His speech will placate supporters and many in the media. The issue will never go away. Obama will lose.

This Wright stuff is just another way for the Wingnuts to avoid the actual issues of this election and shift the focus from their lack of idea's, it's just like the Swiftboat nonsense from 2004.

You want to talk about CRAZY, Anti-Americanism?

McCain sought out this Rev Rod Parsleys endorsement, Rod Parsley didn't seek out McCain.
On February 26, 2008, just a week before the Ohio Primary, John McCain announced at a rally in Cincinnati that televangelist Rod Parsley was his "spiritual guide." This was an important "get" for McCain because Parsley is the pied piper of the religious right in Ohio, and McCain had been struggling with those in the Religious Right and fellow uber-conservatives, and he also needed to end Huckabee's constant needling. McCain can now put a small checkmark in the religious right voting box...but that checkmark comes with some HEAVY baggage...

As I live just down the road from Parsley’s church and home, this hits home for me in a big way, and I felt compelled to research it more.

McCain’s "big toe" and spiritual guide, Rod Parsley (aka, the Parsley Flake).

Well, for starters, Rod Parsley
http://pray2jesus.info/?p=47

a fundamentalist Christian, has called for the eradication of Islam as a false, anti-Christian religion, and for Christians to wage a new crusade against Islam. Parsley wants his followers to man their battle stations, ready their weapons, and lock and load to let the reformation begin. Guess this fits right in with McCain’s "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" favorite song and philosophy.

Additionally, Parsley and his Center for Moral Clarity have called for the outright prosecution of people who commit adultery, and have compared Planned Parenthood workers to Nazis. The CMC pushes a strict biblical response to moral issues like abortion.

Further, Parsley's World Harvest church and ministries have been accused of engaging in pro-Republican activities in violation of its tax-exempt status, but have never been investigated or found guilty, amazingly enough, by the Republican-controlled Ohio (and federal) government. In recent elections in Ohio, Parsley and his ministries have been a key to fundamentalist Christian GOTV efforts, for the likes of George Bush in 2000 and 2004 and for the failed (thankfully!) gubernatorial run of Ken Blackwell in 2006.

I live less than 5 miles from the Parsley compound, home to World Harvest Church, Bible College and Harvest Prep High School, and to his internationally televised Breakthrough Ministries, all located at 4595 Gender road in Canal Winchester, Ohio, a southeastern suburb of Columbus. If you want to say "Hi" to the good reverend, you can do so here: customerservice@rodparsley.com.

I also live less than 5 miles from Parsley’s million dollar mansion, located at 10720 Allen Road NW in Pickerington, Ohio. My sister’s family lives less than a mile away. It may sound odd, but one beef I have with Parsley is a simple inconvenience in that when his 12,000-member church lets out on midday Sunday, his bought city policemen hold all other traffic up until the flock exits the compound. It’s on a two-lane road in a rural/suburban area, but when church lets out and you get caught in it, you might as well be living in LA at rush hour.

Both of the massive Parsley properties can be viewed by going to Google Maps. Interestingly, according to the Fairfield County Auditor’s webpage, Parsley has his home in a trust in his wife’s name. Guess it wouldn’t look good to have than hulking mansion in his name. Wonder how many in the flock know he lives in a mansion?

According to his web page, the Rod Parsley ministries started out as a small garage church back in 1977 and have grown at a staggering rate ever since. The Parsley ministries are committed to fulfilling their responsibility to be accountable to God, and to the government and all of their requirements...particularly those associated with the exemption from federal income tax under §501(c)(3) for religious non-profit organizations. Yup, Gawd wouldn’t want it any other way...at least for McCain’s spiritual guide.

Discussion on some of the Parsley Ministries:

Breakthrough

According to the web page, "Breakthrough is a Rod Parsley-hosted television show taking biblical doctrine and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a potential viewing audience of 97% of homes in the United States. Breakthrough is seen in nearly every nation and carried on 1,400 stations and cable affiliates, including Daystar, INSP, Cornerstone Television, World Harvest Television, The Church Channel, The Trinity Broadcasting Network, ENLACE, which broadcasts in Spanish to 20 nations, and Europe 7."

McCain can see it already, his name and positions being televised on Breakthrough by his spiritual guide round-the-clock, all over the country and world for the next six months, free of charge to McCain...and tax-free for the Parsley Flake.......and moral-free if we’re keeping it real.

