The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

The number of people posting their highly charged, fearful comments on here is a sure indication that the change Obama has promised is most certainly needed to save America from itself.

As a Canadian neighbor to the USA it has been saddening to see the amount of fear since 911. Work together people and help the USA to once again be the noble leader and friend of many people and countries that it was. You have an amazing leader in Obama, one who many counties including Canada wish we were blessed to have.

Friends, americans, citizens of Washington and (those 12 million or so that are illigal to) Let not the hate from between yourselves emanate and spill over lest the Democracy that you so practice, where all have equal rights, no matter who they are and has been the corner stone to make others see the way you see. I know it's been a long hard road for America to get where it is, but this time around America should show itself as an example it once was and not a preditor to itself too. We, the rest of the world can forgive, but I am not to sure that generations that follow, will forget. There is no other time than now for America to show the rest of the world, that...it stands for one cause and it stands as one nation as one people, irrelevant of caste, color, creed, language and religion (Isn't that suppose to be the corner stone of what Democracy is all about!)So, wake up America, the rest of the world is waiting and as you sow, so will the rest sow. So, sow well now, without pride and contempt, (There is no time for that now) Remember! we humans normally never can admit a good thing when we see it, cause we are not the one. If we are not it, well, at least we can try to be a part of it in the long run and enjoy the benefits of someone else's hard labor just as we enjoy the fruits of those that got us here today with all their sweat in discoveries that has made us healthier, wealthier and I hope wiser for it all. I find it funny actually, when so many in the outside world can see a good thing when it comes, americans cannot see it from so close by. Come, come folks, it is time to put aside your differences and judge Borack Obama after he is the President and not before. God bless America at least, once more.

Friends, americans, citizens of Washington and (those 12 million or so that are illigal to) Let not the hate from between yourselves emanate and spill over lest the Democracy that you so practice, where all have equal rights, no matter who they are and has been the corner stone to make others see the way you see. I know it's been a long hard road for America to get where it is, but this time around America should show itself as an example it once was and not a preditor to itself too. We, the rest of the world can forgive, but I am not to sure that generations that follow, will forget. There is no other time than now for America to show the rest of the world, that...it stands for one cause and it stands as one nation as one people, irrelevant of caste, color, creed, language and religion (Isn't that suppose to be the corner stone of what Democracy is all about!)So, wake up America, the rest of the world is waiting and as you sow, so will the rest sow. So, sow well now, without pride and contempt, (There is no time for that now) Remember! we humans normally never can admit a good thing when we see it, cause we are not the one. If we are not it, well, at least we can try to be a part of it in the long run and enjoy the benefits of someone else's hard labor just as we enjoy the fruits of those that got us here today with all their sweat in discoveries that has made us healthier, wealthier and I hope wiser for it all. I find it funny actually, when so many in the outside world can see a good thing when it comes, americans cannot see it from so close by. Come, come folks, it is time to put aside your differences and judge Borack Obama after he is the President and not before. God bless America at least, once more.

OBAMA did exactly what he was trying to (and perhaps should) avoid, that is, get into the "race" race. America is still clearly divided and has deep racial wounds, and this may be for Barack, a can of worms he will not be able to swim out of. Is this a campaign about race (until now it was clearly not ... now, I am not sure)? Or is is about a greater political national and international picture? Obama was doing well while he was able to avoid going color, and convince all Americans that his candidacy was a broader issue than just about hues.

Yet this speech, clearly thows race into his politics, and this will surely have an impact on his future supporters and detractors. You have to respect him for bravely and eloquently facing the issue. The question is, is this a make or break moment for the electorate? Political victors don't necessarily say what they should, but rather what they need to win.

There is a before and after the "more perfect union address".

anakin1992: mature politics is politics when people come together as americans, as one entity to show the world that there is a unique unity in american democracy and not the other way around. where black and white, rich and poor, hispanic and asian, and all other ethnic groups who have come to america to live the american dream. For all to see one cause and one goal, to make it happen and not just talk and talk about for we lose the essence of reality. The world is changing and so americans must change too, if only to know that the whole world is watching closely to follow or not to follow the altruism of those that have gone by and laid down the foundations for a greater american that can be. There is no other time in the american history that will determine the future of all courses the world over, It's now or never to judge well and judge honestly. Julian.

people I was watching bloomberg europe last night prior to the european markets opening and they discussed things that you will not see on our news. they mentioned that the dollar will continue to decline ( but european markets are insulated from this so it's not a major concern). they mentioned that our economy is in major recession that will be long lasting-one unlike what the european markets face. they said the fed cut rates .750 ( which is not enough) and expect another cut of .750 which will push the dollar lower and oil higher. and finally that there will not be an better financial environment here until at least 2010. people this is an example of our real problems. we cannot function and prosper if we don't make some sort of social evolution as a unified nation. and obama is the best candidate to inspire such a movement.
how can anyone hold a obama responsible for rev wrights remarks. be balanced in your analysis. let's not forget that the catholic church ( i in no way mean this to bash) just emerged from it's own and widespread controversy involving children. were any politicians expected to renounce their particular parish after finding out- in that case ? no, of course not - how could they in any way be held accountable ?
some people will never support obama regardless of rhyme or reason, and that's fine. but to the rest let's be balanced in your thinking and your gut, as we could all do better to bring about unity.
obama should get back to what made people take note of him; yes, his speeches and uplifting unifying message. he should also do something like show his diverse extended family doing something like BBQing to leave people w/ the proper image.

Does the fact that Obama refused to disavow Rev Wright send a message to all the other American haters in the world that Obama not only allows anti-American hate speeches but will proudly stand beside those who spew such hatred for America? Rev Wrights speech had less to do with race and more to do with hating America. If Obama is elected I feel it will send a message to the world that Obama will stand by and "understand" where their hatred is coming from and turn a blind eye to it. Obama displayed extremly poor judement in all his associations with Rev Wright. Is this the kind of president we want and/or need in these difficult times?
I think not!!

to sekou777 wow you right a good post! Thanks!

The difficulty is that Rev. Wright says 'white' instead of just rich. It is difficult because it doesn't move us forward, in the same way someone saying "America is ruined by unmotivated black people" doesn't move us forward.

I don't believe that the 'original sin' that Obama spoke of is slavery - rather is an All-Consuming Capitalistic Individualism that sees the 'Free Market' as divine. We proclaim a ''Free Market' not a 'Fair Market'. It is this allegiance to the 'individual' [whether defined as one person or one nation] that is our 'original sin'. Our country is run by [REGARDLESS OF COLOR OR GENDER OR CULTURE]by those who commit to and/or aspire to the power of the ONE (me, mine, and my own).

For any of us to stand in opposition to it we need to check 'race', 'sex', 'culture', etc at the door. It is blind allegiance to me, mine, or my group, without regard for others, that is the root of racism, sexism, ageism, religious intolerance, gay/lesbian bias, etc.

We can spend countless hours with countless words and deeds to explore the 'wounds of history' but what we need is to move forward without rancor and take action with the 'lessons of history' guiding the way (not as a club but as a torch).

To go forward with vision we must look beyond concern for myself or my group and be connected across the lines that divide. [I'm always moved most when I see a person sticking up for people who are NOT their own -- a white woman helping to register Latinos; a man supporting a woman's shelter; a straight male speaking up for a gay male; etc.] But, to do this would shake the very foundations of our All-Consuming Capitalistic Individualism.
One Example: SUPPOSE THE HIGHEST EARNER OF A COPORATION HAS THEIR SALARY TIED TO A % OF THE LOWEST SALARY IN THE CORPORATION [FAIR TRADE]? IT WOULD NOT MATTER IF ONE OR THE OTHER WAS BLACK-WHITE-MALE-FEMALE-ABLE BODIED-DISABLED-GAY-STRAIGHT...

But no, we'd rather rely on or excuse words and actions (or non-actions) that separate and divide; bury and blame; convict and offend. The first step forward is to denounce this rhetoric of division (no matter where it is found) and move to words and action that unite. And these words and actions must unite us not on distinctions of race or gender or religion or any of the other things we normally rally around but on justice and fairness and equality and more.

I am not mad at a specific group of people who may vent or express their anger or frustration. I am mad at all people who cannot see beyond their own concerns and who seek to denigrate others to protect themselves... (Maybe 'disappointed in' is a better way to say it than 'mad at'?)

