The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

http://geo.ya.com/kotimare/ bleper

http://geo.ya.com/kotimare/ preved

While Obama may denounce his pastor's remarks as inflammatory, much of Obama's message is rooted in that same philosophy of social injustice that he has been listening to for the last 20 years in church.

He just puts it in more polite terms and reduces it to impassioned rhetoric.

Same philosophy, same sentiment, same arrogance. Why else would he be running for office?

This is Clinton's social gospel endorser. Is she to distance herself from Rev. Butts because of his statements over many years. There are many articles in NYTimes dicussing him in terms of racism in the country.

FROM NEW YORK TIMES:

Throughout the 1992 campaign, Butts continued to criticize the two major parties, telling the New York Times, "The Republicans have ignored people of African descent. The Democrats have taken us for granted." He endorsed little-known independent Ron Daniels while conceding that most blacks would end up voting for Clinton, saying, "The two best reasons for voting for Bill Clinton and Al Gore are [President] George Bush and [Vice president] Dan Quayle."
Certainly, when the issue has suited him, Butts has delivered inflammatory rhetoric. For instance, when cigarette and alcohol manufacturers advertised their products on Harlem billboards in the face of evidence that their products were harming blacks disproportionately to the rest of the population, Butts called on them to stop. When they refused, he began a program of whitewashing the billboards. Fortune magazine quoted him as saying of G. Heileman Brewing, manufacturer of a malt liquor with high alcohol content that is favored by blacks, "This is obviously a company that has no sense of moral or social responsibility.

More on Rev. Butts:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/16church.html

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/calvin_o_butts_iii/index.html

Does anyone know if Rev. Wright's church produced thousands of racists in his church and Chicago community? Do you know if they are lurking the streets and their places of employment to secretly devour those who wronged them?

Does anyone know why Obama could be elected to the Illinois Senate, his home state, and the U.S. and no one seemed to judge him by the church he attended?

The idea that the US is not racist is ridiculous when it is more significant that the new NY Governor is black than blind. If you had 6 kittens of differing colors 1 of which was blind would you point out the various colors of each or the blind one? The answer is obvious. If you are blind and achieved what this man has and live in world where his color is what is noted running along the bottom of the TV screen?????...we live in a racist world folks. A black president may help but it is out there like the air we breathe...better for sure but assuredly not over. Hmmmm state the obvious and somehow you are a part of the problem. Why? I think we know the answer?

there is only one question to answer....
did Obama passively attend this church for 20 years and not participate as a member of this community? If he did, then he had a direct impact in determining who the pastor was of HIS community. If his choice was not affirmed, he could choose to leave or stay. There is no evidence (that I know of) that he attempted to change the leadership of his community. That implies acceptance. Like it or leave it, that is your choice. He made his, and as all of us come to learn in life, there are consequences for our choices. He is finally paying his for his continued membership in this community.

By Ricardo Rose

A Constitutional Framework for Good

America is populated by multi-ethnic and cultural groups from all parts of the world. We are a global populace base of diverse cultures that has evolved for the last 40,000 years or more. Too often, frivolous discriminations in gender, race and ethnicity subvert the greatness of America. Enduringly, tolerance of one-another is inevitable! Inclusion is the great objective reality!!!

I often meditate on how routinely we publicize to the world . . . that we are the most powerful nation on earth. A super power! A nation governed by the rule of Law! The most advanced democratic-republic in the known civilized world! And yet so often, we undermine the very core principles of our own democracy that we espouse to the world community, as absolute principles for establishing true freedom, liberty and justice for all. Essentially, whenever contradictions and double-standards arise in our policies and treatment of others, it is viewed as insincere and condescending.

It's no wonder that the de-facto leader of the free world (USA) is impetuously diminishing the value of our esteemed credibility, and respect, at home and abroad. What has happened to our vision of America as the land of compassion, of sharing and of equality before the law? This vision was a "to be goal" to be realized by All! The great democratic experience in our "Constitution" was and is unfolding in the hearts, minds, and souls of men, women and children. Overtime, until the fulfillment of this magnificent vision became realized in an unjust society, the challenge of who would speak for the voiceless still remained? Who would defend the defenseless still remained? Who would speak to the powerful, and yet, possess not power themselves still remained? Well, throughout time, among all people, named and nameless voices did arise to fulfill the need, and they were not of the favored!! And until this very day, they are not the favored!

Bear in mind, a very short time ago, African Americans were slaves and could not vote. It is fair to say that people who were not slaves, did benefit from a sub-human-free labor slave system. And until this very day, a great many of them effortlessly contend that even though slavery was wrong, and inhumane, they felt that shattle slavery was good as compared to elitist governments and their treatment of slaved Africans around the world. And yet, if divine providence were to reverse the roles of the slave and the slave master, surely, a greater sense of justice and fairness would unequivocally give voice and wings to the subjugated!

Generations of freed men and women, during and subsequent to slavery never truly understood the voices and sentiments of slaves and ex-slaves and their ancestors, as they deemed the evils of shattel slavery was so inhumane and generational horrific, that it shall never be repeated in any form, no-where on God's good earth or the universe. To have been a victim of shattel slavery for whatever the cause, is universally evil, and unjust to the entire planet and the universe.

Therefore, any inhumane system conceived, organized or supported by men/women of nations shall objectively aim for higher goals of raising humanity's condition to a most excellent state of existence, and to eradicate world hunger, disease, slavery, intolerance, hatred, greed, divisiveness, corruption and ignorance.
Let's reflect on an unpretentious but very important fact, and that fact is, the world is observing our behavior of-one-another all the time, as we are observing them all the time! You can verily measure how civil and just a people are by the treatment that they tender to their own! Nationwide, the prison population grew by 25,000 last year, bringing it to almost 1.6 million, after three decades of growth that has seen the prison population nearly triple. Another 723,000 people are in local jails. One in 36 adult Hispanic men is behind bars, based on Justice Department figures for 2006. One in 15 adult black men is, too, as is one in nine black men ages 20 to 34.

If there is any one sentence that made America great--as a nation, it is a line from the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States that reads.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The body of the Constitution sets forth a means by which the various cultures of immigrants could be preserved to meld into a uniquely American culture...one that stubbornly refuses to give precedence to any religion, literature, music, art or social institution from any country of origin of the People of the United States. I read the Constitution of the United States with great pride; the Bill of Rights and the various Amendments to it since 1789 make it a world class document.

It is the Constitution of America which protects and encourages the flowering of individual and groups of people out of whom come the real greatness of America; its rich, enlivening and enjoining music, art, science, drama, cinema, literature, comedy, religion and playtime activities.
That being said, exactly, what makes America Great, and what is the role the USA plays at home and on the world stage? How can we extend a greater understanding as to who we are and what we stand for?

Well, let's reflect on at least one present day dilemma that potentially can be worst, or better; there are 1.5 Billion Muslims in the world. Of which, the overwhelming majority are peaceful and civil. And yes, they are not at war with the USA!! And yet, the media consistently demonizes, well over "1 Billion muslims"!! What ever happened to treating others, as we would have them treat us?? This type of anti-social behavior is very unproductive to international and world relations with diverse cultures, some of which are American citizens.

The question about Senator Obama has been is he a Muslim, yes or no? He's not a muslim, however, what if senator Obama or senator Clinton were, what's the problem? In the make believe world of Hollywood, writers and producers create good and bad guys by the dozens everyday. Good guys and bad guy themes help drive the emotions of the consumer, and the movie industry makes a lot of money. So does the media!! At what expense to American citizen's? Muslims are not an evil to America! Evil is evil, and hurts us all!

The Constitution in clear written language establishes the facts that, stubbornly refuses to give precedence to any religion, literature, music, art or social institution from any country of origin of the People of the United States. The Constitution of America provides that only age and citizenship shall be a test for public office; not wealth, not gender, not race nor yet not ethnic origin.

The Constitution of America protects Americans from the power and purpose of government officials. And yet, politicians, the mass media, the religious community and individuals exploit and abuse these principles of accord. Hopefully, with such potential greatness from free thinking just and balanced minds, we should all affirm our allegiance to the Constitution of the USA and not to our own demise!

Senator Barack Obama taught Constitutional Law, and verily, it is a part of his being. We all have very good reason for electing this highly qualified leader to preside as President of the United States. Consider the fact that he will be leading with the strength and insight of our Constitution. This perfect document is waiting for the right leader to be guided by its principles. Finally these invaluable principles can help create a perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. This country will be well served with Senator Obama's leadership as a proverbial walking constitution.

the us did bomb nagasaki.
hirsoshima.
supported apartheid.
are these lies?
smallpox in blankets to native americans.
slavery.
segregation.
the tuskegee experiment.
vietnam
the contras

america does some wicked stuff.
is this guy lying?
i think it is the tone that gets people upset.
some of it is not proven, but much of what he said is true.
anyone want to challenge that the us is the only nation to use nuclear weapons? i know, they were trying to stop the war. i have heard that before. he should not have "damned" anyone in my view but people should know, MLK Jr. isn't everyone's role model in black america.

