The barrage of clips showing Barack Obama's pastor of 20 years using incendiary and highly offensive racial language surfaced last week, threatening to leave a huge blemish on the campaign of the Democratic frontrunner. After first trying his hand at the cable news network cycle, looking to explain his affiliation with a man that could think this way about , Obama stepped out to a podium in
Opponents to this speech entered with closed ears, looking for a way to continue to find something wrong with the situation. We wanted to know, "Does Obama believe these things" and why didn't he leave a church led by a pastor with such negative racial feelings towards White America?" Not only did he answer these important concerns, but he felt the need to explain where these horrible thoughts and feelings came from, feelings that he repeatedly said he doesn't agree with, but this was proven anyway as this speech understood the multitude of mindsets in based upon race.
The angry mob that tuned in looking to hear simply that Obama rejects and condemns this man knew that wasn't going to be enough to pacify them. That politically standard response to such a firestorm would have just led them to cry out, "why didn't he leave him alone? It's because he's racist, too!" Upon hearing a devastatingly intelligent and painfully truthful speech that relates to everyone, the only thing he left his conveniently deaf opponents was their original charges he had already addressed.
With open eyes and ears, they would have understood that his explanation of the origins of Reverend Wright's racist thoughts were from his experiences of racism and discrimination. If we don't understand where these thoughts came from, they will simply continue to produce more racists. Obama was trying to avoid this. Racists are blind to other people's lives so that they can continue to see them as sub-human. This is what Martin Luther King fought with, words and understanding. If he fought back the way many of the oppressed wanted to, these racists would have kept thinking that Black people are just wild animals that don't have the intelligence or character to reason. Their blind hate would have been validated. Understanding others kills this blindness. Obama was tearing down the root of Rev Wright's WRONG AND RACIAL feelings. He condemned them, but some don't want to understand that. When we don't try to understand, we never get anywhere.
The lack of the knee jerk answer that his opponents were expecting threw everyone for a loop. Obama pointed out that Rev. Wright brought him to his level Christianity; so obviously, this isn't all he preaches about. Do we really think that Obama would step into the Oval Office and proceed to try to oppress and keep down White people? Since we've now heard some of the things that his pastor believes, some automatically mold the two into one person. We are not considering for Rev. Jeremiah Wright for President. We have to remember what the bottom line is: What does this have to do with how he will lead the country?
Once we make up our minds to simply close them and look for something, anything wrong, we have decided to do exactly what Senator Obama courageously warned against for 37 minutes. We will have decided to be no better than the people that rejected Martin Luther King's aspirations for racial tensions to be lessened through words that lead to understanding. Are we going to listen to Barack Obama's words or will we close our eyes and ears to a way to move forward in this country?
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 7)
1. Is Sen. Obama a great speaker? Absolutely. Did he answer the fears that his (and his wife's) views on issues like Israel will potentially endanger it's very existence? No - he did not.
Obama says he is a "new breed of politician". Just 1-2 days before the speech, he was saying he had never heard Rev. Wright make the comments that are circulating on the Internet. Then he made an about-face in his speech, admitting he had heard these comments - more than once. AND - having heard the comments, until the groundswell of outrage, he had Rev. Wright as a part of his campaign, knowing what the Rev. believes about this country. Sorry, great speaker, but come November, if the Democrats nominate Sen. Obama, we will sadly be watching President-elect McCain preparing to take office.
Jeff at 9:14AM on Mar 19th 2008
2. I supported Senator Obama.Not anymore.You're missing a salient point;we are all judged by the company we keep.Democrats 'blew it.'If Senator Clinton is nominated;blacks will desert her.If Senator Obama;white men will desert.If either nominee is elected to Office,racial divide will continue.We all bear anger related to personal experiences.A 'lid' must be put on it.Clergy preaching hatred,racism,bigotry, antisemitism: TO ME THAT IS THE LAST STRAW.Men and you women also who have brains better get off your butts and wake up!
Stephen Chizmar at 9:22AM on Mar 19th 2008
3. ok turk, you should work for msnbc, because your favoritism towards Obama has never been more apparent then this article.
Historic is defined by the ability to stay relevant against the test of time. 24 hours is not a test. All proclamations of a historic speech are embarassingly premature.
Did this speech address what needed to be addressed. Absolutely not. If this was a stab at creating understanding of different racial experiences.. it fell short. if it was an explanation of his involvement with such a radical christian.. it fell short. if it was an attempt to finally acknowledge that race plays a factor.. it came close.
This did not address how his realizations or experience would influence his presidency, which im sure it will. It did not extend to people of different races on a personal level.
Isn't opportune how he condems a man when he's pressured and running for president, but as a state senator or attorney finds no faults with his words, and supports him nonetheless. That's a question of character.
We are not looking at this man as a candidate, we are looking at him as a messiah. With no faults, and whose character shouldn t be questioned ( as the other candidates are being brutalized on how they laugh?!?!?)
i've attended a church that said inflammatory non-religious junk before. I felt that it was the wrong place attacks, when you're trying to breed comfort and understanding in god. So I did not go back.