There are a lot of steps to going forward but none more important than the first one. It has to be bedrock, it has to be sure, it has to be true. I don't think that step has been taken this election cycle. The last time it was attempted the messenger was killed.

to esommers in response to post made on March 19, 2008 05:53 PM

1) I'm saying whether he sat through 20 years (or some other amount) and didn't take public action or whether he knew of Rev. Wright's statement last year (when he disinvited him and/or started to distance himself from Wright) and didn't take action; the same problem exists: he didn't take action. The high road demands action when it is needed not when it is politically expedient/necessary. Obama may not have heard the controversy but he knew it was there last year and didn't take a public stand against it then. If I knew that my pastor said something that was "controversial" in this manner and even though I hadn't actually heard him say it, I'd get to the bottom of it at a personal level and then take the necessary public steps (saying "Rev. 'X' has disavowed...; or I have disavowed Rev. 'X'). But evidently Sen. Obama did not do this until it was politically necessary.
2) Go ask Imus or his station? Evidently one racist remark is enough to deserve ACTION. If I bake a cake that calls for 4 eggs and 1 of them is rotten I don't expect the cake to be swallowed.
3) & 4) Some of the frosting can still taste good. In fact, as a preacher, I like a lot of what Rev. Wright says - he is an incredible theologian and the manner in which he exposits Scripture is mostly mind-blowing (in a good way). But, he and everyone around him need to examine their own racism as well and reconsider and recant and repudiate 'hate speech' -- right away, now, if not sooner.

Two Nations, Black and White, Seperate, Hostile, and Still Unequal.

Andrew Hacker wrote those words back in the early 1990's and they still ring true today. I have read the many comments posted and would like to offer these thoughts;

While I disagree with the overall tone of Rev. Wrights speech as many on this board have deemed "hateful", "atrocious", "anti-American", and so forth no one has really addressed the issues he spoke about. Just the style, his tone, his ranting... There in lies the problem, Americans do not like there dirty laundry aired.

What is more offensive, Rev. Wright saying America is a country run by "rich white people" or a country that is populated by poor people of which a large disproportionate amount are people of color which is the flip side of that statement.

Who makes up the top 5% of wealth in this country? What is the racial make up of the CEO's of the Fortune 500 companies? Top firms on wall street? 90% of stock brokers and traders? 100 percent of US presidents, 80% of the current US Congress? I would dare say that the country is run by rich white people. But you all know that. Just hate hearing it.

What gives this loud, clearly hostile black man who calls himself a pastor the right to make such sweeping "untrue" comments against white America? What standard are we setting? What possibly can he be so angry about??

What is so offensive about this whole affair is that we need the subcontext of an election to have an honest discussion about race. But many of you aren't being honest. Just kneejerk, and that's the real tragedy of this whole thing.

News flash to America, yeah blacks are angry and whites are resentful of that anger. What are we going to do about it?

In many respects it is undeniable that Senator Obama's speech was a masterpiece. At points it was courageous and candid. But Rev Wright's sermons, which occasioned the speech, deal with something beyond race relations, and as they relate to Senator Obama's bid for the Presidency, neither the speech nor sermons can be analyzed exclusively in terms of race.

In his sermons Rev Wright makes it clear that he views America as a wicked nation led by whites that have an unabated history of oppressing non-whites. America, as Rev Wright sees her, not only spreads her cruel, oppressive and aggressive policies around the world, but also approves of those who practice these policies. Clearly, Rev Wright, a man of God, is not proud of America, but rather is outraged and wants America to change her ways. Rev Wright's sermons seemed to be buttressed by a well-developed theology, and looking at the reaction of Rev Wright's congregation, one sensed strong agreement with both its contents and passionate delivery. Hopefully it is not crass speculation to suggest that the congregation had heard thematically similar sermons before.

Apart from the work he himself does and encourages others to do to bring about change, in Rev Wright's view, proper Christian leadership will help the nation change her persistently wicked ways. Therefore, Rev Wright sees a chance for America to mend her ways if someone like Barack Obama ascends to the Presidency, someone who has been the victim of these terrible intractable America policies, or who at least shares his analysis.

In analyzing the judgment of America espoused by Rev Wright and his congregation, we must remember that this America, the home of the free, even if Rev Wright might disagree. But when it comes to Senator Obama who would be our Leader, can we afford to take the same approach? Having been so closely associated with Rev Wright for these many years, it seems reasonable to assume that Senator Obama is well acquainted with Rev Wright's outlook on America. To what extent has Senator Obama been shaped by Rev Wright's breakdown of America and those Rev Wright deems America's cohorts? Is a single speech given in response to a press furor that is clearly having a negative impact on his Presidential run enough for the nation to assess the extent to which Rev Wright's scrutiny of America has shaped Senator Obama the man and politician?

It would be a mistake for this important opportunity to churn through a single news cycle and be forgotten. We should instead set aside hype and our recent sheep-like behavior and begin to deliberate reasonably, respectfully and critically about this audacious man who hopes to be our President. In the process, let us examine our own souls even as we attempt to get a glimpse into his soul striving to look beyond words, perhaps then the dream can become a reality that we can all be proud of.

And like this campaign its just like everything else, its hard to give the reins to someone you we're told was inferior to you all you'r life, but you knew in you'r heart isn't yep "isn't" is a word now!! so like we passed the reins in some things Ex. Jackie robison,tiger woods,oprah etc..it made the game alittle better, so till we have a different commander and chief we will never know how much better we could be.

Its shocking how people can sink so low as to judge Obama's candidature and credibility based on his Pastor's sentiments. Do always have to leave a church when the Preacher speaks controversially, even if you do not agree with hi?

Ladies and gentlemen, can we say Hillary should have left Bill because Bill was an infidel. Even the Bible says its not wrong to divorce an unfaithful partner but can we say Hill should divorce Bill on the pretext that she should not associate with adulterers.

And to the Clintonites, you have shown that you do not deserve to take the leadership mantle of America as you are very divisive and your politics full of hatred. Every right thinking American should stand with Obama because he has shown that Politics are not supposed to be about throwing mad but talking real issues such as change.

Hill has stayed loyal to a sexual abuser,she should prove to us that she is not an abuser by distancing or disinviting Bill from her company.

Lets stop the racial rants. Lets stick by Obama's words of unity.

I watched the videos of the Rev. right that have flooded the interent and they are a pretty tough pill to swallow, but swallow it we must.
Even if we completely hate the message, there isn't any point in shooting the messenger.
I think the problem that most people are having with the Rev.'s words are not so much that they are vile, but that they are, in large part true.
Race relations in this country are a long, long way from the ideal picture we want to paint.
Bigotry, mistrust and even hatred is still alive and well in the good old US of A and if you doubt that look at the results of the votes in Mississippi. Clinton got what 90% of the white vote, Obama 95% of the black votes and it had nothing to do with their politics and everything to do with their race.
If you 'polled' the whites in Mississippi as to why they voted for Clinton over Obama knowing how dirty she is, they'll tell you, quite honestly and even proudly that they'd rather vote for a dirty white politician than an intelligent, and virtually clean black man.
Yeah, race is an issue in this election, even though we all know it shouldn't be.
But, back to the Rev.'s much viewed pulpit rants. I saw very few young blacks in that congregation. His message of anger and yes, even hatred was listened to primarily by the older blacks, who like Obama said in his speech lived the horror of segregation. They were taught hatred and mistrust by not only their parents,but by white America as well.
The younger generation is struggling with racial issues of a whole other type, but struggling nonetheless, and let's give them credit, the hatred and mistrust is no longer being taught by most.
Our only hope to unite this country and ease racial tensions is to allow Rev Wright his rants and try to understand exactly why he feels as he does.
All we whites really need to do is put ourselves in their place, and try to imagine how we would feel if the shoe was on the other foot.
AS for Barack Obama, I think he did an amazing job of trying to explain the feelings and the fear behind the Rev.'s rhetoric.
But, apparently we can't even give credit where credit is due.
How sad is that.

Now we are getting over the drug epidimk the ripped the property from or war vet grandparents that were working class citizens who bought property and raised kids. our morgage crisis was in the 80's when the iran contra affair was being hushed I was a 9 year old kid seening it first hand. Now the other community want to make drugs from under the counter newton law of for every action theres a equal and opposite reaction. to be cont..

african americans were kidnapped,force here.(from 1600-1860) others tried everything they can to come to this great country. so when they say go back home I say where?
African Americans generated great wealth for others in this country, other domestic products (gdp) paled in comparison to slave labor (gdp)between 1600-1860.They were worried that would lead to more job loss above the 30 degree parallels or the compromise of 1830. Thats what mostly stopped slavery not my whippins and rapins Now they give welfare to keep the job market available for others. they were afraid of the black movements of the 60's self impowerment and so forth so they killed my leaders,peddle drugs to the youth of my community along with guns and watch us self destruct and if that didnt kill us they threw in something left over from Hitler to kill Africa, instead of invade in his bid to conquer the world (AIDS) in my community.