Mr. Obama is a snake charmer - no, he's the snake.

NAFTA wink-wink LIAR

Rezko bank roller 125K, 150K, now $250,000 - LIAR

Afghanistan braggart, "too busy" not one meeting - LIAR

Twenty years in church - wasn't listening - LIAR

Kitchen sink wah wah - his own dishes!! - LIAR

Iraq pull out, European wink wink interview with Powers - LIAR

Black in South Carolina, White in Kansas - LIAR

Deval Patrick's speech word for word - LIAR

Martin Luther King, JFK, Jefferson, RFK - steals words - LIAR

CAUGHT IN ALL THESE LIES AND STILL DENIES !!

This man is a pathological LIAR !

Arrived with no resume. Refused to answer questions until he had delegates in his bag. LIAR and a CHEAT

Says he is DIFFERENT but surrounds himself with old boy democratic TROLLS.

Hoodwinker. Here are his best references:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDHsHM0laT8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuB_W8o_UsU

UNQUALIFIED SNAKE CHARMER NOMINEE = PRESIDENT JOHN McCAIN

Rove can't wait.

obama is a multi-racial, multi cultural person raised largely by a loving white mother and loving white grandparents. any suggestion he has a problem with whites is silly. his attraction to rev white and his church was probably a way to connect to the black community who quite honestly had a different perspective from his own upbringing.
there is no question that rev wright's comments were wild and over the top, and obama was right to step away from those comments. but is important to take them w/ a grain of salt. rev white is a vet who served the country, and not unpatriotic or hateful. what rev white was doing is a tradition in the black church of social commentary and venting ( blowing off steam at the same time). it might be abrupt to some in style- but seriously it's nothing to be concerned about. blacks after all have fought for the right to fight and die for the country,and civil rights. rev wright is from that tradition. so again it's important to take the statements with a grain of salt. obama, however is right to step away from those statements, because some will be offended by them. what he or the church should do is list the their community accomplishments, partnerships in multi-faith initiatives, and sermons showing wright at his rhetorical best. i have faith that americans are practical enough to realize that obama is existentially and all manners post-racial and a superior leader for our new challenges as a nation.

This Wright-thing unmasks Obama. He can use beautiful words but people won't believe in him. What a shame he is.

People should understand there's a difference between a Man called from God to deliver his word and a pompous motivational speaker. Most so-called preachers are just pulpit-hoggers using the people's need for divine inspiration to serve their own ego. Mr. Obama could have wanted the spirital aspect of the Church, itself, not the rantings of the preacher. My mom "made" me attend Church every Sunday to listen to a preacher who had a great spirital message, but he was a womanizer. He talked about things that just shouldn't be talked about in the pew. I weeded all of that stuff out and just took away from his sermon the word of God. The fair test for anyone who wants to Guilt Obama by Association with the preacher is to look at Obama the man, the individual person and say "Have I heard Obama parrot anything close to what that preacher has said?" The answer is N-O. NO! No way is Obama like that preacher. Obama is not loud and screaming hate. Obama is peaceful and has a whole different demeanor. I have studied Obama. I have watched and waited for any slip-up. I refuse to allow "ANY" candidate to BS me. This man is human. He falls down. He makes mistakes just like the rest of us. I want a real person for president; not a perfect little porcelain doll or a president sooo detached from his country that he doesn't know that gas is $4 (or higher) a gallon. If Obama is going to get the GBA arrow shot at him, then Clinton is the biggest racist for her friendship with Ferraro and she has to be a rapist for being married to Billy. Obama has said that he DOES NOT argree with the "foolish" things that the preacher said. Some of the preacher's rants are understandable; from the point of an angry man, but the pulpit is not the place to spout his hurt. Obama has denounced this man's rants and that is good enough. Unless someone shows that Obama wrote those sermons or shows where he has parroted the preachers personal beliefs (not the word of God), he should not have to defend -one more day- his association with that Church. I personally saw some people looking very embarrassed in that Church. The people clapping probably didn't even know what the preacher said! Most people are so into the spirit of the sermon that they aren't aware when the preacher has gone off course into a rant. What would you do? Sit there and just hope that he gets back to The Word? or storm off? I've sat through many sermons scratching my head as to why the preacher was saying what he was saying, but I never left. Obama has said he wasn't even there when the preacher had those rants. Who's to say what Obama should have done? Why is Obama taking an a@@ kicking for someone else? Wright isn't running for president; just like Billy isn't running. Fair is Fair. There are some foolish men who can say good inspirtional things and there are some good men who can say some foolish things! Fair and balance is the only way to deal with any situation. The Obama drama is just corny media stuff! "REAL" people have enough sense not to ruin a man for the words of an other. Clinton can't become the beneficiary of this through votes. Disagreement does not transform into votes. Hilly has gotten too many votes she hasn't deserved from such knee-jerk reactions.

The goal is to get the Democratic Party united and healthy. There will not be a Clinton on the ticket. That era is over! Hail to November 4, 2008!

"I'm not black, but there's whole lots of times I wish I was not white." --Frank Zappa.
I'm not black, and I don't support any of the three candidates. I also don't see anything wrong with what the good Reverend said. You just have to look at the Constitution to see how the country was founded on slavery. You can look at the date of the Equal Housing Act to see that the country continued to be run in the same way (or you could look at the pictures of lynched black people hanging from trees).
We all know they crucified John Lennon for saying that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. One could go to any church in the U.K. and see that that was true. If Rev. Wright wants to believe in white supremacy and black inferiority as being the motivating force in the running of this country, I can hardly challenge his statement, coming from his perspective. Racism certainly won out over the Constitution for years on end. The effects of that are still with us. "God Damn America?" Bitter, but our AMERICAN CONSTITUTION allows us to say such openly, and without being penalized. One would never accuse Rev. Wright of not sticking up for people of his race. The folks who run around criticizing such statements have NEVER been to jail for being a minority, or their own political remarks. This country made dissidents out of an entire race for no reason that any of those dissidents could do anything about. People who criticize the Rev. ought to walk a mile in his shoes. They would say the same thing.
I'd like to say one other thing: does your preacher speak for you? Do you agree with everything he says? I would be careful about atrributing statements made by someone else to any candidate. Religion and Politics are two clear different things in this country, and we should be thankful for that. That's called "Guilt By Association" and we shouldn't convict Obama any more than we would convict on the basis of McCarthyist tactics.
Mindless Americanism is not Americanism at all. Our CONSTITUTION allows us to criticize: its how we make our nation better. Rev. Wright's part of the nation needs more than words, and more than just "programs", and Urban Renewal. It needs to be allowed to criticize, even if the criticism hurts sometimes.
Some countries elect people who DO go to jail for their beliefs. America is not a nation with such courage, except in the blacker places in the country. With all the problems and the terrible leadership we have had recently, it is time we listened to, and respected, critics who respond with something less than lollipops. We need more than feelgood to solve this country's problems.

SENATOR Obama does not live in the real world
what is he thinking u can't lie again and again he knows that if u attends the services
for 20 years and he used the same vile to run
for state service he knew the remarks and
he should withdraw from the race

Mr. Obama may denounce, discard, or even burn in a bonfire the hate rhetoric tailored by Rev Jeremiah Wright, the acknowledged spiritual guide of Mr. Obama, like some old clothes that do not serve his purpose any longer, but he cannot alter, hide, or erase the fact that he had worn the undergarment for 20 years in apparent comfort until the world finally noticed it.

As Mr. Obama's lofty rhetoric of racial harmony and unity begins to crumble into the shape of a rhetorical artifice to snare the naïve and the gullible to propel him into the job of his lifelong ambition, we find the man of "change" listening surreptitiously to the sound of a different drum--a thundering sound of hate and discord, far removed from the call for racial harmony and unity. We must then ask ourselves, in spite of Mr. Obama's vehement and categorical castigation of "some" of the Rev Wright's hate speech, if the man who has been inhaling such noxious and corrosive fumes for the past 20 years can be cleansed in short order to be entrusted the highest office in the land, nay, the world.

Let us be realistic of one thing: the issue of Mr. Obama's 20-year association with Rev. Wright, whose toxic brew of inflammatory, anti-American, anti-white tirade has been well known for a couple decades (but oddly not to Mr. Obama by his own account), may abate, but it will not go away and is sure to return with force and fury that will sink a swift ocean liner.

Indeed, it is likely to become the most heated singular issue that would beset Mr. Obama challenging his patriotism if he were the Democratic nominee opposing John McCain, a man of impeccable patriotism. The appeal to the American people to stick to the "issues," the Obama camp's trump card, will not do since patriotism is an immensely important issue to most Americans. Worse, as he tries to extricate himself from this fatal error of association, the extrication itself will beget more elaborate and equally dubious explanations, thus damaging his credibility further.

