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Personally I feel Obama owes me an apology. His redderick of stereotyping white people as typical white person is bull. I find that rather offensive. He couldn't even persuade one man named Rev Wright to change how the grunt does he think he can change a nation lololol. When he had the chance he didn't seem to think it was needed. He is not qualified. When a black man put a knife at my throat did I hold it against all black people? Is he stupid? Black white or purple that knife could of done the same amount of damage if it were not for some military men that happened to be at Hardees also and saw what was going on. IF I CAN GET OVER THAT OTHERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ALSO. If that is the typical so called white response then Obama knows nothing and I hold him accountable for his words. If words from his white grandma made him cringe he is a bag of nothing for I would of much rather had someone call me cracker then put a knife to my throat.
Carolyn in NC

Personally I feel Obama owes me an apology. His redderick of stereotyping white people as typical white person is bull. I find that rather offensive. He couldn't even persuade one man named Rev Wright to change how the grunt does he think he can change a nation lololol. When he had the chance he didn't seem to think it was needed. He is not qualified. When a black man put a knife at my throat did I hold it against all black people? Is he stupid? Black white or purple that knife could of done the same amount of damage if it were not for some military men that happened to be at Hardees also and saw what was going on. IF I CAN GET OVER THAT OTHERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ALSO. If that is the typical so called white response then Obama knows nothing and I hold him accountable for his words. If words from his white grandma made him cringe he is a bag of nothing for I would of much rather had someone call me cracker then put a knife to my throat.
Carolyn in NC

Posted by: Grant | March 21, 2008 12:41 AM

"If we can't elect Obama into office, we should be ashamed of having set our country back to the dark ages, forgive the wordplay , but it's a joke."

Yes, agreed. If Obama is not elected into office, it is not the Dem fault but his. He paid for his sin by overplayed the race card. A 90% of black votes speaks volume. Do we want to dispute that the voting in Missisipi was not racially slanted? Blame it on Hillary? What would you think if all the whites gave Hillary 90% of their votes?

It's interesting that 'whites' have become a demographic that has to be discussed after having enjoyed simply being the majority.

How petty the backlash over the 'wright' comments. I'm sorry, but the budweiser class as it has been referred to are not angels, and I think on the other hand we should give them more credit.

If we can't elect Obama into office, we should be ashamed of having set our country back to the dark ages, forgive the wordplay , but it's a joke.

If Obama was behind, he would have accepted a vice-presidential position by now. The problem is Hillary. It's vanity. It's the injection with Bush and Clinton of Dynasty into a democracy.

After Katrina, 9/11, the stop-loss rotation of our troops, can we really be so shallow?

To berate some single pastor while the Jerry Falwell's and 700 Clubs of the world gladly pump millions into the republican party without condemnation.

Why is no one asking why Hillary refused to get rid of Geraldine Ferarro? If Ferarro hadn't stepped down, she'd still be on Hillary's campaign. That's proof right there that there's a double standard going on.

If Hillary gets the nomination instead of Obama, I'm voting for McCain or not at all. I've never voted Republican in my life. But I'll choose McCain over Hillary if it comes to that.

And for all the talk she said about her foreign policy experience, we see she lied. She helped Bill do NOTHING. Hillary is unscrupulous and a liar. But i guess because she's white, she's alright?

Why Obama failed in Philadelphia:

Mr. Obama's speech, in spite of its eloquent passages expressing his hope for better racial relations in America, is a mastery example of literary subterfuge, the broadening of the scenery whereby an object of inquiry becomes lost in the background, or more bluntly, the escaping of a slippery fish from a pond into a lake to hide better.

His speech is essentially a sophisticated lawyerly defense of Rev Wright's sin on the basis of self-defense. While Mr. Obama's understanding on the root causes of America's racial problems is quite apt, he attempts to portray that it is Rev Wright's racial circumstance, and it alone, that had led Rev Wright, with the inevitability of the fixed trajectory of a massive asteroid hurtling toward Earth, to castigate America and its other race with repulsive profanities. Thus, by Mr. Obama account, Rev Wright is a victim of the circumstance that he couldn't have avoided.

Mr. Obama states: "The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static . . . ," an apt analysis in view of his campaign slogan of "change" that will surely move the country out of the "static" stalemate under his leadership, but the truth is sadder and more personal.

Rev Wright, in spite of Mr. Obama's defense, is not a victim of his circumstance, the circumstance of his race, but of his own hubris, of his own failure to keep hope and faith in what is good in America and other fellow race. While racism still remains in American society, America does not espouse racism as a creed, and while racism still lingers among some white, not all white are racist. The sin of Rev Wright is that he lost his faith and hope in America.

And Mr. Obama's profound mistake in his defense is that Mr. Obama still sees America and its white race from the identity of an angry black intellectual who assiduously, in spite of his bi-racial background and unlike many bi-racial people who refuse to identify themselves with a race, cultivated his black identity at the exclusion of his white heritage, which he laboriously exorcised out of his soul, as his 1995 autobiography testifies.

His line: "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community," clearly indicates where his loyalty still lies, to his intellectually cultivated vision of the unified black community, the community that men like Rev Wright mistakenly and pretentiously claim its leadership. But black community, like the white, are far more diverse, far less united except under the common American value espoused in our Constitution and the sense of patriotism for the land where our families and friends live, of which Rev Wright so flagrantly savaged.

For many black, Mr. Obama's mention of Rev Wright and the black community in the same vein in his own defense grossly misrepresents the entire black community. Indeed, to them Rev Wright represents the past, the past that black community must depart, as much as the white community must from its lingering racism. And Mr. Obama's defense of Rev Wright harks back to that unfortunate past, just as his conscious attempt to identify himself as a wholly black person (perhaps until his presidential bid) by abandoning his white heritage harks back to the unfortunate divisions of races precipitated by each individual's conscious attempt at finding racial identity.

The unfortunate truth of his speech is that he, while acknowledging the damaging nature of Rev Wright's pronouncements to America's racial relations, failed to address, worse, to understand the obvious fact that Mr. Obama's unflagging support of Rev Wright (that he is like Mr. Obama's family member, that he cannot be disowned) has done further damages to racial relations and will continue to do so.

This is the sin of Barack Obama: he stood there by Rev Wright while the Reverend was caught up in his pride as a stirring preacher, a vainglorious social critic, spewing out his tirade decrying of the injustice of the whole nation, of an entire race, and he said nothing, did nothing, and to this day Mr. Obama still stands by Rev Wright and does nothing, notwithstanding his speech, except to keep his faith in the Reverend.

It is an admirable act of friendship fitting for a private citizen, but it is an act unbecoming of a US president, for he must stand, not by his friend who failed his hope and faith in America, but by his country and all its people. This, in spite of his rhetorical eloquence, he failed, no, refused to do. His speech did neither heal America's racial problems nor of his own; indeed, he has become, to many Americans, a part of the America's racial problems, not the solution as he pretends. Mr. Obama, unwittingly, has become a racially divisive man, the Democrat's November Bogeyman.

http://the-unreadiness-of-barack-obama.blogspot.com

I think it took great courage and high integrity to make the speech that Senator Obama made the other day - most people who are stuck on the sound bites have not seen or heard his response to them. I'm sure most people in his position would have simply denounce Rev. Wright like St. Peter did Jesus and accused him as being a racist and tried to move on - instead Senator Obama stood tall, firm, proud and presidential and gave the type of speech that only someone with his character, morals and integrity could have done - everyone thinks because Hillary rants, raves and constantly throws accusations, that she shows strength and Obama weakness, but strength is standing up in the face of adversity and confronting it head-on even with the knowledge that it could cost you the nomination to the Democratic Candice and the rare chance of being the first black President of this great country.

Senator Obama never said he was in church or heard the exerpts played by the news media while he sat in Rev. Wright's church - why don't people listen to his speech or speeches he has given regarding Rev. Wright before accusing him of sitting in church for 20 years listening to these kind of hateful speeches - no one in their right mind will do that - obviously these clips do not cover the full 20 years of sermons that Rev. Wright have given over the years and again Senator Obama said though he has heard Rev. Wright give controversial speeches that he DID NOT CONDONE OR AGREE with, HE WAS NOT PRESENT AT CHURCH during the ones played by the news media.

Senator Obama never said he was in church or heard the exerpts played by the news media while he sat in Rev. Wright's church - why don't people listen to his speech or speeches he has given regarding Rev. Wright before accusing him of sitting in church for 20 years listening to these kind of hateful speeches - no one in their right mind will do that - obviously these clips do not cover the full 20 years of sermons that Rev. Wright have given over the years and again Senator Obama said though he has heard Rev. Wright give controversial speeches that he DID NOT CONDONE OR AGREE with, HE WAS NOT PRESENT AT CHURCH during the ones played by the news media.