It's really a simple question that American's need to ask themselves: What is our "bottom" as a nation. How much more suffering do we need to go through before we realize the insanity of our politics, the insanity of war, and indeed the insanity of how we view the world.
Barack has offered himself up to lead this country in a completely new direction. Like he said, we can simply turn away and keep doing the insane things we've always done like letting "hate" radio and t.v. like Fox News set the agenda. We just might end up doing that. Change will still come eventually...it's just a matter of how much more suffering it's going to take. Wake up America...before it's too late. OBAMA 08

The highly charged comments by many of the readers serves to show just how important and on target Barack Obama's speech was.

As a Canadian with an American wife, I have spent much time in the USA. You have the most amazing country on this planet and the best document for humanity in your Constitution, yet the division among races still continues to cripple and distract you.

You are kept busy focusing on picking apart people like Barack Obama that can provide the leadership to return your country not just to its former greatness but to being a new model for humanity.

Meantime your current and potential future "leadership" (Hillary? or McCain?)continues sending your jobs to other countries, spends your future on invading other countries for questionable agendas.

No one is perfect including Barack Obama. However Barack Obama is the best hope that I have seen in my 51 years for offering real and positive change and for saving a faltering USA economy and social system.

I and many other Canadians would vote for Barack Obama as our leader if he were running here. You are blessed.

It is a law of nature that what you focus on you get more of. So the question for or American friends is do you want to continue with more of the same or focus on healing your country and creating the most amazing era in US history.

Fear is what Hitler used to motivate people to hate their neighbors. THey are not like us and here we are in the 21st century and again we act out of fear and loathing. In a nation that claim to be a christian people, yet again we don't put our trust in God but in fear. How many Al qaida are there- I am sure we have more people in one of our Maximum prison than there are Al Qaida. We are a nation of over three hundred million people but we live in object terror out of fear. First it was he was too inexperience (He is Black and inexperience) now his pastor preach hate, and I ask my fellow American why is it unpatriotic to criticize our country? What a shame in a Democracy when people cannot express their opinion without prosecution. If we look past the firey rethoric and hear what the Rev said- what a nation sow so shall it reap. Ask any farmer and he will tell you the same thing. Look at the three major religion and they will agree on this same tenent-and if it is true for an indivdual it is true for a nation. America has lost her humility and caught up in the rethoric of greatness- but I tell you one constant thing in life is that the scale get balance out sooner than later one way or another we will pay a price for what we have done today. Senator Clinton has choosen Ambition over principle and that is far more dangerous to the health and well being of this nation than our manufacteured Boogey man (Al Qaida). Fear is the only thing we should fear is creating a climate of fear. This is not survivor, a game show we watch on television, if we let our fear of each other and that beast call Racism to triumph over hope and faith, then Hitler and all the facist will have won because they were right the only thing people respond to his fear. Are we truely the nation on a hill and are we truely the last great light of Western Civilization or we have become the Empire without clothes. Why is the rest of the world is laughuing why are we not getting the joke and have become a nation of peasants. People wake up and stop voting out of fear and stop stooping devisive discourse. God grant us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. God Bless America and all its people that the darkness don't enter our spirit and your light shine forth.

Hate speech is hate speech. There is no defense for it.

Barack Obama is a good speaker, but scrutiny of the speech reveals some serious flaws.

It is disconcerting to hear Obama create a moral equivalence between Rev. Wright's atrocious, hate-filled rants and the tepid expressions of his elderly (still living) white grandmother, and the ambiguous statements of Geraldine Ferraro.

He also skillfuly avoided the basic question of why he remained in the church for twenty long years in the face of his pastor's hateful rhetoric against white people and the United States.

On a personal level, I cannot imagine why Barack and Michelle Obama would expose their young children to such hateful harranges in church.

I was also upset to learn that he didn't go to his dying mother's bedside. I don't know how he lives with himself about that.

Our nation has racial problems. If you disagree, you're not listening to your fellow man, reading the papers, or understanding the statistics (and you're part of the problem). Obama can bring this country together like nobody since MLK, he's trying hard and he's doing it. Nobody can serve our country better at this point in history than President Obama. Lofty ideals is what founded this country. Let's keep going.

GREAT SPEECH! TRANSCENDS ALL BOUNDARIES AND REPRESENTS THE GREATNESS OF AMERICA. WE NEED A UNIFYING LEADER, WHO CAN GALVANISE THE ENORMOUS POTENTIALS IN THE RICH DIVERSE POPULATION TO PROMOTE AMERICA'S GREATNESS. WE NEED UNITY IN DIVERSITY! AMERICA'S DIVERSE POPULATION IS A SOURCE OF STRENGHT AND WE NEED A LEADER WHO CAN PROMOTE THIS GREATNESS. OBAMA CLEARLY REPRESENTS WHAT AMERICA NEEDS NOW TO TRANSCEND BEYOUND ALL BOUNDARIES AND SUSTAIN ITS STRENGHT AS THE GREATEST NATION EVER IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND!

Please - the Pied Piper strikes the NY Times once again (except for Dan Balz) - this is a guy who changes his tune for different audiences. Now it's tapping into white guilt over race relationships, and just a day before the Mississippi vote, in a townhall filled mostly of African Americans, he uses the word "bamboozled" explains that people have been "okie doked" which is the same as "hookwinked."

We are being played. And the canard is race. The issue is judgment - if Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell can leave the presence of the hateful Reverend Wright, why couldn't Barack Obama. He has poor judgment, face it, and certainly should not be a President.

I had to copy and paste this again...this is america now...it was posted by..ZanyZephyr48..before you read it...who the hell is Mark luther King..shows how stupid you R

(((FIRST OF ALL THERE IS NO SUCH WORD AS
"DIS-INVITE"....IT IS AN INVENTION OF THE OBAMA CAMP...
OBAMA IS NOTHING BUT A CHARLATAN.
HE HAS PULLED THE WOOL AROUND THE EYES OF SO MANY AMERICANS ESPECIALLY THE AFRICAN AMERICANS.
THERE IS NOTHING 'LOFTY' ABOUT HIS SPEECH. IN HIS OWN WORDS HE IS VERY GOOD AT GIVING SPEECHES, ALBEIT USING PHRASES AND WORDS FROM HIS 'UNCLE WRIGHT'.
HIS SPEECH WAS REPUGNANT TO ME. IT WAS SPECIOUS, PONTIFICAL AND PATRONISING. MARK LUTHER KING FOLLOWED THE GANDHIAN PATH OF 'NON VIOLENCE' UNLIKE 'UNCLE WRIGHT' OR LOUIS FARRAKHAN.
AMERICANS WAKE UP!!! IT NOT TOO LATE. GIVE HILLARY A CHANCE. SHE WILL BRING AMERICA BACK TO ITS GLORY!!!!
WOE BETIDE THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA BECOME THE PRESIDENT.
AMBITION THY NAME IS BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!))))

please...

Great speech from the heart. Great words that came from the core of this man. he is Mr. President of America for the next 8 years. God has a better chance of healing this nation with Obama in the white house than .... America is really on her way to being healed and blessed. Don't be surprise that God might even had a hand in revealing this video and anger about Rev. Wright. Something good is baout to happen to America. the ills of America--socially, economically, and politically--are about to take place. Let us have the courage to vote for Barack Obama for President. He is for America at such a time as this.

We encourage people to speak what is on their minds, but we can't hear what they're saying, that's what the media is doing to Senator Barack Obama, YES. I said it Senator that's what he is, not barack. Give the Man his due. I was born in the sixties and I know very well how my Father had to guild me in the 60's and 70's with the racial on-slot, when to speak, where to speak, how to speak and stay in your place son. There's not much that has changed in this country (US), so now you'll tell me to leave, go back to. Well I want go there. I've spent 20 years in the military dealing with multicultural people you think I would have seen a change in this land (US), It's hard to say, nothing has really changed, we are still the same. Their is a Man that wants change, but you choose to put other peoples words in his mouth then put the blame on him, (so should I repeat-ate des-own denounce the media for there on-slot of (barack) that's what they call him.

