He says he knew of the pastor's comments - America to blame for 9/11 , said a week after the terrible event which killed 4,000 . That America created aids to kill the blacks , and still chose to stay with that church!
And the pastor praised Farkhan who says whites are devils and Judaism is a gutter religion
Obama should quit the race now .He is not fit to be commander in chief if he belongs to a hate mongering racist outfit like that.

A fantastic, groundbreaking speech. Many have embraced Senator Obama as a person who can unite our country. Now, some are dismayed to hear that the senator is equally at home and accepted in the US senate and in a black church that sometimes preaches a radical message, even when he himself has stood clearly for a more hopeful, conciliatory tone. How did we think Senator Obama was going to unite- by accepting only the sound-bites we feel comfortable with, or by accepting all, and then using his unique stature, vision, wisdom, intelligence, and charisma to help us all become the best we can be in this multi-racial, multi-class, multi-faith, multi-viewed country of OURS. The fact that Senator Obama has been able to clearly articulate his differing views and his strong condemnation of anyone who makes divisive or negative comments, whether it is his close friend Samantha Power or his former pastor, shows me that he knows exactly what he stands for and will not falter no matter what. His speech shows courage and leadership, and marks him as the only person in politics today who is willing and able to directly confront this most volatile of issues precisely because he embodies the unity himself. I commend him and urge you all to look beyond the media sound bites to the substance of this man.

Blah blah blah. More all talk and no action. he had 20 years to take a stand against the hate filled bile spilled by Wright and he never did. He CHOSE to raise his daughters in a church whos pastor teaches hate. Bottom line no matter how you try and spin it.

One of the greatest speeches of the CENTURY.

Hooray for the Champion of the working class!

In 2005, Obama joined Republicans in passing a law called the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) that would shut down state courts as a venue to hear many class action lawsuits. This was a long a desired objective of large corporations and President George Bush. So Obama voted to deny redress in many of the courts where these kinds of cases have the best chance of surviving corporate legal challenges. Instead, it forces them into the backlogged Republican-judge dominated federal courts. Hooray!

The Large Corporations thank you, Barack. George Bush thanks you, Barack. Even tho this seems to be lousy for working people, we thank you anyway because you're our Messiah and you give us hope!

Hopefully this will get us somewhere on race in America, but even though I'm an optimist, i doubt it. People are just going to use this to say that Obama is naive.

Anyone hearing/reading this speech and not ready to move forward is truly a lost cause and deserves to remain mired in the filth of hate for the sake of hate itself..

I am a 29 white woman who grew up in Idaho, incredibly naive about racial difference and the legacy of racism. After college, I spent 3 years in rural Mississippi teaching at an all black high school in one of the most impoverished parts of the nation.

I have lived and worked on both sides of the racial divide and have learned along the way how complicated issues of race, justice, & economic disparity intersect. I have seen fear, mistrust, and racism in the white community as well as fear, mistrust, & racism in the black community.

Obama presents some of the most honest & difficult truths I have ever heard from a politician with candor, humility, & grace.

He is not a perfect man — but he has enormous insight & wisdom. This was a courageous moment in American politics. I can’t conceive of voting for anyone else. Even if his campaign should somehow fail, I consider myself lucky to have heard this speech today & to be part of the generation that has witnessed & worked for his campaign.

Latest rasmussen polls show Obama losing the support of whites who don't believe his whole "I just slept through the racist sermons" excuse.

I listened to Obama's speech today and I think it is one of the best speeches I have heard in my adult life - a call to rise above our racism and hatred of fellow Americans different than we are - a call to understand where another may be coming from rather than relying on two minute sound bites and sensationalism by the media. His speech has earned a place in history and regardless of the election outcome, my grandchildren and their children will be reading about it in their history books. It remains to be seen whether Americans can call forth the best within them rather than the worst - whether we can move forward to solve the great problems of our day together or whether we will continue to be mired in the politics of hatred and distrust. I fear that if we choose the latter path, America's greatest days are behind us. Let us choose the better path as we move forward into the 21st century!

Hooray for the Champion of the working class!

In 2005, Obama joined Republicans in passing a law called the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) that would shut down state courts as a venue to hear many class action lawsuits. This was a long a desired objective of large corporations and President George Bush. So Obama voted to deny redress in many of the courts where these kinds of cases have the best chance of surviving corporate legal challenges. Instead, it forces them into the backlogged Republican-judge dominated federal courts. Hooray!

The Large Corporations thank you, Barack. George Bush thanks you, Barack. Even tho this seems to be lousy for working people, we thank you anyway because you're our Messiah and you give us hope!

Obama really gets it. He listens to everyone, and he understands where they're coming from. And then he uses that knowledge to talk about where we can go from here.

This is why he's ready to lead on Day One.

with all due respect to the messiah-

Him telling US what WE must do because HE has a problem with someone HE has a relationship is an example of the best defense being a good offense..

what a fake out.

This was a great statement on the race issue. The ball is being moved ever closer to the goal of finally putting racial division behind us.

Plenty of posters here will try to fan the flames of division and of marginalizng minorities. They are swimming against the tide of history, and their efforts will fail.

Thank God for Barack Obama.

This was a great statement on the race issue. The ball is being moved ever closer to the goal of finally putting racial division behind us.

Plenty of posters here will try to fan the flames of division and of marginalizng minorities. They are swimming against the tide of history, and their efforts will fail.

Thank God for Barack Obama.

This speech will go down in history as one of the "greats". I am deeply touched by what he spoke on. We are the new generation of the UNITED States of America that gave birth to a great leader such as Obama. All the devisiveness of the BABY BOOMERS is NOT going away, as evidenced, but it is up to my generation to bury the rotting casualities of the past. Obama is leading the way.

I agree that Senator Obama's speech was monumental and historic. He got it right and moved this white man to tears of sadness and hope. Anyone who considers this man a racist needs to spend some time searching their own soul for the origins of their hatred.

You just have to love the notion that blacks are racists for remembering and acknowledging the hundreds of years of racist oppression they have endured and continue to endure.

While Obama is trying to tackle some of the greatest problems of our s and other generations. McCain wants to see how your NCAA picks stand up to his. I am trying not to be negative about that. I do like hoops.

Ok, so what is the truth? On Friday, Obama said he was unaware until recently the things that Wright said, now he says that he sat through the sermsons. So we're expected to believe him? Give me a break. He had 20 years to deal with this and he didn't, not until it became such a controvery, he's worse than most politicians. At least with them we know what to expect. This man tried to make everyone believe he was different. Now we're seeing that he is, he's worse.

This was one of the most comprehensive explanations of racism and how the African-American community (and not just the pastor) reacts to the past and present that I have ever seen.

I thought he was a nice guy before today. Now I know and understand that he "gets it".

yeah sure a nice speech..he's good at that...but still a lot more sizzle than steak...no plan...no offered solutions....I'm just sayin'

Its was like I have a dream updated for todays times. It was the greatest speach I ever saw.

Wow! I'm so thankful to be alive when a politician like this is on the scene. Barack sets the bar really high for what it means to be a politician. It is an honor to witness this moment in America. I'm also a little jealous actually. I'm from India and I wish we had a politician of this caliber in the Indian political scene. If America doesn't want Barack, we'll take him. India could do with someone like him as our Prime Minister. :)

A few sound bites, I don't care if it was just the one word that damned America. That is the most telling part of the speech. And it tells me that this man (Wright) has no place in this country, and obama has no right/Wright to the Presidency. Where is his label flag?

A few sound bites, I don't care if it was just the one word that damned America. That is the most telling part of the speech. And it tells me that this man (Wright) has no place in this country, and obama has no right/Wright to the Presidency. Where is his label flag?

A few sound bites, I don't care if it was just the one word that damned America. That is the most telling part of the speech. And it tells me that this man (Wright) has no place in this country, and obama has no right/Wright to the Presidency. Where is his label flag?

Barack Obama today has given one of the most honest and inspiring speeches on race this country has seen in decades. He is truly a great man! If the super delegates continue to stand by and not put their support behind him now, but wait until the convention out of cowardice and allow Clinton to contiue her ankle-biting ways, they will be squarely responsible for the election of McCain and the continued slaughter of Iraqis and fall of our economy into a depression.

Hey franklin, how much was his and how much was stolen from someone else.

it is obviouse that reading some the other comments posted-do not believe or do not care what Obama said. Well one thing I could say about him is that he is putting the subject of racial differences/bitterness on the for front and only we could either talk and try to solve the bitterness we have among each other or just move along and ignore it the way it has been for over 2-3 centuries!!! I wonder when we will ever wake up!!!!!

"A fantastic, groundbreaking speech. Many have embraced Senator Obama as a person who can unite our country."
I am sure people said that about David Coresh too. The thing that is getting freighting is that people are so in love with this guy they are not even bothering to question him. All the stuff that can take him down will not come out now from Clinton but it will come out in the general election by McCain. Use your head to make th"A fantastic, gr

If you heard this speech and really listened and still don't understand the man Barack Obama is, you are seriously ignorant. I don't care if Sen. Obama wins anymore. It is past that. He was not the most tenured or most qualified, but he was/is the best PERSON running. As Elena said he is not perfect but he has a wisdom and conviction to stand by his Pastor while telling him he is wrong in front of the whole world. None of us would even say call out a racist, we don't have the guts. God Bless you Sen. Obama, because of your words of hope I feel like a better human being today!

I use to support him, but after all the comments by his pastor, and his lies about not knowing about them is just to much. Then he stands up and give a speech defending what was send, give me a break. I starting to agree that he is all talk. I am also a black man, so race is not the issue.
I just feel is more of a con man, than some running for office.

arun said:
"He says he knew of the pastor's comments - America to blame for 9/11 , said a week after the terrible event which killed 4,000 . That America created aids to kill the blacks , and still chose to stay with that church!
And the pastor praised Farkhan who says whites are devils and Judaism is a gutter religion
Obama should quit the race now .He is not fit to be commander in chief if he belongs to a hate mongering racist outfit like that."

arun is right, For nearly 20 years Obama placed credence in Wright. Now he tries to defend Wright's comments by saying his white grandmother also made racial comments. Criticizing his grandmother to to defend Wright. It doesn't get any worse than that. What a cad.
Northstar

Here is my gut problem with the whole thing. It's his complicity. This wasn't some crazy pastor that said some off handed remarks. If you look at the entire cheering crowd surrounding him you see a racist undercurrent bleeding into a world view. This is a world view that Obama agreed with or at the very least was complicit to. What is his heart? How can I be sure? I have no actions to judge. Or does he have a good heart but no back bone?
It makes my stomach ache

SO I guess now it is ok for a candidate and his family to belong to church that spils hate as long as white people are the object of the hate. Wow we have truly fallen as a country when we allow someone to be excused for hate because they gave a good speech. I am truly saddened and disappointed in the Obama fans who excuse everything he does. If this were reversed and HIlalry belonged to an anti-black church for 20 years she would have been forced to resign months ago. THinking that spinning a speech is going to make everything ok is extremely naive. But hey it seemed to have worked on his "sheep"

For all the Obamabots I'm sure they find this speech great. However, there is a huge difference between somebody that lives out what they believe, and somebody that has to cover up the funk after getting busted. Obama sent his message loud and clear by whom he choose as his spiritual advisor. Only now that such hate has been ill received by his potential voters does he give this speech. I mean where was this message the past 20 years? I believe Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and Farakhan would recite this speech as well if they were given the opportunity to be president. It really comes across as a give to get speech and one that rings hollow. Fools will always hear what they want to hear, but as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

The "latest" rasmussen polls are just as malleable as the ones before them. Anyone who cannot appreciate the honesty, grace and striking brilliance of this speech is simply unworthy. Beyond politics, he spoke to issues that are real --and he did not dismiss anyone, white or black, conveniently as "racist" to suit his ends. Let's see Clinton, or anyone else do that. I will give credit to McCain. McCain has defended Obama, stating that he knows that Obama does not hate anyone. That is one of the reasons why if Obama does not win, I will gladly vote for McCain. I may not agree with his policies, but to me, there are only two people in the race with true character: Obama and McCain.

The media (with the help of the rabid republican faux news) made Reverend Wright's words an issue far more important than they warranted. The repetition of less than 3 minutes of a sermon which lasted an hour distorted the meaning of the words.

The rest of the sermon leading up to those three minutes were filled with expressions of hope and love of this country. If the media had focused on the whole sermon, there would have been no need to apologize for it.