Senator Obama never said he was in church or heard the exerpts played by the news media while he sat in Rev. Wright's church - why don't people listen to his speech or speeches he has given regarding Rev. Wright before accusing him of sitting in church for 20 years listening to these kind of hateful speeches - no one in their right mind will do that - obviously these clips do not cover the full 20 years of sermons that Rev. Wright have given over the years and again Senator Obama said though he has heard Rev. Wright give controversial speeches that he DID NOT CONDONE OR AGREE with, HE WAS NOT PRESENT AT CHURCH during the ones played by the news media.

i believe that obama has put his heart in tis election he desirves to win.he does not care about race and he could go down in history as the first black president.

i believe that obama has put his heart in tis election he desirves to win.he does not care about race and he could go down in history as the first black president.

Though I respect the opinions of others, I am quite curious as to how many people have actually heard senator Obama's speech. I myself have not heard it, but looking at some of the comments I've read, I strongly believe there are others who have not heard the speech. Please understand that this is my personal opinion, and that I am, in no way whatsoever, attempting to attack anyone.

As for the comment posted by Maria: Was the use of the word "bigot" really necessary?

Last Friday infront of camera (MSNBC, can't be wrong), Obama said "...this is the man I have known for 17 years...he helps bring me to Jesus and help bring me to church...he and I has a relationship, he is like an uncle..." . Now we know he has an uncle that probably know everything about Obama. The uncle also probably know what Obama was doing before he met Jesus, before he was brought to church. Without digging into his past, he is just not vetted to allow informed voting. As seen from various comments and polls, many now have regretted their earlier actions. Shall we move on and putting the race-gate or Wright-gate behind? Who is Obama? We owe it to ourselves to ask this question again.

Though I respect the opinions of others, I am quite curious as to how many people have actually heard senator Obama's speech. I myself have not heard it, but looking at some of the comments I've read, I strongly believe there are others who have not heard the speech. Please understand that this is my personal opinion, and that I am, in no way whatsoever, attempting to attack anyone.

As for the comment posted by Maria: Was the use of the word "bigot" really necessary?

Jenny: Who blamed YOU for slavery?? Obviously you did not read my entire message. Did you actually read or listen to Obama's speech?

It's ironic that your very own words contradict your statements. You automatically assume that ALL black Pastors are giving preaches like the15 second snippet the news channels keep playing of Pastor Wright. What church do you attend by the way do any black people attend it also? Is Obama the only black politician you could name?

Jenny - black society has been EMBRACING WHITE POLITICIANS from day one. Black society has been forced to embrace white racist politicians for decades; why because they had NO CHOICE. Finally after a very long time white society is 'embracing' a black politician and we are supposed to be ecstatic? GET SERIOUS! Are black people supposed to feel elated that after 60+ years a black woman FINALLY gets an Oscar in a lead role? Are blacks supposed to feel complimented that black athletes are exploited and then denigrated when they enter a sport like Golf? Ask Tiger Woods how he feels when 'respectable' sports announcers say 'next they will have fried chicken on the green!' or 'his competition wants to lynch him!' - I could go on for days but I won't because it isn't necessary. You get the point.

Why for the life of me are white people so scared of black people?? What the heck you think a black person gonna do to you? I really want to know.
Seriously, I am not a racist. I have friends from all races and cultures. I may not understand or even accept some of their personal beliefs or religions but that has never stopped me from being their friend or vice versa. I have never looked at

FYI: Obama is bi-racial. Half-black/white. Why is NO ONE talking about his white side? How difficult this must have been for him to always from childhood to adulthood be forced by ignorant people to choose which race he identifies with? Because some people don't really care. All they see is a black skin, not the man and that is reason they will vote against him.

These facts can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov. For those asking what Obama has done as a legislator:

During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included:

**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law

**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law

**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate

**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law

**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.

In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.
He's not just a talker.
He's a doer.

Lastly and again splicing together a few speeches by Reverand Wright does not not sum up his 20 year career or provide any balance on his sermons. If that were the case right wing ministers Hagee, Robertson and the now deceased Falwell should have been defrocked a long time ago for their hate speech.

Senator Obama has identified the only route to a future in which there is indeed equal liberty and justice for all in the United States. We MUST rise above our individual histories of abuse, malice, discrimination, and fear (hatred is based in fear) to work together on the immense complex issues facing us as individuals and as a nation.

The issues of health care, of stable jobs, of access to quality education, of fairness in laws, opportunity, security, and quality of life, are human issues, not issues of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or age. They are OUR issues as Americans. The same is true for all on the long list of challenges we face. We face them together, united in will to find just resolutions, or we as a nation will be stuck in this place of stubborn self-focus, unable to reach the heights that our Constitution makes possible. Our Constitution provides the framework, but it is We, the People, who must rise to the challenge of being the best we can be.

As to the assertions by Rev. Wright that 9/11 is the result of our foreign policies, we should not fear to hear the evidence in support of such statements. For example, read Legacy of Ashes, The History of the CIA, by Tim Weiner. Other sources are plentiful giving documentation that sustains the assertion that the U.S. has a many-decades long history of interfering in the internal affairs of foreign countries whenever we chose, bringing political and economic hardship to their citizens. This interference has consequences to us as a nation. Bin Laden's warped view of the U.S. has been shaped in part by some of that interference.

Senator Obama offers the vision, the eloquence, the courage, the intelligence, the Life experience, the knowledge, the judgment, and yes, the hope, to lead this nation, as one people, to fulfill the promise of our nation's founding documents.

We as voters and as a people should never fear to learn truth. Senator Obama learned that long ago and he is willing to help bring the different perspectives of our nation's people into dialog on the challenging issues of our time. I believe we should join with him in that conversation and as we do so, look forward to a better future for all our nation's people.

Robi: Well said.

It is unfortunate that many black voters are voting for Barak based on emotions. This is apparent because 80% of black voters support Obama, whereas it's been pretty divided between white voters choosing him or Hillary, and also because black voters in this forum are overlooking Barak's imperfections including his connection to Wright and his refusal to denounce him (and choice to attend the church for 20 years), something that should be demanded of any presidential candidate. I hope if he doesn't win the nomination that we can all come together and these voters will still back the democratic nominee. Elections are about calling candidates out on issues and demanding they answer appropriately and satisfactorily. This has been an extremely clean election process so far between Hillary and Obama, based on past elections. Obama needs to stop calling wolf and saying Hillary or anyone who questions him is being negative simply because they want answers, and tell us where he stands on the issues. I don't want to guess what our president stands for, I have a right to know.

I think it is unfortunate that Obama chose this time to write a lengthy speech and bring so much attention to the topic of race instead of doing what he should of and denounced Wright and moved on. Up until this point he was the most popular man in America, from the point of view of whites and blacks. There is no way the democrats can win against McCain now if Obama were to win the democratic ticket. The Republicans will have a field day at Obama's and all of our expense.

Our country has remained strong because we have repeatedly shown our ability to come together behind the winning candidate put our issues aside and move on. I've heard rumors that if Hillary wins, some black voters who support Barak will run to McCain to be vengeful. I hope this is not true as this would spell lasting disaster for the next four years and would be a threat to our democratic process.

To Yvette: I'd be happy to go to a black church. But why would I want to if I have to sit there and listen to the pastor talk about how much everyone there hates me, as a white person? I've never heard talk like that in a church I've attended, and if I did I would have left in a heartbeat. Racist talk isn't acceptable anywhere if you want to beat racism out of our society. How about dropping "black" and "white" from conversation and we can all be one. The world IS changing, or was, I should say. My ancestors weren't here during slavery and I'd never accept it, I'm tired of being blamed for it. Look around you, look how much society, or "white" society as it has been put, has been embracing black politicians (Obama for goodness sake, up until now and for some even still, over Hillary), athletes, actors, musicians, and professionals. Actions speak for words.

Obama and the media misguided voters and are promoting a trend of reducing the general intelligence of this nation election to a large scale sensational show lead by Opra, for their selfish gains. The country is facing unprecedented crisis, from wall street, to any street, with middle class getting increasing squeezed and poor getting hit harder by inflation that they deny having, by recession that's looming. Only Hillary with unequivocal devotion to the country best interest rather than her own personal interest (which she could have better off doing her own law career long ago), along with her skill and experience, can give the country the best chance. Voting any others for the sake of trivial likes or dislikes by journalists like you was what harmed the country 8 years ago. Remember the media saying Al is not likable and too robotic? Look at what the country got into now with Bush. Obama will lead the country into more racial divide rather than healing it.

I thought Obama getting so many white votes was a good indication of the colorless scheme America is becoming. What a better way to show support for race relations. Here we are walking the walk, while Obama's church is doing just the opposite. And, why don't we ever see his family? Michelle said she "met" his mother, what does that mean? Has he turned away from them? I think we need to know more about him, not just what he wants to reveal. He is good about glossing over topics and changing the subject. With this latest poor show of judgement there is no way he could win against McCain. You know the saying, careful with what you wish for. At least with Hillary we know what her skeletons are and she keeps on going, she will fight for us.

