23 years is a long time to be resting on the laurels of liberation.

[squidly]

And the caption under the pic of Mugabe... "Liberator or despot?" Gotta love the good ole NYT.

[okie01]

Liberator or despot? President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

Only the New York Times would ask this question...

[Pan_Yans Wife]

'One man's liberator is another man's despot.'???

[Cicero]

Mugabe was a Maoist from the first. Of course the Times is conflicted over whether Mao was a hero, too. After all, what's killing a hundred million amount to if you bring on the revolution? You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, as Lenin and Walter Duranty used to say.

[AF68]

The neverending battle between the Leninists and Trotskyites continues.

[Go Gordon]

Its great to see Africans under do so well under self rule...

[hillyes]

.....just like so many American cities!!! The brothas 'an
sistas are in charge now!!