And why didn't the media report the outrageous sermons of Mike Huckabee, a candidate ? Because the right wing media didn't have a problem with one of their own. And why won't the media report on John McCain's "misstatements" that he later has to revise ?

It's clear that the media only cares about pushing stories that challenge the Democratic candidates ...

One of the greatest speeches of the CENTURY.

Posted by: Franklin, R | March 18, 2008 12:44 PM

Maybe - this century is only seven years old. GET OFF the KOOL-AID people. He has done nothing. Hope? Change? Wake up America!

"FLAT OUT BRILLIANT"

And that from one of the writer's at National Review (one of the few not unhinged that is):

Have I missed the competition? [Charles Murray]

I read the various posts here on "The Corner," mostly pretty ho-hum or critical about Obama's speech. Then I figured I'd better read the text (I tried to find a video of it, but couldn't). I've just finished. Has any other major American politician ever made a speech on race that comes even close to this one? As far as I'm concerned, it is just plain flat out brilliant—rhetorically, but also in capturing a lot of nuance about race in America. It is so far above the standard we're used to from our pols.

ttp://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MjI3MWMyOGFkNmQ2MGFjNzRhYzYwMGVhZWJhMjcyOGM=

I don't think I want a president who sits quitely in the pews while the preachear is saying "God Damn America. God Damn America."

Obam's speech just ok. He said he's not trying to make excuses for the rhetoric and then proceeds to make excuses for the rhetoric.

At least he came clean admitting that he knew Wright "Damned" America from the pulpit, rather than claiming ignorance like the last few days.

I have trouble trusting him. He says he offers change and then proceeds to offer the same old package of fixes. He says he wants to unite, meanwhile he blasts Democrats and Republicans on the Iraq war, since day one. Meanwhile he voted AGAINST the Kerry amendment to end the war in 2005.

Like or not Obama groupies, he's no different.

Dawrin
There are many lost causes in this country who won't open their eyes and who won't accept change for the better. They want to stay in the garbage of the past and play the Southern strategy of hate and distrust. Those people are mostly on the board sprewing hate for the Republicans or Clintons.
Those people will never vote for Obama no matter what he does or says.

For instance, the last poster has already tried to swiftboat Obama by twisting his words. Obama was not there for the sermon that has been played over and over again in the media. He was there was he says for some of those other sermons. Furhtermore, the church isn't racist. It's a Christian church that speaks the truth about this country. MOST of what Wright said was true. Many in this country are too cowardly to research and find that this country isn't perfect. Pointing out faults doesn't make a person unpatriotic. Living like a coward with your head in the sand does.

To preface: I am a young, white, professional male who has supported Obama from the beginning of his campaign. Despite my young age, I've seen an witnessed speeches and events that will be studied in higher education for years to come. This is one of them.

Today I was honored to someday look back and say, "I remember that speech... I remember how it changed America".

Thank you senator for so beautifully and boldly defining yourself and forcing the American people to take such an introspective look into the racial divisions that still exist in America. You're what America needs.

Obama mildly annoyed me, and I voted for him and agreed with much of his speech. So think how his speech will play with white auto mechanics in Toledo. The major white resentment is NOT affirmative action, but the high levels of black crime, illegitimate births, cursing, loud talk, etc. Obama needs 45 percent of white votes to win in November - any more speeches like today and he can congratulate President-Elect McCain.

The reality here, as is usually the case, is that it's a complex situation and cannot be viewed in binary good/bad terms. Obama tried to do something very difficult -- explain that there are multiple, conflicting factors at play. That he agrees with some of Wright's views does not mean he agrees with all of them, and vice versa.

The Obama haters are not going to be swayed. The Obama lovers didn't need to be swayed. The folks in between, however, might well be tipped toward him as a result of his candor and efforts to explain a very complicated situation.

Barack Hussein Obama, please just go away.

Barack Hussein Obama, please just go away.

I find it interesting and hypocritical that several people here are quick to condemn Obama for continuing to attend Trinity United Church of Christ and for not publicly condemning Rev. Jeremiah Wright remarks. Tell me, how often has one of your friends or loved ones made a statement that you disagreed with? Have you condemned that person? Have you ended the relationship? I suspect the answer is no.

Rev. John H Thomas, General Minister and President of United Church of Christ writes:
“Those who sifted through hours of sermons searching for a few lurid phrases and those who have aired them repeatedly have only one intention. It is to wound a presidential candidate. In the process a congregation that does exceptional ministry and a pastor who has given his life to shape those ministries is caricatured and demonized. You don't have to be an Obama supporter to be alarmed at this. Will Clinton's United Methodist Church be next? Or McCain's Episcopal Church? Wouldn't we have been just as alarmed had it been Huckabee's Southern Baptist Church, or Romney's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?”
He also writes:
We might like to think that racism is a thing of the past, that Martin Luther King's harmonious multi-racial vision, articulated in his speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and then struck down by an assassin's bullet in Memphis in 1968, has somehow been resurrected and now reigns throughout the land. Significant progress has been made. A black man is a legitimate candidate for President of the United States. A black woman serves as Secretary of State. The accomplishments are profound. But on the gritty streets of Chicago's south side where Trinity has planted itself, race continues to play favorites in failing urban school systems, unresponsive health care systems, crumbling infrastructure, and meager economic development. Are we to pretend all is well because much is, in fact, better than it used to be? Is it racist to name the racial divides that continue to afflict our nation, and to do so loudly? How ironic that a pastor and congregation which, for forty-five years, has cast its lot with a predominantly white denomination, participating fully in its wider church life and contributing generously to it, would be accused of racial exclusion and a failure to reach for racial reconciliation.
I think that the people really need to take a step back, do your homework and consider what is being said before making sweeping statements of condemnation.

Obama first claimed that he didn't knopw about Wright's rabid hate-sermons. That lie was to difficult even for Leftists to credit--though most Leftists pretended (in public) to believe it.

Now he's trying out story #2. He admits that he knew-- but you've got to put Wright into context, blame it on unspecified Republicans, the racial divide (that I had nothing to do with) will magically disappear once I become president, only racists want to continue focusing on Wright, blah blah blah.

With this speech Obama offered his most rabid supporters--guilt-ridden Liberal newspaper reporters--a "get out of guilt free" card. Doubtless they will accept it.

No, Obama doesn't write all of his speeches. That's another lie. He's a smooth deliverer who tries to tap into our emotions, but he plagiariazes from friends and other political figures. For example, the tone and words used in this last one comes from the Constitution which also Abraham Lincoln's used in one of his famous speech. Obama tried to manipulate by recalling Lincoln's famous speech, but he is NO Lincoln.

These "nagging" questions remain. I'm sorry. How dare I, the people, nag him with doubts and questions...nag, nag, nag. I guess Obama thinks "the people" are his wife and his out of patience with us. How dare us ask questions!! I'm sorry, but I am not swayed as I used to be by his brilliant delivery because the proof is in the pudding. While Obama's campaign was based on a message of change, hope and unity his pastor, mentor and advisor spread a message of hate, bigotry and separatism. Obama heard that message for 20 years and compensated Wright by making him his campaign advisor as well as a member of a committee of churches!!! I guess that Rolling Stone article says it well "if you want to know Obama and his phylosophy just look at Jeremiah Wright." Incidentally anyone can find that Rolling Stone article...

A great speech from a great man who is not afraid to wade into the mire of our racial divide. He will help us heal if we allow him to--he is not afraid to confront difficult topics and issues, providing us with the confidence that we can become a greater nation that what we have become in the last eight years.

The speech was truly wonderful; it contained almost everything that informed Americans already knew about the problem with race relations in the US. Truly great writers!! Bonuses all around, as an aside please donate to his campaign to support these truly inspirational speechwriters.

I'm sure it will add to his holier than thou image among the Day 1 cult of personality Obama supporters.

I am sure that many staff/writers were involved, burning midnight oil to get this speech out in time, slapping high fives and laughing tiredly as they finished and gave the speech a last review. "Yeah! This will get 'em".

The sad reality is this is just another CYA, douse the flames of another scandal reaction speech.

Truly great speech though. Congrats writers!!

i can't believe how gullible the people of america are!

Politics and everything that has to do with politics is about "characterization."

"How would you characterize his/her remarks?"

"How does a politician characterize another his/her opponent or his/her oppenent's position on the issues?"

It goes on and on.

I'm not against characterization. It's a part of the process.

But woe to the voters if they get it wrong because, due to their IGNORANCE/LAZINESS, they bought into one politician's characterization more than the other without reason.

When voters get it wrong, people die.

Just ask the Germans.

THIS SPEECH GIVEN BY BARACK OBAMA TODAY WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BEING ONE OF THE GREATEST SPEECHES OF OUR TIME/GENERATION.
THE COUAGE, HONESTY, WISDOM, AND EQUANIMITY THAT HE COMMUNICATED IS PRECISELY WHY I SUPPORT HIM AS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.
TODAY HE HAS EXPOSED AND ADDRESSED THE HIDDEN PAIN OF OUR COUNTRY"S COLLECTIVE INTOLERANCE OF OUR DIFFERENCES, AND SHED LIGHT AND HEALING TO OUR OLD WAYS.
HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE TO HAVE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT A LEADER WITH TRUE VISION!!!

Unfortunately, Obama just admitted he lied again. On Friday, he said he didn't hear any of this "hate speech" from the pew. But today, he admits he did. He lied about this situation just like he lied about his true relationship with Retzko.

Being President is all about character and integity. Especially when times are tough.

When times got tough for Obama, he chose to lie instaed of coming clean. It's too bad. I thought he was different, but he's not.

I BELIEVE THAT THIS SPEECH GIVEN BY BARACK OBAMA TODAY WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BEING ONE OF THE GREATEST SPEECHES OF OUR TIME/GENERATION.
THE COUAGE, HONESTY, WISDOM, AND EQUANIMITY THAT HE COMMUNICATED IS PRECISELY WHY I SUPPORT HIM AS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.
TODAY HE HAS EXPOSED AND ADDRESSED THE HIDDEN PAIN OF OUR COUNTRY"S COLLECTIVE INTOLERANCE OF OUR DIFFERENCES, AND SHED LIGHT AND HEALING TO OUR OLD WAYS.
HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE TO HAVE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT A LEADER WITH TRUE VISION!!!

What continues to impress me about Barack Obama is his ability to honestly and rationally address an issue or criticism. I grew up in the Catholic Church and am now a Unitarian. I certainly don't always agree with comments my minister makes, or with every stance the Catholic Church took, so come on people, it's easy to understand that you can embrace somebody and not agree with everything they say. And his church is a part of the United Church of Christ--not a cookie cutter denomination by any stretch, but many voices within. What's the fuss? I admire Obama for taking the issue of race relations on, not sweeping it under the carpet.

It IS all about change. Unfortunately, only the true believers will accept that change means, "I change my story to fit my current political needs.

Winston Churchill's oratory reputation is safe.

Posted by: AnnC | March 18, 2008 1:47 PM
Amen, right on AnnC.

People are not 100% perfect, American are not perfect and are ugly under the world eyes. Yet, they demand a perfect candidate. Media and American are killing America hope and change. They are afraid of change and want the country as is because they are established baby boomers who want to live backward and in the past (Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clintons). They could careless about next generations.
People like them are afraid others may rise and take whatever they have; it is sickening. Opportunities in America are free for people who overcome roadblocks and determine to rise for their principles and making their dreams come true.
No one can change you, the way you think, your attitude, your principles, your ignorant, your knowledge, your charity, etc. Only you can change. Obama can't change you, but together people can change. You have the power the change this nation to the betterment for your next generation. Don't be an ugly American as the world see us.

My family, friends and I will vote for Rep. in November if Clintons get nomination; period.

Posted by: AnnC | March 18, 2008 1:47 PM
Amen, right on AnnC.

People are not 100% perfect, American are not perfect and are ugly under the world eyes. Yet, they demand a perfect candidate. Media and American are killing America hope and change. They are afraid of change and want the country as is because they are established baby boomers who want to live backward and in the past (Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clintons). They could careless about next generations.
People like them are afraid others may rise and take whatever they have; it is sickening. Opportunities in America are free for people who overcome roadblocks and determine to rise for their principles and making their dreams come true.
No one can change you, the way you think, your attitude, your principles, your ignorant, your knowledge, your charity, etc. Only you can change. Obama can't change you, but together people can change. You have the power the change this nation to the betterment for your next generation. Don't be an ugly American as the world see us.

My family, friends and I will vote for Rep. in November if Clintons get nomination; period.

