Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi, currently extra-hated here and abroad for not condemning the Lockerbie terrorist, has new plans for his trip to the U.N. next month. He’s planning to, no joke, set up an air-conditioned tent on Libyan Mission–owned land in Englewood, New Jersey. Understandably, people are mad, particularly publicity hound Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who happens to live just a few feet from Qaddafi’s proposed campsite (how convenient!). It seems unlikely that the two will enjoy s’mores and ghost stories together around the campfire.
“Judging by his actions, he hasn’t changed one iota,” Boteach said. “He loves terrorists and welcomes them as heroes and speaks with a forked tongue. As soon as he had the opportunity he lionized people who committed murderous acts. Gadhafi is a fraud. I don’t want him or his security team near my home.”
And that’s not all! In a story that’s sounding more and more like The Onion, the Englewood lawn was actually Qaddafi’s second tent-pitching choice:
“Gadhafi has a history of setting up his extensive tent when visiting other countries, including Russia and France. Media reports have said that his request to pitch his tent in Central Park had been denied, and the New Jersey property was a likely second choice.”
Can you even imagine? (The lengths some people go to to avoid bedbugs!) We suppose the tent is appropriate, since Qaddafi’s stay is shaping up to be a full-blown international media circus.
(Update: Rep. Steve Rothman of New Jersey told The Daily Beast he’s taking his fight to keep Qaddafi out all the way to the White House.)