The Center for Moral Clarity

The Center for Moral Clarity, ahhh, pomposity and moral superiority practically drip from the name alone. Parsley, a self-described Christocrat, founded the CMC in 2007. Parsley and the CMC have called for the outright prosecution of people who commit adultery, and have compared Planned Parenthood workers to Nazis. The CMC pushes a strict biblical response to moral issues like abortion.

Here’s a little text from the CMC web page:

Abortion: Life's Greatest Enemy

Rod Parsley is leading our nation into a new awareness concerning the tragedy of abortion. People from all faiths and cultural backgrounds are coming to understand that abortion has been nothing less that an American genocide over the last 35 years, claiming the lives of 46 million unborn babies. In fact, Dr. Parsley has been so moved by this issue that he directed his staff to produce the DVD set, Life’s Greatest Enemy, which exposes how African American children, in particular, have been the target of a generation of homicidal doctors and so-called "family-planners." Over 25 percent of the African-American population has already been exterminated by abortionists. Nearly as many black babies are aborted in American as are allowed to be born. Rod Parsley is determined to bring this outrage to an end. Through education, the establishment of crisis pregnancy Hope Centers, and serving as our voice on this issue in our nation’s capital, Rod Parsley has directed the collective might of his 10 ministries to fighting murderous abortion in America and throughout the world. With your generous support, Rod Parsley’s crusade against abortion will continue both gaining strength and saving the lives of thousands of unborn children.

Hope Centers? Yikes.

Here’s some more text from his web page:

Defund Planned Parenthood

In the past two years alone, Planned Parenthood has received more than half a billion dollars from the federal government to execute their horrific policies and facilitate the national scourge of abortion on demand. Abortion is a crime against humanity. It is horrible enough that this tragedy is legal in the United States ... but to sponsor it with our tax dollars — yours and mine — is unconscionable."

"Abraham Lincoln took on the daunting task of sounding an alarm and calling like-minded men and women to battle and to sacrifice for a noble cause. Today, our battle is not a war between the states, it is a war within the states ... a clash with our culture over the absolute sanctity of human life. And so, we call upon every committed Christian citizen to join in this battle for the sanctity of life in America and to rise up with a clarion call to the Congress of the United States to STOP funding Planned Parenthood through a major nationwide initiative, challenging our leaders to put a stop to this outrageous, yet long-standing, policy. There is a price to pay to rescue an entire generation ... and with your help, we will continue to fight against this culture of death. Give your most generous gift right now and let us stand together in calling on Congress to right this wrong.
Give until it hurts... to stop young people from planning parenthood.

Reformation Ohio

Reformation Ohio is a coalition of denominational and independent churches, ministries, businesses and other organizations committed to making a permanent impact on the state of Ohio by preaching the Gospel, performing acts of compassion throughout the state and empowering individuals and communities through non-partisan voter registration."
According to their web page, "liberal policy organizations and some Ohio media outlets have consistently misrepresented Reformation Ohio in that regard. This type of criticism is proof that opponents either misunderstand the purpose of Reformation Ohio or choose to disseminate inaccurate information. The truth is that Reformation Ohio has never been a political organization. Its focus is preaching the Gospel, feeding the poor and encouraging voter participation – something any Christian organization, regardless of its politics or values concerning moral issues, should be able to support. At a Reformation Ohio evangelistic event, you will never hear participants encouraged to vote for or against a particular candidate. You will hear exhortations to participate in the political process, guided by one’s own values.

Guess we’ll just have to take him "on faith" that he’s not doing anything illegal that would jeopardize his multi-million dollar tax dodge as a religious non-profit. As an aside, I talked to a co-worker awhile back that attended a Reformation Ohio function on a lark, and she noted that their people at the voter registration table tried to feel folks out to see if they were the "right" kind of voter before they signed them up. I’ve also heard that for those they did sign up that didn’t have the "right" feel to them...well, those registration forms were placed in old file #13 for safe keeping. Nice, eh? McCain’s spiritual guide hard at work!

Books by Rod Parsley

Are you looking for answers, for the truth? How about some light Fundie reading from the pen of the Parsley Flake?

Silent No More includes a chapter titled "Islam: The Deception of Allah," which states that there is an ongoing war between Islam and Christian civilization, that Islam is an anti-Christian religion, and that the U.S. should launch a crusade to eradicate Islam. The Flake notes that Muhammad received his revelations from demons and not the true God and that Allah was a demon spirit. And in a show of "F them all" idealism, Parsley does not differentiate between Islamic extremists and the many other non-violent followers.