You show no respect to the man, give him his due. White folks don't want change, in this world there has never been a Black President, and white folks is-not or-not ant gone let know smart Genuine Black Man be one. Because they're so concern that Senator Barack, would do such an outstanding job that he would change the world from what they see in it, what they want in it. That's right, WE live in a divided country (US) has been, looks like will always be. That it would be to right of a position that everything would be all right.
President Bush promised us peace, growth we got War and Recession. Change is what we need, now is the time. If we pass this up as a country of misfits and outcast we loose that moment in America where we could have completed the constitution. Made the world go ah. Because they are watching, and what we do NOW, shows them who we really are. So when you still this election, from Senator Barack Obama, more trouble will come our way, Because we can't be trusted to make right choices, to do the right things. Judge a man bye his words and the way he says them, not the company he keeps. Because if you don't know what the other guy is doing he will still your Money (President Bush).
To-add: 1.Black folks can't be races we don't like anybody.

We encourage people to speak what is on their minds, but we can't hear what they're saying, that's what the media is doing to Senator Barack Obama, YES. I said it Senator that's what he is, not barack. Give the Man his due. I was born in the sixties and I know very well how my Father had to guild me in the 60's and 70's with the racial on-slot, when to speak, where to speak, how to speak and stay in your place son. There's not much that has changed in this country (US), so now you'll tell me to leave, go back to. Well I want go there. I've spent 20 years in the military dealing with multicultural people you think I would have seen a change in this land (US), It's hard to say, nothing has really changed, we are still the same. Their is a Man that wants change, but you choose to put other peoples words in his mouth then put the blame on him, (so should I repeat-ate des-own denounce the media for there on-slot of (barack) that's what they call him.

You show no respect to the man, give him his due. White folks don't want change, in this world there has never been a Black President, and white folks is-not or-not ant gone let know smart Genuine Black Man be one. Because they're so concern that Senator Barack, would do such an outstanding job that he would change the world from what they see in it, what they want in it. That's right, WE live in a divided country (US) has been, looks like will always be. That it would be to right of a position that everything would be all right.
President Bush promised us peace, growth we got War and Recession. Change is what we need, now is the time. If we pass this up as a country of misfits and outcast we loose that moment in America where we could have completed the constitution. Made the world go ah. Because they are watching, and what we do NOW, shows them who we really are. So when you still this election, from Senator Barack Obama, more trouble will come our way, Because we can't be trusted to make right choices, to do the right things. Judge a man bye his words and the way he says them, not the company he keeps. Because if you don't know what the other guy is doing he will still your Money (President Bush).
To-add: 1.Black folks can't be races we don't like anybody.

We encourage people to speak what is on their minds, but we can't hear what they're saying, that's what the media is doing to Senator Barack Obama, YES. I said it Senator that's what he is, not barack. Give the Man his due. I was born in the sixties and I know very well how my Father had to guild me in the 60's and 70's with the racial on-slot, when to speak, where to speak, how to speak and stay in your place son. There's not much that has changed in this country (US), so now you'll tell me to leave, go back to. Well I want go there. I've spent 20 years in the military dealing with multicultural people you think I would have seen a change in this land (US), It's hard to say, nothing has really changed, we are still the same. Their is a Man that wants change, but you choose to put other peoples words in his mouth then put the blame on him, (so should I repeat-ate des-own denounce the media for there on-slot of (barack) that's what they call him.

You show no respect to the man, give him his due. White folks don't want change, in this world there has never been a Black President, and white folks is-not or-not ant gone let know smart Genuine Black Man be one. Because they're so concern that Senator Barack, would do such an outstanding job that he would change the world from what they see in it, what they want in it. That's right, WE live in a divided country (US) has been, looks like will always be. That it would be to right of a position that everything would be all right.
President Bush promised us peace, growth we got War and Recession. Change is what we need, now is the time. If we pass this up as a country of misfits and outcast we loose that moment in America where we could have completed the constitution. Made the world go ah. Because they are watching, and what we do NOW, shows them who we really are. So when you still this election, from Senator Barack Obama, more trouble will come our way, Because we can't be trusted to make right choices, to do the right things. Judge a man bye his words and the way he says them, not the company he keeps. Because if you don't know what the other guy is doing he will still your Money (President Bush).
To-add: 1.Black folks can't be races we don't like anybody.

I am an indian and I get amused by americans who talk about equality when there is no equality, who talk about democracy when there is still no equality, who talk about americans as one,when there is still so much of hatred between themselves. I sometimes look as America as still the wild west, where Billy the Kid was shot by a white man and not by a black man, where Ibraham Lincoln was assinated by a white man and not by a black man where most presidents were shot by their own people in their own countries and still we talk about racial divisions when it exixt even among same colors too, We humans are a funny lot, just when we think we have all the answers, we go back to square one and then make all the same old mistakes all over again and so this world goes from bad to worse and the next generations takes up from there, where we have left nothing good for them to go on for. Just when America has found the right candidate in Borack Obama, they bog him down with all sort of things as if Borack Obama is someone from out of this world and so, to be the President of the United States, he has to be without blemish. If I was without blemish, I would not get into the presidency at all to be tarnished by one and all who forever cannot see the goodness in a man. Thank God I grew up in an atmosphere where I did not have to grow up seeing the difference between colors and religions. Thank God, I grew up where I did not feel the difference between one man and another and I began to realize that we are all the same after all, the difference only lies in our head, that's all, If all can see it, then all can understand, that we are no different than the other when it comes to being compassionate, to feel pain, being remose, having malice and jealousy and that most greatest of all emotions that lies in each and every one of us...Love. If only we can understand this, we would have heaven on earth for sure. I am happy that India had one of the greatest of all men, Mahatma Gandhi and he to was assasinated by and indian. What are we looking for in ourselves? Do we all want to be presidents? Can we put and enforce the ideas and dreams of each man woman and child? I wonder when will this be. I guess that time will come, when we begin to understand the person in us first of all. God bless America as it has also gone through a violent history of it's own, it is time to learn from the past and the time is now before it's to late. Simply be honest in thought and let not emotions come in the way, as profound thinking can only be achieved when you want a dream to be real, or it will only be a dream to lie there hoping that humankind will one day realize that there is a solution, to make it come true, after all said and done.Julian Michael (someone of mixed race to, but most of all, a human like all others)

I have faith in the people of this country to see Barack Obama for what he is. He is an honest, honerable, and brilliant man who became very close to his church's pastor over the years. Obama needed a father figure, and wanted to fit into the black community. Growing up bi-racially, he didn't fit in in Hawaii during his youth. He found a home of sorts in his church.

I totally understand and forgive Obama for perhaps overlooking some of Wright's radical views. Frankly, I hear black pastors talking like Wright on TV every week.

IN ADDITION, have we ever heard the phrase: "take the best and leave the rest"?? I think Obama knows how to do this. He took what he could from his church's teachings, and it's very apparent to me that he left the more radical, angry and hateful talk.

Barack Obama has demonstrated to me very clearly how inclusive he is in his thinking, and how much of a unifier he would be as president.

After listening to his speech yesterday, and after reflecting on this whole issue (or perhaps I should say "non-issue") I am prouder than ever to support Barack Obama for president.

If he is elected president, this country will be lucky indeed.

I have faith in the people of this country to see Barack Obama for what he is. He is an honest, honerable, and brilliant man who became very close to his church's pastor over the years. Obama needed a father figure, and wanted to fit into the black community. Growing up bi-racially, he didn't fit in in Hawaii during his youth. He found a home of sorts in his church.

I totally understand and forgive Obama for perhaps overlooking some of Wright's radical views. Frankly, I hear black pastors talking like Wright on TV every week.

IN ADDITION, have we ever heard the phrase: "take the best and leave the rest"?? I think Obama knows how to do this. He took what he could from his church's teachings, and it's very apparent to me that he left the more radical, angry and hateful talk.

Barack Obama has demonstrated to me very clearly how inclusive he is in his thinking, and how much of a unifier he would be as president.

After listening to his speech yesterday, and after reflecting on this whole issue (or perhaps I should say "non-issue") I am prouder than ever to support Barack Obama for president.

If he is elected president, this country will be lucky indeed.

I have faith in the people of this country to see Barack Obama for what he is. He is an honest, honerable, and brilliant man who became very close to his church's pastor over the years. Obama needed a father figure, and wanted to fit into the black community. Growing up bi-racially, he didn't fit in in Hawaii during his youth. He found a home of sorts in his church.

I totally understand and forgive Obama for perhaps overlooking some of Wright's radical views. Frankly, I hear black pastors talking like Wright on TV every week.

IN ADDITION, have we ever heard the phrase: "take the best and leave the rest"?? I think Obama knows how to do this. He took what he could from his church's teachings, and it's very apparent to me that he left the more radical, angry and hateful talk.

Barack Obama has demonstrated to me very clearly how inclusive he is in his thinking, and how much of a unifier he would be as president.

After listening to his speech yesterday, and after reflecting on this whole issue (or perhaps I should say "non-issue") I am prouder than ever to support Barack Obama for president.

