Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 October 2005 — Page 15

PAGE B5

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2005

Controversy brings issue of Blacks and abortion to forefront

“I do know that it’s true that if you wanted to reduce crime,

you could- if

that were your

sole purpose,

you could abort

every Black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go

down.”

William J. Bennett

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer

Most individuals who know William J. Bennett on a personal basis are quick to praise him as a man of strong moral character and intellect who strives to protect family

values.

But after a controversial statement he made last Thursday, a growing number of observers have begun to view him as a racist who has disturbing thoughts of

genocide.

During a recent segment of his “Morning in America” talk show, Bennett responded to a caller and lashed out against Freakonomics, a book that suggests that one reason the national crime rate is down is because abortions (in environments

where potential criminals could be raised) are up. Bennett, a strong pro-life advocate said, “I do knowthat it’s true that ifyou wanted to reduce crime, you could- if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every Black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down.” He went on to add, “That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your

crime rate would go down.”

After the segment aired Bennett was immediately criticized for even implying, intentionally or unintentionally, that the crime rate is related to the birth rate of African

Americans.

Rep. John Lewis, D-GA, a prominent civil rights activist who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., describe Bennett’s statement as an affront to hundreds of thousands of Black mothers and fathers who have reared productive, law-abiding citizens. “Mr. Bennett’s words reveal something disturbing about his mind set,” said Lewis. “There are still too many citizens of this nation who fail to see the fundamental role African Americans play and have played in building and sustaining American society. I’m afraid Mr. Bennett is one of them.” Rep. Melvin Watt, D-North Carolina, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called for station owners that carry Bennett’s show to terminate it, and asked sponsors to withdraw advertising from stations that fail to do so. A spokesman for President Bush said he believes the

comments “were not appropriate.” Bennett was secretary of education under president Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1988, and served as the nation’s first “drug czar” under President George H.W Bush from 1989 to 1993. He is currently an author and conservative commentator with a program aired on over 115 radio stations nationwide with an estimated weekly audience of 1.25 million listeners. Some Black conservatives, such as Rev. Johnny M. Hunter, director of the anti-abortion Life Education and Resource network, say that all condemnation should be reserved for groups who “peddle” abortion in the Black community, not Bennett. Butler University professor Marvin Scott, a personal friend who had Bennett’s support during unsuccessful runs for Congress, said people must remember that Bennett clearly indicated that his example was purely hypothetical. “I’ve been watching Bill a long time and I don’t think he has any racist tendencies,” said Scott. “If nothing else this has created dialogue and at least it’s getting people to think.” In a recent statement, William Bennett indicated that his comments were not intended to be racist. For his full statement and a recap of the segment in question, log on to www.bennettmornings.com.

Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church 1202 Eugene St. • 925-4382

Men & Women’s Annual Bay Theme: “Wise Men & Women Moving to Another Level in Christ in 2005”

Matt. 2:1-12 Sunday, October 9,2005 11 A.M Speaker: Decon Calvin Donald Rev. Charles W. Harris, Sr. | Pastor

Everyone Is Welcome!

Mt. Zion Jfree Will fflaptistt €l)urcl) 2416 North Hovey Indianapolis, IN 46218 Elder Larry J. Hampton, Sr., Pastor 91st Church Anniversary Celebration October 12, 2005 - October 16, 2005 “Let Zion Rejoice... A Sure Foundation ” Isaiah 28:16 Celebration Calendar Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 7 pm Anniversary Praise and Worship Service Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 7 pm Pastor Charles Sheppard and First Free Will Baptist Church Friday, October 15, 2005 at 7 pm Celebration Banquet at Prime North Banquet Center Keynote Speaker: Elder Joseph E. Johnson Associate Minister of Grace Apostolic Church For ticket information please call the church at 924-4422 Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 4 pm Bishop Robert D. Watts and Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church Come help us give God the praise for allowing us "91 Years of Magnifying Jesus Above AH Things Sis. Joyce Rogers, Chairperson Church Anniversary Committee

LIGHT

■

THE WORLD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 36TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

"The Prophet that hath a dream, let him tell his dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully." Jeremiah 23:28 October 9th, 12th and 16th,2005 Light of the World Christian Church 4646 N. Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46228 For more information on service times please contact: Minister Sharon Warfield, Executive Assistant to the Bishop at (317) 202-7510

Bishop & Lady T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr. A Pastor to the Community and the City Who Has Built Bridges Over • RACE • GENDER • AGE • RELIGION • DENOMINATION

Donna "Cookie" Anderson - Anniversary Chairperson

I

PAC.F tt R5

CYAN MAOFNTA

Rl ACK