In Silent No More, Parsley also thoroughly trashes activist judges, civil libertarians advocating separation of church and state, and homosexuality. Yup, nothing controversial here...this is right up McCain’s alley. I’m sure all Americans would feel quite comforted knowing the Parsley Flake is McCain’s spiritual guide.

The Flakes other self-proclaimed bestseller, Culturally Incorrect, includes a table of contents with chapters titled, Surveying the Battlefield, Pretenders to the Throne, and The Battleground of Science. Hmmm...do you smell a book chock full of unsubstantiated Fundie talking points. McCain’s spiritual guide sure can write a page-turner! Guess WE are going to have to spoon-feed McCain’s spiritual guidance to the MSM, as all I hear now is "cricket, cricket." FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting at http://www.fair.org/... is working to refocus the MSM on this issue.

I haven’t written at all about McCain’s religious positioning over the years, but the details are sordid and many. During McCain’s 2000 presidential bid, he called Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell agents of intolerance, but over the last year he was backtracked in double time on that sentiment. And in the last few months, after McCain sought and devoured the endorsement of Texas televangelist John Hagee, who called the Catholic Church "the great whore" and a "false cult system," he has since had to renounce to some extent due to the Catholic League’s loud protestations.

I also have not written about all of Parsley Flake’s individual ministries, but if you want to see this Fundie preacher in action, check out these most excellent videos at Brave New Films:

http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/31622-rod-parsley-mccain-s-anti-gay-spiritual-guide

Foul demons that have clogged this vacuum cleaner...BE GONE!! Sorry, just flashing back to a funny Gary Larson cartoon. Holy Mackerel is right! McCain has picked himself a real winner to serve as his spiritual guide...and it is our job to make sure America knows just what a weiner he is. Good night and good luck...

How dare those reporters ask the Obamessiah questions!

Pubic servant, is weiner a technical term?

Oh yeah, and nice new alias, John E.

Bottom line is Obama knew exactly what Wright was about for years but choose to ignore it and continue to attend the church anyway. Clearly he was aware of Wrights comments before Fox aired the videos like he said. He lied about that and now he doesnt want to get caught in that lie. So he will give some lame speech about the greatenss and uplifting of the races that his followers will say is the greatest speech on race ever. His media followers will proclaim it great also. However none of that will change the fact that he lied in the Fox and MSNBC interviews and that he still took his children to a pastor who was a racist.

This article is about Barrack Obama not John McCain, and besides. John McCain never went to Rod Parsley's church for 20 years.

THis is a a straight qoute from Obamas book the Audacity of Hope;

“It is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, WHERE WHIT FOLKS GREED RUN A WORLD IN NEED, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere…That’s the world! On which hope sits!”

So clearly he knew of Wrights anti-white teachings and just lied about it on the news channels. He put it is his own book. It was the simple speech that he was in awe of. He has been caught in an outright lie. Lets see if the press holds him accountable like they would any other candidate.

Really NO ONE agrees with EVERYTHING that their pastors say if they DID it wouldn't be a NEED for pastors. They are trying to CONVINCE most of the people sitting in the pews. I had a pastor preach a sermon about the "righteousness" of the war in Iraq- there isn't much righteousness in killing but you didn't see me getting my panties in a bunch about it. Just move on.

In short, you are all grabbing at straws. Let it go. It really doesn't matter to the masses. You don't know Rev. Wright. You've only heard pieces of his sermons. Get over it and stop commenting on what you don't understand. The ultimate is that racism still exists. The difference between Rev. Wright and most people is that he lets you know where he stands, and most others will either wear a white sheet or just "throw rocks and hide their hands". Get over it and stop fearmongering!

Unless you are the most arrogant person in the world, you do not attend a church for twenty years that espouses hatred against America and then expect to be elected President of the United States.

Wright is a human being who has, in his lifetime, seen staggeringly atrocious examples of blatant and systematic racism and violence. I haven’t heard anyone actually claim that Obama was anti white, particularly given his upbringing with his stated affection for his white mother and grandparents. I also think it is the height of hypocrisy to be so damning of Obama for daring to have so much as a connection with Wright when Byrd of West Virginia, who once said, “Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds” is actually still serving in congress.