I find it interesting and hypocritical that several people here are quick to condemn Obama for continuing to attend Trinity United Church of Christ and for not publicly condemning Rev. Jeremiah Wright remarks. Tell me, how often has one of your friends or loved ones made a statement that you disagreed with? Have you condemned that person? Have you ended the relationship? I suspect the answer is no.

Posted by: Henry | March 18, 2008 2:03 PM

Your suspicions would be correct- but your premise is not accurate- and exposes your hypocrisy.
A better, more accurate, question would be;

How many have attended a church or other social setting that meets regularly and has as it's leader someone that regularly makes incendiary racist comments - and continues to attend for years?

I would suspect MANY would at least stop going-
SOME would confront the leader-
and moreover -a state senator, US Senator or prez candidate who is positioning himself as a leader and uniter SHOULD have confronted this before he was forced to.

Hi

I'm an outsider looking in. America sometimes leads the way and gets it right but at other times gets it horribly wrong. I pray that you absorb the speech the way it was written. Welcome to the real world America. You are capable of surprising the world. You certainly know how to entertain us but perhaps it is time to open the scar, cleanse it, take the antibiotic and heal. Many around the world are yet to follow. I hope the race issue is discussed openly and not with guilt. None of you were alive during slavery days but even I as an African living in London am the descendant of a slave who never made it to the ship. Plantations were not only based off the continent. I am also the descendant of the trader. Colonialism replaced slavery and we haven't got a name for where we are right now but all I know is the whole world has got some serious healing to do. Obama speech brilliant. Pity some don't/won't get it. Forget J. Wright. All Christians know it is for God to judge him and he'll answer for it on judgment day, In the meantime let's all look within our own lives for solutions and be part of the resolution.

If Obama isn't racist, why does he associate with such virulent anti-White racist? It's not as though Obama was unfamiliar with the his pastor's hate-filled views, and yet he refuses to cut all ties to the man. Obama's wife seems hung-up on race, harboring negative views of White people.

I cannot believe so many White people actually support Obama. How would the public react if Clinton had David Duke working on her campaign as an advisor?

I am a 37 year old white woman who grew up in white suburbia, this speech was one of the most honest and compelling I have heard from any politician. I will be voting for Barack in November. For all of you who have negative comments, it just shows how truly racist and afraid you are, Bush must have filled your heart with too much fear.

Is making a speech about racial problems in America a requirement to lead the greatest nation on earth? Is it a prerequisite of leadership skills? Is the presidency about solving racial problems? Can you legislate away racism? And best question, if you can legislate away racism, would it be appropriate to start with the racist demagogues such as the so-called Rev. Wright? What would Obam...er...Jesus do?

Those who are refusing to see the brilliance of the speech and the historical nature of it are really doing a great disservice to this country. Here is guy calling on us to rise up above our petty self and save our country, and all what others can say is nothing but insults and casting negative insinuations. Barack is simply brilliant. You can say anything you want about him, but you cannot deny his profound intelligence

Those who are refusing to see the brilliance of the speech and the historical nature of it are really doing a great disservice to this country. Here is guy calling on us to rise up above our petty self and save our country, and all what others can say is nothing but insults and casting negative insinuations. Barack is simply brilliant. You can say anything you want about him, but you cannot deny his profound intelligence

Hate is so horribly ugly. I can't believe anyone would, against all evidence to the contrary, still believe that he's a muslim seeking to destroy the country. How stupid can you get, people? It's not ignorance, because they have been presented with the FACTS, it's just plain hate fueled by stupidity. I want to believe that this country can change, but when I see stuff like that I feel like we still have so far to go. Why does there have to be so many idiots in this country? I hope beyond all hope that we can take at least one baby step toward putting this kind of stupidity to rest sometime in my lifetime.

It seems like the younger white americans get it. They are not all mired in fear like their older counterparts. They truly are willing to embrace people of other races. I'm saddened as an American of African descent who has to keep coming back to this whole discussion on race. When will we move beyond it? I don't care if the President of the USA is black or white, gay or straight, male or female or some variation in between because the reality of it all is that we live with: a variety of all these things everyday. Barack will be villified for not saying enough and crucified for saying anything at all. There is no acceptable atonement it seems for any sin he is guilty of (real or imagined). I'm glad he came before the American people t0 clear his conscience. Let's see what the outcome will bring. Sadly, I already know. But he did what he felt was right.

This speech will go down in history as one of the "greats". I am deeply touched by what he spoke on. We are the new generation of the UNITED States of America that gave birth to a great leader such as Obama. All the devisiveness of the BABY BOOMERS is NOT going away, as evidenced, but it is up to my generation to bury the rotting casualities of the past. Obama is leading the way.
Posted by: Chancey | March 18, 2008 1:10 PM
*******Excellent Comment***
My daughters also tell me how the baby boomers ideas are out of date! I guess we remember the lynchings, etc. of out time.
Obama is an inspiration to us all! I hope we ALL have enough courage to go forward - with Obama!

A strong message. I am reminded of the words of that great Mormon leader, Bringham Young, who led his followers on an exodus through a desert, to what they saw as a promised land. Remember his immortal words:"I don't care how you bring 'em, just Bring'em Young!"

After reading the groupies I have to reply to the question:
"Has any other president gave a speech like this on race!?"

A: Has any other president HAD to issue a speech on race? [because he chose to align himself with racists]

Statement: "I admire Obama for taking the issue of race relations on, not sweeping it under the carpet."

Uh, Obamas hand was FORCED by the media because he aligned himself with a racist. Obama didn't wake up one morning and say gee I really want to address the issue of race. No he was up late the past few night and said "If I don't address why I hang out with racists for 20 years my campaign for president is sunk."

Wow are some people blinded so easily.

It was a good speech, but actions do speak louder than words. His Grandmother is family and raised him. He seems to be saying that Rev. Wright is like family. When did Obama start thinking like this? After one year, two years of attending church? All I know is that I would not attend a church for two weeks if a pastor talked like Wright from the pulpit. Obama is not taking responsibility for his CHOICE of attending this church. He had no choice about his Grandmother.

Obama is awesome, I am convinced ME and my whole staff who are mix with all racist watch this speech today @ lunch at work. and we all agree. Obama is the one who will work to change this country no more arguing and bickering about race lets work together for a better future. and it is really sad that all you haters love to post misleading statements to try and change peoples mind. Go Obamo go!!!!!

Where was the support from you obama lovers when the Dem's held Trent Lott's feet to the fire and made him resign for a much lesser offense. Frigging hypocrites!

I love how we are told that we can/should get over the racial divide, tell that to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. All the while obama is still a member of a racist church.

I'm sick of Obama and his feckless rhetoric.

Ask your messiah why he is so down on Asians.

"rationally address an issue or criticism." What? If you mean by refusing to answer questions from reporters (even Hillary is more open to press questions than Obama), obfuscating and only talking to friendly media outlets about said criticism then you might be onto something.

Seriously, the Obama campaign is the Soviet Politburo of this election. None of the reporters working on it have given it good grades for openness or transparency.

Barack Obama had the courage to stand up there in the open and address an issue -- with intelligence and nuance -- that has been poisoning this country from its inception. Now that he has done so, are we, as a people, going to follow his lead and consider his speech an important starting point to improve race relations in the United States, or are we going to continue to follow sound bites and the Rush Limbaughs and Sean Hannity's of the world? It's our choice to make. Sen. Obama is providing us with a way forward that has not been given to us for years. Which is it going to be, America? if you choose poison, do not blame Barack Obama.

My family, friends and I will vote for Rep. in November if Obama gets nomination: peroid.

I am a white woman and I would like all of the white people who are reacting negatively to Obama's refusal to "condemn" Rev. Wright, or who have suggested that Obama's choice to attend this church is equal to the act of hate mongering, to honestly ask themselves how many white friends and family members they themselves have not condemned or ignored despite knowing about that person's hatred against people of other races. The race issue in America is complicated and to frame it in terms of absolutes does not do anyone any good.

this is meaningless unless he wins pennsylvania ... i mean he's only beating her in all the ways that matter and yet if he doesn't just drop her like a bad habbit ... she will find a way to continue her self aggrandizing agenda at the cist of her party and the historice moment to do something radically different ... geraldine may well have been right - now all the other candidate needs to do is drop out and let the books record her great effort in the service of women

Another bunch of bull from another politician who got busted.

This guy is in no way shape or form qualified to be the leader of the free world.

The leader of the free world does not sit quietly in the pew for 20 years while hatred is spewed at America.

Shame on you Obama.

And shame on all of his supporters who are falling for his dribble.

Good people get it wrong sometimes. That's how we got Bush, twice! Please good people...don't make the same mistake again.

Obama is not right for America. Not now, not ever.

Obama said a couple of things most will agree with e.g., “Some will see this (my speech) as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable.” I agree with him that his speech is an attempt to justify the inexcusable. To imply that what Wright says is the same thing that Ferraro said is also inexcusable. There can be no change if you believe what Wright says that the government gives drugs to black people. There can be no change if you choose to equate WWII and Hiroshima with 9/11 as Wright does. There can be no change if you believe the U.S. government is the source of AIDS as Wright charges. There can be no change if you believe the USA supports terrorism against the Palestinians and South Africans as Wright says. There can be no change if you believe “Bill did us (African-Americans) just like he did Monica Lewinsky. He was riding dirty” as Wright says. If Obama wants to be the president of the United States of America, he has to disown Wright and what he says and what he stands for. If you don’t change, you can’t bring about change and all those words about being an instrument for change are baloney.

MSNBC is now slobbering over him but CNN is worse! Every single person they have on as a guest is a avid Obama supporter. All we hear is most wonderful speech ever that will cure all ills and resolve all issues forever more.

What I heard was a good speech that was frank but filled with the right words for his voting base that he is losing ground in. Not much in there for people who are not already his supporters. In fact his closing part about vote for me or go down the wrong path was horrible.

The speech didn't address the real issues with Barack Obama on these stories that are coming to light and finally getting long over due coverage. The issue is not his growing list of associates that could cause one to pause and raise an eyebrow but rather it is his avoidance to address hard questions at all. Senator Obamas usual first response is always a charming ambiguous answer. We do not like the fact that we have to count on the media to ask the same set of question 2 or 3 times before we get a answer that is clear and straight forward and not some charming ambiguous response.

He has had a rumored reputation of avoid hard questions and issues and he is proving that to be true. He really was gone during the hard vote or voted present on them. That is of more concern to me then the growing list of associates that raise your eyebrow, although that does concern me also but more for electable reasons then anything else.

In no way was this speech as good as the I have a dream speech, even though the people on MSNBC & CNN think so. Here is why, it was a political repair speech. The first part was good and had substance but then he quickly went to pandering for his support base. By the middle of the speech he was so busy hitting us with the right words to reaffirm his voting base to make it anything more then a self serving political press release. The ending was incredible selfish and horrible. For him to have the gall to basically say Vote for me or you will be choosing to go down the wrong path was a total self pandering statement. The convention speech was a victory for all people with no agenda needed or added.

Obama insults Americans' intelligence if he thinks he can gingerly sidestep the hatred encouraged at his church. Obama has clearly shown he is not ready for prime time.

Obama has defended Jeremiah Wright? A man who preaches hatred and "God Damn America!" ? Such a defense is foolish, and frightening. We don't need a President who stands behind those who spew hatred to an audience.

Poor choices by Barack Obama - as shown with his choice to submerge his and his family's spiritual lives around a preacher of hate - proves clearly that Barack Obama is NOT ready to serve in the office of President of the United States.

Obama's speech was so great! I think he should be out next president. He is so honest about his background, family and his feelings about his pastor. May God bless Barack Obama and make him the president of the United States of America.

Just words.
Hillary 2008

What's worse than the defense of Wright is that Obama STILL refuses to take questions about him from reporters. Yesterday we heard "I'll answer all your questions Tuesday." And what did we hear today? Another speech that changes nothing and no questions from reporters.

p.s. This language is shocking:"“Bill did us (African-Americans) just like he did Monica Lewinsky. He was riding dirty” as Wright says. He said this in a church? The more I hear from Wright the less I want to hear.

he just can't bring himself to disavow the racist, anti-semite, America hating bigot!