What is strikingly racist or politically warped about this Obama attack is that the Democratic party to which Wright belongs have enjoyed his votes for more than the 20years they now attempt to blast Obama.

For more than 7years whoever made those comments today after Clinton has failed to overtake Obama in delegate count never found it important enough.

In essence, the core of the controversy is more about the comment regarding 9/11.

In the aftermath of 9/11, if Wright's comment was truely Anti-American as some people want us to believe - Wright should have been questioned about them.

What Authority did Obama had 7years ago to question Wright?

What did those with the authority and mandate to question Wright did about it 7years ago?

Now if it did not matter to anyone who cares about America that Wright said those words - to whom does this crap intend to serve? The Clinton? Only now that the Clintons are not benefitting from the "Black vote" that they try to sound more patrotic and distance themselves from a constituency they will need again after the nomination - be it Obama or Clinton.

Give us a break.

I hope you do post this one.

First may I say that Obama's speech was brilliant and honest and those who want to see it as something negative - please, try and grow up a little.

The thing that makes me laugh about all of this fuss is that it is happening at the same time that McCain made a MAJOR GAFFE in the middle east.

Here's the guy being promoted as having the foreign policy and war experience to lead the country and he trots around the middle east saying that Iran has been training sunni Al Qaida fighters in Iraq - when all the world knows that the charge has repeatedly been that Iran was supporting Shiite militias with training - Iran being a shiite country.

How can someone be the president and deal with this war in Iraq if he can't even get his facts straight about something as fundamental as this? He just disgraced himself and demonstrated ignorance for the world to see. That was no little gaffe, it was a major gaffe. McCain simply should have been aware and accurate on that issue and his failure to have done so inspires zero confidence.

Truth is you don't encourage crap. You are censorous and you are a bunch of losers. I get more airtime on the Pundit Hill Blog. You guys are losers. You are the Washington Cowardly Post. No one can get truth from you, only on the net with alternative news because you are losers.

I really must have a serious flaw with my computer. When I click on the link above to go to the speech, I see Obama giving a speech alright, but it is a speech completely unrelated to the issues the Rev Wright raises in the clips I keep seeing on the news.. I did not see one world on the issue of the US foreign policy being the main exacerbating factor in the rage and violence in the middle east. I did not see one word on the fact that it is the one-sided foreign policy with regard to the Palestinians that is causing blowback in an area of strategic importance. I did not see one word addressing the foreign policy implications going forward of this most fundamental root cause of a potential world tragedy.

Funny. Perhaps someone hacked into the site and put up another speech instead of his real one to miss-direct everyone from a truly important debate we might be having, and onto a tangent? Na, I think its probably just my computer. I will seriously have to get it looked at.

As I listen to the pundits response to Obama's speech today, there seems to be one train of thought that they overwelmingly harp on. That is, how could Obama continue for 20yrs to maintain and have respect for a man who espouses such things.

Well I think Obama answered that question in his speech when he expressed that if that was all that he knew of the man then his reaction to him would be the same as the critics. If one thinks about this statement carefully, it's no different than the mindset of this nation toward it's founding fathers.

These are men who were every bit as duplicitous in their nature as Jeremiah Wright. They are men who had great vision and foresight to construct the founding documents that would be the glue that formed and held together the greatest nation on earth. Yet, at the same time that they embodied such greatness, they engaged in the most agregious actions of all time. They declared equality and justice for all while brutally enslaving and murdering people. Jefferson partook in the writing of the declaration of independence, while at the same time, enslaving, and committing adultry and pedophillia sleeping with a 13 year old slave girl, fathering her child, and enslaving that child. I could go on, but I think you get the point. So conflicted was his nature, that he himself declared "if there is a God, we're going to pay for this".

Despite their most agregious actions, this nation still holds them in a place of honor. Why? Because this country knows more of the men than those most agregious acts. This country has decided to denounce their most agregious acts, while paying homage to their greater good. Because their greater contribution to this nation has not stopped producing and serving us well.

Has Obama done anything different in his denounciation of Wright's most agregious transgressions, while still treasuring the greater good that Wright has provided in his life? I think not.

If this nation ONLY knew of the vile and agregious transgressions of it's forefathers, would their faces be on mount rushmore and would we be paying such tribute to them? I think not again.

I submit that we ALL have some measure of duplicity in us. Some measure of conflict that goes against the greater good that our overall existence produces, and if we are to be judged by our most agregious actions, to the exclusion of all else, then we should all be condemned--starting with the forefathers of this nation.

My 2cents

Reading these comments, it seems as if black people think they were the only ones oppressed in human history.

This is going to open up a whole can of worms, but living in the DC area I've had more blacks say racist things to me then whites. I don't understand this, you talk about the horrible hurt and pain racism cause but then go and do it to others. You see black comedians making fun of every race and denigrating their women.

All I can say is this, throughout history White Americans have elected folks like Jesse Helms, George Wallace and scores of other OPENLY RACIST individuals to public office and proudly so. I do not believe for one minute Sen. Barak Obama is a racist man with a hidden agenda. White americans have to realize that the seeds of hate, anger and distrust were planted from the very beginning when they said all men are created equal but then chose to enslave those who were not of the white race.
As any one knows, you plant a demon seed, you raise a flower of fire ( stole that from Bono).
You can not oppress people and treat them ill willed and not expect there to be anger and resentment.
AMERICA, LET'S HAVE A MOMENT OF TRUTH, WE STILL HAVE A VERY RACIST UNDERCURRENT TO OUR SOCIETY. FACE THE TRUTH AND DEAL WITH THE DENIAL. Racist exist in all colors, but white racism is oppressive and mean spirited and hateful and just look at the images from the civil rights era. Lynchings, bombings, willing to hurt women and children. I listen and shake my head when whites complains. The racist that created the culture of racial fear and prejudice are the ones to blame, and the lingering effects of that exist today because of those who feel a sense of entitlement because they are white.
When we ALL begin to treat one another as human beings and not skin color, sexes, ethnic groups, etc. then and only then will we learn from all of the past mistakes.
Sen. Obama used his grandmother as an example of unconditional love even in the most trying circumstances, you understand the place the individual is coming from and you move forward in love.
America, stop saying black folks are always complaining, ill treatment of anyone has lasting and deep wounds.
Just look at the pain of the individuals from Columbine and other schools felt when mistreated. What we do has an affect, we must learn to love, it is hard,but necessary.
And to end this, the white churches in the south during segregation did NOTHING to teach or preach brotherhood, those folks ministered to racist and some religious folk were in the KKK.

All I can say is this, throughout history White Americans have elected folks like Jesse Helms, George Wallace and scores of other OPENLY RACIST individuals to public office and proudly so. I do not believe for one minute Sen. Barak Obama is a racist man with a hidden agenda. White americans have to realize that the seeds of hate, anger and distrust were planted from the very beginning when they said all men are created equal but then chose to enslave those who were not of the white race.
As any one knows, you plant a demon seed, you raise a flower of fire ( stole that from Bono).
You can not oppress people and treat them ill willed and not expect there to be anger and resentment.
AMERICA, LET'S HAVE A MOMENT OF TRUTH, WE STILL HAVE A VERY RACIST UNDERCURRENT TO OUR SOCIETY. FACE THE TRUTH AND DEAL WITH THE DENIAL. Racist exist in all colors, but white racism is oppressive and mean spirited and hateful and just look at the images from the civil rights era. Lynchings, bombings, willing to hurt women and children. I listen and shake my head when whites complains. The racist that created the culture of racial fear and prejudice are the ones to blame, and the lingering effects of that exist today because of those who feel a sense of entitlement because they are white.
When we ALL begin to treat one another as human beings and not skin color, sexes, ethnic groups, etc. then and only then will we learn from all of the past mistakes.
Sen. Obama used his grandmother as an example of unconditional love even in the most trying circumstances, you understand the place the individual is coming from and you move forward in love.
America, stop saying black folks are always complaining, ill treatment of anyone has lasting and deep wounds.
Just look at the pain of the individuals from Columbine and other schools felt when mistreated. What we do has an affect, we must learn to love, it is hard,but necessary.
And to end this, the white churches in the south during segregation did NOTHING to teach or preach brotherhood, those folks ministered to racist and some religious folk were in the KKK.

What's all this talk about Obama having to make this speach. Bull!! Obama needed to confess his sins and not only distance himself from those hatefull sermons. He needed to distance himself from his pastor. No way he says. I do understand why the biggot(obama) can't give up the part of his coalition left. The black racist vote.

In a set of "talking points" on the Trinity United Church of Christ web site, Wright proclaims himself an exponent of "black liberation theology." He cites James Cone, a distinguished professor at New York's Union Theological Seminary, whom he credits for having "systematized" this strain of Christianity.

Here is a quote from Cone, explaining black liberation theology:

"Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community. ... Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love."