Realistically, one cannot credibly argue, even if he is a top-notch lawyer like Barack Obama, to be a member of a church, located a short driving distance away from where he lived for most of the 20 years he had been a member, actively assisting its proselytizing efforts with large financial contributions (to the tune of $22,500 in 2006 alone), by professing not to know what the church's pastor had been saying much of the time, unless Mr. Obama claims that Rev Wright customized his sermons on the days Mr. Obama was in attendance ("Oh, Barack is in the pews, I'd better not give out this brew today"). Otherwise, this is outright fraud, or to be more charitable, an attempt at such; an attempt no less phony than a man who lived next to an active railroad track for 20 years claiming to have heard no trains passing by. The guilt by association? Absolutely; the trains went by him every day.

The truth of the matter is that Mr. Obama himself calls Rev Wright "crazy uncle," indicating his knowledge of the pastor Jeremiah's "crazy," lunatic preaching, yet, in spite of his claim to a superior capacity for judgment fit for a US president, he failed to foresee the danger of being anywhere near an anti-American lunatic asylum, much less supporting it with contributions, knowing fully well that the director of the asylum was a lunatic himself. Poor judgment does not even begin to explain Mr. Obama's inexcusable failure of 20 years to uphold American ideals in deed that he is so well disposed in word; and if that were to be his explanation then the fact of it would disqualify him to be the next president of the US.

It ought to be clear, in spite of Obama supporters' attempts to control the damage, that Mr. Obama's credibility has been irreparably harmed, not merely by his association with Rev Wright but through his questionable attempts at extrication, as he cannot convincingly erase his 20 years of commitment to an organization whose propositions are clearly at odds with Mr. Obama's claims of what America should be with an abrupt public denunciation that was forced upon him by public outrage--hardly a sign of a scrupulous mind.

The anti-Americanism of Mr. Obama's mentor, Jeremiah Wright, possesses a potent power that will surely undermine Obama candidacy in the general election. Thus, the concerned Americans, particularly the Democrats, are urged to press Mr. Obama to withdraw his candidacy from the Democratic presidential nomination race as his candidacy has been fatally compromised, far more so than John Kerry's ill-fated 2004 presidential bid. If he were a white candidate who had kept a membership in a white church equally obsessed with racial consciousness and acrimony as Mr. Obama's church, he would have certainly been asked to withdraw. Failing such, the Democrats will ensure another defeat at a presidential election. Mr. Obama must go.

Between Rezko and his church there is no way Obama can win in the general election. It's time to support Clinton. She is strong and viable. Let's do what's right before it's too late.

Dear Umbria,

You raise understandable concerns. Nonetheless, I remain a staunch supporter of Obama, and here's some reasons why.

1. Fact: Trinity church is one of Chicago's largest and most prominent churches.

A church doesn't reach that stature with continual sermons of "hate," and it's highly improbable that the huge congregation comprises racists. Clearly then, Wright preached about issues of faith more than he did hate. Indeed, the sermons in question (which you admit are only "several") are the exception, not the rule.

2. Fact: Others have preached with words of hate, including Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell ~ two people who highly influenced the conservative "Christian" thinking that elected Bush.

Indeed, when Falwell died, Bush declared a national day of mourning(!) and called him a "a man who cherished faith, family, and freedom." Yet here's Falwell's preaching about 9/11: "I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians ... all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say: you helped this happen.

As for McCain taking his family to Falwell's church, there's a perfect example in John Hagee. He's a staunch McCain-supporter, who claims that American foreign policy towards Palestine is causing God to attack the United States with terrorists.

McCain has refused to reject Hagee's support, saying, "I think it's important to note that pastor John Hagee who has supported and endorsed my candidacy supports what I stand for and believe in. When he endorses me, it does not mean that I embrace everything that he stands for and believes. And I am very proud of the Pastor John Hagee's spiritual leadership to thousands of people and I am proud of his commitment to the independence and the freedom of the state of Israel. That does not mean that I support or endorse or agree with some of the things that Pastor John Hagee might have said or positions that he may have taken on other issues. I don't have to agree with everyone who endorses my candidacy. They are supporting my candidacy. I am not endorsing some of their positions."

(The Huffington Post summarizes Hagee's preachings quite well. You can read more at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/29/john-hagees-mccain-endor_n_89189.html )

3. Fact: The media's focus on Hagee/McCain is disproportionately low compared to the coverage of Wright/Obama and Farrakhan/Obama.
Indeed, the mainstream media have never truly scrutinized Hagee, and major politicians ~ including Joe Lieberman as well as McCain ~ have freely associated with him.

Is the fixation on this Wright issue truly warranted or just another manipulation by the media?

4. Fact: As you say, the title of Obama's book "Audacity of Hope" is from the Pastor's sermon. And it's a truly beautiful sermon. I strongly urge you to read it, and you can find it here: http://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/audacityofhope.html

5. Fact: It is very clear that your biggest concern is the 20 years that Obama has known and associated with Wright, which leads to your quandary about Obama's judgment.

The truth is that Wright indeed "had a profound influence over Obama in the 1990s, when his faith was reaffirmed."

First and foremost, Wright helped Obama reaffirm his faith. Now anyone who truly seeks faith is going to question it at times. It's only logical, therefore, that Obama went to his preacher for guidance. It is not logical to assume that those discussions were indoctrinations of hate toward white people and this country. If they had been, I have no doubt that Obama would have distanced himself from the preacher. I say trust your first and long-held instincts about Obama's character. The presence of evil and deception can be felt and heard, and millions of people can't all be wrong in their instincts about him.

Second, the close affiliation with Wright occurred in the 90s. What hasn't been covered in the news is when Wright's comments were made. It is well within reason that Obama never actually heard them. I admit, however, that it's hard to believe he didn't know about them.

Still, that makes Obama the kind of friend I'd like to have. He has said that Wright was "like an old uncle who sometimes will say things that I don't agree with." Would you prefer that he disparage those who love him? Would you cast judgment on a friend who has helped you through soul-searching times?

When you love someone, you can let them have their opinions and faults even though you don't agree with or condone them. How else do Democrat-Republican marriages survive? How else do people reconcile with parents they have serious issues with?

I think Obama's lack of judgment of Wright reveals his good heart. He has abided by the Golden Rule "to do unto others what you would have done to you." He has refrained from casting stones.
He has taken to heart the Christly tenants of love and acceptance. In short, he has exercised good judgment by not sitting in judgment ~ a right that countless Christians should remember belongs only to God.

Finally, Obama said he first learned of Wright's controversial statements at the start of his campaign. Wright was to give a public invocation when Obama launched his presidential bid. But to impose some distance, Wright's appearance was canceled. Obama has also said that he rejects Wright's statements. And he has rejected and denounced Farrakhan's statements as well.

That's way more than Bush and McCain have done. And still people and the media want more skin from Obama's hide. When will hate stop ruling this country?

Dear Umbria,

You raise understandable concerns. Nonetheless, I remain a staunch supporter of Obama, and here's some reasons why.

1. Fact: Trinity church is one of Chicago's largest and most prominent churches.

A church doesn't reach that stature with continual sermons of "hate," and it's highly improbable that the huge congregation comprises racists. Clearly then, Wright preached about issues of faith more than he did hate. Indeed, the sermons in question (which you admit are only "several") are the exception, not the rule.

2. Fact: Others have preached with words of hate, including Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell ~ two people who highly influenced the conservative "Christian" thinking that elected Bush.

Indeed, when Falwell died, Bush declared a national day of mourning(!) and called him a "a man who cherished faith, family, and freedom." Yet here's Falwell's preaching about 9/11: "I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians ... all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say: you helped this happen.

As for McCain taking his family to Falwell's church, there's a perfect example in John Hagee. He's a staunch McCain-supporter, who claims that American foreign policy towards Palestine is causing God to attack the United States with terrorists.

McCain has refused to reject Hagee's support, saying, "I think it's important to note that pastor John Hagee who has supported and endorsed my candidacy supports what I stand for and believe in. When he endorses me, it does not mean that I embrace everything that he stands for and believes. And I am very proud of the Pastor John Hagee's spiritual leadership to thousands of people and I am proud of his commitment to the independence and the freedom of the state of Israel. That does not mean that I support or endorse or agree with some of the things that Pastor John Hagee might have said or positions that he may have taken on other issues. I don't have to agree with everyone who endorses my candidacy. They are supporting my candidacy. I am not endorsing some of their positions."

(The Huffington Post summarizes Hagee's preachings quite well. You can read more at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/29/john-hagees-mccain-endor_n_89189.html )

3. Fact: The media's focus on Hagee/McCain is disproportionately low compared to the coverage of Wright/Obama and Farrakhan/Obama.
Indeed, the mainstream media have never truly scrutinized Hagee, and major politicians ~ including Joe Lieberman as well as McCain ~ have freely associated with him.

Is the fixation on this Wright issue truly warranted or just another manipulation by the media?