First, Obama didn't write this speech. This was crafted by handlers who knew full well that his response to Wright's comments over the weekend -- "I wasn't aware..", etc. -- were almost sure to do irreparable damage to his campaign. What scares me is that Obama's entire campaign is built upon the theme of judgment...because he has zero experience. And yet outside of one speech protesting the Iraq war, virtually every other decision he's made in recent years -- such as associating with a known felon (Rezko) and/or racist (Wright) -- has demonstrated nothing but poor judgment. Is this really the guy you want holding the most powerful office in the world? Outside of being able to deliver a good speech, what has convinced you that he is ready to lead this country?

Obama thinks American's are dumb enough to believe he does not agree with the racial comments his pastor made and probably has been making for the last 20 years!
Obama has been attending his pastor's church--where Obama was married and his children attend for at least 20 years or so. Everyone knows, like myself who is from the southside of Chicago that Rev. John H Thomas, General Minister and President of United Church of Christ promote racial hatred. He must agree with his reverend because if he did not he would not be attending the church for 20 years. Enough with the lies Obama! Get out while you still can! You are racist and don't deserve to be our President!!
There is know way he will be able to unite this country and he does not deserve the opportunity.

Do those of you railing against Obama using the Reverend's words as your foil, do you feel the same way about the views of people that John McCain has actively pursued for endorsements? People Like Tim LaHaye and his anti-Catholic comments? Or John Hagee and his anti-Catholic comments? Or are you simply looking for a convenient smoking gun to only be turned on Obama? Remember Obama categorically rejected the reverends views, McCain has not rejected the views of those whose support he has actively sought out. Beyond that the speech was well written and delivered in a top notch manner.

This moved way beyond anything resembling political opportunism.
Win or lose Barack Obama can hold his head high knowing he helped to bridge not only a racial divide but a human one that we all experience. Say what you will & stand by your candidate but I am impressed by the willingness & the grace to confront one of the most explosive issues of our time & to do it from a human perspective. I pray for healing among US all... Peace.

Random thoughts about Barack’s speech today.

Well written speech by his advisors, who have branded Obama as the candidate of “hope and change”. Rent the documentary, “Our Brand is Crisis” to see how these advisors work their magic on electorates around the world. It’s creepy but important to understand the process.

All Obama’s talk about Black neighborhoods and their problems and he still endorsed Mayor Daley! Daley who let Burge torture Black and Brown men. Daley who is dismantling neighborhood schools.

Interesting that he had to consult his notes/script when talking specifically about Rev. Wright. Not sure what it means but it was noticeable.

Regarding the problems of urban youth, here’s an idea. Let’s legalize drugs so the crime rates drop with less need for cops and prisons and then all the drug money becomes legitimate and taxable. Then lets pass out free birth control and lessons in how to use it in urban public schools-from fourth grade on. (Unfortunately hormones in foods seem to have dropped the age of menarche!) This would help end the ongoing cycle of poor teenagers having babies. After fifteen years as a volunteer for a social service agency serving at-risk youth I have seen another generation of poor kids make babies they can not afford and expect government and charitable dollars to provide for the futures of their children. The only agency worth supporting is Planned Parenthood!

Will Barack back rewriting the tax laws to make it advantageous to bring jobs back to the United States!? That’s the only way manufacturing is likely to return to Michigan. Ohio, etc etc.

And now I look forward to Hilary talking about gender in the America.

The time to deny this racist was 20 years ago. Osama Obamalama, this is as bad as a White candidate attending KKK meetings. The truth about your background has finally come out and the people have found you out.

heartburn:
I think you need to read my post in full and reread the article where Obama calls the Rev. his friend. I also disagree with your statement that many people would leave. An intelligent person would address the comments made that they disagree with but would not automatically and with out discussion or dialog condemn the man or the church.

Your church was racist, anti-Semitic and anti-American yesterday and by what you have said, it doesn't plan to change in the near future. There is nothing Christian about your church.

Historical perspective. Racial perspective. Critical thinking.

Obama is not a childish, impressionable sheep. He knows that nothing is perfect, and everything must be analyzed. No church exists which could not be criticized for its views. No such person exists.

Nothing is infallible. That is reality. Accept the good and, as he has surely done, teach your children to discern the biased and outdated.

Obama is not addressing the issue. He has attended this church for 20 years or more. He knows the pastor personally, so much so that he gave him a post on his presidential campaign. And yet Obama comes out and says he is shocked by this type of speech and rejects it but does not reject the man who is saying it? Just imagine if Clinton had something like this happen. Her campaign would be DOA. Obama is lucky many of his supporters are Doe-Eyed, young and naive to believe the drivel Obama spouts as gospel. If they just read between the lines, they will see how clear it is that Obama does not belong as the President of the United States. How can he when he allows hate speech to go on in front of him without standing up against it?

To those who are still so caught up with what Reverend Wright said - let me ask you this: Is Thomas Jefferson looked at one of America's greatest founding fathers? Did he own slaves? I'd just like to be clear on that. If you are unable to grasp the real message in such a meaningful speech that Barack just gave, then go back and read it again. Seriously folks, look at the true message this man is trying to convey.

Is there any lie Obama supporters won't buy hook, line and sinker if it passes those Christ-like lips?

Honesty? He lied days ago when he said again and again that he'd never heard this stuff from Wright. No one can deny that. Now that he's proven himself a liar, I'm starting to see parallels with Bush. Especially with his supporters. Obama maniacs can see no wrong, just like all, the folks who voted for Bush. You'd think Americans would be a little more astute at detecting when they're being lied to at this point. Guess not from what I'm reading.

Lincoln's, House Divided-- King's, I Have Dream --- Obama', United for a New America will be required reading for every history class about America's racial history from now on.

I was moved by the speech, but the comments of the detractors here all have their own agenda, either partisanship or racism. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was enthusiastically reviewed by Republican papers and dismissed and ridiculed by Democratic papers. History will judge this as a great speech and Obama a great man.

To those here posting that Obama lied either today or last week, his actual words were, "Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely..." He said last week that he had not heard the actual excerpts that were played. This is not sound like a lie to me. I think people who are skeptical (but not terribly rigorous with words) have selective hearing. I listened very carefully, and I think this speech was incredibly courageous. Most expected him to distance himself from Rev. Wright for political expediency and once again, I see Obama not pandering. I also think the totality of Rev. Wright may not have been accurately portrayed in the soundbytes we've seen, as I've seen several articles which give a longer portrait of his service to the community, which don't really track with saying he's "racist" (a divisive term, which I wish we'd stop using). I am not convinced at all that the portrayal of the Trinity United Church of Christ as "racist" and "Afro-Centric" is at all accurate. I wish the press would dig deeper into it.

Great speech? So what. If anyone thinks for a moment this is anything more than saying what you need to in order to dodge a bullet you are crazy.

If Obama had wisdom, insight and courage he would have spoken out against this years ago.

Wright is his mentor. Look that word up in the dictionary and then tell me Obama didn't know about the racist hate speech until these videos surfaced.

American Politics=Blind guides leading the blind.

Sitting through a sermon and believing in its truth are two different things. Give Obama a break. My priest said some crazy things about women in his homilies, it didn't mean I believed them as gospel.

This speech was only "remarkable" and one of the "greats" if you bought into the hype over this know-nothing-until-pressed-and-can-do-no-wrong candidate. He can rationalize with as many speeches as he wants. Justify the hostility and anger in his mentors bile spilling and spreading in front of a big audience, with or without Obama in that audience. If you are a candidate of hope and change, then you don't sit around professing any loyalty to people who represent the opposite fermenting and spreading the same old division, shame old hate, when given a chance to lead people in love and faith. Context is a cop out. It is pathetic how those who are the first to bring up the horrid media's ability to reduce a speech to sound bites, do so in defense of a pastor who continually reduced his "liberation epiphanies" - racism and the US and the Clinons and Bush - to sound bites. The media did not chose his punch lines, he choose his own. "Look at all the other good stuff the church did," is ironic. It is not uncommon for churches to play up the good, in the name of a "noble cause," to whitewash the bad. Yeah, Obama is "raising the bar." - For everyone else but himself. -

Lisa, you sad, sad person. I feel sorry for you if this is what it takes to make you a better person, someone lying about knowing what his minister said, and then giving a speech contridicting himself just days later. I fear for this country if he should be elected president. If you were not aware of the problems between blacks and whites in this country before today I can only say that you must have had your head in the sand. The African Americans need to get over it, it was the leaders in Africa that sold their own people into salvery. And caucasians need to stop feeling it is their fault that happened generations ago.

Lisa, you sad, sad person. I feel sorry for you if this is what it takes to make you a better person, someone lying about knowing what his minister said, and then giving a speech contridicting himself just days later. I fear for this country if he should be elected president. If you were not aware of the problems between blacks and whites in this country before today I can only say that you must have had your head in the sand. The African Americans need to get over it, it was the leaders in Africa that sold their own people into salvery. And caucasians need to stop feeling it is their fault that happened generations ago.

Lisa, you sad, sad person. I feel sorry for you if this is what it takes to make you a better person, someone lying about knowing what his minister said, and then giving a speech contridicting himself just days later. I fear for this country if he should be elected president. If you were not aware of the problems between blacks and whites in this country before today I can only say that you must have had your head in the sand. The African Americans need to get over it, it was the leaders in Africa that sold their own people into salvery. And caucasians need to stop feeling it is their fault that happened generations ago.

What hypocrites out there.

All his life, Obama has been forced to accept racist insults, even as he was raised by his white mother and his white grandparents. Think about what he said about his grandmother and perhaps you'll begin to understand why he could not just turn his back on a man who represented the missing father in Barack's life.

If Wright is only about what's been played on TV, why do we keep seeing the same clips again and again? It's like saying Jerry Falwell is about nothing except what he said after 9-11, or Pat Robertson is about nothing except what he said about Hugo Chavez.

Obama gave an excellent rhetorical response, as he has so well done in the past. However, he seems to employ tactics that help him to get where he needs to be for the next step. This has its advantages and disadvantages. I seriously doubt that he has ever subscribed to the philosophy of Reverend Wright. However, he saw Reverend Wright and Trinity Church as a means to further his political agenda. Unfortunately, the chickens have come home to roost. Two examples of his lack of judgment and commitment to justice follow.
First, it is hard to understand how he could have accepted Reverend Wright, and at the same time did not respond to the plight of his constituents that lived in deplorable buildings owned by Tony Rezko. How can he listen to Black Liberation Theology on Sunday and not abhor the slum lord practices of his long-time friend Tony Rezko who was a substantial contributor to his campaign?
[Obama Sun Times transcripts on 03-14-08.]
Q: At any time during that, did they ever come to you and say there are
problems with the Tony Rezko buildings?
A: No
Q: Are you troubled that Tony Rezko hurt your former constituents?
A: I think it is deeply troubling that he did not keep these properties up, and
I’m very disappointed in that. And I think that every landlord in the city has
an obligation to do right by their tenants, and the fact that he didn’t is
something that shines a different light on it.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/844597,transcript031508.stng
Secondly, one of Obama's Earmark requests was for the hospital that employs Michelle Obama. Dan Riehl notes, via Amanda Carpenter, that in the list of earmarks he requested, $1 million was requested for the construction of a new hospital pavilion at the University Of Chicago. The request was put in 2006.
“You know who works for the University of Chicago Hospital? Michelle Obama. She's vice president of community affairs. As Byron noted, "In 2006, the Chicago Tribune reported that Mrs. Obama’s compensation at the University of Chicago Hospital, where she is a vice president for community affairs, jumped from $121,910 in 2004, just before her husband was elected to the Senate, to $316,962 in 2005, just after he took office.”
Why not endorse an earmark that would have helped the Cook County Hospital system of Chicago as well, which included Provident Hospital? Provident Hospital was established by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams in 1890, African American physician who made history by performing the first successful open heart surgery operation. No, instead Obama chose to enrich his interest.
This may not be any different from what other politicians do, but the Obama campaign pledges CHANGE and HOPE.
In conclusion, Obama’s words lack substance, and he lacks judgment based on principles of justice. Obama does not represent the type of character that I would like to see as our next President.

So basically what Obama is saying is that hate is ok as long as it is directed at white people. Every one on here knows that if Hillary went to a church for 20 years that spoke anti-black rhetoric on a regular basis she would have been forced to quit months ago. Trent Lott was forced to resign just for saying that he admired Strom Thurmond. This is the most hypocritical thing I have ever witnessed in my life. Fortunatley there are some members of the press who take their job seriuos and will question Obama at every opportunity. Questions like how can you raise your daughters in a church that spouts off such hate. Is that the right kind of example you want them to see? Watch how Olberman and Mathews fall all over themselves and avoid the issue at all costs. WHenver Pat Buchananc tried to bring it up Mathews kept cutting him off. THe good thing is that there are some REAL journalists out there.