If he is elected president, this country will be lucky indeed.

Did Hillary Rodham, who really didn't care to use her husband's last name until it benefited her politically denounce or reject Bill Clinton ,when his infidelity was exposed? No she didn't, and she's still with him, loving him and supporting him. She hates the sexual immorality, the womanizing, and the embarrassment, but she still stands by her man.

Let's dig through Hillary's pastor's sermons for the last several years. I am sure we can find some controversial remarks we can then throw at Hillary.

Perhaps Hillary's pastor doesn't rant and rave and sound passionate on the pulpit the way many black ministers do, but I'll just bet we could dig out some flakey sounding comments he's made.

You see, folks, ministers characteristically make controversial remarks, and they even sometimes criticise this country.... oh my god !!!

To hold Barack Obama personally responsible for his pastor going off the deep end on certain occasions, does not seem fair.

But, the Clinton campaign LOVES this whole thing I am sure. They have been trying very hard to throw whatever dirt they can at him (their "kitchen sink" strategy). They don't care if their accusations are true or not. They don't care if their manipulations and implications are honest or not. Hillary only wants one thing.... POWER.

And the funny thing is that Hillary has a habit of throwing at Obama EXACTLY WHAT SHE HERSELF IS GUILTY OF. One example is Tony Rezko. At this point, Rezko has not been convicted of anything. And Obama has not been accused of anything. We only know that Rezko contributed to the Obama campaign (he also contributed to virtually every important politician in Illinois), and he and Obama knew each other. The whole deal with Obama's house doesnt' prove a thing... Rezko was an Obama friend and a real estate expert.

On the other hand, let's look at Hsu (don't remember his last name), who has not been in the press lately. This man is a CONVICTED FELON ON SEVERAL COUNTS OF FRAUD, ETC., ETC., and was a MAJOR SUPPORTER AND FUND RAISER OF HILLARY'S. In other words, he was not just accused of something, he was convicted. And he didn't just contribute to Hillary's campaign, HE WAS HER BIGGEST FUND RAISER!!!

PLEASE PEOPLE, don't let the Clintons back into the White House.

Obama speeches last Tuesday nothing but for political gain. The media knew about Mr. Wright damaging dirty words against Amrica but refused to air it sooner because Hillary is not the apple of their eyes. White or black Americans who is supporting Obama, this is a wake up call for you all. I don't care about racial issue but to accuse that we as Americans cause more than 3000 innocent life on 9/11. You are nothing but a dog and Obama continued to defend Mr. Wright. I'm wondering whose Obama is fooling. Maybe those highly educated who supported him. I would like Obama to explain how people tolerated this kind of sermon ( anti- american, foul language, dogging the former Bill Clinton and so on)while there were children present during the service? This is what we teach our new generation? To hate one another because of the different in skin color. Black people always digging on slavery and being treated unfairly.I can not explain why black people has this kind of mentality. It the 20th century. We have to move on and learn how to live with one another. It's not the color of your skin but how you present youself to the society. i agreed with ebubuk2004.You are judged by the company you keep" AND
"Birds of a feather flock together" AND
"Where there's smoke, there's fire". Shame on you Mr. Obama, your mother passed away, your weren't on her side, so stop being hypocrite. You can say anything or give good speeches but we the low educated Americans citizen do not believe you at all. We hope this will be a wake up call for all the super delagates that they will not put this country on Mr. Obama/ Mr. Wright tickets.

Obama speeches last Tuesday nothing but for political gain. The media knew about Mr. Wright damaging dirty words against Amrica but refused to air it sooner because Hillary is not the apple of their eyes. White or black Americans who is supporting Obama, this is a wake up call for you all. I don't care about racial issue but to accuse that we as Americans cause more than 3000 innocent life on 9/11. You are nothing but a dog and Obama continued to defend Mr. Wright. I'm wondering whose Obama is fooling. Maybe those highly educated who supported him. I would like Obama to explain how people tolerated this kind of sermon ( anti- american, foul language, dogging the former Bill Clinton and so on)while there were children present during the service? This is what we teach our new generation? To hate one another because of the different in skin color. Black people always digging on slavery and being treated unfairly.I can not explain why black people has this kind of mentality. It the 20th century. We have to move on and learn how to live with one another. It's not the color of your skin but how you present youself to the society. i agreed with ebubuk2004.You are judged by the company you keep" AND
"Birds of a feather flock together" AND
"Where there's smoke, there's fire". Shame on you Mr. Obama, your mother passed away, your weren't on her side, so stop being hypocrite. You can say anything or give good speeches but we the low educated Americans citizen do not believe you at all. We hope this will be a wake up call for all the super delagates that they will not put this country on Mr. Obama/ Mr. Wright tickets.

Obama speeches last Tuesday nothing but for political gain. The media knew about Mr. Wright damaging dirty words against Amrica but refused to air it sooner because Hillary is not the apple of their eyes. White or black Americans who is supporting Obama, this is a wake up call for you all. I don't care about racial issue but to accuse that we as Americans cause more than 3000 innocent life on 9/11. You are nothing but a dog and Obama continued to defend Mr. Wright. I'm wondering whose Obama is fooling. Maybe those highly educated who supported him. I would like Obama to explain how people tolerated this kind of sermon ( anti- american, foul language, dogging the former Bill Clinton and so on)while there were children present during the service? This is what we teach our new generation? To hate one another because of the different in skin color. Black people always digging on slavery and being treated unfairly.I can not explain why black people has this kind of mentality. It the 20th century. We have to move on and learn how to live with one another. It's not the color of your skin but how you present youself to the society. i agreed with ebubuk2004.You are judged by the company you keep" AND
"Birds of a feather flock together" AND
"Where there's smoke, there's fire". Shame on you Mr. Obama, your mother passed away, your weren't on her side, so stop being hypocrite. You can say anything or give good speeches but we the low educated Americans citizen do not believe you at all. We hope this will be a wake up call for all the super delagates that they will not put this country on Mr. Obama/ Mr. Wright tickets.

Obama speeches last Tuesday nothing but for political gain. The media knew about Mr. Wright damaging dirty words against Amrica but refused to air it sooner because Hillary is not the apple of their eyes. White or black Americans who is supporting Obama, this is a wake up call for you all. I don't care about racial issue but to accuse that we as Americans cause more than 3000 innocent life on 9/11. You are nothing but a dog and Obama continued to defend Mr. Wright. I'm wondering whose Obama is fooling. Maybe those highly educated who supported him. I would like Obama to explain how people tolerated this kind of sermon ( anti- american, foul language, dogging the former Bill Clinton and so on)while there were children present during the service? This is what we teach our new generation? To hate one another because of the different in skin color. Black people always digging on slavery and being treated unfairly.I can not explain why black people has this kind of mentality. It the 20th century. We have to move on and learn how to live with one another. It's not the color of your skin but how you present youself to the society. i agreed with ebubuk2004.You are judged by the company you keep" AND
"Birds of a feather flock together" AND
"Where there's smoke, there's fire". Shame on you Mr. Obama, your mother passed away, your weren't on her side, so stop being hypocrite. You can say anything or give good speeches but we the low educated Americans citizen do not believe you at all. We hope this will be a wake up call for all the super delagates that they will not put this country on Mr. Obama/ Mr. Wright tickets.

Obama speeches last Tuesday nothing but for political gain. The media knew about Mr. Wright damaging dirty words against Amrica but refused to air it sooner because Hillary is not the apple of their eyes. White or black Americans who is supporting Obama, this is a wake up call for you all. I don't care about racial issue but to accuse that we as Americans cause more than 3000 innocent life on 9/11. You are nothing but a dog and Obama continued to defend Mr. Wright. I'm wondering whose Obama is fooling. Maybe those highly educated who supported him. I would like Obama to explain how people tolerated this kind of sermon ( anti- american, foul language, dogging the former Bill Clinton and so on)while there were children present during the service? This is what we teach our new generation? To hate one another because of the different in skin color. Black people always digging on slavery and being treated unfairly.I can not explain why black people has this kind of mentality. It the 20th century. We have to move on and learn how to live with one another. It's not the color of your skin but how you present youself to the society. i agreed with ebubuk2004.You are judged by the company you keep" AND
"Birds of a feather flock together" AND
"Where there's smoke, there's fire". Shame on you Mr. Obama, your mother passed away, your weren't on her side, so stop being hypocrite. You can say anything or give good speeches but we the low educated Americans citizen do not believe you at all. We hope this will be a wake up call for all the super delagates that they will not put this country on Mr. Obama/ Mr. Wright tickets.