4. Fact: As you say, the title of Obama's book "Audacity of Hope" is from the Pastor's sermon. And it's a truly beautiful sermon. I strongly urge you to read it, and you can find it here: http://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/audacityofhope.html

5. Fact: It is very clear that your biggest concern is the 20 years that Obama has known and associated with Wright, which leads to your quandary about Obama's judgment.

The truth is that Wright indeed "had a profound influence over Obama in the 1990s, when his faith was reaffirmed."

First and foremost, Wright helped Obama reaffirm his faith. Now anyone who truly seeks faith is going to question it at times. It's only logical, therefore, that Obama went to his preacher for guidance. It is not logical to assume that those discussions were indoctrinations of hate toward white people and this country. If they had been, I have no doubt that Obama would have distanced himself from the preacher. I say trust your first and long-held instincts about Obama's character. The presence of evil and deception can be felt and heard, and millions of people can't all be wrong in their instincts about him.

Second, the close affiliation with Wright occurred in the 90s. What hasn't been covered in the news is when Wright's comments were made. It is well within reason that Obama never actually heard them. I admit, however, that it's hard to believe he didn't know about them.

Still, that makes Obama the kind of friend I'd like to have. He has said that Wright was "like an old uncle who sometimes will say things that I don't agree with." Would you prefer that he disparage those who love him? Would you cast judgment on a friend who has helped you through soul-searching times?

When you love someone, you can let them have their opinions and faults even though you don't agree with or condone them. How else do Democrat-Republican marriages survive? How else do people reconcile with parents they have serious issues with?

I think Obama's lack of judgment of Wright reveals his good heart. He has abided by the Golden Rule "to do unto others what you would have done to you." He has refrained from casting stones.
He has taken to heart the Christly tenants of love and acceptance. In short, he has exercised good judgment by not sitting in judgment ~ a right that countless Christians should remember belongs only to God.

Finally, Obama said he first learned of Wright's controversial statements at the start of his campaign. Wright was to give a public invocation when Obama launched his presidential bid. But to impose some distance, Wright's appearance was canceled. Obama has also said that he rejects Wright's statements. And he has rejected and denounced Farrakhan's statements as well.

That's way more than Bush and McCain have done. And still people and the media want more skin from Obama's hide. When will hate stop ruling this country?

Dear America,

Forget Pastor Wright.

As a U.K. citizen looking in on this election campaign from the outside I must applaude Senator Obama as both a human being and a man of his word.

Senator Obama has clearly demonstrated an incredible level of restraint, despite the lowest form of political mud-slinging and provocation resorted to by the Clinton campaign.

A level of restraint that would be required daily, by the next President of the United States, the leader of the free world.

I would suggest to the broader American public, and particularily to those States still to vote for their preferred Democratic nominee (Pennsylvania included), that such restraint should never, EVER, be seen as a sign of weakness. This IS strength.

This is a MAN of strength. Senator Barack Obama is a MAN of strength. Senator Barack Obama is a Christian MAN of strength. Senator Barack Obama is an AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MAN of Strength.

I WOULD TRUST SENATOR BARACK OBAMA WITH THE CARE OF MY CHILDREN.

I WOULDN'T TRUST MRS HILLARY CLINTON WITH THE T.V. REMOTE CONTROL, NEVER MIND ANSWERING THE PRESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE AT 3 AM.

The restraint shown by Senator Obama recently, in the face of outright lies and misleading remarks, is indeed the sign of an intelligent, considerate leader, concerned with making the RIGHT decision, and not simply just 'a' decision.

Poor decision making at Presidential level by George W Bush (gun holder) and Mrs Hillary Clinton (supplier of bullets for that gun in 2002) has led to the catastrophe for Americans' that is Iraq.

1. Thousands of brave American lives lost. For what?

2. America,'the home of the brave', relentlessly bombing some of the poorest children in the world from the safety of 50,000 feet. For what?

3. Trillions of American Dollars spent funding No's 1 and 2. Dollars that could have been spent on such lofty ideals as free Health Care for every single American and investment in American communities to create jobs for American citizens. For what?

George W Bush has presided over the horror show that is Iraq.

MRS HILLARY CLINTON FULLY SANCTIONED THIS HORROR SHOW WITH HER INABILITY TO MAKE THE CORRECT DECISION ON IRAQ IN 2002.

Mrs Hillary Clinton's actions FAILED AMERICA , FAILED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, and FAILED THE WORLD on an unimaginable scale and at a time when it mattered the most. With the blood of those brave soldiers and those children on her hands, can she be trusted? Can she?

I THINK NOT!

The United States' ability to restore itself to former glories must surely rest on the broad, restrained, articulate, considerate, common sense shoulders of Senator Barack Obama.

Mrs Hillary Clinton displayed so much personal weakness and failure on matters of integrity during the Texas and Ohio campaigns that she must surely never be trusted.

Why did she allow her campaign to trot out 'that picture' of Senator Obama?

She is weak, and rested her political fortune and reputation, with that of white supremacists pandering to the lowest common denominator.

SHAME ON MRS HILLARY CLINTON! SHE SHAMED HERSELF, AMERICA, AND HUMANITY BY STOOPING TO THAT INCREDIBLE LOW.

You can only blame so much on a shambolic campaign strategy team.

Mrs Hillary Clinton must accept personal responsibility for the worst example of fear mongering and subliminal racism I have seen in my entire adult life. It was disgusting.

This fear mongering and subliminal racism was designed, constructed and deployed via the media by Mrs Hillary Clinton's campaign to manipulate the free thinking minds of the American public. I know it, YOU know it, and they including Mrs Hillary Clinton KNEW it!

(Even I can see that from here in Scotland, thousands of miles away)

Have the Mrs Hillary Clinton campaign team really resorted to such lows as doubting Senator Obama's devotion to the Christian Church, in order to 'win' some votes?

YES THEY HAVE. SHAME ON THEM, AND HER.

Mrs Hillary Clintons' failure to confirm this unequivocal fact is abhorrent at best.

Have they assessed (wrongly I hope), that the majority of Americans believe the Fox 'News' channel is fact?

IT WOULD APPEAR SO.

If this is how Mrs Hillary Clinton reacts, responds and decides at a time when her own political future is at stake, what DISASTROUS decisions will she make and sanction if she ever becomes occupier of The Whitehouse?

AMERICA!

I believe in freedom, real freedom.

Your country is being scared to death by sections of your media.

MRS HILLARY CLINTON IS TRYING TO SCARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN.

Don't succumb to that fear.

You are braver than that.

YOUR COUNTRY DESERVES MORE.

YOUR COUNTRY DESERVES THE OUSTANDING NOMINEE THAT IS SENATOR BARACK OBAMA.

YOU'RE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM.

EMBRACE HIM AS A NATION, SIT BACK AND WATCH YOUR COUNTRY FLY.

yours truly

j.dreczkowski@hotmail.co.uk

Not only Obama should apologize to America for misleading and creating a divisive party, he needs to drop out of the presidential race as well resigns from the Senate. There is no room for a public official to have a mentor who preaches this deep hatred for America.

Although what Rev. Jeremiah Wright is preaching might hurt Sen. Barack Obama, because it does not go along with Obama's message of unifying the nation. Still, some what the Rev. is saying is the truth. And we American don't like to be reminded to hear the truth. We like to remember the good things about our country. However, if we want to learn from our mistakes and remember the past, even if the past is not always pleasant or excused by others, we will make this mistakes over and over again.

hgogo said - "Before the Damn Gate event, I didn't know blacks hate America so much."

Be real. They're just returning the favor, and you know it.

Yes, but does he condemn, reject, repudiate, scoff at, denounce and take personal responsibility for them as though he made them himself? Does he not only denounce his pastor, but disown him, cut him off, actively loathe, and pray fervently every waking moment for him to be sent to hell? Does he carry a sheaf of his photos so he can spit on them and rip them up? Does he rend his garments, fall to his knees and, bewailing his spiritual poverty, confess his sins in the public square? Is he broken in body, mind and spirit, ready to be remolded into the perfect form of self-abnegation??? Does he hate himself more than we hate him ourselves, and is he ready to thank the court for bringing him to justice?!?! WILL HE FIND HIMSELF ALONE IN A DREARY RESTAURANT, DRINKING OILY VICTORY GIN, LOVING BIG BROTHER, A GOODTHINKFUL CITIZEN OF OCEANIA GRATEFUL FO THE DEATH OF HIS SOUL?????!!!!

Won't do any good; we still won't forgive him.

Hypothetical Question: What do you think would be the reaction be if it were suddenly discovered that Hillary Clinton's mentor, spritual advisor and pastor, and intimate associate of the past twenty years, WHOM SHE STILL REFUSES TO REPUDIATE, is an avowed member of the Ku Klux Klan?

Answer: She would be finished - immediately and forever. But the media still somehow blindly gives Obama the "benefit of the doubt". Truly unbelievable. And you fools want to trust our families and our country to this guy? Unbelievable.