The audacity of lies. His campaign is a fraud. How can he claim to be different from the old Washington when he associates with Rezko. Good-bye Obama. Hello Clinton.

Are you people ignoring that he denied hearing this racial garbage just days ago, and now he is admiting that he was aware of it being said in his church. What could he possibly say that would wipe out the lies. Are you all so mesmerized by him that you accept his lies, and don't realize that when dealing with leaders of other countries we can't trust him to be truthful. What will that make this country look like in the eyes of other world leaders.

Hey "MJ" I just read your comments. I am an attorney who understands WHY the law was passed to create a standardized and unified approach to class-action suits. Obviously, you don't, not to mention that your comments detract from, and frankly have nothing to do with this blog. Why don't you read a few law books and understand the cases, then perhaps your opinion would change. Obama is one of HUNDREDS who voted for this. Obviously, the vast majority felt it was wise.

All you people who think Obama is the a messiah are wrong. All you people who think he needs to be tried for treason are wrong. All you people who think that Wright is an America-hating black racist are wrong. All you people who think that words are infallible are wrong. All you people who think that the media is accentuating the negatives in the hopes of increasing their advertising revenue at the expense of an articulate debate through the open exchange of ideas, complex and contextual though they may be...well, unfortunately you are right.

yep...he lost my vote he needed to tell wright to shut up you old racist archer bunker you....instead he showed he is a chicago hack with someone else pulling the strings as he listens to them, and this resko thing how much and what did he do for you and both have been your friends for how many years....crook county, kickbacks, payoofs, vote fraud, the chicago way

Obama is a human being, and every human being, that I've ever met, has lied before. What Obama is doing now, with Wright and with Rescoe and with Earmarks is telling the truth. Whatever happened in the past now he seems to be making a sincere effort to tell the truth and to get issues out in the open. No other politician in this campaign has done that. THey will lie to their graves to avoid a contradiction.

Obama is not a movement and we should take offense to this. Movements start at the bottom and work their way up. He was nothing move the PR and brand but now he is a liar. His campaign is a farce and it is time to support Clinton.

Well, at least now we know why he won't wear an American flag pin and his wife hates the USA. He is the most racist candidate for higher office since Wallace. It demonstrates not affirmative action but the low intelligence of the American people that he has gotten this far.

"I am a white woman and I would like all of the white people who are reacting negatively to Obama's refusal to "condemn" Rev. Wright, or who have suggested that Obama's choice to attend this church is equal to the act of hate mongering, to honestly ask themselves how many white friends and family members they themselves have not condemned or ignored despite knowing about that person's hatred against people of other races."

No one cares what color you are.....no double standards either. Obama CAN'T be guilty by association. His CHOICE of LENGTHY relationships with POWERFUL people with INFLUENCE are reduced to "how about your friends and family." Do you really want to go with guilty by association is just not fair. Well it wasn't fair when people tried to pin down Hillary in the same manner, or when you will try to use the card with McCain----and Bush. Or is it? These are powerful people making powerful friends. Who are followed by "congregations." Not mom and pop and Jim at the grocery store who might sometimes volunteer to register voters.

Oh, and the whole inclusion of the disclaimer "what people might think of my speech" in his speech does not minimize that that is exactly what he is doing. Rationalizing Racism. The speech can be reduced to "divisiveness not needed at this time"--but that doesn't mean the sermons are not warranted. "I don't agree" -- but that doesn't meant the sermons are not warranted. Blacks are portrayed as angry and whites as resentful-- add in that blacks are justified "in context" and white people in the long run are not justified in their resentment.

Only the stupid can believe that Obama's speech had any meaning, he talks about change but what kind of change does he talk about, are we going to sing God damn America not God bless America. Stop Obama now hes a joke and a lier.

Only the stupid can believe that Obama's speech had any meaning, he talks about change but what kind of change does he talk about, are we going to sing God damn America not God bless America. Stop Obama now hes a joke and a lier.

If the choices are Obama/Clinton/McCain arguments that the speech was shallow or mere politics or somehow not enough are just dumb. McCain and Clinton are two of the more callow politicians of their age. One arguing foreign policy expertise due to his Vietnam bombing raids, the other experience because her husband was president. This is not serious. Obama is a politician to be sure, but that was one hell of a speech.

A major concern I have about Obama, who says he represents change, is that it takes to much work to get the truth out of him.

Example: just days ago he denied hearing the rants of Rev. Wright and today he is admiting that he was aware of what the Rev was saying in his church.
This dissembling is snarky behavior by Obama.

"Presidential statements, particularly on matters of national security, are held to an expectation of the highest standard of truthfulness. A president cannot stretch, twist or distort facts and get away with it. President Lyndon Johnson's distortions of the truth about Vietnam forced him to stand down from reelection. President Richard Nixon's false statements about Watergate forced his resignation."

I don't want a President who has this Nixonian quality.

Barack Obama gave a great speech. All Americans would be privileged to have this great American as our next president.

heartburn:
I think you need to read my post in full and reread the article where Obama calls the Rev. his friend. I also disagree with your statement that many people would leave. An intelligent person would address the comments made that they disagree with but would not automatically and with out discussion or dialog condemn the man or the church.

Posted by: Henry | March 18, 2008 3:32 PM

Henry- you are giving the pastor a huge pass- being his friend has nothing to do with this.

I MAY give him one chance to talk that way-

With the following conditions-
he would acknowledge the next time he spoke publicly that his comments were out of line.

AND

He was committed to not speaking that way again.

When or IF he chooses to insult me or his congregation again with the hate speech I would leave-

If I were a 20 year member of the church I would confront him and ask him to leave..simple as that.

Noone confronted him- noone challenged him, doing nothing is the same as agreeing in this case.

It was definitely interesting to see so much coverage stating BO did what needed to be done, however not surprising. Remember, Hillary's campaign chose not to attack him on this issue, it was a bit too inflammatory. As someone who who often speaks at events I enjoy BO's speaking ability, but he's all fluff, no substance. This was a hollow speech.

The following are honest concerns and, if addressed, they would have helped for me to move past this, however he chose not to speak on them:

He hopes America to accept and move forward yet his own church of 20+years and his personal advisor can't? Did he ever give this speech to the TrinityChurch? To Reverend Wright? If he can't convince his close friend/confidant/advisor Reverend Wright to change how does he expect to convince anyone else to move past this situation? Don't forget his pastor is not his family. This isn't his mother or father, who he could be excused for to a point (can’t pick your family). There are many churches. He CHOSE his pastor.

It is obvious that BO is not being honest about having been to church when these disgusting sermons took place, http://www.youtube.com/watch... (pointing towards "a man here"). In addition BO admitted today to hearing controversial statements, however the other day he said he wasn’t present for these “controversial statements”. Why did he say earlier he was not present, however now says he was?

At the very least it’s been reported BO knew about this last month, however he didn't come out and address this until it became a problem, politics as usual. He says he heard some of these statements before, why wasn't he proactive and address them before others brought them forward?

People keep repeating what they've heard. "Obama is all words, all hat and no cattle" and equally no-thought, all-parrot comments. What is the Declaration of Independence if not words. What is the Bill of Rights?
What was the Gettysburg address? In Obama we have the opportunity to elect of man who thinks, who can write his own brilliant speeches, who can communicate and reach out to everybody. What a tragic mistake not to vote for him.

All that is required for evil to reign is for good men to do nothing.
Barack supported this church with his donations, time, and his impressionable children's time. His infected way of thinking was accepted if not applauded by all present. They spread the disease throughout the rest of the week.

I waiting to hear from him on why he is still friends with a terrorist. I suppose he will say he did not know his good friend William Ayers, an admitted bomber and terrorst and former member of the radical Weather Underground Organization was a terrorist. O'Bama will claim he was a small child when Ayers was planting bombs in America. But with his Harvard education, I believe he knows who Ayers is. Birds of a kind flog together.
The same goes with his criminal neighbor. But of course he had no idea his neighbor was a criminal and was helping him with good financial deals and fund raising just to be a nice guy. Again, birds of a kind flock together.
Now we come to his church and minister with whom he has been associated for 20 years. Again, he had not idea until just the past few days that his minister was a racist. He had no idea his church was honoring a racist. He had no idea his minister traveled overseas to meet with a terrorist. Again, birds of a kind flock together.
Let us hope the American people do not believe all this denial from O'Bama and vote accordingly for another candidate in November. You pick your friends and associates, they are not forced on you, look at your friends and you are looking in the mirror at yourself Mr. O'Bama.

Justifyig racism in a speech does not remedy the situation that Obama created for himself by associating himself with a pastor who is a hatemongering Christian (an oxymoron). If he truly believed that Wright was pandering to the frustrations and inequities suffered by his black congregation, he should have shared his feelings as represented in this speech with the pastor. However, this speech comes a little too late because it only reflects Obama's attempt to save face and his political career. His profound epiphany about race should not be a response to sound bytes, it should have begun in the pews of his Christian church. His response is only an attempt to save his ambition to become President.

Courageous speech?
Great speech?
Yes on both counts! However it was not only courageous but a political must to save a campaign unhinged by the media storm created by his 20 years of attendance and support of a church Pastored by an individual who not only publicy awards Louis Farrakhan but also joins him on a trip to Libya and often preaches Farrakhan like hatred of white America along with the Muslim mantra line of hating Jews and Israel.
No one will ever dispute Obama's ability as an outstanding orator. Iranian President Ahmadinejad speaks so well he could have you believe he wrote the song, "All You Need Is Love". As a matter of fact as a conservative moderate independent voter I was undecided between Obama and McCain. But I will not be swayed by a great speaker whose actions of 20 years are speaking louder than his words today. In light of their longtime Pastor's speeches I now have a clearer understanding of Michele Obama's speeches of "This is the first time in my adult life I have been proud of America". Sorry Obamas I'm afraid your substance may have just leaked through you rhetoric.

I am not liberal, but I thought it was a fine speech. But I find it hypocritical that, if blacks vote for Barack, it is a duty, because of his color. If whites vote for someone white, they are deemed racists.

Let's get back to reviewing candidates on the issues, background, leadership, integrity. If that is the case, than John & Obama stand far and away in front of the queen of destruction, Hillary Clinton.

A side note, can someone who follows Barack tell me, why is it ok that Barack can call out others in the black community for accountability and responsible parenting (I agree 100%), yet there was an uproar from the black community when Bill Cosby was saying the exact same thing? Just wondering...

so everyone thinks that Obama saying we can't ignore why blacks are racist because of why they are? Uh.. every immigrant has been abused by the races before them and anyone can use past experience with a race as a reason for hatred.

it's never ok to justify racism or hatred for WHY you feel it. never.

It's always wrong. Obama is wrong.

And I do know the African Americans' history. I also know that when slavery was in effect, my family wasn't even IN the United States.

So then what then is the reason the black men have hatred for the white European Americans who had nothing to do with slavery and were impoverished hard working people abused by the people already in America?

IT's never ok to be racist.. regardless of the roots of your hatred.

I strongly disagree with Obama's assertion that slavery was America's orginal sin which he cites as the basis for black anger. In my opinion, the original sin was the efforts to eradicate the native American "savages" which far predate the introduction of slavery in North America. That effort continued nearly up to the late 1800's and to some extent even to this day as native Americans are located on reservations governed to a large measure by Washington. No, slavery was horrible, but was an accepted practice in its time. In fact, many of the slave traders at the time were Africans themselves who captured and sold rival tribal members. Blacks cannot claim exclusivity on discrimination. Obama has barely reposonded to issues facing other races and nationalities, and even then only when he needs the votes as in California. With him it's been black, white or nothing.

I strongly disagree with Obama's assertion that slavery was America's orginal sin which he cites as the basis for black anger. In my opinion, the original sin was the efforts to eradicate the native American "savages" which far predate the introduction of slavery in North America. That effort continued nearly up to the late 1800's and to some extent even to this day as native Americans are located on reservations governed to a large measure by Washington. No, slavery was horrible, but was an accepted practice in its time. In fact, many of the slave traders at the time were Africans themselves who captured and sold rival tribal members. Blacks cannot claim exclusivity on discrimination. Obama has barely reposonded to issues facing other races and nationalities, and even then only when he needs the votes as in California. With him it's been black, white or nothing.

