The Collegian

Muammar al-Gaddafi

The United States government, has certain process for building new structures. Depending on the state and county it is filed in, these steps can be very easy or difficult. One of the few things that are constant in these rules is the fact that nothing can be built on said property until the process is completed. Apparently, the Libyan government was not informed of this fact.

To attend the United Nation's General Assembly meeting in New York, Muammar al-Gaddafi, the leader of the nation of Libya wanted a different place to do business in. Now, being the leader of a nation does lend onto a person some benefits. It affords Mr. Gaddafi luxury suites in the center of Manhattan and a 213 acre residence in Bedford. The only thing it can't guarantee him is a sizable tent.

Mr. Gaddafi wanted a Bedouin tent to hold meetings in outside of the general assembly. The tent he wanted was going to be a tent that had solid walls, working electricity, and enough space to live in. Even though he is known for pitching these tents, the builders forgot one important detail, like getting proper approval for it. To make things clear, it does not take government approval to pitch a regular tent in your own backyard. But as I mentioned earlier, the tent would have solid walls like that of a circus tent. Under regulation building codes, any structure that has semi-solid walls surrounding it must have a proper building permit.

When asked about the permit, the builders gave the good old 'deer caught in headlights' look and was stopped. It just amazes me that a political leader going to a forum to represent your country could act so mindless. But this is not his fault alone, his aides and embassy members should also be held accountable. This debacle shows such a communication breakdown on a grand scale that it truly is a sorry sight to see. Just goes to show that idiocy doesn't discriminate by social class.

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