Gandhi The Racist Warmonger

Although I'm happy as a clam in my new digs, sometimes I get a sort of masochistic nostalgia for my City by the Bay. I've never heard anyone say "only in Caliente." But they say that a lot about San Francisco. So I check in with the old Chronicle from time to time just to see what I'm missing. The City never dissapoints.

The SF Crazies have their panties in a bunch again (still?). This time, there's a big demonstration to protest that vile, oppressive, dictatorial, murderous tyrant, Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. Yes, indeed, the Organization for Minorities of India held a huge rally of dozens at the Ferry Building (yes, I spelled that right) to demand the removal of the statue of the war criminal Gandhi.

The Plaza where the statue sits is one of the early parts of the waterfront redevelopment projects which replaced the fallen-down Embarcadero Freeway and waterfront dives with new businesses, a refurbished Ferry Building, and grand open spaces and walkways. I know that sounds like liberal hype, but in fact, on this rare occasion, the redevelopment was a genuinely vast improvement. It even increased business along the docks and piers.

So much for the chamber of commerce blurb. Now, back to the statue. The statue does not get much attention, tucked away where it is. It's never been a major part of the Scenic San Francisco tour guide. But it is a decent enough sculpture, appropriately modest, celebrating the life of a major world figure. There are too many liberals who nearly worship Gandhi, who was just a human being with flaws. But Gandhi was a beacon of hope to many, a philosopher of note to many others, and as much as any modern human, a man of peace. His major contribution to humankind was peaceful resistance to violent forces. His mantra was non-violence.

Hold on there, buddy, say the Organization members. Gandhi was a racist who harbored violent urges. Do you believe us, or your lying eyes? "The popular image of Gandhi as an egalitarian pacifist is a myth. We plan to challenge that myth by disseminating Gandhi's own words to expose his racism and sham nonviolence." At press time, it was not clear if this group also believes that Martians built the Taj Mahal. They are out to expose the Gandhian oppression of Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs, and worshipers of the Golden Calf (OK, I made up the last one). If one each of the named religions was represented at the demonstration, I think you have the entire crowd. They were outnumbered by reporters, photographers, and very curious tourists.

The group wants to replace the Gandhi statue with one of Martin Luther King, Jr. (I guess the other three King statues, and renamed Martin Luther King Boulevard aren't enough). Alternatively they would settle for a statue of B.R. Ambedkar. At least that one would draw plenty of attention with the tourists asking "who the hell is B. R. Ambedkar?" I'm glad you asked. He was a low-caste Dalit leader in India. And that's all I'm giving you. Google "Dalit" if it isn't a world already ubiquitous around your house. Frankly, I thought the Dalits were the half-human, half-machine creatures who were out to destroy Dr. Who.

The leader and spokesman for the group is one Bhajan Singh. Just in case you aren't right up-to-date on your Indian history and demographics, anyone with the appellation "Singh" in his name is almost certainly a Sikh. The Sikhs have been in open rebellion against the Hindu majority in India for decades. Think "National Rifle Association and Temple of Doom all rolled into one, on crystal meth." So, just possibly, the group may have an agenda of its own.

On one of those rare occasions when a San Francisco public official makes sense, the President of the Arts Commission, P. J. Johnston said: "I suppose Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela must have their critics as well. These folks are free to lodge their protest, but I doubt that our commission (which is in charge of the statue which is on Port Authority/Ferry Building property) will move to take down the statue." And he also added: "I would just say that in my professional career, I've had no greater honor than having to defend Gandhi." Well, at least it's easier than defending Nancy Pelosi.