I am so pleased to hear Senator Obama to maintain his relationship with his pastor. I was very disturbed when I perceived that he may distance himself from his long term spriritual mentor.

In so many black congregations menistors are afforded the freedom to preach as to their convictions even when their beliefs differ from members of the pews.

This is so true with the pastor is compassionate with his or her parishioners. I have sat in the pews when the preacher exspressed veiws with which I radically disagreed, but I have defended the right of the speaker to speak what the speakers believes.

If the speaker says that which I disagree, I privately tell the speaker that I disagree. Frankly, I am disturbed to hear people talk about walking out or even leaving one's church if their are contoversial.

For more than 40 years, I preached as I believed I should, and I feel blessed that I did not have any of the black members leave the church or walk out of the services.

I am so pleased to hear Senator Obama to maintain his relationship with his pastor. I was very disturbed when I perceived that he may distance himself from his long term spriritual mentor.

In so many black congregations menistors are afforded the freedom to preach as to their convictions even when their beliefs differ from members of the pews.

This is so true with the pastor is compassionate with his or her parishioners. I have sat in the pews when the preacher exspressed veiws with which I radically disagreed, but I have defended the right of the speaker to speak what the speakers believes.

If the speaker says that which I disagree, I privately tell the speaker that I disagree. Frankly, I am disturbed to hear people talk about walking out or even leaving one's church if their are contoversial.

For more than 40 years, I preached as I believed I should, and I feel blessed that I did not have any of the black members leave the church or walk out of the services.

Grab a hammer to strike the nail on Obama's political coffin.

A speech littered with defining every person by their race IS what causes racial divide. We need to stop caring, stop asking wether a person is black, white, hispanic, asian, native, etc, etc. American, we are Americans, period. I don't feel this speech though lovely to listen to, showed a grasp of what is needed to end the divide. I heard a speech that created more divide. Also comparing his grandmother, who helped raise him, to the Pastor he chose as an adult to enter into his life is ridiculous. Yes, he must always love and respect his grandmother, especially one who raised him. No, he does not owe that love and respect to a man he met 20 years ago, nor would someone who professes to be so shocked by these views continue to defend them as a expected and reasonable reaction to the Pastor's life experiences.

71% of Republicans and 52% of Democrats would be less likely to support Obama after hearing his pastor's remarks, according to the Wash Times. Obama's new speech to try and justify his relationship with Wright will do nothing to change that.

Obama is a great orator, there is no question. I agree with him in that this 'race' should not have been about 'race'. However, this, more than anything else, outlined the campaign in a racial context.

I am an admirer of Obama, his dreams and his vision of the future of our country, though this future lacks a directed, well thought out path. It is unfortunate that two great candidates, who have little NOT in common, have had to meet head to head this year. Yet I remain, until a party convention tells me otherwise, a Hillary supporter.

BLATANT LIAR!

March 14, 2008 Fox interview Obama said: "the sermons now sparking controversy didn’t resemble the sermons he remembers from Wright, which, Obama said, stuck to messages of faith, values and helping people in the community." Asked if he knew that these controversial statements were made, would he quit the church? Obama said: "Yes if I thought that was the repeated tenor of the church then I wouldn’t feel comfortable, but frankly that has not been my experience at Trinity United Church of Christ.

March 18: Obama said: "He had sat in church and heard his former minister make controversial remarks.

"Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely -- just as I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed."

The remarks that caused the most recent firestorm "were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity," Obama said.

This flip flopping , and sayng anything to get elected, sounds like what he accuses other politicians in Washington of doing, including Hillary Clinton.
THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE POSITIVE CHANGE TO ME!

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 - Your grandmother is a part of you. Your racist white-hating, anti-semitic,homophobic 'pastor' is not....! So glad we now get to see Obama'a true colors. There is absolutely no way that we can seriously be expected to believe Obama'sstatement re the Wright affair… That he wasn't aware of the sick, incendiary and divisive views of his pastor. That is a slap in the face ofevery voter directly from Obama himself. Obama attended his church for 20years; was married by him; children baptised; involved him in his campaignand so much more... Obama knew the views of this 'pastor' and denying thisfact only makes it clear that Obama is NOT the person he wants you tobelieve he is. For a campaign being run on judgement and not onexperience... Obama is clearly showing that he is NOT the right person tobe the next President of these United States. OBAMA = WORLD CLASS LIAR; A VOTE FOR OBAMA = WORLD CLASS FOOL

OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT...WONDERFUL SPEECH!!

God Bless the Baltimore Sun. I tried everywhere to find the full speech. Thank you.
HM

Says Wright is like family, eh? Sorry, Obama you cannot choose family but you do choose your FRIENDS! Sat there for @20 years listening to this -- obviously in concurrence. Denounces Farrakhan for the same ideals, but Wright marries him & baptizes both his kids? What?? And he knew this was problematic -- he told Wright to sit home when he was sworn in instead of having him at his side (pointed out courtesy of Larry Elder). Further, if you read Michelle's Princeton essay on her "disconnect" at Princeton (the school she affirmative-actioned into), she babbles on about her not feeling a part of a school most kids would die to get ito). More whining from blacks! Incidentally, Obama, we never use the words "white community", for we simply are not allowed to. And what the hell would that mean, anyhow?

How many of you have read the book by Barack Obama "Dreams From My Father" as I have or actually gone to mass at Trinity United Church of Christ (or any UCC) as I also have? The BLOG-o-sphere is very limiting. I think BLOG should stand for Big Lies Only Get bigger. Get out and explore. Read a book. That goes for lefties and righties alike. "Dreams From My Father" is the greatest book of self examination since Bill Wilson wrote "Alcoholics Anonymous" in 1939. Like Bill Wilson, through intensive self-examination and a connection to a higher power he not only understands himself at last but humanity as well. Barack takes us through his life which seems to be a series of events wherein we see a kind of yin and yang, self contradicting dual nature of man circular pattern repeat. We are all different, we are all the same, we are all different, we are all the same. People have an urge to be with those like themselves, people have an urge to be with those unlike themselves, people have an urge to be with those like themselves, people have an urge to be with those unlike themselves. Race matters, race doesn't matter, race matters race doesn't matter.
My favorite excerpt (paraphrase) that encapsulates this duality of humans is a section where Barack's sister from Kenya is telling how she has been studying in Germany and those Germans claim to be liberal about African people but when you scratch the surface they still have old attitudes. Then on the very next page we learn she is seeing a German law student. We all kind of do a quick double take along with Barack when he learns this. "I thought you didn't like Germans". ... "Yah- Otto is different". You see- there seems to be two forces at work here like the strong and weak nuclear forces in sub-atomic Physics (one that makes opposites attract, one that makes opposites repel). There are insights into the human nature that only Barack seems qualified and able to distill. BHO may not be right for President of the U.S. but King of the world would do just fine... but then again there is no such office as King of the World (thank God!) so President will just have to suffice. Rev. Wright has the same self contradictions as the rest of us humans and his G.D. America is pure poison. Now I don't think Obama gives a rip about organized religeon but he does care about moving the racial discussion to a higher plane. Will I vote for the man? I don't know. I am still researching.

To all of you people damning Barack Obama for attending a church whose pastor has said stupid things I say this: Where is your concern for all of the hateful comments uttered by Hagee, Falwell, Parsley and others of the christian right from whom McCain now asks for blessing?

Obama claims that his hate-monger pastor loudly proclaiming to thousands things like "GOD DAMN America" and "US KKK A" is no worse than his elderly white grandmother privately expressing fear of black males.
Way to throw grandma under the bus!

Obama has known this racist pig for over 20 years and made him a close advisor to his campaign. You cant be with someone for 20 years, call him your mentor, and not know about his racist and anti-American views.

How can we believe that he never knew about his pastor's views? And if he knew, he still chose to have his children listen to this vulgar racist every Sunday?
The videos show thousands of his followers cheering Wright's outbursts. Are we expected to believe that Obama disagrees with him?

A year ago, BHO told a reporter that his church was not controversial. Now that the facts come out, he says the exact opposite. Give me a break!
Obama's voting record in the Senate is perfectly consistent with his FAR left ideology and the victim culture, just as his wife's statement that she was never proud of her country before is consistent with this far left ideology.
Obama is being exposed as a a phony and is acting like the politician he really is.

"Rev Wright has no place in this Country"? "Barack Hussein Obama"? The man did not name himself and he was born and named before all of this terrorism hit this country. So because of his name, he is a terrorist? It is amazing how folks say that someone has no place here. He has every right to be here. When is enough, enough? Barack Obama talked about how he disagreed with some of the statements from his former pastor, but some of you are still not satisfied. Have any of you who feel that way ever had a relative or friend who said some things that have totally gone against some things you believe? Haven't we all? Because of the different views, did you disown them? Stop caring about them? Probably not. And that's okay. We are all human and imperfect. You cannot control what some one else says. My God, get over it. Both sides have had supporters say some awful things and the candidates have addressed it. Can we now move on?

If obama said it, it must be true, and you must believe.

Chelsea clinton in 2016
Jenna Bush in 2024

Obama who? His last name isn't Bush or Clinton? Then he's a total fake! We need someone who's vetted, and who can find their way around the big white house on day 1!!!

More of the same for me please! mmmmmmm delicious. Thank you mama Billary. Thank you Uncle Georgie

BINGO!!! The truth shall set you free! Obama is racist! Even if he is from Chicago, supported his racist reverend for 20 odd years, good friends with now indicted Tony Rezko and was a prodigy of Senator Emil Jones a racist Senator from Chicago?? Please don't tell me its so?

For someone who recently said, "This campaign is not about race or religion", this has become his main focal point.

Many readers say were "so inspired" by Obama's speech today. I am sorry, but I attend church regularly and I am not inspired and thrilled by Obama's speeches. In addition, I do not compare Obama to JFK, because I cannot personally relate to JFK. While I am aware of JFK’s accomplishments, I cannot tell you how he inspired people in 1963.

Yet and still, Obama has made race and religion a campaign issue, AGAIN!

One more point. "First Obama didn't write this speech". How do you know that? Were you there? Why couldn't someone ih his position be able to speak from his heart and knowledge of history without someone writing the speech for him? You are quick to call folks bigots because statements are now against white people. Black people have been dealing with this type of bigotry for years! But it doesn't feel good when the shoe is on the other foot for some people, does it? Don't misunderstand me, bigotry is wrong no matter who utters these type of statements. We should be trying to move beyond this as Barack is talking about. But I am sure that there are still folks that will call him all kinds of negating things. Again, it's time to move on. We have to candidates that are making history. I am proud of both of them. Let's focus on issues and not this redundant negativity. This is a country of great people who can achieve greatness! Moving forward....

If a minister was talking like this in white church - I would expect the entire congregation to be wearing hoods.

Obama basically said we can divide the country into warring camps, and nothing will get done. Or we can come together to confront the many dangerous and difficult problems we face. In reading the comments on this page, its obvious that some people relish the waring camps, while others think we don't have the option of the usual, pointless, bitter conflicts if we want to have something worthwhile left to pass on to the next generation.

Obama basically said we can divide the country into warring camps, and nothing will get done. Or we can come together to confront the many dangerous and difficult problems we face. In reading the comments on this page, its obvious that some people relish the waring camps, while others think we don't have the option of the usual, pointless, bitter conflicts if we want to have something worthwhile left to pass on to the next generation.

Only Black can talk and benefit from race issue. Whites can not talk. If you talk, you will be labeled as racist. The FACT is Obama invoked MLK, and then he benefited from 85%-90% Black voters. Now it has some backlashes. So he has to talk again to benefit him again. Smart Politician outsmarts American People.

Yes it was a great speech but he DID NOT answer any of the questions about why he attended a church that preached hate for over 20 years. Hillary is the only choice for me.

For those that are saying that this was a great speech. Do you know that he has the writer from the West Wing write his speeches. Give me a freakin' break, those are not even his own words. Also, explain to me why he is still a member of this so call church. GD is the most dispictable word and his pastor said it several times in front of small children. How can he call himself a christian is beyond me.

Wonderful speech but I'm looking for a leader to be president not a spinster.

When I was young I supported idealistic dreams...I though SS would never run out, I believed every one wanted to come to the US and be an American, learn the language and wanted equal rights for all. I marched for this, I wore arm bands, wrote letters, put my life in jeopardy at times, of course voted and passed out flyers. I marched with King. My husband couldn't get into Northwestern Law school because he was the wrong religion, my uncle was killed in Poland for being that same religion. My son couldn't get into UofI although he was a State Scholar because he was white..and didn't get hired by IBM because he was white and they were only hiring blacks. Tell me how I feel about Trinity and their Pastors, or Jesse Jackson and Hymie Town? Yet I sent money to Jena, for it was wrong...just as I walked out of services years ago when my rabbi promoted violence through the JDL...Jewish Defence League...not the Army. Obama and his church members could have done the same.

