Metzger Says He Opposed Cross-Burning : Trial: Ex-Klan leader testifies that he regarded it as a ‘passe’ ritual and did not plan rally that led to arrests of four.

Former Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon Tom Metzger testified Tuesday in his monthlong cross-burning trial that he had nothing to do with planning the event and in fact was against cross-burnings as a “passe” ritual of the Klan.

Metzger, testifying in Los Angeles Superior Court for the first time, said he attended the 1983 Klan rally in Kagel Canyon to give a speech advocating more modern political methods in advancing white separatism.

Metzger said he spent virtually all of his time at the rally standing outside in the cold, frustrated over the disorganization of the event. And at one point, he suggested to organizers that they abandon their cross-burning because of potential problems with the police, he testified.

“If it’s going to be a problem, why light the cross?” he said he told organizers.

The prosecution is expected to begin cross-examining Metzger today. He and three other defendants are charged with felony conspiracy to violate the municipal fire code and misdemeanor counts of unlawful burning and unlawful assembly. If found guilty, they face a maximum sentence of 3 1/2 years in jail.

Prosecutor John Phillips said he intends to show that Metzger was not merely a bystander, but rather an organizer and leader in the rally, which was intended to proclaim the unity of three white racist organizations.

“His participation was much, much more,” Phillips said. “He was very key in discussions of organization and execution of the cross-burning.

“When we are finished with cross-examination it will be apparent,” Phillips said. “One of the leaders of the American white supremacist movement didn’t just stumble into this rally.”

Metzger, who now heads a group known as White Aryan Resistance, or WAR, testified that the organizer of the rally was Frank Silva, a Klan member now serving a 40-year sentence for his involvement in a white racist crime rampage.

Metzger said he had refused his invitation to speak at the rally several times.

“I said I was not interested,” Metzger said. “I didn’t want to do the Klan thing any more. I had no animosity, I just thought we had some better ideas.”

But after Silva called him several times, Metzger said, he relented. “I went against my better judgment,” he said.

Metzger said he agreed to attend the rally on the condition that he could “give a speech detailing that I think there’s a more modern way of doing things . . . that cross lightings attracted a lot of attention and were passe.”

Metzger said he asked Silva several times if all the necessary fire permits had been secured.

When he arrived at the rally, Metzger said he was stunned to find demonstrators and media around the property.

“I thought we were going to have a private thing and it looked like the whole state knew,” he said. “I was upset. Two or three times I was ready to leave.”

Metzger said he decided to stay because he had already given his word although he was arrested before he had a chance to speak.