What I see is a man who is becoming more arrogant by the day. He explained nothing to me regarding his tolerance of his ministers unAmericanism, and very little about his white Racism. He came across to me as an opportunist by trying to equate the innocent remarks of his Grandmother and Geraldine Farraro to the despicable Racist, UnAmerican Hate Mongering lunacies of his minister. In addition I am so tired of the adulance and adoration and FREE AIRtime he is getting from the press. This is not the second coming of the lord. Obama is just another slick guy with a diverse past, that I see as a silver tongued opportunist, and not much else. His speech against the war in 2002 was not perpetuated by any great genius, it was an election ploy that was generated by the IL Democratic state legislature, trying to get attention for an upcoming election. And Obama had little to do with it, except to give it, and nothing to lose by doing it. Ther was no superior judgement involved, just plain dumb good luck.

What I see is a man who is becoming more arrogant by the day. He explained nothing to me regarding his tolerance of his ministers unAmericanism, and very little about his white Racism. He came across to me as an opportunist by trying to equate the innocent remarks of his Grandmother and Geraldine Farraro to the despicable Racist, UnAmerican Hate Mongering lunacies of his minister. In addition I am so tired of the adulance and adoration and FREE AIRtime he is getting from the press. This is not the second coming of the lord. Obama is just another slick guy with a diverse past, that I see as a silver tongued opportunist, and not much else. His speech against the war in 2002 was not perpetuated by any great genius, it was an election ploy that was generated by the IL Democratic state legislature, trying to get attention for an upcoming election. And Obama had little to do with it, except to give it, and nothing to lose by doing it. Ther was no superior judgement involved, just plain dumb good luck.

The current administration has been damning America for quite some time now, and not just America. It would be nice to have a President and world leader that values history, if even just for 4 to 8 years.

iheard obama's speech. it was very well crafted and articually delivered by a very well educated man. it certainly was ahistory lesson. however, he still hasn't satisfied my need to have him disassociate further from rev. wright abd his hateful remarks. his associations with rezko, and the weatherman{forgot his name}, conflicting statements about nafta and withdrawel from the iraq war tell me his judgement is extremely flawed. further he stated that he never heard infalmatory remarks and than later admitted to hearing them certainly makes me question his honesty. certainly, he knew about his pastor by the fact that he disinvited him from being part of his initial campaign statements. how could he remain in such a church for 20 years? maybe this is where michelle obama got her idea of not being proud of being an american until now. i am agrandmother and would be horrified and very truobled if my grandchild characterized me as obama did his. why,if he was brought up in a white world did he decide tto identify as a black? i have known many mixed race children who have chosen to live in the white world and been very accepted in it.

I'm just curious; I read that Oprah USED to be a member of the same church, but she felt the church's philosophy was a bit too controversial and left the church a long time ago. She's not the one running for president and she was leery of being associated with the church! I wonder why someone aspiring to be president chose not to do the same thing!

Okay, I've just got to ask the question:

What is so out of line about what Rev. Wright said? Even out of context as it has been presented.

1. Did violence, that the U.S. has used around the world, come home to roost on 9/11? Sure it did. We justify our use of force and violence to accomplish our goals. What Rev. Wright was proposing is that we shouldn't have been that surprised when someone else used violence against us. Doesn't justify it at all, but if you live by the sword you will often die by the sword. Violence begets more violence.

2. His whole point on HIV, and drugs can easily be seen as a question of why can the U.S. accomplish so many other things, but can't spend the time and money to effectively curb the drug epidemic, especially in innter-city communities. Provocative yes -- crazy, maybe not so.

3. And the U.S. be damned (which in the biblical form of the word which Rev. Wright explicited refered to means to be judged by God) was followed by 'as long as she does not provide full justice to all...' Yes, the U.S. will be judged poorly by God until the day comes.

These are not anti-U.S. rantings. These are legitimate questions and criticism of some the sins, or falling short of the God's mark, that Rev. Wright believes the U.S. is committing. And yes, people, we are sinners in the U.S. -- we all are sinners, no one is perfect except God.

So grow up. We need to be willing to admit that there's work to be done. And Rev. Wright is urging us, in the manner of the African-American Christian Church to get on with it.

I am lucky enough to live in the Bay Area, where the majority of the people living here agree with my opinions on politics, where people are able to practice their own religion, express their true sexual orientation, not be afraid to go outside the 'norm', and fight for what they truly believe in.

I consider myself to be a feminist. The idea of a woman as the president of the United States of America is mind blowing to me. Something to hope for, to dream about, to think about as an idea, as something of the future; not as something that could happen in this election, right now. The fact that America could accept a woman is inspiring and amazing.

My godmother was a feminist way back when, and fought for the rights that we women now take for granted. I know there are few things that she would love to see more than a woman president. She also fought for civil rights for black people, did civil disobedience with them, got put in jail with them; I know there are few things that she would love to see more than a black person as our president.

But the thing is, you should not vote for a candidate BECAUSE of his or her race, religion, gender, class, age, sexual orientation, etc. That should not matter. Candidates should get votes because of who they are: their ideas, hopes, dreams, visions, plans. If the fact that they are black or a woman makes them who they are, and shapes what their ideas, hopes, dreams, etc. are, then that's great. That's what should be noticed and judged.

So when I see Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama standing next to each other, it amazes me. It makes me feel better about being a citizen of this country. The last eight years have certainly not, and I think now that we have the chance to turn the tables.

So yes, I would love there to be a woman president. Not because I think she would do a better job, but because I know what a big impact it would have on our country as a whole. What an impact it would have on all the little girls out there who can now say, 'When I grow up, I want to be the president.' So when I think about this issue of race versus gender, I think: I want Hillary Clinton to become our next president because yes, I do want there to be a woman president, but not this woman, not this person. And personally, I think Barack Obama is the right person.

I recently turned fourteen years old. I remember the last election, where everyone was hoping that we wouldn't have another four years with the lovely President Bush. I remember seeing Kerry run, and knowing that even though Kerry wasn't perfect, anyone was better than Bush. But Obama isn't like that. I've seen younger kids at my school, talking about him in the hallways, getting excited when they had to do an assignment about him, discussing one of his speeches. As for me, I can hardly describe the feeling. Barack Obama is a great man, with an amazing past and wonderful plans for the future. I think he will be the best thing that has happened to this country for a long time. He has the drive and ideas and power to make big and necessary and good changes.

Not only will he be a great and able president, he is also half black. The simple truth of this is that it would be a historical event. It is an indescribable feeling to know that if Obama becomes our next president, that event will be recorded in history books, talked about for decades.

We are truly living history. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I am so ashamed of all you racists here. Go away. You are in the minority and maybe you need to move to another country. You are not welcomed here. We need to unite this country not divide it like you want to do.

Old Europe-
Americans have a chance to elect a highly intellegent PERSON- whether it be a man or a woman.
Leon

Old Europe-
Americans have a chance to elect a highly intellegent PERSON- whether it be a man or a woman.
Leon

Old Europe-
Americans have a chance to elect a highly intellegent PERSON- whether it be a man or a woman.
Leon

SPITZER SPIN ON MR WRIGHT

HOW DOES OBAMA JUSTIFY 20YEARS OF ATTENDANCE AND SPIN IT OFF AS HE WAS NEVER REALLY THERE AND HE MOSTLY DISAGREED? HOW CAN ANYONE EVEN LISTEN TO THAT COMMENTARY AND NOT GET SICK OR BE FILLED WITH HATRED? AT LEAST GOVERNOR SPITZER DID NOT GO THAT FAR. INDIGNIFYING THE TRUTH

SPITZER SPIN ON MR WRIGHT

HOW DOES OBAMA JUSTIFY 20YEARS OF ATTENDANCE AND SPIN IT OFF AS HE WAS NEVER REALLY THERE AND HE MOSTLY DISAGREED? HOW CAN ANYONE EVEN LISTEN TO THAT COMMENTARY AND NOT GET SICK OR BE FILLED WITH HATRED? AT LEAST GOVERNOR SPITZER DID NOT GO THAT FAR. INDIGNIFYING THE TRUTH

Great speech. But the media love affair has gone too far this time. Rev. Wright's issue is NEVER about race. It is about his troubling view on America. His sermons show how much he despise this country and what this country does. These are not criticisms of this country. They are much more. Yet Obama is willing to bring him close to his campaign and put him in an important post is more than troubling. That is why this speech should never be about race in America, it should be about his judgement. How many people wish to have a frantic religious pastor around the white house? Yet this was gonna happen if this story did not break. It is not a very good prospect when talking about top leadership in America.