Why do the twisted-thinking anti-Obama messages get posted twice? Do you think your perspective is so supreme that your vote should count double, or is it just that your computer skills are as limited as your reasoning abilities?

This speech is grossly overrated because it doesn't answer the most fundamental question that cuts to the core of Obama's credibility, character and judgment:

Mr. Obama, if you believe in a united America and are "post racial," why for the last 25 years have you aligned yourself with the hateful, anti-American, anti-semitic rhetoric of Jeremiah Wright and the Black Nationalist movement?

Here's the truth according to all the major newspapers: Obama wrote this historical speech. He wrote it over the weekend and was still working on it as late as last night. Why do you doubt his brilliance and integrity? If you are literate enough to read his two bestselling books, then you wouldn't even doubt that he wrote this speech. (Unlike Hillary who had to use a ghostwriter to write her autobiography, "It Takes A Village" and purposely didn't acknowledge the writer).

What Obama fails to acknowledge is that his support of Jeremiah Wright over the last 25 years has contributed to the co-called "racial stalemate" he decries.

This guy is one of the slickest race baiters to come down the garbage chute in years.

eloquent speech and history but does not really talk much about his feelings on weight and if still believes in those statements. Am in awe that he would let his young daughters attend their also. I also see that he does lie. He has stated several times he was there hasn;t heard that in church when he had been there but today he slipped it in that he was there. I want to know if he plans on having Wright sit at his right hand In White House and that is why he won't distance himself. Has not really explained the God Dam America or the 9-11 comment. That needs addressing.

"Obama basically said we can divide the country into warring camps, and nothing will get done. Or we can come together to confront the many dangerous and difficult problems we face. In reading the comments on this page, its obvious that some people relish the waring camps, while others think we don't have the option of the usual, pointless, bitter conflicts if we want to have something worthwhile left to pass on to the next generation."

Gregory Sims save your advice for the Reverend. Better yet Obama could have saved the advice for his beloved mentor--and 20 years to late if you ask.

"Obama basically said we can divide the country into warring camps, and nothing will get done. Or we can come together to confront the many dangerous and difficult problems we face. In reading the comments on this page, its obvious that some people relish the waring camps, while others think we don't have the option of the usual, pointless, bitter conflicts if we want to have something worthwhile left to pass on to the next generation."

Gregory Sims, save your advice for the Reverend. Better yet, Obama could have saved the advice for his beloved mentor-- 20 years too late if you ask.

Forget the words...based on his actions...
- has done nothing as Senator of Illinois
- endorsed Todd Stroger...
incompetent President & thief from "Crooked" county
- attempted to get funds
for his wife's employer
from the State for a useless
project...strangely enough
his wife received a pay increase...from $125m to $325m
What a hypocrite!!!

He LIED about never being in the pew when Wright was saying those things and now he wants us to believe him. GEEZ maybe Wright will be seated at the right hand of Obama in the white house. I don't believe Obama

Forget the words...based on his actions...
- has done nothing as Senator of Illinois
- endorsed Todd Stroger...
incompetent President & thief from "Crooked" county
- attempted to get funds
for his wife's employer
from the State for a useless
project...strangely enough
his wife received a pay increase...from $125m to $325m
What a hypocrite!!!

Sad but true, statistically there is some validity to Obama's grandmother's concern about violence being perpetrated against her by a black male. Just visit the bureau of statistics web page at the US Dept of Justice.

These postings are a hoot. You apologists just continue to kid yourself and think none of this will affect the outcome of the presidential election where, sorry to say, the winning candidate will need to win a majority of the white male voters. Keep on posting your diatribes. This will have an affect on this man as a presidential candidate, no matter how flowery and frequent his clarification speeches are.

Obama Obama Obama, Your speech is all crap. You didn't make me feel any better about why you spent 20 years listening to racism, anti-American, anti-white hate.

If I spent 1 year going to KKK meetings, you would call me a racist. I could come out and say I didn't agree with them, but you wouldn't care.

And I don't care how you spin it, you are a racist. America deserves better. You should resign from the Senate and drop your Presidential bid.

You have lost the confidence of the White American People that you and your Pastor lambasted for 20 years.

Will I vote for the man? I don't know. I am still researching.

Posted by: Reagan4Obama | March 18, 2008 5:20 PM

Not really, Reagan4Obama kinda gave it away. And, yes, nothign makes the blogsphere look BETTER than talk of a candidate and his mentor who contradict themselves, spinning that into some divine metaphysical experience and divine knowledge. I'm sure the book is a kult klassic. Preferably read with a pint of kool-aid with a sprig of weed for garnish. I'm really in love with the idea of electing contradictory souls to office bent of folding one into itself. Ala Bush Boy and Iraq.

Recall that Obama called for the firing of Don Imus last year. "I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."

How noble of you, Obama, although Jeremiah Wright’s hateful comments make Imus look like a school boy.

But it took the media and dropping poll numbers for Obama to wake up from what can only be described as a racist stupor and address Wright’s vile remarks.

Obama is a con man. Nothing more.

I read it,I hear it, but I still find it difficult to beleive that so many people would make judgements about Barack, his pastor and his church based on a two minute story. My God what is wrong with you all. Are you not cablable of formulating an opinion based on facts. Can you not see that you were only given a few seconds of the fire and damnation to make you react the way you have. What the media gave you was half truths and you have taken it and ran. I have heard so many call Trinty a racist church.Pastor Wright a hate monger. None of it is true. I am member of Trinity along with 6000 others. We come from all types of backgrounds, yes even some are white. This country is long overdue for a honest discussion on race. The comments made here are a clear indication of that. Race is like the elephant in the room. We all know its there but no one wants to talk about it.
Before you continue to spu your ignorance of our church and pastor, please do some homework. Do not judge a person, or people by a twenty second sound byte. Our church services are there for the world to view. If you are not afraid you will see the truth, go to our website and see for yourself.TUCC.org.

Did you know for many years the most segregated day was Sunday? Blacks at black churches and whites at white churches. Isn't it amazing they were praying to the same god. As a white person who spent 18 years teaching in a predominantly minority school, I can tell you racism is still around in America. It is time for a person like Barack Obama to be our president.

SO I guess now it is ok for a candidate and his family to belong to church that spils hate as long as white people are the object of the hate. Wow we have truly fallen as a country when we allow someone to be excused for hate because they gave a good speech. I am truly saddened and disappointed in the Obama fans who excuse everything he does. If this were reversed and HIlalry belonged to an anti-black church for 20 years she would have been forced to resign months ago. THinking that spinning a speech is going to make everything ok is extremely naive. But hey it seemed to have worked on his "sheep"

last week obama stated he did not hear the good rev make his speechs filled with anti american hatered today he remembers hearing them its the little lies that make you wonder about obama. What religion was obama before the racist rev. wright converted obama to christianity?? HMMM

I cried when I watched old yeller. That was the response the writers were going for. I see people on writing on how wonderful this guy is, but at what? Reading! That is how we all got to know the name. He won an award for reading a book while someone recorded it. Great speechwriters know how to tug at the heart strings. The great ones work on political campaigns. All this hoopla is going on after hearing him speak. Actions speak louder than words. Take a step back and a deep breath. Will you accept a good speech after a bad decision? He had a 50/50 shot on the war vote; do you think the next guess will be just as good?

Wait a minute. He's telling white people to back off on racism? He's uttering veiled threats about what will happen if we don't address his minister's racial condemnation of white pepople, (not too much after he defended his wife's racial outburs.)And then comparing Ferraro's statement of facts to his minister's words of hatred directly targeted at white people? Are that many of you of you blind to THAT?

There were no regrets, no apologies. He did all he could to justify and excuse Wright's tirades.

Have your obama nomination. You deserve it. After this and who knows what else will surface between now and November, McCain will win in a landslide. He will make Raygun's victories look like a close race. This will be Bush's legacy. His destruction of America will continue, all due to yet another "lesser of two evils" election.

I was an Obama supporter but his true colors have come out and he has gone too far. Shame on you OBAMA!!! Justifying racism in a speech does not remedy the situation that Obama created for himself by associating himself with a pastor who is a hatemongering Christian . Obama has defended Jeremiah Wright? A man who preaches hatred and "God Damn America!" ? Such a defense is foolish, and frightening. We don't need a President who stands behind those who spew hatred to an audience.
You can bet on it if Hillary had a Pastor who preached hatred, African-Americans would be screaming wolf and would be calling members of Hillaries church the KKK! I was a Obama supporter but his true colors have come out and he has gone too far. Shame on you OBAMA!!!!

I thought the speech just ok. What has he truly done for Illinois? Has he helped balance a budget? Has he helped or had input with the increase in taxes in cook county? WHAT IN THE HECK HAS HE DONE TO PROVE HE WOULD BE A GOOD PRESIDENT BESIDES GIVE AN OK SPEECH. Please!!

Congrats to Billary and the press for completely sinking the Dems. After reading the posts in response, McCain is going to pick up 1/2 of the disenchanted Dem voters. I can't believe the Dems would rather hate themselves (or maybe I can believe it?) than move forward. Shocker? No, not really. Hopefully McCain doesn't get too crazy and get us into Iran.

Let us step back and realize that Senator Obama has himself become the "dividing factor" in this Presidential race. If he were not running, there would not be a hullabaloo about race issues. In fact, while his advisors try to accuse the Hillary camp with race baiting, they were in fact striving to draw a line between black and white Democrats in the hopes of garnishing the Black vote for their candidate as demonstrated in Mississippi. The truth of the matter is Obama has become a corrosive figure for the Democrats because the party failed to delve more deeply into his background and associates. While the "dream" of uniting the nation may have ignited his ambition to run for president, what he managed to do is unintentionally "divide" a nation and open up old wounds.

In November, the Democratic party will need to do double work to recover those voters who have become disenchanted because of the vile cloud hanging over it caused by the divisive race card.

Oh come on now, Swamp editors, how could you let so many obvious scripted "comments" from Obama campaign staffers get past your keen eye?

Lord knows dreams are hard to follow, but don't let anyone TEAR THEM AWAY!

Hold on! There will be tomorrow. In time, you'll find the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!

Did I vote for the wrong person in Feb? Have I closed my ears to all sides of the story. Was I wearing blinders? I most have been. Since Regan's 2nd term I have voted the party line but for a few offices. I will go to Obama's rallies to see and hear for myself what this man is about. People here ask what has he done, I ask what did JFK do before his 1st term. Google MLK and hear his words and then think about Obama said. Now I do not know where my next vote will go, I could not say that yesterday.

I'm so tired of the Rev. Wright story to be completely honest. How many times over the course of history have major figures been aligned with people that were less than savory? We don't understand the black church context & likely never will. The church is not just for hearing the word of God in many communities. It's also where politics, social issues and other current affairs are discussed with passion. We'll never get it. And that's ok with me. I've heard too many racist jokes not to have an idea of what blacks could be saying when whites aren't part of the conversation. I'm ready to move on from this & I don't think I'm alone. Lastly, I really don't think we'll put McCain through all this hell given his particularly odd evangelical support. I appreciate Obama's speech more than I thought I would.

But even after it we still can't stop looking at him as a black man rather as an American running for president. Now you tell me how that's right.

This is a person that rationalizes the obviously racist comment of a Black Minister, while condemning the same from Whites. The hypocrisy is quite obvious.

My problem with Obama is also personal. My Father-in-law dies two years ago. He was a veteran and got treatment at VA-Hines. One day my wife was taking him for treatment. Normally, the parking would be difficult, but a short walk would get them into the Hospital. On this day, the walk was extremely long and caused my Father-in-law problems. Why? Because all of the close in parking spaces were taken by Obama, his Security and the Press, leaving the sick Veterans to find parking in far out lots. The sick had to walk so the able-bodied Obama could hold a Press Conference, promising to do better for the Veterans (hypocrisy again?). Six Months later, on what turned out to be his last visit to the Hospital, nothing had changed. He was emaciated and they had problems getting a Blood Pressure reading because the proper cuffs were not available. Every time the Blood Pressure machine would inflate the cuff, he would scream in pain. Later, after he was moved to his room, my Wife talked to the Nurses that had treated him over the past 9 years. When asked about all the new equipment and staff Obama had promised, they laughed and said they would settle for getting the current equipment working properly. He couldn't remember a promise longer than it took to turn off the camera's. He is unfit to be the Commander in Chief. Any Veteran considering voting for him should consider this.