It is extremely difficult to believe that person like Sen. Obama who is very intelligent, highly educated and running for the highest office in the world - PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA couldn't judge his pastor for 20 (twenty) years, considered him has his mentor, someone who married him and his wife and baptized his daughters, privately prayed before announcing candidacy, was almost like a father. My wife and I supported Sen. Obama and now we're really really really disappointed by his judgment, we've lost our faith in any candidate.

because the congregation was seen dancing,laughing and in general agreeing with all that Pastor Wright said,I think Obama's run for the white house is over.....the hate and the agreement,will be taken very badly by those that vote,i wouldnt be surprised if hillary wins every state from here and gets all the big boys votes at the convention....i will still vote for OBAMA but fox runs the speech every hour,it wont go away,many that were going to vote wont now...but those of us that know OBAMA to be a good man and the best person for the job,could turn this tide if we dont talk anymore about it,support him with cash,and point to what bush has done and that mccain is a CLONE,WE MAY PULL IT OFF YET

Before the Damn Gate event, I didn't know blacks hate America so much. It's like an eye opener. Since it is a view shared by almost 100% black churches throughout the country (according to a black FoxNews guest), it explains the overwhelming anti-socieity tendency of the black community.

Correction: the article title should read "Obama Condemns Pastor's RACIST Remarks". After all we apply the label to one, we must apply it fairly to all. Don't want to appear RACIST, right?

The pink elephant that wanders the room, however, is that because the Obama campaign, rightfully, will not lower itself to the garbage flinging attacks by both the Clinton campaign and the conservative Republicans some Obama supporters may feel they need to fill in the gap with attacks of their own where the official campaign does not choose to do so. It is a temptation many of us have had and we applaud Senator Obama for raising us all out of that mire.

I HOPE PEOPLE WAKE UP AND SEE THIS "CHANGE" THAT BARACK IS TALKING
ABOUT. AS A BLACK FEMALE I DONT EVEN WANT TO VOTE FOR BARACK, I THINK
HE IS TWO FACED AND CATERS TO WHOEVER HE IS SPEAKING TO AT THAT TIME.
BLACK PEOPLE BETTER WAKE UP AND GET A CLUE IF THEY THINK THAT BY
VOTING BARACK IN, THE WHITE HOUSE WILL BE ALL BLACK AND THEN THEY CAN
HOLD THEIR BLACK MILLION MAN MARCH BLAH BLAH BLAH. BLACKS ARE NOT THE
ONLY RACE IN AMERICA. BARACK SPEAKS ON ALL THIS CHANGE BUT CAN
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME "WHAT THIS CHANGE CONSISTS OF?" PEOPLE BETTER
START DRILLING HIM ON TRUE ANSWERS. HE'S RIDING OFF IN THE SUNSET
WITH THIS "CHANGE" SLOGAN AND THEN PEOPLE WILL COMPLAIN LATER WHEN
THE ACTUAL CHANGE TAKES PLACE. YOU BETTER FIND OUT WHERE HE PLANS ON
GETTING ALL THIS MONEY TO FIX THE DEFICIT AND BRING THE TROOPS HOME,
AND CREATE JOBS AND FIX THE ECONOMY AND HEALTH CARE BEFORE YOU JUST
RELY ON THIS "CHANGE". ONCE HE TAKES AWAYS PROGRAMS THAT WE NEED AND
CREATES MORE TAXES TO ACCOMPLISH "THIS CHANGE" I THINK PEOPLE WILL
FEEL STUPID. HILARY HAS MORE DEFINITE PLANS, SHE HAS MORE EXPERIENCE,
SHE'S BLUNT AND TO THE POINT INSTEAD OF CRAZY PROMISES. PLEASE WAKE UP
PEOPLE. WHERES AL SHARPTON AND THE NAACP NOW TO RALLY AGAINST THESE HORRIBLE
STATEMENTS MADE BY WRIGHT?? ITS FUNNY HOW BLACK PEOPLE PLAY GHOST
ONCE THEY RUN OFF AT THE MOUTH AND OFFEND PEOPLE BUT IF ANYONE OF A
DIFFERENT RACE MAKES STATEMENTS THEY WANT AN APOLOGY AND WANT THEM
CRUCIFIED. I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD WANT WRIGHTS CHURCH TO BE SHUT
DOWN. AND I AM BLACK MYSELF AND HIS COMMENTS SOUNDED CRAZY.

bluedoggiedemocrat-While you are correct about every Latin American Country getting at least one Illegal in, over 90% are Guatemalan, Salvadoran, or Honduran. Mexicans are already flooding in big time legally. This is due to our Nutso Worker Visas, and the Familia re-unificado priority system the Insane Immigrations clowns have allowed! Seems the Millions that were Legalized in the First incredibly stupid Amnesty, were All related to all the remaining Mexicans. NOW, they are appealing to be reunified with the ones who don't want to stay!

Another Amnesty for the current Invaders? Say hello to the rest of the States Bordering Mexico-Then...(System continues South until Penguins are sneaking in!)...

Then, you are right about "Hispanic" not being accurate. AMERINDIAN is the better term!

If the witch hunt keeps up, pretty soon each Dem campaign will have only Michelle and Bill left for Obama and Hillary, respectively.

This is terrific for McCain.
I will say thanks for him.

This guy Wright quit his job for Obama, now comes the shiv. New politics? Obama travels more than 45 blocks especially to hear him. Wright's "sermons" are notorious here for his nutcase remarks. These remarks are not "cherry-picking"; they are the norm.

Quit lying Obama. Groupies, quit deluding yourselves.

I trust the IRS will be successful in removing this "church"'s tax-exempt status.

Why are the media just now reporting what has been lying in plain sight all during Obamania? While they were fixing his pillows for him, they were paving the way for Clinton to lose and McCain to win.

Well a good point made by a pro-Obama poster that you have to be aware of these problems before you can fix them and Obama has ingratiated himself with this church and this pastor.

Its a pretty good argument for Obama except for two things:

1. After 20 years Obama has had no impact on Rev. Wright to heal his pain or his white hatred; and,

2. Obama has claimed ignorance. He says that he never knew that Rev Wright harbored such ideas, much less ever expressed them from his pulpit. Obama said he never heard them.

Well let's see, Obama said that he never talked to the Canadian Ambassador either to assure the Canadians that his NAFTA schtik was just campaign BS.

True, Obama did not talk to the Ambassador. Obama's chief economic advisor talked to the Canadian Consul.

So now Obama never heard Wright God Dam America from the pulpit, lets see that means that Michelle Obama could have, or his kids, or maybe Obama stepped out to the bathroom when Wright preached this sermon.

I remember Iran - Contra when Bush Senior was charged with being aware of Oliver North's comments with regard to his efforts to operate the Contra's in an off the shelf operation. George Bush I's response, "I do not remember that, I must have stepped out to the bathroom when Ollie said that."

Sorry folks, these excuses are pure BS. The snake oil salesman caught with his hand in the snake oil and he is like John Luvitts trying to sell something, anything that gullible people wanting to believe him can believe.

You could almost see the hatred coming from his campaign. Never from the Candidate, who has been the Prophet of Unity, but always from the people around him and you had to wonder what the source of the disconnect has been between the Candidate and his Operation.

Now it is becoming clear that this Wright fellow is near the core of the essence of Obama.

It is not the same as McCain and his preacher. Obama did not have a strong male figure in his life when he was growing up. His mother married men who did not hang around. So Obama was raised by a White Grandfather who apparently had no idea of what it was like to be Black and then Rev. Wright for the past 20 years. Obama is only 47 years old, so Wright has been an influence on Obama since he was 17 years old, that is, for Obama's entire adult life.

We are to now believe that Obama, having known, admired and considered this man his spiritual mentor from age 17 is a person that he repudiates, whose ideas Obama repudiates??

Ochem's Razor says that the simplest explanation of any unknown issue is usually the correct explanation.

It is more intellectually honest to say that these two share many of the same beliefs and ideas. It is also intellectually honest to believe that the influence of the older man on the young man who was in need of direction was strong and enduring.

It is to deny reality to come to the conclusion that the spiritual mentor's strongly held ideas did not find a home in the soul of the younger man who was molded by the older very persuasive man.

This is why this story is important. Obama is such a blank slate and we are being asked to put this man into the office of the Presidency. We all need to know who and what he is.

His apologist explain this as part of the African American experience. But I know many Black ministers who would never say these things because they do not believe these things. Even Chris Matthews, a guy with a man-crush on Obama had a Black preacher on who said that this is outside the mainstream of Black churches and the Black message from the Gospel.

I have been in many Black Churches in the inner city and the message is uniformally one of building up the individual, encouragement that he or she is important in God's eyes and to move forward by loving each other.

This guy is preaching excuses. Blacks are not moving because of White Devils and the implication is to hate White Devils. That is out there on the fringe, not mainstream in the Black commmunity.