Stand Up and Clap Loudly for Sun-Len! Excellent Reporting, Give this girl a raise!
He's a lying Politician. He will be exposed, just like all the other's before him. He is not a super-human, he will get found out by someone coming forward with concrete evidence he know's full well he belong's to a Hate Church.
Don't be delusional. He's gotten away with his illusion long enough. He separates not Unites. He could very well cause such a division as to cause a Civil War.
He has Wright's Hate Seed planted firmly within him. That Hate Seed will Bloom, and you will see Obama for who he really is. He goes completely against the Pope, Vatican and Roman Catholic Church believing the Doctrine of his church, Jesus was a Black man born in Africa, not Semite.
Larry Elder, infiltrated, investigated and deeply researched Obama. Larry Elder is a Black man and he say's Obama is lying.
"Satan is a lier" "Satan himself is dress as an Angel of light". Beware this man, he is evil..

Obama's Denouncing the Rev. Wright statements and read all about it.

Stating he never heard the Rev. talk like this in his sermons..... In the Whole 20 Years? BULL, I don't buy it.

I hope the rest of the democratic Americans are bright enough Not to
buy this song and dance. It's Call DAMAGE CONTROL. "Well Rev. Wright is retired now, and theirs a new Minister of the church." How convenient!

That Does not change the fact that Obama has know this man, will continue to know him, and receive advice from him. He will not discard this man out of his life "Suddenly" after 20 Years. Especially if he's like an Uncle/Father figure constantly giving advice.

Obama's wife, Michelle, and even Oprah has made statements that are questionable, and along the thinking lines of Rev.White. Recently both of them have been seen less. - Damage Control!

Give us a Break, Obama will say anything to sooth his believers.

Too Many Fib's, Cover up's, and Obama Hoped that some things would not be revealed.

1. Obama has fibbed about his connection with Louis Farrakhan till pushed.

2. Obama has fibbed about his real estate deal and involvement with Antoin "Tony" Rezko till pushed.

3. Now this thing with Rev. Wright. and having to be Pushed to make a Statement about that.
(Not to mention his affiliation with other Questionable situations, Fibs about growing up, etc.)

In AMERICA 3 STRIKES your OUT!

He has not even completed one full term in the Senate.

Not to mention about the Muslim Garb he Wears, Michelle proclaiming being Proud of America for the first time in her life, and Obama NOT reciting the Pledge to Allegiance, Putting his hand over his heart, Rejecting to wear an America Flag Lapel Pin ... NOW we have, ... GOD DAM AMERICA ! ! ...I could continue with the FACTS !

Is it only going to get WORSE after he's President? Especially If he's lying and covering NOW !!

This is the same tactics that President Bush pulled, and is pulling as we speak.

I don't see CHANGE, I See a REPEAT...and it's even MORE Cunning & DANGEROUS than Bush, as Obama is a OIL SNAKE CHARMER....and american's lap it up.

I Hope the Young voting Americans Wake up soon from this trance and SMELL THE COFFEE.

I’m sure their will be more Secrets from the Obama Closet, as where theirs Smoke…theirs Fire !

And theirs been an awful lot of Smoke

The shame! Barack Obama is for change! He said he was. It doesn't matter what the truth is, his words are inspirational, and that is all we need. We can conquer the white world with our inspiration! Ooops. Sorry. I'll address that later.

Obama's church's adhesion to
it's "roots" in Black Africa,
is utterly sad and tragic.
Together with European and Arab slave traders, the africans themselves were quite willing to sell the untold millions of black africans into slavery.The africans did not do this under threat.It was part of their culture. It's time for black americans to reject "african culture" the very culture that gladly sold them into slavery. The great paradox is that blacks must now embrace the very european culture that was partially responsible for enslaving them.The only other choice is for black america to sink even further into violence,
crime and broken families.

Before I dive in, let me be clear - I am an American, proud at times, shamed at others, but an American nevertheless. I love America, but I'm not foolish enough to be blinded by my adoration.

Pastor Wright's comments weren't controversial -- they were truthful, rather or not Obama causes them "appaling" or not. Obama was raised in a single parent house hold, he didn't grow up wealthy, he has been called the "N word" before -- he doesn't fit the mold of someone who traditionally would run for President of the US. America has had its hand in some horrible stuff, both here on our soil and aboard, and our nation is controlled by rich white people. What is the controversy?

As a Christian or any truly religious person, you don't pledge allegiance to a flag or a nation, you pledge allegiance to God -- so therefore you can call out the injustices and oppressions and crimes against humanity without reservation. Your loyalty is to a higher power, not to stars and stripes.