Rezko, Wright and forgotten promises, quite a legacy before he even gets to the White House.

If Hillary or McCain continued to attend a church that preached hate for blacks they would be labeled racists right away. Obama is the true RACIST and should withdraw from the race. Anyone who votes for him is a RACIST and a TRAITOR to the United States!

This speech does nothing but make excuses. As a latino I find it offensive that Obama thinks blacks are the only ones oppressed in this nation. There's other races that are oppressed but they choose to correct it not make excuses!

God Damn America???

NO OBAMA GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

You will say anything to be president. You had 20 years of listening to this crap and you say you don't agree with it????

In your book you call white people crackers?

You cannot unite this country only divide it further. You should quit now before it is too late.

Put Colin Powell or Rice on the ballot either one would make a grreat president but Obama is simply a liar.

Abraham Lincoln=CHANGE

The change we need is for our government to do something for the people of the United States of America.

Barack doesn't believe in the USA- his wife said it-and then she tried to cover it up.

Barack Obama is not "proud" to be an American - he doesn't love the land he lives on- he is not happy he is free -

I'm a black female Captain in the U.S. Army. I have served for over 20 years and I love my country...I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world.

Obama and his links to Rev. Wright/Rezco is bad judgement....and blacks need to own up to it and STOP making excuses for Obama & Wright.

Before this story broke, I spoke to my 14 & 12 year old daughters about not hanging around those who have a bad reputation or continuously do negative things, because others will believe they are the same way....Obama should have had the intelligence to also know this by now!

Wright should NEVER use the pulpit to voice political rhetoric...regardless if they are true or not. The pulpit is ONLY for God's word.

I distastefully saw people...mostly young....crying, worshipping, and idolizing Obama at his rallies...calling him the Messiah. In my gut I saw trouble coming because of this.

The ONLY Messiah is Jesus Christ. When Obama didn't ask these young people to tone it down, and when he himself rellished from being in the spotlight....he lost my vote. NO ONE puts him/herself on a pedestal acting as if they are Jesus Christ...ONLY Jesus Christ can do that. And why on earth would a Christian preacher (Wright) give a lifetime achievement award to a Muslim......Farrakhan???? As a Christian, this is very suspicious to me.

Futhermore, I also blame white college kids who are Obama's core supporters. They also spew hate all over the Internet in defense of Obama 24/7. They blindfully supported Obama WITHOUT researching his platform....then alot of other whites followed suit.

bottom line....Obama needs to withdraw from the presidential race and the people of Illinois can deal with him and his Senate seat.

Every candidate/man of God....including Obama and Wright, need to be held to the same standard...regardless of the color of their skin.

If Obama was a white candidate....lets say Hillary Clinton and Wright was a white preacher....they would be fried by the media, black politicians and me....and rightfully so!

I have been saying to family & friends for a year that Obama wasn't ready YET to be President...maybe in 8 years or a Governorship FIRST. Remember, you never want to set a person up for failure.

As a Captain in the Army, my superiors would never put me in a position that I wasn't trained/ready for. The same should be the standard for the office of the Presidency.

Experience for Obama is just NOT there yet. However, Obama's chances of holding a political office in the future is gone...probably forever.

There's a lot of anger here & I can't really figure out why. Obama's not a racist--it's clear that some have decided not to like him & ok, if that's your opinion then fine. But absolutely nothing that he's said since he's been on the campaign has caused me to label him as racist. He's of mixed heritage and can uniquely address both sides. I think a lot of the vitriol here is exactly what he's working to bridge. This is exactly the kind of divisive language that he's committed to transcending. We don't hold Bush et. al to this same standard because they don't have the unique burden as someone who constantly has to defend his heritage. Unless your black or latino or whatever we have to accept that they view the world differently than many others. But that definitely doesn't mean that they don't want the same & that they don't want progress. It just means that it's different. I for one appreciated his speech greatly and at the very least he could've hoped that this controversy would disappear -- but he didn't. He confronted it and challenged us to see past it. That's good enough for me.

For example, we may have gay family members and be completely homophobic & maybe even a bigot -- but they're a part of our family & we don't disown them. We might not like what they do but we love them. That's how I view their relationship, let's try to shift the context so we can at least try to progress this conversation.

For those who say they were SO INSPIRED by Obama's speech, why don't you GO TO CHURCH on SUNDAYS! You can be inspired each week with powerful messages that reach and inspire you.

You don't need a politician to inspire you. GO TO CHURCH!

I'm not a part of his church but I know Rev. Wright and have heard him speak. He is the most caring, loving, considerate man you could know. He is loved and highly respected by white people as well as blacks, hispanics, and others. They keep coming back because they know he is a pastor who cares about them. What he speaks against are injustices to the less fortunate of our society. Jesus himself called the leaders of the Jewish people (the scribes, Pharisees and priests) hypocrites (Matthew 15:7), thieves(Matthew 21:13) and said that they be "damned" (Matthew 23:14) for their oppression of the people and their abuse of power and wealth. And of course, they were highly offended (Matthew 15:12)...to the point that they wanted to kill him (Matthew 21:45-46). Jesus considered it necessary to use harsh words to confront harsh realities. And if Jesus is the model for the Christian church, Jerimiah Wright comes right from the mold. And if the church doesn't accept Jesus' example in preaching against injustice then the preaching is in vain, the preacher needs to quit, and the church needs to close.

I am encouraged to witness the dialouge on race. I am white, jewish and hopelessly liberal who has befriended and spent lots of time with African Americans since grade school. In my integrated town I noticed over the years that my white friends, who were mediocre students that partied lots and didn't take studies that seriously went on to do quite well in life. On other hand black men who we grew up with have already died(many of them from AIDS), gotten strung out on drugs or gone to prison.

Racism is like a "rubber necking delay" on a highway. No one contributes a dectectable amount to the traffic delay, but a miniscule contribution is made by almost everyone and the culmulative effect is real.

There are other metaphors and none, including mine are perfect.

I teach poor black and hispanic kids in the Bronx how to use computers right now.

The human capital that is lost to America when any ot its citizens fail to live up to their potential costs everyone.

I am glad to see the discussion unfolding. There is hope, but I also have fear and recall that other populists with messages of unity of the baby boomer generation John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King all lost their lives. I have decided if it happens this time around I am looking for another country.

The NYTimes just endorsed Hillary for Democratic Presidential nominee. I chewed them out roundly and let them know that I will surf elsewhere, which is how I ended up on a chicago newspapers web site. I'm from NY.

It's obvious to me now....The not wearing an American Flag lapel pin, not placing his hand over his heart during the Natonal Anthem....He must have been at "that" particular sermon and heeded Rev. Wright's advice as his "mentor."

By the way, kkk leaders are Republican, aren't they? Aryan Resistance members are Republican; so are most skinheads and neo-Nazis. For some reason these hate groups feel welcome and accepted in the Republican party. Obama is being denigrated for what was said in his church while a politcal party continues to welcome and embrace people who don't just "cuss out" America (as if America doesn't ever deserve a little cussing out) but actively seek to harm her citizens.

nick said:

so everyone thinks that Obama saying we can't ignore why blacks are racist because of why they are? Uh.. every immigrant has been abused by the races before them and anyone can use past experience with a race as a reason for hatred.

it's never ok to justify racism or hatred for WHY you feel it. never.

It's always wrong. Obama is wrong.

And I do know the African Americans' history. I also know that when slavery was in effect, my family wasn't even IN the United States.

So then what then is the reason the black men have hatred for the white European Americans who had nothing to do with slavery and were impoverished hard working people abused by the people already in America?

IT's never ok to be racist.. regardless of the roots of your hatred.

Nick, unless your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on, sat at the back of the bus with the blacks, bypassed the 'white only' water fountains and bathrooms to use whatever else was available, ate out on the sidewalk instead of at the counter, you and your family are beneficiaries of a white-run society. Up to and including modern day society. Get over it, you're not off the hook, you don't have to hold the whip, to accept the benefits. Now in 20 or 30 years, when YOU'RE the minority in this country, you're have a better sense of what I'm getting at.

I've read through most comments. It seems most of us who had open minds to hear what our ears were sending from the Obama speech heard a great speech.

The attack crowd does not care what Obama said or who he really is.

We all have our preferred candidates I started with Edwards, but Obama is the most authentic candidate of the three choices remaining.

Barack Obama’s speech on RACE was EXCELLENT

He hit the nail right on the head. BULLSEYE. Plus he delivered that speech immaculately.

Obama's speech today was PURE PERFECTION!!!

Most media are saying that he hit this one out of the ballpark. 67% of the polls says Obama hit every single note he should have and even more. They are are calling his speech the best race speech since MLK I have a dream. How does he do it?.

A True Christian does not flee his/her church. As your faith grows, you stay to serve, teach, counsel, support, educate, uplift, encourage others and help make a change; be a positive EXAMPLE.

Church hopping and shopping is not a responsible servant. Each church you go to sooner or later there will be controversial issues. There is not a perfect church.

I appreciate Senator Obama's example to remain at his church, as he's grown in his Christian faith (be in the world but not of the world); be that EXAMPLE, as I've previously mentioned. We must LOVE the SINNER, but HATE the SIN, as scripture tells us.

Senator Obama's speech was very effective and exemplifies how one must love the sinner, but hate the sin.

Posted by: Chuck | March 18, 2008 8:46 PM

Yes, Chuck great idea. Are you planning to have separate fountains, let the new minority drink last, or are you already planning to hold off on allowing them to drink period? Heck, why wait 20 plus years, lets just get it over with now.

What a great speech!!! The good thing about the speech is that it is bringing out the true racists, right here on this blog. Anyone who still berates Barack Obama, even after this speech, was never for him to begin with, so your comments are irrelevant, period. Many of you will just rather have the same old White House with the same division. You all are hopeless and hypocritical with your holier than thou attitude. How sad.

Obama said that he had heard Wright make controversial statements, so not necessarily the controversial statements in the publicized clips. I say this for the people whose comments on this article show they have reading difficulties.

PA is not the be all end all and some would have you think.

The other 49 states matter!

Senator Obama is not Rev. Wright and Rev. Wright is not Senator Obama and both are quite capable of speaking for themselves.

All other President or presidental candidates that had people who made bad comments in their circle only had to condemn the statements. Why isn't that enough for Senator Obama?

Why doesn't winning 30 out of 44 states, the popular vote and the most delegates make him the clear front runner? The media keeps saying it is razor thin, it is so close...

These are the things that make you wonder sometimes.

I'm an African American, I’m not an immigrant and these United States of America are built on the backs and with the sweat, tears, rapes, tortures and abuses of my ancestors.

Like most people I realize that America in theory is a great nation, but in its actions it is so far from great. There most certainly is a great amount of resentment against white Americans, but it's not about the past that we have problems with; it's the here and now. The negative stereotypes that are dominated in the Media, it the video tapes of gangs of white police officers severely beating black people, it's the video tapes of white police officers running black suspects down in their vehicles. It's the general harassments that most blacks have to deal with on a day- to-day basis that's the problem.

It's so easy to harp on crime, teen births and all the other stereotypes that are prevalent in the media. But let's also realize where we are and how we are still being treated. The crime and unwed mothers are also prevalent in the white community and in larger numbers, but no one seems to realize that. I wonder why.

If the ignorant whites in this country read history- they would know the atrocities that have happened in the past and still happen to should be considered genocide of a race.

Let's be frank: Emmet Till a 13 yo black boy beaten, tortured, hung and shot in the face for looking at a white woman. The many, many black man hung and killed for crimes that they didn't commit, the many blacks men in jail for long terms for crimes they didn't commit, the many black men and woman who brought land from Quakers that were scared off their lands, with threats of death, the many, many communities that were burnt to the ground, businesses lost, wealth lost, lives lost and families destroyed. Germany has paid billions of dollars in restitution to Jews; in many cases even family belongings were restored. America has paid restitution to Japanese that lost wealth, businesses and homes during the internment during the war. But blacks still have to con

Every day in America a black person is discriminated against even now, even today. I realize that most whites don't realize what's going on because it doesn't affect them. They can live in their fantasy land and believe that everything is equal. But strangely enough truth is stranger than fiction.