All of this is well documented on the internet and many find it very disturbing considering Rev. Wright's close relationship with Barack Obama and equally disturbing that Barack will not reject Wright.

The Racist(Obama) hates white America.

Obama's speech was a very eloquent, nuanced examination of race relation in modern America. I've actually read comments about the speech calling him God-like, Messiah, perfect, etc. No exaggeration.

But all that divine eloquence cannot disguise the fact that he lied. He lied about being aware of Wright's comments, and he lied about leaving the church if he had been aware. He failed to reconcile how he could financially support and align himself with divisive rhetoric damning this country while campaigning on unity and hope.

I don't necessarily expect him to reject a long-time friend, but I do expect him to have been more outspoken about rejecting such divisive rhetoric BEFORE the bad publicity forced him to do so. Twenty years ago would have been good. If, in fact, he really is the candidate of unity, hope, change, etc.

My problem is that his speech, for all its eloquence, does not answer questions about his integrity or his ability to effect a change through action rather than just talking about it. I have no doubt that if Obama were to become President, we would be treated to beautifully nuanced lectures on the various complex problems plaguing this country that would everyone feeling justified about whatever they believed. I guess I just don't expect him to take a stand and act on it.

What is the matter? You cannot allow a discussion of the failing of Jewish people here to understand the fallacy of American imperialism? Didn't you just write an article about how we went into Iraq for oil? And didn't the west do this sort of thing for the entire 20th century?

Tell you what, it is not illogical to be pro Israel and anti American imperialism. So I think Obama should have come down on US failings. Oh I forgot, he is running for president and he can't do that.

I guess we will save that discussion about American imperialism, most recently the voiding of legitimate contracts in Iraq, for another time.

well, I've read about all of these repetitious remarks I can stand, and must observe that no one is going to change anyone's mind!

I'd like to point out that, as usual, everyone is conveniently forgetting the OTHER guy who comes from a group that was murdered,robbed and oppressed, who ALSO had to make a speech explaining how HIS religious views would impact his Presidency, and who got tired of "throwing good money after bad" in a campaign biased against him because of HIS religion: Mitt Romney.

Seems like the PC police has left only two segments of people "fair game" to bigots: Mormons and fat people...and fat people are unionizing...

shawn and fred (and others): some instructions for you...look up the meaning of the word "nuance", then apply what you've learned to parse out the details of O'Bama's speech...if you still find that you're prone to making (pardon the pun) black and white and/or kneejerk statements about the man (i.e., "OBAMA IS A LIAR!" or "OBAMA IS A RACIST!"), repeat step one...if this proves inaffective, try to not to vote

As a child of caucasian descent,I heard well educated, productive and loving adults disparage black Americans as a group, while still professing openness to all people. The white flight out of areas of Philadelphia was well known and discussed.

As a young teen, I was assaulted by two older black males for my money, but they ran when an adult black man stopped his car in heavy traffice on a busy street, got out, shouted at us, and proceeded toward us - that was all the man needed to do, and I was grateful he did that - I only had black eyes from two swift fists.

Later, as a high school student in 1969-1970, I did a term paper on Xenophobia, i.e., race fear and race prejudice. The roots of this go back thousands of years.

My conclusion to the term paper - racial prejudice will still go on.

In my military service in the United States Marine Corps, there was no tolerance for prejudice.

As an adult, I have heard hard working men call Donovan McNabb "that black boy". And, the rumors of the KKK in rural PA are well known to date.

Last year, as I was standing at Broad and Susquehanna in Philadelphia, PA while the girls shopped, a young black male walked by while on his cell phone, and I over heard him say: "There's a white boy here!"

My wife and I, at her substantial initiative, are the parents of six ethnically diverse adopted children, who are Causasian, African/American, biracial- African American/Caucasian, and Peurto Rican.

We have been often stared at. Yet, in Home Depot a few years ago, I stopped and stared at a young, causasian, white teen girl who called a distinguished black man "DAD."

Just 4 months ago, our oldest son, of African American descent, was frisked for suspicion of theft after shopping with his caucasian mother, whom I suspect the store personnel did not connect to our son, a boy whose honesty has been an example to me.

My conclusion - racial prejudice still goes on.

Now a question is raised as to whether Mr. Obama rightfully was silent in the face of racial triades by his pastor in the past.

I do not excuse his silence as an adult, since evil flourishes where good men are silent.

Yet, how many of us have had the courage to face wrong and fight it, while we go to school, raise a family and keep a job?

Do we really live what we say? Do we really struggle to be right in our thoughts, words and deed? Do we recognise that we fall short every day?

Now, we criticize Mr. O'Bama for his prior silence in the face of wrong.

Remember, Christ taught us to take the splinter out of our own eyes before complaining about the log in someone else's eyes.

I am still learning courage, more from my children than from my own acts. But for them, I would be much less good than on my own.

Wheher Mr. Obama is elected president or not, and whether he was really fully dispassionate in his speech, still he has begun publically what has been done quietly and secretly - discussing the mutual biases and prejudcies we all have experienced or have on our own and have left unchallenged.

We-the people, need to know all the people who make up we-the people.

As hard as it is and will be to do that, and for as hard as it is to confront evil and prejudice, there is no way around it - because just as it has done to Mr. O'Bama, the deferred problem only becomes bigger and snaps you from behind when you are least expecting it.

God help us all.

I am from India where we don't use family members as dispensable fodder to boost one's political ambitions. Obama cannot denounce Rev Wright, the man, because he is "family". Yet, he has no compunction at labelling his (white) granny as racist, a woman who not only raised him after his father deserted but who, in Obama's own words, loved him more than anything else. The spurious justification being that, as he still loved his granny (despite being a white racist), America should accept that he still loves Wright (despite him being anti-American).

In my book, this is cowardly, an act of a man who believes he can do no wrong. There would have been a dozen different ways for him to justify why he cannot throw Wright "under the bus". For a man who hardly acknowledges the white half of his family, (for example, where have been his white relatives on his campaign trail?), he throws his granny under the bus instead. His Granny is the only real link to his mother he has left. Shame on you, Obama.

So, JCEdwardXP?

Who is Obama a racist against, his black father or his white mother? Or is it his half-brother's Chinese fiance?

Or is it, as I suspect: None of the above.

The lesson for the month... is that Martin Luther King was right, and those who came after him who went for a more divisive and hatred-bred speech were wrong. Look at how Americans of all spectrums are reacting to this debacle. We need more people to follow King, and follow him more closely. And secondly... actions speak louder than words. We need people who take action, put their money where their mouth is... and Barak that includes you.

Wow, its amazing the ignorance that you people spout as if you actually listened to this speech with an open mind.Hell half of you probaly didn't even have the attention span to read the whole thing. Every one of you that has something spitful and negative to say had already made your choice before you read this speech. If anything this speech was about talking about the issue of race with each other. Not within your race but with everyone!!! His story about his grandmother wasn't about throwing her under a bus. It was about the nature of race relations that exist in this country which he countered with stories from the other racial side . I find it very sad that you people pick this apart because you can't get rid of the hate in your heart. Don't give me the drivel about those people or my people. You want those people to act right and live like your people try talking to them. Try learning something about someone who doesn't look or speak like you. That was why the civil rights movement was so successful, because all people came together. Ohh and a little bit of history for your ignorant brain, Malcom X was anti-white until he went to the Hajj, where people of all races went to practice their faith in God. Then he returned home with a message of untiy, and then he was murdered for it. Your right about one thing, Obama probaly will not get nominated. But it wont be because he isn't qualified, or white enough, or black enough, or a manchurian canidate. It will be because the American people are ignorant and will believe anythng thats served to them from the television set. And this Marine combat veteran will get sent to Iran because they will let themselves be sold on another phony story about how those people are the enemy. Even though the real war is over here amongst our own hearts and minds. If you think I'm a traitor, your welcome to come stand out in my front under my American Flag and see what happens. Oh and I'm catholic too, does that mean I'm a child molester.

I have two comments about the two issues at hand. The first comment about racism in America and the Second about Senator Obama's affiliation with Minister Wright.
First off let me start by saying that I have been a stark Obama supporter since the day he announced his candidacy. I have been criticized by many who question my loyalty to the Clintons and why I am supporting Sen. Obama. Many say that I am only supporting him because he is black. To that I respond in anger, because you are pretty much telling me that I am incapable of making a solid/sound intelligent political decision. I also, say, He is the best candidate in the Race. Many have said that I am in some way unfaithful and unappreciative to the Clinton's for all that they have done but I lost my respect for them as a high school student back when all of the allegations about Monica Lewinsky surface came out as well as the other imperfections of Mr. Clinton and Mrs. Clinton stood by her man. I am not holding a grudge nor am I unforgiving but I do not think that someone who cannot stand up to her husband for adultery and subjects her young daughter to a relationship that shows that you should stand by your man at all costs is not the person I want leading this country and is not the person I want representing me as an American.