And that is where Obama is too.

And does anyone think that the Republicans will not play this? Does anyone think that the Republicans will not ask us to consider what it will be like to have Rev. Jeremiah Wright giving the invocation at the Barak Obama Inaugeration?

What will happen down ticket to have Obama and his judgment at the top of our ticket. The guy whose preacher yells "God Dam America" and blames us for 9/11 to lead us from the White House to the Courthouse in the Fall?

It will be a Red Massacre.

Obama can say that he repudiates the comments, but that leaves the 3000 pound elephant in the middle of the room -- Why did he wait until his campaign was put into jeopardy before doing so, if he really does repudiate the sentiments expressed?

We are left with the conclusion that either Obama is very insincere with this, that he is ignorant of what is going on in his own church and with his spiritual mentor, or that his judgment is so poor that he could not see this coming, or a combination of all of the above.

Do we want that person in the Oval Office making Presidential Decisions??

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Saturday, March 16, 08.

Barack WHO? ;~)

It's beginning to look as though America will continue to be run by rich white people, that there will be no changes in the foreign policies that inspired a bunch of Saudi fanatics to kill thousands of us, that we will have two deeply flawed major party candidates who have never been called [N-word]s, and that a large segment of the electorate may have valid cause to sing "G-D America".

White critics of Rev. Wright are doing so based on a lack of knowledge of the black church as an institution and an inherent inability to understand or identify with Black Liberation theology. They are projecting their own view of what religion is or should be on a group of people who have a different perspective. They are doing so based on a few minutes of collected snippets from hundreds of sermons over many years, spliced together and promoted for maximum misleading effect by certain media at the urging of rich white people.

I am a middle-aged white Southerner who would like to vote for Barack Hussein Obama in November, but the corporate powers that be are apparently determined to deny me that opportunity.

crozetproject ：

Oh I see...he's this relentlessly positive because he's actually so full of hate, he has to get to the White House, then he can unleash it on all of us in this big wave. A real Manchurian Candidate for black people! Wow. That's just so sinister.

--------

well, he would meet America's enemy leaders unconditionally in his first year in office.

Just wonder why?

Out of the three nominee,s who would be best fit to heal our race problems in this country? It is going to take a president to lead the way.Does the president take on these issues, pretend they don't exist.

Can't we all just get along.

Hispana with the influx of illegal aliens coming to the United States by the millions from Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama, Cuba, Costa Rico, Belize, Honduras, Argentina, and Colombia have out numbered black U.S. citizens. If Africans and black West Indians were allowed to come to the United States illegally by the millions, blacks would be the so called largest minority in these country.

I don't see Hispanics as being a minority since many of their birth certificates states white, not "NEGRO" or "COLORED". Hispanic is not a race, but a culture. The late Afro Cubana Celia Cruz was of the black race, but her nationality was Cuban. Many of these groups of people don't get along and come from many cultures where the Spanish is different. I assure you, there will be a "Civil War" in this country in the near future.

Hispana, since you went there, I am a black man born of black Puerto Rican parents from Santurce, Puerto Rico. There is racism in Puerto Rico and with some Puerto Ricans. I suggest, you read the book "Down These Mean Streets" by Piri Thomas a black Puerto Rican or Black and Latino in Boricuas Infulential Puerto Rican Writings an Anthology by black New York born Roberto Santiago. Hispana, many Hispanics and some Puerto Ricans are in denial about racism within the Hispanic culture. I find many Hispanics to be the most racist people on the planet. I can't tell you how many times I have been called a moyo in Spanish by Puerto Ricans, not knowing I too speak Spanish. Moyo is a negative term use towards blacks.

It's a little late for Barack Obama to try to distance himself from Pastor Wright. He's been a member of the church for 20 years now, and called the pastor his "spiritual advisor". And now he claims the sermons do not reflect his attitudes?

How can a person choose a church and remain a member for 20 years if they feel the opinions and attitudes of the pastor and congregation do not reflect their own? And I'm not buying that after 17 years of listening to Pastor Wright's sermons, he NEVER heard anything like those we have been listening to. Wasn't one of them a Christmas sermon? I think he is lying.

I suppose we'll soon be hearing the "just a case of bad judgement" excuse again. And he'll probably get away with it.

The Catholic Church supported slavery. Many Catholic Priest are homosexuals and pedophiles. I was born and raised a black Catholic, but I have visited mostly white or Hispanic parishes and did not feel welcome. Let's face it, black and white churches in the United States have been segregated for centuries. Hispana, you and white Hispanics like Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mel Martinez (R-FL) have never endured racism as blacks in this country based on having nappy hair and our Negroid features. We were seen by many White Americans as Apes or sub human. Today, some whites in the United States still view blacks in this way. Racism today is more on the down low. Sometimes I wish I could make myself invisible and go into the homes of white Americans and hear what their true feelings are about blacks. WE ALL HAVE TO REAP WHAT WE SOW IN THIS LIFE ON EARTH!

Hispana has changed her screen name to Hillary08. LOL

A little education to those questioning the meaning of Hispanics versus Latinos in identifying our constituency. Latinos come from the word LATIN and it encompasses a portion of our population mostly of European descent. The Real Academy of Spain, who oversees our spanish language adopted the term Hispanic to reference all the members of our group as it is more inclusive so those of us that follow the Academy use the term Hispanic or Hispana(o) to reference ourselves.

We are a mixture of European descent, indian, black and white. I come from Puerto Rico and I am proud to say that we all have in our blood a mixture of all of the above. We are proud to say that this gives us a great advantage in that we are mostly color blind and learn from little how to appreciate each other. I do not agree with the Democratic position on Immigration as I believe that everyone who comes here needs to do it legally. As a Puerto Rican, I am a citizen by birth just like you (Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth) and we learn to speak and write English and Spanish, so we are fully bilingual. I am sensitive to the plight and needs of the folks that are here illegally, but insist that our position needs to be to follow the laws of this country. And I totally disagree with your point that we are racist towards blacks. This is a fabrication by outside groups. You would find that Hispanics bring forth a culture of family values and hard work to this country and we are NOW the largest minority group in this country. Thanks and enough said on the subject!!!

Obama's buddies Louis Farrakhan and Reverend Wright make Hillary's very worst supporters look SAINTLY. Just words Barack? it's not just words when they are Reverend King's words, but when it's just silly "old Uncle Rev Wright" now that's a different story right? those are just some words. I think this should put a pretty permanent dent in any credibility Obama had left. Between Rezko, Farrakhan, Rev Wright and that other hater of America Michelle Obama, I think it's becoming very clear Obama has made some very poor decisions in his life. So much for making the right choices on day one huh Obama?

Hillary is the One, always was and always will be, it's not too late America.

Indiebot, I agree but Colombians, Mexicans, and other Central/South American counties you didn't mention citizens see themselves as white base on hair texture and the color of skin. When I watch all three Spanish speaking local television stations here in D.C., I see all white faces. I failed to mention, the white racist Cubans in Miami. Afro Cubanos or black Hispanics are not accepted as Latino by the Latino community. Many poor uneducated Salvadorans think they are white and look down on middle class blacks. You two so called Hispanic Senators are white men. It seems you blacks in the United States and on this planet is doomed. Hispana appears to be one of these racist white Hispanics who's birth certificate states white or Caucasian on it.

Indiebot, I agree but Colombians, Mexicans, and other Central/South American counties you didn't mention citizens see themselves as white base on hair texture and the color of skin. When I watch all three Spanish speaking local television stations here in D.C., I see all white faces. I failed to mention, the white racist Cubans in Miami. Afro Cubanos or black Hispanics are not accepted as Latino by the Latino community. Many poor uneducated Salvadorans think they are white and look down on middle class blacks. You two so called Hispanic Senators are white men. It seems you blacks in the United States and on this planet is doomed. Hispana appears to be one of these racist white Hispanics who's birth certificate states white or Caucasian on it.

The Pastor that appeared in Chris Matthews offers a sharp contrast to the hatred and vitriol that Wright promotes. Wright is expected to follow the Christian commandments and unite his followers teaching love and forgiveness and who is a FOOL to accept any of his preachings as regular discourse? Are we having a different definition of these Christian concepts? I find it so amazing that some of you take this as a common thing in your churches. This is quite revealing that HATRED and RACISM is the common doctrine in your churches!!!

Indiebot, I agree but Colombians, Mexicans, and other Central/South American counties you didn't mention citizens see themselves as white base on hair texture and the color of skin. When I watch all three Spanish speaking local television stations here in D.C., I see all white faces. I failed to mention, the white racist Cubans in Miami. Afro Cubanos or black Hispanics are not accepted as Latino by the Latino community. Many poor uneducated Salvadorans think they are white and look down on middle class blacks. You two so called Hispanic Senators are white men. It seems you blacks in the United States and on this planet is doomed. Hispana appears to be one of these racist white Hispanics who's birth certificate states white or Caucasian on it.