Why is that such a hard decision to make.
Not to mention he's been downplaying the issue for weeks, until his back is against the wall and then he rolls out yet another lovely speech???
This was playing to his core supporters ( like yourself ), who will over look his actions , once again, and believe whatever comes out of his mouth.
benny at 9:33AM on Mar 19th 2008
4. I'm sitting here reading all this political tripe that passes as news and I am left to wonder about a few things.
First off, I am white, which means I am a racist and bigot. At least that's what the news tells me.
Secondly, I am repuplican, which means I am also a racist and a bigot. Again, that is what the news tells me.
The thoughts I am wondering about the most about Mr. Obama is, if he were white, and his pastor would spout the same dribble, what would happen? How would our wonderful press portray him then?
I guess by thinking that, it makes me, once again, a racist and a bigot.
I am 49 years old. I went to school for 12 years with black students, who by the way, were very real friends. They sat in the same classrooms. Rode the same busses. Lived in the same neighborhoods. Ate in the same cafeteria. Our parents worked at the same places. We learned together, played sports together, were in clubs together, and grew up together.
How is it that I read on a daily basis how the black man, if that is the daily politically correct and proper term of the day, does not have the same opportunities? I just don't understand.
In 1979, in my hometown, there was an add in the local paper about a steel foundry that was hiring. I was at the door at 3am. First in line. Had my H.S. diploma and a solid work history. When they opened at 7, I filled out my application and was immediately interviewed. I did not get any of the jobs. Want to know why? They were only hiring minorities to get to their "quota" as ordered by our fine government.
In my case, it seems that Blacks had MORE opportunities than me. But then again, by saying that and telling of my own experiences, I am once more a racist and a bigot.
It's ok though, I persevered and found a fine job at another company. I moved from the poor rundown neighborhood I was raised in. I was blessed with two kids and raised my family. I am now a proud grandparent.
Why can't everybody do the same? Or am I racist for suggesting that?
Mike at 9:40AM on Mar 19th 2008
5. If you believe everything that is read on the internet then heaven help us. I don't believe everything I see and read in the National Enquirer either. Some might be fun reading but there is a fine line of truth and fiction. Fiction is what comes out of Hillary's mouth and has for many years now. I don't know what her Pastor has said or done in the past and I don't see that Obama has made that an issue either. As far as I know, Obama's pastor is not running for anything. Many seem to hear and see just what they want too without really listening to the actual words in the context of how they were said. The KKK once has power and many followed that way of thinking... is this where we are headed again? I'm not black but I am an American, fought for this country as did my father at Pearl Harbor... We fought for these rights that we all have but not to blame people for others actions or to make things up. My Father called those people "liars". My Mother had another saying that was from the Bible; "he that is without sin cast the first stone". Think about how you think and the intent that you might have with those thought, before you turn them into words. Now ask yourselves, what has Obama personally done wrong? He's a Christian... that seems ok with me. He was given a first and middle name by his parents... that seems normal to me too. He crossed his heart three inches too low... big deal... lots of people do that, and I don't see anything wrong with that either. I do the same thing! I realize that all those critical people out there that speak up against Obama have never made a mistake and are probably very good and loyal americans never breaking the laws etc., but do you have ears that really want to hear with? I'm not even for Obama but I am for right and wrong and that's what's important. Hillary has done many wrongs and has not been held accountable. Why did Martha go to prison for much less? Think about that one and look up the answers on that internet everyone loves so much. Search for the truth and not the lies and then try to find the difference between right and wrong. Hillary's tears will only last so long and her back stabbing actions only to blame others in is getting old. It's not working Hillary... well, maybe it is to those that don't mind being blinded by your lies of now and the past. You take credit for others ideas and actions, where's the right in that?
Alan at 9:50AM on Mar 19th 2008
6. Did you people even listen to the speech?
It was the most appropriate thing a politician has said in 30 years.
RMWiersema at 9:54AM on Mar 19th 2008
7. Jeff, you've got it figured correctly . . . you will be watching John McCain take office in January 2009. Thank God!!!!!!
Steve at 10:02AM on Mar 19th 2008
8. Let's have a real discussion about race and bigots? Am I a bigot if I want the US to secure it's borders after 9-11? Am I a bigot if I don't want the wife of a corrupt politician to return to the White House when I can see her puppet strings? Am I a bigot for wanting credit for the ideas that I shared with Obama and the Party? Obama is the face of the movement, but I am the father of it. You've got to say some ugly things to be an agitator. There is a thin line between being a genius and a bigot. The genius of America isn't change. The genius is these old selfish farts have bad hearts. America stopped teaching prejudice in the 80's.