I am really a left leaning moderate, but this issue combined with his race shifting speech is making me think twice about his candidacy.

This from a 73-year-old "white" Republican turned Democrat, a retured history professor: SENATOR OBAMA'S SPEECH IN PHILADELPHIA WAS THE MOST INTELLIGENT, PERHAPS THE WISEST, ADDRESS ON RACIAL RELATIONS I HAVE HEARD OR READ. The professional haters expressing themselves in this blog cannot change that, however much venom they spew.

Older and Wiser Now

This from a 73-year-old "white" Republican turned Democrat, a retured history professor: SENATOR OBAMA'S SPEECH IN PHILADELPHIA WAS THE MOST INTELLIGENT, PERHAPS THE WISEST, ADDRESS ON RACIAL RELATIONS I HAVE HEARD OR READ. The professional haters expressing themselves in this blog cannot change that, however much venom they spew.

Older and Wiser Now

In the past, USA always had the ability to overcome setbacks and correct errors. That got us through several economic, war, and political crises, including the Great Depression and WWII. Underlying it all was the strong and resilient American character. In both the current financial crisis, where there will be pain for an unknown period, and the negative reaction to the clearest call to racial healing in a generation, I am afraid the American character has grown weak and twisted. As I read so much of the negative commentary here, showing misfits who totally miss the opportunity to stop hating their country, I worry that we no longer have the character to survive as a proud, prosperous and just people.

This is a better read:

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/sally_quinn/2008/03/our_friends_and_their_views.html#more
And who can forget the Rev. Billy Graham's unfortunate conversations with Richard Nixon and H.R. Haldeman about the Jews? They made anti-Semitic jokes, talked about which reporters were Jewish and how reporting had deteriorated since more Jews had become journalists. Nixon complained (on tape) that the Jews had a "stranglehold on the country" and Billy Graham responded: "If you get elected a second time then we might be able to do something."

Billly Graham has been a spiritual adviser to our presidents for years, including Bill Clinton and our current President Bush but none of them has repudiated him.

The point is, we've all been there, with family, friends, or spiritual advisers.

To jennifermg7...I have never met you, but I love you!

Thank you for speaking truth!

It is obvious from the comments posted here that America's problem is rooted in mass ignorance. Those parading here with the anti-Obama crusade simply expose their stupidity and abject lack of any sense of rectitude. Such repugnant attitude could only sustain the pervassive pungent polity that has stalemated this nation.

They should thankful Obama has the vision and courage to provide the new kind of leadership to deliver all Americans to the promised land.

By Obama's account, the Union is still very imperfect and therefore weak. A weak union begets a weak economy and weak national security.

These retrogressive type who feed from the likes of Rush, Shawn and their cohorts need our collective prayer and love so that they can see the light.

Senator Obama is an extremely capable, driven and intelligent individual possessing multiple gifts that most of us mere mortals will never have.

He may well become then next POTUS. In the highly likely event, America will be the worst, IMHO, because America will have elected the ultimate opportunist who has shwon that he can change his perceived attributes at will.

LET'S GET REAL

This election campaign has taken many twists and turns.

Barack Obama never entered this election campaign talking about race. He entered this campaign as an American who wanted to make a difference.

If every American will look back to Iowa, that was were it all began. If Barack Obama did not win Iowa, no one would be using race as a focal point in this election.

The Iowans saw a candidate who had a vision for a better America, with each American looking within to want the best for America.

Instead, the Clinton campaign handlers, surrogates, the power brokers, money elite and the media have dug so deep to bring up a message from a Pastor to polarize this country. Everything has been taken out of context, to divide America in a way we have not seen in a long time.

That is sad. It hurts.

America preaches every day around the world about democracy and equal opportunity. We hear other Pastors talk about America and the sins that are prevalent in this country. The difference is that it is an African American making a statement, that the media have played over and over again to justify Bill and Hillary claim to the nomination.

This election campaign is not about race or gender. But the Clinton campaign and the media want to focus on this to keep us from really addressing the issues.

If we are going to focus on race and really admit the truth; yes we still do have a problem in America. Let's be honest about it.

We can pretend that we don't and allow the media to cover this up, and slander Barack Obama all it wants.

The truth will set us free. The day America admiits there is a problem, we won't have to have anyone say what is obvious. A candidate would not have to spend time speaking to us about whar is right in our face.

The whole wide world is looking at America. It's exactly what God said,"He will lift up our skirt and show our nakedness."

How is America really going to address this issue? Yes, it can use the Pastor as the pawn in what was revealed, but will that excuse the truth about America and the topic of race?

The easiest thing for the media and the Clinton campaign to do is to continue this racial profiling. Just remember, Barack Obama never made this his platform. Remember Iowa.

Let's see if the media will talk about American men going overseas to prostitute young children ages 5 and up? Let's see if the media will talk about how Bill Clinton violated a young intern's life for two years while President of the United States? Let's see if the media will ask Hillary Rodham Clinton, where were you when Bill Clinton had access to a young intern? You were right there in The White House, how come you did not know anything was going on? You had a staff and all these people were around you, surely someone knew or saw something? Since you are always talking about experience and concern for our youth and America, what happened here?

The media will never discuss this disgusting act to this degree or anyone else, because Bill and Hillary Clinton are good for America.

We put the pedophiles on notice, but we can allow this disgusting act to take place in The White House and everyone is comfortable with this. But when a Pastor says something that get us thinking, we are ready to disqualify Barack Obama but embrace sin.

They both had a disregard and disrespect for a young intern. They both took advantage of this person because they were too self-centered on what they both wanted irrespective of what their actions were upon this young intern.

I sad all that to say this, if America is going to focus on what that Pastor said, it had better focus on what happened in The White House from November 15, 1995 to March 29, 1997 with then President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and the intern.

If we can justify their activities from that sex scandal; to NAFTA which took away manufacturing jobs from Americans; a failed health care plan; no discussions of global warming while Al Gore was Vice President; ask yourselves: why do Hillary Rodham Clton and Bill Clinton really want to return to The White House? Who needs them back in The White House and will stoop to any level to make it happen?

If we can allow this and feel nothing about what happened from 1995 to 1997, then how can we be in such an uproar about what a Pastor said or even what happened with Eliot Spitzer?

Something is seriously wrong with this. America deserves better.

The uniter plays divider politics and the people react. Just another two faced politician. You'll get over it.

Barack Obama's speech was the most accurate portrayal of black and white racial experience I have ever heard from a politician.

I am a 51 year old white woman. I lived in New York city on 9/11/01. Ever since 9/11 anyone who criticizes the U.S. is treated like an un-American traitor. In NYC during the time of 9/11 many people discussed the possibility that the U.S. had brought problems on ourselves due to our attitudes and actions toward other countries and peoples.

It doesn't mean people thought the terrorist's actions were right, people simply speculated about their motivations, and spoke in terms other than religious extremism - or good (us) against evil (them).

People trying to think through these issues may exercise their freedom of speech. It doesn't mean they hate America. Ever since 9/11 all kinds of government bullying and propaganda has been wrapped in the flag and all kinds of critical speech has been suppressed by labelling it treasonous. In this way our government denyies our citizens the freedoms we are supposed to be importing to Iraq.

Mr. Obamas words about race were right on point. Some whites think blacks' anger and outspokenness is simply hatred of whites and "playing a race card." Most white people are oblivious to black people's everyday experiences of racism. As he said, it is not all in black people's minds.

God blesses those who seek justice and mercy. It is right to question whether our country's injustices, violence and materialism would be blessed by God. God is no respecter of flags or rhetoric.

If someone is not educated about the history and development of American racism, they will be unable to see it for what it is in such events as the aftermath of Katrina. That doesn't mean it isn't real.

stacyad2002, I applaud you for your post. You speak from the heart. Yes, Obama needed to make that speech. Unfortunately, racism still exists and reared it's ulgy head with posts by people here. These posts disgust me. I really hope Obama is our next president. He is a uniter and that scares the racists because they want to continue to hate.

the word disinvite definition:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinvite

dsclinton, your ignorance and lack of education is showing.

One thing people should understand is that I do not believe that Obama has completely rejected his Islam/muslim faith. His love for Farrakhan. That is dangerous as Islam dictates that your faith transcend your country. The Islamic brotherhood id more supercedes ones sense of patriotism.
That is why I suspectedObama's patriotism .. and now his Anti-Americanism shows.

