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| David Duke, politician and former (?) Klansman |
David Duke: Hated Klansmen or Celebrated Leader?
By Lynette RobersonWhite supremacist David Duke has not been one to bow to opposition.
His views have earned him contempt from ethnic minority groups and anti-bigotry organizations, yet have won him votes among sympathizers in Louisiana and nationally.
What is it about the man that makes him despicable to some and admirable to others?
In his own right, Duke could be considered an entrepreneur. He has founded several organizations for the protection of "white rights", including the White Youth Alliance of Louisiana State University and the National Association for the Advancement of White People (NAAWP). His goal was clear and bold: "Our aim is political POWER; power nor for the satisfaction of any personal egotism, but POWER to protect, preserve, and advance the White race."
Duke is also an accomplished reformer. As Wizard of the Louisiana-based Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Duke invited his fellow Klansmen to "get out of the cow pasture and into hotel meeting rooms," supporting their involvement in politics.
To motivate his cohorts, Duke organized one of the largest KKK meetings in the country with nearly 2,700 Klansmen in attendance. He gave the organization a makeover and created a less provincial image of the KKK as he attempted to make their views mainstream.
The charismatic leader inserted himself into politics by campaigning for several offices. Though he trailed his opponents tremendously in his two campaigns for the Presidency, he finished elections by very close margins in the late 80s and early 90s, particularly the gubernatorial and several Senate races.
Duke was elected to the Senate in 1989 and the Republican Party Executive Committee (RPEC) in St. Tammany Parish in 1997. He de-emphasized his involvement with white supremacist groups, but according to some, he uses his positions to secure the survival of the white race.
Like most charismatic leaders, Duke has a vision for his goal (advancing his race): " . . .We shall have our own society created in our own image, and populated by our own people."
His plan to create his ideal society includes " . . .the eventual establishment of a separate homeland for African Americans, so each race will be free to pursue its own destiny without racial conflicts and ill will."
He continues: "I see nothing wrong with encouraging unproductive people to have fewer children economically, and encouraging the most productive people to have children. And I think that adds beauty to the whole society, and quality, and excellence to all society."
Duke offers no apologies for his ideas of a perfect nation, and he has a vision and a dedicated following to accomplish his goals? What leader doesn't?
The contents of this communication are the sole responsibility of Lynette Roberson and do not necessarily represent the opinions or of Loyola University New Orleans. Copyright © 2002 Lynette Roberson