Cecil Jones at 10:07AM on Mar 19th 2008
9. We all agree that race is still an issue for black Americans. No one has or should have a problem understanding that. But shouldn't Rev. Wright's role as a leader in his community be to find solutions and common ground, not to be devisive and spread the feelings of hate? Is he the only black pastor in America? No, of course not. But he is the one Barack Obama chose as his "mentor and moral compass".
I am reposting a comment that I made on another blog....
I think this revelation may hurt Obama greatly. I, for one, had my
mind made up to vote for Obama. Now I question his very fabric.
When my husband and I were a young couple, and the kids were very
small, we were visiting a church after just moving to a small town.
My husband felt that we should find a church that we could frequent.
After three Sundays of listening to the pastor of this church,
somewhere in his sermon he made derogatory comments about an
underprivileged family that always showed up around Christmas time,
because the church would give out food and gifts to the less
fortunate families in the congregation. He went on to comment that
after the holidays, the family would stop attending church, but would
be back the following Christmas. I was appalled. How could he cast
judgement on this family? Wasn't that what the church was there for,
to help the less fortunate? Wasn't it his job to make sure they felt
welcomed when they were there? Instead, he looked down his nose at
them. During that sermon, I grabbed my children, and to my husbands
dismay, I walked out of that church and we never went back.
I didn't agree with what that man had to say, so what was the point
in listening to him week after week? Why would I want him to
influence my children in any way? That is the part I am having
trouble with,
the fact that Obama has listened to Rev. Wright all these years, but
he doesn't agree with him??? He raised his girls listening to these
racist rants? He must agree, or he wouldn't be there week after week
and
letting this man shape his young daughters ideas of the world.
dani at 10:09AM on Mar 19th 2008
10. This is a new century and the future belongs to those who really want the United States to regain her position as a respected player in the world. Stop clinging to your fears; a new day is coming - whether you like it or not.
Young Turk, keep writing. Many of us respect you.
JUNIA at 10:07AM on Mar 19th 2008
------------
You say this is a new century, but how will Obama bring change by rehashing the racism of our last century?
My other problem with Obama now, is that at first he tried to deny ever hearing such hate filled speech by Rev. Wright. Then, when it was obvious that the coverage of his support for Rev. Wright was so widespread, he decided to put a new "spin" on it.
dani at 10:22AM on Mar 19th 2008
11. Obama's speech proved that he, too, is a politician, just like Hillary Clinton, John McCain and all of the others who have come before him. What it didn't disprove is that he embraces a man who is not only hateful but hate-filled. Who associates with anyone who embraces ideaology that you yourself find repulsive? It doesn't make sense and it is dishonest of Obama to suggest that he can embrace the man and not the message. My mother taught me from a very young age that I should be very careful about the company I keep. Obama's mother obvioulsy didn't teach him that lesson. Like others on this message board, I suppose I will be judged as racist for suggesting such a thing.
Debora at 10:26AM on Mar 19th 2008
12. I for one am glad that the media spin machines and the Hillary camp made the mistake of throwing the racial issue out there now. It would have to be addressed sooner or later. Obama knew that "THE ISSUE" of race-baiting was simmering right under the surface of his astounding wins in states that have small black populations. Sadly, the race baiters seized on the Mississippi results and forgot about all the other states that voted for Mr. Obama based, not on his bi-racialism, but on the real hope for change from politics as usual. How very sad!
Like it or not, Obama had the courage to grab the bull by the horns and address the issue that Clinton and others have tried to tar him with - his race and his universal appeal to others regardless of his race. What we the people fail to see is that he represents the best and the contradictions of America. He, unlike Clinton, has a clean record,no Whitewater or other real scandals are associated with him. He also represents a pristine hope for a better America.
Hillary accuses him of lacking experience, but if the truth be told, other than her senate experience, Hillary is as inexperienced as he. Her so called experience during her husband's presidency is no different than that of a pastor's wife: NEAR THE POWER, BUT POWERLESS; an influencer but not a policymaker. She needs to take a long look in the mirror - at herself.
His speech yesterday was historic and very courageous. America has the potential to reach new heights and regain world respect, if we can overcome our phobias. Clinton and Mc Cain represent the past. This is a new century and the future belongs to those who really want the United States to regain her position as a respected player in the world. Stop clinging to your fears; a new day is coming - whether you like it or not.
Young Turk, keep writing. Many of us respect you.
JUNIA at 10:29AM on Mar 19th 2008
13. Totally agree with you Dani. Obama is a liar and now we see his true self. He would NOT continue going to a church for TWENTY years unless he AGREED with what the preacher was preaching. And Mike, no, you are NOT a racist, but to all the really "blind" liberals out there, you are, and I am also labeled racist as well. We do live in "lalaland" I'm afraid.
LaLaLand at 10:36AM on Mar 19th 2008
14. Hey Big Guy,
I listened to Obama's speech and didn't buy it.
Willet at 10:47AM on Mar 19th 2008
15. I don't think you guys even listened to this speech. Go read the text version on his website.
Kurt at 11:04AM on Mar 19th 2008