Wow! It amazes me how closed minded some people could be. As a young black woman I don't like some of the thing Pastor Wright said but I have heard some of these same comments on more than one occasion from some of the older people in the black community. If you are not black you would never understand why Senator Obama didn't leave his church. Many of our older generation still have deep deep pain about what happened to them only a few decades ago. These are memories that are embedded in their brains and in their hearts and even though we are taught to forgive some of the humiliations black people suffered at the hands of white people will never be forgotten. Yes Wright's sermons were extreme, I admit that but I have heard a lot worst. Every once in a while that angers comes out. People want to pretend that racism don't exist anymore. I guess being white you might be blind to it. Most white people still have the mentally that they are superior and black people are dirt. What have we ever done to white people to make them treat us like they do. We suffered through slavery. We was hung and raped and killed at the hands of white people. We suffered through the civil rights movement. We was spit on, again hung, raped, and humiliated over and over again. Yet, we are not supposed to feel any anger. We are not supposed to have an opinion. We can't express our feelings. Racism is still alive today. I say this because I have experienced it. I experience it everyday. I experience it at work. If I go to a store that is frequented mostly by white people I notice they watch me where ever I go. The list goes on. Racism is huge in this country and until we look inside our heart and admit what is going on racism is going to continue. I know so many black people that absolutely hate white people and would not talk to them unless they absolutely positively have to. Why do they feel like this? Racism. Injustice. Racial profiling. Need I name more. I have friends that are white, black, hispanic and Asian so I talk to many different types of people. You know it is harder for me to be friends with my white friends because they try to act like they are so ignorant to what is going on. Its like they have blinders over their eyes. One of my white friends jokingly told me oneday her dad got pulled over by the police and he made a joke and said I thought only black people got pulled over by the police. Do I suppose to find that funny? I think Obama speach opened the door to have a discussion on race that this country needs. The dividing line between black and white is almost as bad as it was 50 years ago. The only difference is it is done behind closed doors now. I know people are going to rip into me but I don't care. I want to have a genuine conversation about race without being insulted. To add to this, my sons are mixed with white, black and Indian. Their Grandfather is white/Indian so like Obama they are going to experience both parts of their heritage.

hellow everyone...being black and coming from a working class back ground, i here this stuff all the time (white folks this- white folks that) and let me tell you, when ever there's a person in the black community that gets a chance to express him or herself to a wide mix race of people... two maybe three from the crowd would act an ass... it never fails. these people need that outlet... for crap that has build up in them for years, if you give these people a yard, they'll take a block. give them their space and we'll keep communicating... thats what race is all about... communicating.

Obama is a great speaker but a great speaker does not a president make. He has lied about Nafta, Rezo, and now while denouncing his pastor's anti-american comments will remain he will remain his friend and mentor.

The Trinity chuch's web site (Obama's church) states ten points the members agree: No. 4 a non-negtiable commitment to Africa. No where is there a non-negtiable commitment to the U.S.A. Obama must not become Commander-N-Chief of our great country.

All I can say is GO HILLARY!

Let me burst your bubble, Obama will be the next president of the USA. How do I know that? Well,let me tell you. I was in a meeting when the great prophet, Kim Clement prophesied that George Bush would serve two terms, Hurricane Katrina would hit New Orleans and Hurricane Rita, Port Arthur,TX; also prophesied that the next president of the USA will be a man, a man! from the darker race. That was over two years ago. This prophet usually has a good track record. Check him out on the web.

All I have to say is If this was anyone else who was associated with and supports an organization that promoted this type of racist garbage he or she would be finished as far as their ability to bring the races together let alone be president of the United States of America. He or She would be label in the press as a racist as he or she should be but some how Obama is being given as pass because he gave a speech that didn't address his membership in a racist organization. It really is a shame because I for one would like to see that a person of color becomes president of this country one day. I think that would be a truely american experience a shining symbol to the world of what is good about this country. Why is it that he is not held to the same standards as anyone else that runs for president.

With all the Posts on this subject, one thing is certain there is a discussion taking place. Many of the commentators here any other cites, indicated they do not want to discuss the issue of Race. Obama's speech will live long after we realize the full impact. The "uncertain impact" is that Race is a taboo topic for many whites, as cited in "Buried in the Bitter Waters" American Ethnic Cleansing. A book that chronicled the Race issue from post civil war to modern times. The author (white) was surprised to find the staunch objection to discussing white injustice towards blacks. What started out to be a news story ended up a book and PBS series was initially met with stiff opposition from editors to even publish the story. The reason being the Pain and Discomfort and Shame of reliving that history. No doubt this is a Complicated Issue even for scholars and social scientist. Emotional maturity and Scriptural knowledge are the two legs needed to begin this journey to find Truth and not Fault. Every journey begins with a first step; Obama's "Lofty Speech" was a small step on a long journey that we are now on because of it. To be honest no Posts should be made without first listening to or reading the Obama's Speech for one's own self, which is the reason for this discussion. G'd Bless America

Obama thinks that his opportunistic speech can offset 20 years of attending this church and listening to his racist pastor. Fat chance!
It's reprehensible to call his grandmother a racist and compare her with Rev. Wright. His grandmother is not running for president. But he IS and he CHOSE his pastor and his church. Sorry Obama, I don't buy your desire to go beyond racial lines.

Viewing the speech several things stand out.

1. The man wrote most of it himself, which makes it of even higher quality.

2. For those who keep bringing up whether he is Presidential or not, can you imagine the current President putting any of his thoughts into such coherent words and sentences and speaking candidly to the American public?

3. We have lived with a President who cannot even explain and articulate his reasoning for the war after 5 years to the date, yet loathe someone who clearly has remarkable intelligence, extraordinary grasp of the issues and is able to clearly communicate his thoughts to the American public.

Putting the above together, I believe that we should stop deluding ourselves and ask the question, how good a President, GWB has been (or has not been) and whether America will be better off with an intelligent, independent-thinking, full of reasoning individual at the Oval office.

I have never voted in an American general election yet, having become a citizen only last year. I have registered as an Independent voter and believe that Obama in this one speech was able to connect with the people as well as connect the various dots in the race discussion and challenge everyone of us to look beyond Rev.Wright and at least start to make better progress.

I got the impression, that what he wants is to eliminate the 100s of such Wrights spouting racial hatred as well as the ones in the White community and clearly indicated that if we do not confront this
now, this will fester on for the next generation.

Vote for McCain. Let's stay in Iraq for another 100 years. Let's not pay for the war by raising taxes; let's continue to borrow from China until the dollar is worth one penny and oil costs $200/ barrel. Continue the Bush legacy for another four years.Another 4000 American soldiers can die to preserve Iraq's "democracy." Let's stay there until we "win."

AMERICANS WAKE UP!!! IT NOT TOO LATE. GIVE HILLARY A CHANCE. SHE WILL BRING AMERICA BACK TO ITS GLORY!!!! AMBITION THY NAME IS BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!

...right... and this poor soul is confused aw well as delusional. Ambition is Hillary's expertise.

The negative rants of commenters here and elsewhere show clearly the depth of America's racial divide. The ranters all seem to be white, who instead of seeing a problem on BOTH SIDES of the fence -- as Sen. Obama suggests -- just blame African Americans (and Sen. Obama) for a problem that goes back to the founding days of this country.

It is clear that: a.) they were never going to vote for Obama in the first place; b.) did not see, hear or read Sen. Obama's speech; c.) are part of a minority of Americans who are worked into a lather. Surveys of people who actually did see, hear or read the speech show that most of them -- over 60% -- say it makes NO DIFFERENCE in the way they view Obama.

These raving, foaming-at-the-mouth commenters are the same ones who promoted the "Obama is a Muslim" meme in all its variations. They can be dismissed out of hand.

What the speech did show us, is that America is ready for a new kind of leadership, one that talks to Americans like adults, and expects them to behave as such.

While the infantile among us here continue to drool and babble, the rest of us can move on to opening a serious dialogue on not just race and religion in America, but the war, our failing economy, education, and every other issue that we must resolve in the Obama Administration.

The text of the speech can be found here:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=729579

Here are the exact Granmother words that Obama spoke. I find it honest, heartfelt, and reality. I do not for one instance feel that he spoke ill of his grandmother. I think we should look at the speech in context please!
"I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love."
Please read the entire speech - remember the media doesn't get how to explain anything in over 30 seconds!

My gosh, with all the negativity, hate, and judgment going on here, Jeremiah Wright is not alone, that's for sure. Somebody once said "Americans would rather fight than win" and I'm really wondering... you people have an opportunity that many of us would love to have right now, and sadly, many would rather stay in the sewer with their misery and keep the rest there. Move out of the way, please, there are millions of your countryfolk who are heading for the high road and they're going to walk all over you. Peace.

FIRST OF ALL THERE IS NO SUCH WORD AS