Indiebot, I agree but Colombians, Mexicans, and other Central/South American counties you didn't mention citizens see themselves as white base on hair texture and the color of skin. When I watch all three Spanish speaking local television stations here in D.C., I see all white faces. I failed to mention, the white racist Cubans in Miami. Afro Cubanos or black Hispanics are not accepted as Latino by the Latino community. Many poor uneducated Salvadorans think they are white and look down on middle class blacks. You two so called Hispanic Senators are white men. It seems you blacks in the United States and on this planet is doomed. Hispana appears to be one of these racist white Hispanics who's birth certificate states white or Caucasian on it.

Indiebot, I agree but Colombians, Mexicans, and other Central/South American counties you didn't mention citizens see themselves as white base on hair texture and the color of skin. When I watch all three Spanish speaking local television stations here in D.C., I see all white faces. I failed to mention, the white racist Cubans in Miami. Afro Cubanos or black Hispanics are not accepted as Latino by the Latino community. Many poor uneducated Salvadorans think they are white and look down on middle class blacks. You two so called Hispanic Senators are white men. It seems you blacks in the United States and on this planet is doomed. Hispana appears to be one of these racist white Hispanics who's birth certificate states white or Caucasian on it.

Hispania: "I watched Chris Matthews this evening and he brought an excellent black Pastor from Boston who totally denounced Obama and challenged this MADMAN called preacher."

So.... what's your point? It's important to watch the interview because it was another pastor who denounced Wright's comments? Or because the pastor was black? Or because of a combination of the two? You might find it newsworthy, but not all pastors agree with each other. And guess what (gasp!) not all blacks agree with each other either.

BlueDogDemocrat:

That is because a great deal of Hispanics are white, not Latino. The whole mess of who is Latino and who is Hispanic was started by the US Census Office sometime back in time.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are in South America and most people down there are of European decent. And Spaniards are European, yet they are also Hispanic.

Hispana: Yeah. Whatever. Go write the follow up to the Lord of the Rings. You got all dramatic skills for it.

Boooring.

Hispana, why are you constantly pushing Hillary. Let's talk about how racist Mexicans and Central/South Americans are against blacks. In a study conducted by Duke University and UNC at Chapel Hill found, Mexicans before arriving in Durham, N.C. had racist views of blacks before coming to Durham. Many Mexican Americans didn't participate in the Civil Rights Movement along with blacks, whites, and Jews, because many Mexicans stated they were white, not Negro or colored.

Most Hispanics identify with being of the white race. Blacks have been the most loyalist to the Democratic Party, but two faced Hillary and Bill Clinton have pushed blacks aside to get the Hispanic vote as all the candidates are doing.

I am not voting for Obama, Clinton, or McCain, because each support giving illegal aliens citizenship and amnesty.

crozetproject: Excellent logic. Bravo.

I wonder who are these right wingers are trying to fool with this outrage. Really. What are these cats smoking?

See, you have to understand the religious white people: They do not think on their own. They get their marching orders from their parties and churches and go at it without ever questioning the validity, honesty and purpose of such orders. That is how we got into Iraq and all that jazz.

Look, there you have one guy posting now what his mother supposely taught him....As if ANY of us did not grow up disagreeing with our parents on anything? Are you kidding?. The only person so would actually consider this a factor when voting for some one is either a flat out hypocrat, a lier or simply a simpleton who basically grew up to be a perfect photocopy of his parents....

This is all a non issue.

I watched Chris Matthews this evening and he brought an excellent black Pastor from Boston who totally denounced Obama and challenged this MADMAN called preacher. So, listen to it!!!

The BLINDNESS of some of you could be WORSE!!
It leads to DISASTERS!!!Learn a bit about history!!!

Please do not waste your time blaming the Republicans and FOX News for this expose as it is out in the open for over a year in the Chicago News. I have been mentioning these issues in my comments for quite some time. Obama does not have a great record in Chicago and his questionnable relationship wit Rezco will create a bigger scandal than this. I feel sorry for those of you that rushed to judgement and casted your vote for this individual who is finally unraveling and not thanks to the national media who has been so intent on getting this candidate a major pass without checking his credentials.

Hillary, let's forge ahead with your campaign as we know you are our best bet!!!

Hispana: Sure we can. He is still the same person he was yesterday. And as far what the preacher said...Not any less hateful as some speech that comes form plenty white churches all across teh US, specially in the south. As far as I am concerned, religious leaders of any ilk need not be listened.

All this "fake" outrage by the right wingers would seem comical if it was not so dangerous.

So the Obama response is that after 20 years of attending that church, one that he joined by the way because of Rev. Wright, he didn't know that Wright preached these kinds of sermons??

Isn't that like Bush claiming ignorance about almost every issue over which he has displayed poor judgment. Ignorance is a poor cover for poor judgment.

If the core theme of your candidacy is your claimed ability to end the divisions that exist in the country, to unite Democrats with Republicans so that the country's problems can begin to get solved, then you are selling to the country your core, your essence as a human being.

Obama has said that Wright is his spiritual mentor. But Wright spews such hatred for the country, even blames the victims of 9/11 for being the cause of their own deaths in those buildings and he God Damns America from his pulpit.

I would invite all readers to go to this site in the Asian Times that reports on Obama's world view as given to him by his mother:
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/JB26Aa01.html

That view is of a person who hates America. His mother did. His wife has only recently become proud of the country and his spiritual mentor hates the country.

I see a disturbing pattern here that suggests that Rev. Wright's sermons were not some alien thing to Obama, but the ideas expressed therein are actually what drew Obama to that particular church and to that preacher. It was the familiar sermon that he had received from his mother and reinforced by his wife.

It is true, Obama cannot separate himself from Wright. He is too good a politician not to have done so if separation were possible. But Obama cannot divorce himself from that which he is. He is a believer in the Gospel according to Rev. Wright.

He has been playing people like they were experimental specimens, much as his mother did in studying primative human communities. Obama's cool detachment has been that of a scientist, like his mother. The same scientific method at play.

I've got nothing against science. I think it is the path to the future, but to turn science and the scientific method on your fellow citizens as a tool to manipulate them and their emotions so that you can get them to support you, well no I am not for that.

A vote is an informed decision. I voter should be informed by his conscious thinking rational logical mind, not by emotions, neither the emotion of fear that Bush played on, nor elation as Obama has tried to work on the people. Both blur reason and logical judgment.

This preacher has destroyed Obama's bid for President.

How can Obama go to the Super Delegates now and ask for support?

How can Obama argue about his superior judgment?

How can Obama campaign now for change without the question being asked, What Change?

How can White people come to vote for this guy?

How can the vast majority of our fellow African Americans citizens who do not share this hatred of America vote for this guy?? THE most loyal Americans, the first ones to go off to war to fight and die for her are our fellow African Americans.

Shame on Obama for playing such a cruel game not just on his fellow Americans but especially on his fellow African Americans. They want this crap even less than white Americans.

I don't quite understand how this is supposed to play out. Obviously if anyone says anything to me, I instantly believe it, take it into my heart, and make it my own creed. I get that part. Words are instant contagion; they go straight to the brain and get to work.

What I'm missing here is, if Obama imbibed all this hate from Wright, then how is he expressing it? A respected career in the state senate? The US Senate? His two books tracking his uplifting journey? His relentlessly positive campaign? Why hasn't he tried to pass the "Hate America" act, or the "America is Racist" act? Or written about his 20 years of programmed hate?

Oh I see...he's this relentlessly positive because he's actually so full of hate, he has to get to the White House, then he can unleash it on all of us in this big wave. A real Manchurian Candidate for black people! Wow. That's just so sinister.

Oh, and you all suuuuuck! LOL

jameswhanger wrote:
Did ANYONE pay attention to the issues Katrina raised??? Is anyone REALLY surprised that a black man of that age is ANGRY at the POWERS THAT BE for RACISM that was not ONLY the NORM during his lifetime, but it was the LAW??

I'm a 43 year old white man, who went to private schools and can't possibly understand what it feels like to be a member of an OPPRESSED minority. BUT, I sure as HE11 can understand why someone who IS, might not be happy about the way in which his country has behaved towards people that look like him.

James Whanger, I am glad as a white U.S. citizen, you had the courage to admit the atrocities on blacks in this country since African slaves were brought to these shores up to the present.

As a registered Democrat, I am neither a Obama or Clinton supporter. I am concerned with the personal attacks by some within the Democratic Party against Obama. Hopefully blacks will open their eyes to see how racist some are within the Democratic Party. Blacks have been brain washed to think, Republicans are the racist. On the issue of Rush, I listen to his show, but sometimes he come across as being unstable. The same goes for Sean Hannity. Sean have discussed his being a Catholic. I was born and raised Catholic, but their is racism within the Catholic Church. I experience racism from Priests and Nuns growing up within the church. Sometimes it's hard for whites to see themselves as being racist or making racist remarks, because racism has been embedded in America for centuries. I don't walk around blaming the white man for all the troubles in my life, but as a black man, I have to endure things in society most white males don't experience.

