Give someone another golden clay .. . Will Newt Take The Center? Presidential candidate or not, the Georgia Republican could steer America into a new era of tolerance or xenophobia. JAMES D. BESSER WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT ouse Speaker Newt Gin- grich continues to play an evasive game in respond- ing to questions about his presidential ambitions. But with the primary season fast ap- proaching, even a coy Gingrich is far more interesting than the ever-growing field of Republican candidates. And the organized Jewish community is watching closely, realizing that it has more to lose than most groups as the nation adjusts to the new realities of the 1990s. An unquestionably intelligent man with the undivided atten- tion of the nation, Mr. Gingrich can play a major role in finding a middle route of this new and limited era without blowing apart social and political insti- tutions, and pitting groups against one another. Or he can add to the momen- tum of the extremists, who thrive in an atmosphere of in- tergroup conflict. Jews, tradi- tionally the preferred scapegoats for societies under stress, are particularly at risk. developing workable policies, in- creasingly shape the national debate. And our elected leaders cringe at the thought of criticiz- ing pro-gun organizations that support — at least indirectly — subversion of the democratic sys- tem under the guise of patriot- ic zeal. Along the way, immigrants and refugees have be- come targets of an angry public and the political leaders who cower before them. The civil rights advances of the past 30 years are under attack. These trends could promise a new era of inter- group conflict, an American version of the tragic divisions that are turning other areas of the world into slaugh- terhouses. ties of all types are open to po- litical attack as the nation works out its frustrations over a chang- ing world. Jewish vulnerability is re- flected in the campaign of colum- nist Pat Buchanan, the conservative GOP candidate for his party's 1996 nomination. His Shifting Crossroads Taking The Stage In today's political fighting, De- mocrats defend the compassion- ate side of government, but too often ignore the harsh numbers on the federal balance sheet — a deficit that guarantees that, one way or another, our concept of government activism is going to change. Republicans often use these economic realities to provide cov- er for a bitter social agenda that can only deepen the divisions and increase the inequities that are tearing at the fabric of our democratic society. With a constricting economy, paying for the sweeping social programs that began with the New Deal may no longer be an option. At the same time, a nar- rowing personal financial base is throwing more people onto the uncertain mercies of the social service infrastructure. Internationally, we no longer can support a vast military ma- chine. But the rise of new and virulent regional and ethnic con- flicts — heightened by an unchecked spread of chemical, biological and nuclear weapon- ry — demands increased Amer- ican leadership in the world. Further, venomous talk-show hosts, sniping from the outside without any responsibility for It doesn't take any special acuity to un- Newt Gingrich: Which direction will he go? Newt derstand that the Gingrich's influence can curb the spread of extremism or nation is at an im- accelerate the retreat from democracy. portant crossroads. calls for a religious and cultural war seem to be resonating with Enter Mr. Gingrich. More than any other person, many GOP voters in key prima- the House Speaker can help ry states. And it's mirrored in the dra- manage this conservative shift in a way that preserves our free- matic revival of conspiracy the- doms and our commitment to a ories, many of which portray compassionate use of govern- Jews as a primary cause of our nation's woes. ment. Mr. Gingrich, with his ties to But, if he succumbs to the al- lures of political expediency, he the Jewish community, can use will add significantly to such his remarkable new position changes becoming a collective to forcefully reject the extrem- ists even as he promotes a con- spasm of pent-up rage. servative economic agenda. Without compromising his core ideals, he can do more than anybody on the political scene today to curb the spread of out- rageous, anti-democratic scape- goating. Or he can use his pulpit to manipulate the fears and angers of the American people for his Mr. Gingrich, a committed in- own political ends. If he chooses ternationalist, can forcefully that route, he will become a resist his party's rising isola- major threat to Jewish security tionism — or he can give in to it. and to the security of every In the,latter scenario, he would other minority. And he will help render the United States accelerate the frightening powerless in critical regions like retreat from democracy that seems to be the hallmark of our the Middle East. minori- era. ❑ Jews, traditionally the scapegoats for societies under stress, are at risk. majestic sand castles . . sparkling waters .. . another chance. Please give blood. American Red Cross Blood Servi..- e, SoutheacIern Michigan Region Your United Way Contribution Has Made Lots Of Homeless People Feel Warm All Over. MONUMENT CENTER INC. "Same Location 45 years" • Monuments r and Markers • Bronze Markers • Memorial Duplicating • Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning . 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