1) As far as race in this country, I feel that Senator Obama's speech was necessary and long over due. I have not heard such a powerful message in my life from someone who is still alive and in the political position that he is in. He could have been just like everyone else and just hid under the covers or walked on eggshells but he said what needed to be said. He did what needed to be done for so long. There are many on this blog that claim that the are infuriated and don't want to feel like they have done something wrong, if this is what you feel then obviously you are guily of what he's talking about. The hidden and blatant racism that still exists in this country because people are too afraid to talk about it and deep down inside many don't want to change. I know that my statement will be unpopular, but the truth hurts. As Sen. Obama said, Minister Wright comes from a different time and place, he grew up in a turbulent time, when he was made to feel that he was less of a man/ citizen because of the color of his skin, not in some Third World Country, but in this Great Country of America. Although many will say that things have changed, African Americans are much better off than they have ever been, or slavery ended 200 years ago, get over it. I pose this question, how much has really change, yes I admit, it is illegal to lynch someone or murder someone and some of us are able to receive a higher standard of education and therefore are blessed with better jobs than those before us. But, it was just two years ago when a 16 year old female high school student in Texas was sent to jail for pushing a white woman. It was not even a year ago, when the gentlemen from Jena, Louisiana were about to spend the rest of their lives in jail over a school house fight that they did not start. To this day, none of the White young men who pulled guns on them in public or hung nooses to begin the incident have had charges pressed against them. While on the subject of schools, has anyone been to a public school in a predominately African American neighborhood and then left and went to one in a predominately White neighborhood? It's disgraceful that over 50 years after Brown vs. The Board of Education, I still have to send my sons to schools outside their neighborhood for them to be afforded the same education and facilities as others. If you think I'm over-exaggerating why don't you visit one of your local schools in the predominately, African American community and see the condition/year of the books, the quality of the teachers/staff, the condition of the buildings, the condition of the football fields and gymnasium. Stick around until school lets out and see the condition of the buses they are subjected to ride on. Then the next day, go to your local school in the predominately White neighborhood of your choice and see the difference. New books, fresh paint, new buildings, the best teachers money has to offer, state of the art football fields and gymnasiums. A vast difference. If you are ever in Houston, TX, why don't you check on Jack Yates and then go to Katy High school if you think I'm lying or over exaggerating. But enough on this, as I can go on and on, on this subject!

2)As far as him not cutting Minister Wright under the bus and totally disassociating himself, I totally disagree with the message but I know that you can't judge a man by a few sermons out of 20 years and his beliefs about Louis Farrakan. Just as Sen. Obama said, he knows not only the words that you and I hate but he knows the man that he and apparently, many others love. He feels that he is like family to him, then who are we to judge, I'm sure everyone on this blog has a relative that they see very often that makes racist, homophobic, or anti-semetic remarks. (Go ahead and deny it if you want but you know it's true). In my opinion, he would have been just like every other crooked and dishonest politician out there had he done that. By being honest and saying know I'm not going to disown my Minister/Uncle because it's the popular thing to do and it is what every other politician would have done, I feel that he did the best thing possible. For those of you who say, "how can he sit there and listen to that crap for 20 years and claim that he doesnt share these views?" I say, I have attended Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, TX for 15 years now, I have heard my minister say controversial things about homosexuality (both good and bad), I have witnessed him pray for G.W. Bush's inauguration which I totally hated, and I have knowledge that he will be performing Jenna Bush's wedding, etc. I totally disagree with these things, but I know the man outside of the negative things. I know how he can uplift a community and give them a feeling of meaningfulness. I have seen him convert what some would stereotype as thugs into choir directors, videographers, choreograhors, and ushers. I know the man who has prayed for me and my family time, after time, in the wake of personal crisis. This is exactly what Sen. Obama says/feels about Minister Wright and although I disagree with what he said, I agree with his relationship with Sen. Obama. His views/actions have nothing to do with those of Sen. Obamas. You cannot judge a man by his friends, I don't care what anyone says. If this were the case, we would all be horrible people the day we were born! I also say, What Would God Do/ What Will God Do? Would he turn his back on Minister White/ Sen. Obama, would he send them to the fiery gates of hell? Not my God, My God is a Healing God, He's a Forgiving God and he would want all of us Christians to do the same. He would not judge Senator Obama's character because of what someone he is affiliated said/did, he would treat him as his on man and forgive anything that is wrong and show him how to make it right.

To those of you who say you will vote Republican if Sen. Obama wins the Democratic nomination I have a few questions for you: Can you truly afford the gas, can you truly afford the increased Interest Rates? Do you want your children/ grandchildren fighting a war that has been proven to be unnecessary over and over again? Can you afford these things? If so, please tell me what I am doing wrong, as I am a 25 year old, middle classed, college educated African American female. I am married, and have two sons. I make a decent living compared to others in my neighborhood, I'm pretty young and can't afford a huge expensive house, I live in an older predominately African American and Hispanic neighborhood. I work for one of the largest banks in America. I have a 401 K plan and had been saving in my personal savings accounts until this year when gas prices skyrocketed and my mortgage went up $100/ month. I would go out and try to get another job but with jobs being shipped overseas day after day, I need to keep my seniority. So please don't think that I'm just some Angry black women looking for a handout!

WOULD YOU FOLKS JUDGE HILLARY BASED ON HER HUSBAND'S MORAL COMPASS? WOULD YOU JUDGE BILL CLINTON BASED ON HIS BROTHER'S DRUG USE? WOULD YOU JUDGE GEORGE W. BASED ON HIS DUI (AN OFFENSE, I'D ADD THAT ACTUALLY ENDANGERED OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES)? WOULD YOU JUDGE W. ON THE FACT THAT HE CHALLENGED HIS FATHER TO A FIGHT IN THE FRONT YARD WHEN HE WAS DRUNK AND 20 SOMETHING. OBAMA CLEARLY IS HIS OWN PERSON, CAPABLE OR FORMULATING HIS OWN IDEAS; I DON'T THINK ANYONE WOULD DENY THAT. WE ALL HAVE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES THAT WE'RE CLOSE TO, BUT THAT WE WOULD NOT WANT TO BE JUDGED ON. CUT THE GUY SOME SLACK. SERIOUSLY, CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING CRITISIZED AS MUCH AS OBAMA HAS BEEN CRITICIZED IN THE LAST WEEK FOR A FREINDSHIP YOU HAD, OR THE BEHAVIOR OF A RELATIVE YOU LOVE, BUT DON'T ALWAYS AGREE WITH. WOULD CHENEY WANT CONSERVATIVES TO JUDGE HIM BASED ON HIS DAUGHTER'S SEXUAL ORIENTATION. THE FACT THAT WE'VE SPENT ALL THIS TIME ON THE TOPIC SUGGESTS TO ME WE'VE ALL GOT TO FIND BETTER THINGS TO DO TO OCCUPY OUR TIME. HOW ABOUT A WAR THAT'S KILLED 4,000 PEOPLE, AN ECONOMY STARTING AT ONE OF THE WORST RECESSIONS IN THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES.

Thanks, Fred:

I know we're all vibing off wach other here, and I'm looking at Obama's speech as successful because look at how much we're talking about race now. I think we're all genuinely grappling with this issue, some of us on a more marure and thoughtful level than others.

He HAD to make that speech. Rev, Wright was the one brought it out of him, but he would have made it sooner or later because look at Penn. gov. Rundell, he acknowledged that there are people in his state right now, that no matter how qualified Obama may be, they're STILL not going to vote for him because he's black.

Black people don't have those choices. They had to vote (or accept) what's given to them. Why can't everybody see that the very thing

Someone said that Obama is contributing to the racial divide. How stupid a comment is that. The "racial divide" existed well before. His mixed roots are living proof that races can unify -- even on a more profund level than just sex.

You're missing the point on the government, I don't think Reverend was making a sweeping statement about all white people. He's too smart for that, and I don't really thinks all white people are bad. And looking at his congregation, while I don't agree with what he said, it's his job to address things that ail his black community, and I'm sure racism is one them. We can't always be elquoent when we speak, and I'm not excusing what he said. But does anybody on this board understand why he said. Just like Obama said we're all so quick to cry racism, both black and white people and everywhere in between. Why did Ferarro say what she said? I think she said it out of frustration because I don't believe on some levels that Obama is all that lucky because look at the trouble he's having now, having to explain why someone ELSE said what they said. And historically being black has been a liability to some people wanting to further themselves. Just because I've got two master's degrees, am going for a PhD, and I've been raised in affluence, people want to say I think I'm this or that. Why? WHY?