On another note -- has everyone forgotten that Obama's mother was white, his grandparents that had a great hand in raising him were also white -- do you really think he is racist against those he loves and who love him?

This isn't merely about a candidate associating with strange people or getting support from them. It's about a very intimate relationship of almost 20 years with someone who hates America and white people and doing nothing but build this guy up about it until a few days ago...and oh yes about Obama lying about it also and Michelle Obama's own negative speeches, etc.

Obama's church's adhesion to
it's "roots" in Black Africa,
is utterly sad and tragic.
Together with European and Arab slave traders, the africans themselves were quite willing to sell the untold millions of black africans into slavery.The africans did not do this under threat.It was part of their culture. It's time for black americans to reject "african culture" the very culture that gladly sold them into slavery. The great paradox is that blacks must now embrace the very european culture that was partially responsible for enslaving them.The only other choice is for black america to sink even further into violence,
crime and broken families.

How often has someone you were "affiliated with" or "associate with" done something wrong or said something appalling?

Senator Obama associates with this pastor because he believes the pastor is basically a good person, and capable of providing sound morals to his children. I'm sure he doesn't agree with everything this guy says, and he'll address that in tomorrow's speech.

But why does the press make such a big deal about what some guy associated with Obama says? If Obama said blacks should sign "God damn America", I can see the issue - but he didn't.

If I had to disassociate myself from people every time they said something I didn't agree with, I wouldn't have many friends at all.

Obama shouldn't have to answer for this pastor's obviously racial comments.

And PS... I'm a white male, and I'm still voting for Obama.

Obama has white relatives and do people think he has not hard racial comments from his white relatives? Does that mean he should disown his white family or his black family because of someone elses words? He understands the anger of black americans and the misunderstanding of white americas.
Give the guy a break!!!!

the blog would have been a little more truthful had it noted that independent media, trying to stir up dirt, ended up eating dirt after admitting that sources proved Obama was in Miami on the day of the subject Wright sermon. (see, e.g., FOX News.com)

This discussion is a TOTAL embarassment to our country and the many, many courageous people who have fought so hard for civil rights and TRUE EQUALITY in our nation. That ANY white American would have the audacity and presumptive arrogance to label any African American a racist is unbelievable to me. All of this just reenforces my belief that we will never achieve peace until we try to better understand why people feel and act as they do - whether they be islamic fundamentalists or an African American minister. Perhaps when we better understand how someone could be so angry, we may even realize our own culpability in their anger - perhaps even make changes that will help them become less angry. If you want a really interesting African American perpective on the Wright controversy, please go to http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/dmathis317 - and please, try to be civil to one another.

This sudden show of patriotis, with the God Bless America and the photo op between 2 American flags are condescending at best. Check out this article: Obama Attended Hate America Sermon
Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:14 PM
By: Ronald Kessler
Contrary to Senator Barack Obamas claim that he never heard his pastor Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. preach hatred of America, Obama was in the pews last July 22 when the minister blamed the white arrogance of Americas Caucasian majority for the worlds suffering, especially the oppression of blacks…..Obama claimed, The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity [United Church of Christ] or heard him utter in private conversation. In fact, Obama was present in the South Side Chicago church on July 22 last year when Jim Davis, a freelance correspondent for Newsmax, attended services along with Obama. In his sermon that day, Wright tore into America, referring to the United States of White America and lacing his sermon with expletives as Obama listened. Hearing Wrights attacks on his own country, Obama had the opportunity to walk out, but Davis said the senator sat in his pew and nodded in agreement. Addressing the Iraq war, Wright thundered, Young African-American men were dying for nothing. The illegal war, he shouted, was based on Bushs lies and is being fought for oil money. ..…© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

I believe that this is a cultural issue more than a patriotic issue. I feel (even as a white woman) that this is more than likely how african americans truly feel. Even more so at the age the Reverend is. I am sure that someone of his generation did become a harsher critic on America's policies on both social and military issues. I dont think his sermon was even about the white race. I think it probably was more so about the trials of the past for african americans. I can see how Obama did not cast him aside due to this and its okay with me. I am sure that Obama see's that his path was opened up by the generation before him. The same as the white race feels about the generations before us. So I think if your not of the culture, you cant judge. I know that as much as I disliked the words, I see it as an opportunity on what we as Americans of all race can do to make changes. No one should feel angry at America if that is what the words represented. I am looking forward to hearing tomorrow's speech by Obama. He still has my vote and I am a republican.

