African Americans love/hate relationship with the government

African Americans have held the U.S. Federal Government in high esteem for almost 150 years. One could say it's a loving relationship, but the government has just as frequently raised the ire of America's black community.

The loving relationship began and has continued under the leadership of several U.S. presidents. Blacks' affection with the government began when Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves (with enormous help from the Union Army); Harry Truman integrated the Armed services; Dwight Eisenhower integrated Little Rock's public schools; John Kennedy integrated Alabama's Colleges and Universities; and Lyndon Johnson promoted and pushed the U.S. Congress to pass civil rights legislation.

However, the recent indictment of former Va. Tech and current NFL Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick for operating and participating in an interstate dog-fighting ring is the latest reason for African Americans' "hate relationship," with the government.

Dog- and cockfighting have existed in America and Virginia for years. But the American public is to believe that Vick heads an interstate dog fighting organization.

This case has struck a nerve, even with local residents. One called to express her frustration with the way the federal government often targets black groups or high profile blacks.
Past examples include the Black Panthers and Washington, D.C.'s former mayor, Marion Barry.

Now before you ask, "why not, since those listed above were guilty-" That's true - they were guilty as charged. And I'm not trying to imply that they weren't, but many blacks (including myself) wonder why when white groups or individuals commit similar, and in many cases worse, unlawful acts, it's usually African Americans who are brought to justice first-

Discussing the previous example in reverse order - Was Marion Barry the first mayor to break a law in which the FBI could obtain good evidence- What caused him to even be on the FBI's radar- Was it because he was so well thought of by D.C. voters that they had to be shown he was a criminal-

Then there's the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. According to the Internet, the Black Panther Party  was founded in Oakland in 1966. The Panthers "practiced militant self-defense of minority communities against the U.S. government, and fought to establish revolutionary socialism through mass organizing and community based programs."

By infiltrating and spreading disinformation, the FBI caused a Panthers' site in Chicago to be raided. During the raid, several Panther members were killed. Those not killed were brought to trial and convicted. By 1980, for all intents and purposes, the Panthers ceased to exist.

Curiously, the Bureau either failed or didn't bother to infiltrate, gather evidence, raid or bring to trial white, equally militant groups. One group, the Ku Klux Klan, organized in the late 1860s and still exists. The FBI had to be aware of Klan activities against blacks, particularly lynching. Black newspapers continuously published pictures and accounts of it.

One last point about Vick's case: According to evidence released in Vick's federal indictment, he and his partners bet $2,000 to $5,000 on fights. Does that seem like large-scale gambling that's worthy of federal prosecution- A report issued July 24 said the FBI assumed the investigation of Vick to set an example.

The example seems to be if you're black, successful and or have a little money, keep your nose squeaky clean or the FBI will make an example of you.

Nelson Graves writes a weekly column for The News Virginian. He is Western Virginia director of the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council. E-mail him at .