Obama is lucky in the sense that (like me) as a biracial person, he can more genuinely bridge a racial gap because he was born from both sides. And he's lucky to be born now rather than 200 years ago, when there was no equality for blacks--biracial or not. You guys need to sit with some older black folks and let them tell you stories about growing up in the south. Of not being able to talk bad to the white man even when the white man was wrong. Or read the slave narratives when they worked from sun-up to sundown for pennies a day. Or having one of their children taken from them because the child was sold off to pay for the master's debt -- not the slaves. That's history that all of need to remember not to dwell for tension but to move forward with more empathy.

The black church has been a source of strength and look back on slavery for a minute. When those slaves had nothing else to call their own, they had the church and many of them that's all they prayed for was death because they knew the life they were leading wasn't paradise. And maybe God would finally give them that when they died. That's where many of those spirituals come from. They had NOTHING, many of them.

I know we're all sharing views.

But in all honesty, we cannot really know the pain that Rev. Wright has suffered for him to say what he said. Look at Mel Gibson. Look at the state he was in when he said what he said.

I don't think you can fault Malcolm entirely because he was still treated as n*gger despite his mother roots. And I'm sure that influenced him to feel the way he felt.

I'm sure if he was here now, he'd have a different perspective because he was actually distancing himself from the Nation of Islam, and yes we have made progress since then. But all of us still have a ways to go.

It saddens me to read all of this stuff because these candidates have so many issues to juggle. I would never want to run for office because I can't imagine the scrutiny they must feel. For all the tribulations he's going thru, Obama's doing a standup job. And like I said I can't imagine any of us on this board doing any better.

Thanks, Fred:

I know we're all vibing off wach other here, and I'm looking at Obama's speech as successful because look at how much we're talking about race now. I think we're all genuinely grappling with this issue, some of us on a more marure and thoughtful level than others.

He HAD to make that speech. Rev, Wright was the one brought it out of him, but he would have made it sooner or later because look at Penn. gov. Rundell, he acknowledged that there are people in his state right now, that no matter how qualified Obama may be, they're STILL not going to vote for him because he's black.

Black people don't have those choices. They had to vote (or accept) what's given to them. Why can't everybody see that the very thing

Someone said that Obama is contributing to the racial divide. How stupid a comment is that. The "racial divide" existed well before. His mixed roots are living proof that races can unify -- even on a more profund level than just sex.

You're missing the point on the government, I don't think Reverend was making a sweeping statement about all white people. He's too smart for that, and I don't really thinks all white people are bad. And looking at his congregation, while I don't agree with what he said, it's his job to address things that ail his black community, and I'm sure racism is one them. We can't always be elquoent when we speak, and I'm not excusing what he said. But does anybody on this board understand why he said. Just like Obama said we're all so quick to cry racism, both black and white people and everywhere in between. Why did Ferarro say what she said? I think she said it out of frustration because I don't believe on some levels that Obama is all that lucky because look at the trouble he's having now, having to explain why someone ELSE said what they said. And historically being black has been a liability to some people wanting to further themselves. Just because I've got two master's degrees, am going for a PhD, and I've been raised in affluence, people want to say I think I'm this or that. Why? WHY?

Obama is lucky in the sense that (like me) as a biracial person, he can more genuinely bridge a racial gap because he was born from both sides. And he's lucky to be born now rather than 200 years ago, when there was no equality for blacks--biracial or not. You guys need to sit with some older black folks and let them tell you stories about growing up in the south. Of not being able to talk bad to the white man even when the white man was wrong. Or read the slave narratives when they worked from sun-up to sundown for pennies a day. Or having one of their children taken from them because the child was sold off to pay for the master's debt -- not the slaves. That's history that all of need to remember not to dwell for tension but to move forward with more empathy.

The black church has been a source of strength and look back on slavery for a minute. When those slaves had nothing else to call their own, they had the church and many of them that's all they prayed for was death because they knew the life they were leading wasn't paradise. And maybe God would finally give them that when they died. That's where many of those spirituals come from. They had NOTHING, many of them.

I know we're all sharing views.

But in all honesty, we cannot really know the pain that Rev. Wright has suffered for him to say what he said. Look at Mel Gibson. Look at the state he was in when he said what he said.

I don't think you can fault Malcolm entirely because he was still treated as n*gger despite his mother roots. And I'm sure that influenced him to feel the way he felt.

I'm sure if he was here now, he'd have a different perspective because he was actually distancing himself from the Nation of Islam, and yes we have made progress since then. But all of us still have a ways to go.

It saddens me to read all of this stuff because these candidates have so many issues to juggle. I would never want to run for office because I can't imagine the scrutiny they must feel. For all the tribulations he's going thru, Obama's doing a standup job. And like I said I can't imagine any of us on this board doing any better.

It's right for him to stand behind the person and denounce the hatred comments. I really wish these posters would actually pay attention to the news instead of restating wrongs like he sat there for 20 years blah blah. He of course heard controversial things, I heard them in white church IN, all about my sinning going to get me burning and the US kills babies and we're all toast and homosexuals brought about "plagues" on cities in the US and how school boards better not count on God because the support evolution in classrooms. On and on. Take a second to think about the Golden Rule and the ol' saying about walking a mile in someone else's moccasins. Then you will actually be in a real debate. From now on, all I hear are Hillary or Repubs rehashing. I am tired of it and that's one of the main reason I like Obama (even though I won't get to vote for him for awhile :)).

"Being white inherently comes with benefits and advantages, whether they are earned or not, and everyone knows it" - js

"The white race doesn't KNOW what racism is and isn't QUALIFIED TO USE IT" - js

"RACISM, not from Obama or his pastor, but by the same individuals who can't stand the thought or just outright fear a black man being president." - js

I just thought I would highlight some of the points of your comment. Perhaps now you can see the ignorance?

Rev. Wright is speaking very angrily about racism against blacks. I don't believe he is a racist. Its easy for you guys to judge when you've never been told you couldn't drink from a fountain or stay in a hotel because of your skin color. Rev. Wright has been through this and because he's harboring some anger still he's being labeled a racist. What's even MORE absurd is we are blaming Obama for what he said as if Obama is supposed to control the minds of his supporters. It shows you how irrational and illogical people become when they're angry or can't face the facts. If McCain becomes President and the country goes completely to hell America will get what it deserves.

The Racist(Obama) is coming home to roost!

I think, believe, and expect that leadership offered by aggressive ideological traditions that have survived the competition is racist because these aggressive ideological traditions have the effect of motivating communities of faithful believers to run a race to out work, out fight and out number competition in the global culture. If communities of faithful believers self organized around aggressive ideological traditions that have survived the competition; lead members to believe; that Armageddon is a necessary final battle between a good one in Heaven and an evil one cast down to and ruling over Earth; and that after Armageddon a good one in Heaven will resurrect the dead; pass final judgment; transform faithful believers into beings with bodies of perfect form and function; and reward faithful believers with transport to a perfect place of eternal bliss some call Heaven; then racists running a race to out work, out fight and out number competition in the global culture; may become racists running a race to Armageddon.
Armageddon is presently being sold by some conservative ideological authorities as a necessary final conflict between a good one in Heaven and an evil one cast down to and ruling over Earth. Some communities of faithful believers have allowed conservative ideological authorities to dismiss the idea of a savior whose messages are of love, compassion and forgiveness and promote instead the idea of a savior whose return in a second coming will be as a warrior fighting in the end times to achieve final victory against an evil one cast down to and ruling over Earth in a great war to end all wars known as Armageddon. Many conservative ideological authorities have become racist, heterofascist, warmongers motivating communities of faithful believers to out work, out fight and out number competition in a race to Armageddon.  They self righteously believe they will be raptured to Heaven before the Armageddon they have helped orchestrate unfolds upon those "left behind". 
It is a lie to claim, as some conservative ideological authorities do, that myth is truth. An affirmation of an ability to know about the existence of a good one in Heaven at war with an evil one cast down to and ruling over Earth is a fraud that follows from the lie that myth is truth. Some conservative ideological authorities perpetrate this fraud in order to be able; to make threats against the life and or afterlife of anybody who does not submit to their authority; and to extort tithes and offerings from communities of faithful believers in exchange for a lifelong indoctrination in a standard of conduct that these same ideological authorities proclaim to be based on the discovery of the truth about the will of a good one in Heaven at war with an evil one cast down to and ruling over Earth. Based on the lie that myth is truth, some lead communities of faithful believers to behave like racist, heterofascist, warmongers.

       Based on the truth that myth is myth, I challenge religious leaders who repeat the lie that myth is truth in defense of their fraud and extortion operations. Based on the truth that myth is myth, I lead us to have the highest esteem of self and world the we can possibly imagine.  Based on the truth that myth is myth, I lead us to believe that there is an abundance of time to live made possible by an infinite series of lives to be lived by our divine eternal souls. Based on the truth that myth is myth, I lead us to believe abundance is freely given to us by Father Love, an infinite body of large universes of the correct kind to support living infernal fractal entities and Mother God an infinity, divinity, eternally, one. Based on the truth that myth is myth, I lead communities of faithful believers to behave like friendly, homotolerant, peace makers.