Unca Wright, so long!

Racism OBVIOUSLY comes from both sides and those of us who have made the huge step to erase as much of that ugliness from our attitudes are feeling particularly sad this week. What with Ferraro and Wright, we are seeing that racism is alive and well on both sides. Granted both of them have more to their lives than the 30 second clip when they said the most stupid thing in their lives. But instead of the huge issues that face our country, we are obsessed with personalities as if this was tabloid fodder. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are fine candidates. However their abilities become clouded and they are blamed for statements they themselves did not make.
I am sure Obama told Wright to go out there and ruin my chances.

"It is not whites that continue to fan the flames of racism. It is individuals like Rev Wright that choose to preach anti-American and anti-white hate speech,"

Folks, Obama could be preaching a message of Unity and Hope, but certainly anyone with common sense has to see that at this point, Obama's credibility, judgement and character has become a MAJOR issue.

His statements today were done after all this pressure and if you watched him closely I saw hesitation that spoke louder than words. So, can we believe him?

I am amazed that someone here is comparing the works of a MADMAN to Frederick Douglass. Excuse me and go and really read his work!!!

I guess this VITRIOL and ANTI-CHRISTIAN HATRED is common in some churches. Do not tell me that folks other than FANATIC ZOMBIES accept this behavior that borders on TREASON!!!

Let me say this, the Democratic Party is in serious trouble. I have never seen an election that has been so mean spirited with racist overtones. I think, if Hillary Clinton get's the Democratic nomination, many black voters will not cast their votes in November. We all will have to reap what we sow in this life on earth!

After reading the comments from this preacher I am so upset that I can tell you for a fact that should Barack Obama become the Democratic nominee for President that this 40 year die hard Democrat will in fact vote for McCain for President. I will NEVER vote for Barack Obama after now learning about his true views. His spiritual advisor says "god damn America" and I, a combat veteran who has seen Americans of all races shed their blood and lives for this country, can only say in response, God Bless America and God Bless the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines who have died in order to allow this man to be able to preach his hateful sermons.

To Indiebot - I respect what you're saying about the idiots that have endorsed McCain. However, the biggest difference is that these 2 gentlemen do not present themselves as spiritual mentors to McCain. These idiots do not have a relationship with McCain that spans over 20 years. McCain is not a member of either of these men's churches. It's entirely different.

This is what Obama had with Wright. I am not saying that Obama agrees with Wright. I do think it's a stretch that a man as intelligent as Obama is would not know that his minister spewed such hatred comments occasionally on Sundays. It takes a huge leap of faith to believe that of Obama.

www.unfilteredopinion.com

Look,
I hate McCains politics- no way I vote for him- but don't compare apples and oranges- those guys are vaguely connected to the McCain campaign- it is doubtful that he has been working closely with them for 20 years, that they married him, baptized his kids or inspired his books...he didn't thank them after he won his senate seat- this is not the same thing- don't try to minimize this. This could easily be the Republicans swift boat attack on Barak- but he has nowhere to go on this one- the record is with the attackers.
Leon

rebeccajohnson1, everyone certainly has the right to vote for whomever they want. However, you seem to be confused. Barack Obama and his pastor are not the same person. The anti-American comments came from his pastor not him. If you want to attack Obama on his association with said pastor, do so (though I think that argument is incredibly flimsy), but don't make the mistake of conflating the two as if they are one man. They are not.

Secondly, perhaps you didn't make yourself clear when you wrote, "Our country does not need to be run by victims crying about it all the time." As it stands, that reads as if you agree that there are victims in this country, you just don't want them to "cry about it all time."

Thirdly, surely you don't believe that the Civil Rights Movement cleansed America of racism. If you do, I can tell you that you're wrong. Dead wrong. I was born in the eighties, well after MLK and I've been called the N-word more than once to my face. The fact that the Obama's came of age in the 70s means nothing at all. Sure, maybe they've never experienced a lynching but that doesn't mean they've never been victims of racism.

Lastly, I'm curious as to where you get this message of victim-hood. ALL Barack talks about is unity and mutual uplift (i.e. hope). He has fought hard to keep race out of the campaign, despite the efforts of a well-known few. In fact, if Obama's message was one of racism and victim-hood I doubt his former pastor's comments would be as much of a news story as they currently are.

Folks, IT IS NOT TOO LATE to make a difference in the votes of the remaining 10 states. You can help by blogging in these states newspapers, making calls on behalf of Hillary and hopefully the people in these states have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, more than ever, Florida and Michigan are instrumental. Let Howard DEAN know that the DNC could lose this election. The Super Delegates could be infuencial if they see that Hillary wins by a significant majority the popular vote. So, Pennsylvania here we go!!!

INTERESTING.....

So now CNN is reporting how McCain has his own share of religious nutjobs like Rob Parsley and the other fatzo... John something...Anyway, he is there on the stage shaking hand with one and the being endorse by the other.... And openly thanking them for their support

These two guys, the two most hateful extreme right tele-evangelists on TV, the ones that, like Pat Robertson and the Westboro Church, blame all natural disasters and wars on things like gay rights, pro-choice, evolution, etc, etc.

And this guy what... Gets a pass on that?. Yes?

I respect everyone's opinion here but after reading those that are disavowing these FACTS being finally presented since Sunday evening it totally amazes me your gullibility or lack of common sense and YES it makes me shiver because FANATICS like these have been the ones that have preceded major disasters in our world history.

Looking at the preachings of this MADMAN and followers makes me wonder about Obama and his speeches and reaction from his followers, the only difference is the deliverance taught by Harvard.

If some of you still do not have any doubts about the influence of this extremist church, at least begin to open your eyes and be receptive to the fact that Obama might not be who he claims to be our our wisest choice for a candidate. This would not fade away and THERE IS MORE coming our way.

Judgement, character and credibility are major QUESTIONS now. Just imagine how the general elections would be!!!

It is disingenuous of Barack Obama to say that after 20 years of close association with this pastor, he didn't know the nature of the sermons he preached.

It is irrelevant that the pastor is retiring (how convenient!). The pastor may retire from the church, but his views don't retire from him. In any case, the criticism of Obama in this case would be for his past association with the pastor, not his future association with his uncle, as he considers him.

There is some effort at compating this pastor's comments to what Geraldine Ferraro said the other day. Hogwash! What Geraldine Ferraro said doesn't even register on the scale to be used for Rev Wright's wrong views, and his exuberant sermons preaching them.

All of this puts Michelle Obama's comment that she "for the first time in her adult life, is proud of the country", in a new light.

Rev. Wright is using rhetoric familiar to black prophetic religious tradition. Read David Walker of 1830, Frederick Douglass of the 1850's. Read white abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison who called for the destruction of the Constitution because of its 3/5hts compromise advocating slavery, an institution with which most white Americans of his day were comfortable. I am sure his sermons consist of more of the total two minutes that are shared over the airwaves. He has spoken out strongly against sexism and homophobia. How many in Christian traditions have done that?

kevinlarmee, Is your real name Mel Gibson. I saw you in Conspiracy Theory. You were great.

Moving beyond this Obama kerfuffle, what's so wrong with what Wright said? America was founded on racism. Much of our agrarian economy was based on slavery. The Constitution said an African slave was legally three fifths of a man. It's just a true statement. America was founded on racism. After that, after the civil war, we had 100 years of racial terror against black people. Also fact. That legal regime ended in 1965. It's effects are ongoing. Have you looked at legal outcomes when blacks and whites are tried for similar crimes? I mean, have you been to the South Side of Chicago? Last time I was there, I saw people living in buildings that were half-burnt-out. And that was public housing. You look around there, you live there, you might not always find yourself subscribing to the Disneyland America everyone thinks we should just be praise praise praising, like it's the hourly parade. I don't find Wright's comments surprising or untrue at all. I find it weird that white people would think that black people should just forget about all this, say everything's fine now. That a black person isn't allowed to feel or express anger at history and its effects. I'm white; I think such expressions are fine, healthy, and good for the rest of us to hear. If only we could listen better.

Also, I have to say in 2003 I was feeling plenty of "God Damn America" myself. Turns out though that God didn't need to damn us - we damned ourselves with a foreign policy disaster that's sucking our economy dry, pushing our military into the red zone, and allowing Al Qaeda to do an end run around us in Pakistan. So I guess Preacher Wright was a little off base in that sense.

Why is it that I have a feeling that many people felt thaat they have been had? Is it because yesterday Obama was forced to admit that he successfully funneled taxpayer money to a friend (was it $8million?) and tried to funnel taxpayer money to his wife ($1 million)? Or is it because that his staffer was caught last week that Obama did not mean what he said on TV? Or finally Obama admitting today that he actually know and received more money from Rezko? Or that he chose to stay with his preacher who is such a bigot?

Oh well... Ferraro is right. If Obama were a white man, he would not be were he is.