For more information visit my official website on the Internet @ http://www.4iam.info/Manifesto.htm

It's sad, but not suprising, not suprising in the least, that so many individuals on this forum are haters of Barack Obama. I wouldn't be suprised if these same individuals believed GW when he said that Iraq had WMD and the United States was justified in going to war. If people couldn't see through that con job, its no wonder people don't get Barack Obama. The man is just to advanced for the American Public. Which just proves that even though the United States may be the most powerful country in the world, we have the most gullable, ignorant people in the world. This man wants to improve this country. And yes, this country has a race problem. If you're not black or any other minority why would you care, it doesn't affect you. Being white inherently comes with benefits and advantages, whether they are earned or not, and everyone knows it. However, let one preacher make comments and white people yell racism. I know, I know, his comments are MUCH worse than having to endure things such as being put in a gas chamber, being lynched, crosses burning on your lawn, not have the right to vote, or having to go to the back of the bus, purely because of the color of your skin. The white race doesn't KNOW what racism is and isn't QUALIFIED TO USE IT. Why, because they have been in the position of power from the beginning of this country. What's the real problem with Obama being president??? RACISM, not from Obama or his pastor, but by the same individuals who can't stand the thought or just outright fear a black man being president. It may also be that alot of people are afraid that the tables will turn, and they will be treated as so many minorites in this country have been treated. All of the Presidents of this country have been white men. For a president, we've had cheaters, criminals, and an outright stupid and dishonest one (GW), who has run this country into the ground. Why not make a change, show the world that we truly embrace all people. A black man or a woman couldn't be any worse, in fact it would be an improvement. Look on the bright side having Barack as president may not be HALF bad..... he is HALF white. There's a fear of losing power, because one race has been in control of this country from the beginning. Fortunately, things are going to change. We may not have the foresight to elect a black man or woman as president now...but some day, it may not be in our lifetime, but it will happen. So in the meantime...go ahead, put another republican back in office. If you think things are bad now, you just wait. In the bible, Mark 10:31 says that the first shall be last, and the last first. Get used to it, prepare for it...it's coming, whether you like it or not.

It's sad, but not suprising, not suprising in the least, that so many individuals on this forum are haters of Barack Obama. I wouldn't be suprised if these same individuals believed GW when he said that Iraq had WMD and the United States was justified in going to war. If people couldn't see through that con job, its no wonder people don't get Barack Obama. The man is just to advanced for the American Public. Which just proves that even though the United States may be the most powerful country in the world, we have the most gullable, ignorant people in the world. This man wants to improve this country. And yes, this country has a race problem. If you're not Black or any other minority why would you care, it doesn't affect you. Being white inherently comes with benefits and advantages, whether they are earned or not, and everyone knows it. However, let one preacher make comments and white people yell racism. Ahh, poor babies. I know, I know, his comments are much worse than having to endure things such as being put in a gas chamber, being lynched, crosses burning on your lawn, not have the right to vote, or having to go to the back of the bus, purely because of the color of your skin. The white race doesn't KNOW what racism is and isn't QUALIFIED TO USE IT. Why, because they have been in the position of power from the beginning of this country. What's the real problem with Obama being president??? RACISM, not from Obama or his pastor, but by the same individuals who can't stand the thought or just outright fear a black man being president. It may also be that alot of people are afraid that the tables will turn, and they will be treated as so many minorites in this country have been treated. All of the Presidents of this country have been white men. For a president, we've had cheaters, criminals, and an outright stupid and dishonest one (GW), who has run this country into the ground. Why not make a change, show the world that we truly embrace all people. A black man or a woman couldn't be any worse, in fact it would be an improvement. Look on the bright side having Barack as president may not be HALF bad..... he is HALF white. There's a fear of losing power, because one race has been in control of this country from the beginning. Fortunately, things are going to change. We may not have the foresight to elect a black man or woman as president now...but some day, it may not be in our lifetime, but it will happen. So in the meantime...go ahead, put another republican back in office. If you think things are bad now, you just wait. In the bible, Mark 10:31 says that the first shall be last, and the last first. Get used to it, prepare for it...it's coming, whether you like it or not.

David: You asked how anyone could not be moved by Obama's speech. As I said earlier, I heard the whole speech, and frankly, it was very hard to sit through. I'll explain why -- I haven't listened to a speech by George Bush for ages, because I just can't bear to listen to him spout his propaganda. I don't believe what he says, so there's not much point in listening. I feel the same way about Obama, not only because he has been less than candid with the American public on a number of issues, but because I believe he is perpetrating a fraud on the voters. Because he doesn't have much experience to run on, he professes to be "post-racial" and a new kind of politician. That is his primary appeal. The problem is, is that he is neither. Whether it's his 20-year association with a racist and anti-American "mentor"; or his admitted "boneheaded" relationship with Rezko; or his lying about the NAFTA incident; or his lying about his continuous opposition to the Iraq war; or his lying about getting us out in 16 months; or his continual use of the race card (for which he was busted by Tim Russert during one of the debates); or now his attempt to stop the revotes in Michigan and Florida which will result in the disenfranchisement of millions of voters ala Bush/Rove; Obama has shown that he is not honest, he is not the uniter, and he is not a new kind of politician. No, he is merely another relatively inexperienced, typical politician who happens to be able to read a speech on a teleprompter as good as anyone since Ronald Reagan. So, for many of us, it's not that we didn't hear the whole speech; it is that we just don't believe him anymore.

Ianni242: Can you say with a hundred percent certainty that Rev. Wright is a racist? You don't know him well enough, and neither do I. As light as his skin is, I'm sure he mixed with white somewhere in his genes. And please EVERYBODY, stop ignoring the fact that Obama's mother is white.

And I'm sure that you know there are some white people living in wealth today because their ancestors had slaves. Slaves barely got paid if at all.

So please don't make such naive comments. You really do your education an injustice. I challenge you to look at Roots (again) and take a course of black history. Again, ALL of us are African -- because that's where civilization first began.

Offtopic: Yes, Ferraro resigned from the committee right after Hillary denounced her statement. I agree that neither Ferraro nor Wright are all bad, however, one cannot compare the statement made by Ferraro to the history of hate speech from Wright. As to Wrights light skin, Malcolm X had a white mother, but that didn't stop him from hating white people. As to your statement about who is running America; I'm not sure any of us really know. We have a Congress which is made up of various races, and we have a white president. I'm not sure, however, if they are really running the show (but that's another matter). The point is, why describe all bad people as white? Rev. Wright could have said this country is run by the rich people, just as easily, but instead he chose to make it a racial issue. As to how I would have handled the speech that Obama made; I would never had to make that speech, because I would never attend a church like that for more than 10 minutes. And, that is the point, really. Not how good the speech was, but what 20 years of attendance to such a church tells us about Obama's character and judgment. By the way, you sound like a thoughtful person; please don't think that any of my statements are meant to be an attack on you or your views.

Obama is the Manchurian Candidate. Deep down he believes what the Rev. says but is smart enough to keep his radical agenda hidden until he is elected. Rev. Wright's comments mirror Louis Farrakan's comments. His effervescent "can't we all just get along" rhetoric has grown swarmy and hollow. His half-hearted denial of knowing what Rev. Wright believed in after 20 years in the church and previously celebrating the man as his spirtual mentor is very damaging to Obama's credibility. The pundits do not want to see him fall, and are trying their best to buoy his ship with positive comments about how his speech stemmed the tide. But the pundits and young liberal enthusiants who support him are out of synch with the majority of Americans, who in their hearts will not vote for the man in November who is so closely associated with black militantism.

In his speech Obama talks about moving past the "racial divide" that separate the races of this great nation.

Why then does he dwell so much on slavery, and in his speech claim that it is something we can never forget and that will always remain?

This generation of white people should not have to pay for the sins of our ancestors. If your great grandfather raped a woman should the burden of his sin be lain on you?

Take a step back for a second to actually consider the contradictions and ignorance shown Obama's speeches.

The moment when "black America" accepts Hillary Clinton attending an all white mass with a racist priest, I will accept Barack Obama.

It is absolutely amazing how some people can 'hear' what they 'want' to hear! When Obama said that he had not heard those comments, he was specifically talking about the SPECIFIC comments in the soundbites and clips that have been playing ad nauseum by the media!!!! Only simple dolts are unable to understand that. Only someone who is 'looking' for a lie will hear a lie! I mean give me a break!! AND AGAIN, I ask, tell me specifically the words from those clips and soundbites that this preacher used to disparage white people? Tell me! Spell them out! Because I've listened, and unless I've missed something.....I don't hear any. Again, what I hear is an aggressive condemnation of the way America and it's government behave.

No thoughtful individual who heard this speech can fail to have been deeply moved. It was, in a word, profound.

On the other hand, nothing in it will have touched a chord with the mean spirited among us, both left and right, because they do not see it as being in their best interest to be touched. They thrive on dissension and discord. Fortunately, in the end, they don't matter for much.

The beauty of democracy is that, in the end, the middle makes the difference. The political fringes, both left and right, are never more than agitators. It is the political center that, moving with time and circumstances, dictates the direction we as a society take and correct for it when it was the wrong one.

I have no doubt that this speech is a product of and a beacon to the center. It is the best evidence I have seen that Barack Obama can unite us and move us in a positive direction. I applaud him and wish him godspeed.

Fred: Hillary didn't denounce Ferarro entirely: she was allowing her to stay on the campaign.

Whatever, ok.

Ferarro is all bad as I'm sure Rev. Wright isn't all bad. And as Obama said we need to understand why he said what he said. We're not in the Reverend's shoes. He's from another generation than many of us, and I'm sure that influenced his perspective. We may not agree with him, but he had his reasons. And I don't imagine he's a racist. Plus, look at his light skin. He's got some white in him, too--thanks to race mixing.

Anyway, to my knowledge, Hillary told Geraldine she could stay on the campaign. No one's saying anything to Hillary about THAT. And correct me if I'm wrong, but America is being run by "rich black folks." And anyway, why are all of you negating Obama's white roots? I'm sure he feels the pull of both sides of his races. That can't be an easy task. Here some of you are ripping into like you could have handled this scenario better. Certainly, neither Hillary nor McCain could have made that speech and come out of it with as much genuiness. Obama is a unique situation. And we should put ourselves in his shoes. I'm sure I speak with a hundred percent certainty when I say we've all been in situations where we wish we could have acted or reacted differently in hindsight. Anyone who says they've always had all the right answers is a liar and a hypocrit. If you could have handled the Obama speech better, I would like to know how YOU would have done it.

Fred: Hillary didn't denounce Ferarro entirely: she was allowing her to stay on the campaign.

Whatever, ok.

Ferarro is all bad as I'm sure Rev. Wright isn't all bad. And as Obama said we need to understand why he said what he said. We're not in the Reverend's shoes. He's from another generation than many of us, and I'm sure that influenced his perspective. We may not agree with him, but he had his reasons. And I don't imagine he's a racist. Plus, look at his light skin. He's got some white in him, too--thanks to race mixing.

Anyway, to my knowledge, Hillary told Geraldine she could stay on the campaign. No one's saying anything to Hillary about THAT. And correct me if I'm wrong, but America is being run by "rich black folks." And anyway, why are all of you negating Obama's white roots? I'm sure he feels the pull of both sides of his races. That can't be an easy task. Here some of you are ripping into like you could have handled this scenario better. Certainly, neither Hillary nor McCain could have made that speech and come out of it with as much genuiness. Obama is a unique situation. And we should put ourselves in his shoes. I'm sure I speak with a hundred percent certainty when I say we've all been in situations where we wish we could have acted or reacted differently in hindsight. Anyone who says they've always had all the right answers is a liar and a hypocrit. If you could have handled the Obama speech better, I would like to know how YOU would have done it.

In his speech Obama talks about moving past the "racial divide" that separate the races of this great nation.

Why then does he dwell so much on slavery, and in his speech claim that it is something we can never forget and that will always remain?

This generation of white people should not have to pay for the sins of our ancestors. If your great grandfather raped a woman should the burden of his sin be lain on you?

Take a step back for a second to actually consider the contradictions and ignorance shown Obama's speeches.

The moment when "black America" accepts Hillary Clinton attending an all white mass with a racist priest, I will accept Barack Obama.

Latest Gallop Poll: Latest Gallop Poll: The race has been back and forth for a while, so it is difficult to know what, if anything, to read into it, but Hillary Clinton has a seven point lead (outside the margin of error) over Barack Obama. But she trails John McCain by three points (within the margin of error). McCain, is four points up on Obama.

Clinton and Obama have been neck and neck _ or Obama has been ahead _ in recent voter polls.

The results are seen as the result of the hullabaloo around Pastor Jeremiah Wright's inflammatory comments.

Fred: The church is in black neighborhood. There are black people in a black neighborhood. I don't believe the church turns away white people who want to attend service. Just like I don't believe there are white churches that turn away black parishioners. You would be surprised at how many black people absolutely would love it if more white folks attended their church services! You and Hillary and John McCain should drop by Trinity one Sunday! ; )

Honestly I hear Hillary speak little about faith and even less about attendance. But it is interesting how she has been quiet about this. Makes me wonder about what she might be hiding. However, Hillary did apologize for insults made by Geraldine and even her husband Bill. In front of a huge mass of Black media publications. By the way those black publications treated Hillary far, far more respectable then any of the main channel media outlets have treated Barack. I think she stepped up to the plate in doing this, but it took her 3 months to apologize for Bill and 2 months to apologize for Geraldine. But at least she made the effort! I do not believe the Clintons are racist; I believe they are opportunists that use any means and any racial group to achieve their goals. They did it with blacks when Bill Clinton was running he was labeled as the first 'black president' and Hillary is doing the same exact thing with the Latino votes.

Fred, seriously, are you really that mad about a Pastor preaching his beliefs and experiences in church and giving someone an award? Really why is this so significant? Because he is Barack's Pastor? That can't be the only reason. There are too many political figures who meet with and give awards to far worse people then Barack's ex-pastor.

Barack's entire speech was about trying to eliminate racism so we can unite all races to get better jobs, healthcare, loans, housing etc. These issues are not only a concern for black people. Barack held his Pastor's words accountable AND REPREHENSIBLE. He did not ask you or anyone to excuse the Pastor's words. You know maybe if the Pastor was to speak to people like you who were obviously very hurt by his words he (the Pastor) might change his opinions on racism. Maybe you should write a letter and fax it over to the church and explain to the Pastor why it really hurt you deeply to hear and visually see him shouting about racism and its affects on blacks. Maybe the Pastor needs to hear from your perspective (assuming you are white) how it feels when the racist's acts of some white people should not be put upon the shoulders of all white people. As a matter of fact I suggest that is what all of the white people on this blog do. Be constructive with your anger and write the Pastor directly about your concerns of his Preaching's. Maybe one of your letters will reach the Pastor and make him realize that things have changed, not perfectly, but progress has been made. Remind him that many white people fought and died to help end racism along side blacks, tell him what you really think of affirmative action.

Be open to a being a part of a resolution on how we can become better American's and all receive a little bit of the 'American Pie' or you will just continue to be a part of the problem.

Joe: Yes, Jesus did hang out with poor, destitute sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and others, however, his message to them was to repent and change their ways. Since you brought it up, can you really imagine Jesus attending Wrights church for 20 years, and listening to all that hate and racism? Do you really believe that Jesus would condone the telling of his story as if his killers were "white," as if to focus on their race? If you believe this about Jesus, then our impressions are vastly different.

I find it odd that some who claim to be Christians are so quick to condemn Obama for those he hangs out with. Or do you not remember that Jesus was oftentimes criticized for His associates? He hung out with poor, destitute sinners. Prostitutes, tax collectors and others, while those who claimed to be perfect He rebuked. And yet, every time, He also told those who sinned to "go and sin no more," though He did not disown them. Not even Peter, who you may remember, denied Him three times. Nor Mark, who is thought to have been the one who fled away naked from the pursuers. And after all that, He said "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do."

I find it ironic that those who believe they are hated are so quick to hate, even as they condemn it. I went through that speech in full, and there is no hate in it. I do not find one trace of hate, only a legacy of pain that people do not want to deal with.

The hate you sense may be your own. We ought each to look and take the logs out of our own eyes before criticizing. I know that I have to, too, when reading this. Anger like that is not productive, and we are called to rise above it, not sink into it.

It doesn't matter who started the fire, it's time to put it out.

Well: Unfortunately, your post will be lost on most Obama supporters. Unexplicably, they are incapable of processing any criticism of Obama, even when it is right before their eyes. It is a very strange phenomenon.

Obama on 3/14/2008:
And, even though he has been a member of Trinity United for the past 20 years, Obama said he had never witnessed Wright making such statements."Had I heard those statements in the church, I would have told Reverend Wright that I profoundly disagree with them," Obama said, adding, "What I have been hearing and had been hearing in church was talk about Jesus and talk about faith and values and serving the poor."
---http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/14/obama.minister/

---------------------------------
Obama on 3/19/08:
Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in the church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely.
---http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/18/AR2008031801081.html?sid=ST2008031801183

For Obama supporters: Fool you once, shame on Obama; Fool you twice, shame on you.

Barack Obama, Don Imus must be fired for "Hateful Remarks"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TQkP5cCsWn4

Dear T Webb,
I heard Rev Wright say that America is run by "rich white folks". He went on to say that the American government "sold drugs to blacks" and is responsible for the HIV virus in Africa. That sure sounds to me like he is saying white people are evil.

i just hope that whether or not you choose to support obam