Oh yeah, and nice new alias, John E.

Posted by: Jeff | March 17, 2008 3:48 PM

I agree with Public Servant.

John W McBush has some explaing to do of his own:

McCain/Rev John Magee:

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/02/28/pastor-john-hagee-endorses-mccain-donohue-freaks-out/

McCain/Rev Rod Parsley...

http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/03/john-mccain-rod-parsley-spiritual-guide.html

Oh yeah, and nice new alias, John E.

Posted by: Jeff | March 17, 2008 3:48 PM

I agree with Public Servant.

John W McBush has some explaining to do of his own:

McCain/Rev John Magee:

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/02/28/pastor-john-hagee-endorses-mccain-donohue-freaks-out/

McCain/Rev Rod Parsley...

http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/03/john-mccain-rod-parsley-spiritual-guide.html

Obama's religion seems to be a cynically calculated political move to. He put his religion on the table to begin with. Early on he signed up for the Democrats' new Let's Court the Evangelicals program. In virtually every stump speech he tells us that "he praises Jesus every Sunday". It almost seems like divine justice that it is now blowing up in his face.

PS to Jeff: I wonder if John "copy-and-Paste" E (aka Public Servant; aka Jim Shortz; aka Obama Girl; aka too many aliases to count) really thinks anybody is fooled by by his posting under so many post names?

of course....a long winded responce from "public servant", making the "Obmanation" of Wrights hate speak justified. Anyone that would sit in pews to listen to a so called religious leader spew GD's one after another has got to be a misguided soul....including Obama.

I would like to know if Obama's church, reverend Wright, and people like him would fall under the umbrella of Obama's expanded "hate crimes" statutes.

from barackobama.com:
"Expand Hate Crimes Statutes

Obama will strengthen federal hate crimes legislation and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section. "

On the Obama pastor issue, we have to remember, that just like the recent ex-governor of NYC, who came in under the flag of “CHANGE”, he did just that, he changed into his core beliefs. We don’t know who Obama is, he doesn’t like using his middle name now and he said he doesn’t really know his pastor, a friend for over 20 years. I don’t understand how a person can know someone for over 20 years, he is the pastor that married them, he baptized their children’s and Obama doesn’t know him? I think Obama is not telling the truth and yes words do matter. This pastor has said things that amount to the overthrow of the USA government; Obama wife said she wasn’t proud of the USA until now and Obama doesn’t like to wear the flag or salute it during ceremonies. We didn’t connect the dots before 9/11, should we at least try to connect them now before we get someone in the White House whom core beliefs we don’t even know.

One last point, I am a government worker with a security clearance, if I had a pastor that I had been listening too for over 20 years as a friend, my wife says that she didn’t feel there was anything to be proud about the USA until recently and I wasn’t proud to wear the flag pin or salute the flag, I can guarantee you I would not get the clearance, nor would I get the job, but are we now willing to give this very sensitive job to someone we really don’t know? It is not better to be with the devil you know, then the one you don’t?

Public Servant, comments that long are typically regarded by most folks as "comment spam." Perhaps next time you can write this all up in a blog entry (there are plenty of free services out there), and provide a link instead?

Thanks.

That said, you did a very interesting job highlighting some of Parsley's more extreme positions, but I missed the part where McCain was a member of his congregation for 20 years.

Public Servant @ 3:29 p.m.

So how is that sequel on 'War and Peace' coming along?

Jake, et al, this is the pastor of Obama's church that he's gone to for 20 years. To say he's someone Obama only "associates with" is an attempt to confuse the issue.

The fact that Obama won't answer questions about Wright is typical of the Obama campaign. First they obfuscate and deny (like with the initial Rezko stories) and then they come clean to a friendly media organization like the Libune. What's there to trust from them?

This man is a racist, pure and simple, any attempt to say that anything he's seen justifies the comments like "Goddamn America" is just wrong. He and Michelle Obama aren't proud of America. They're just mocking all of you who are making excuses for Wright right now.

p.s. "he didn't grow up wealthy" this is incorrect. As the son of diplomats, Obama grew up in comparative wealth in Indonesia and Hawaii. He attended Punahou School, a private college preparatory school, from the fifth grade until his graduation in 1979 and then went on to Columbia and Harvard. So, yes, he was rather wealthy for the time.

Jstar, how are Wright's comments truthful? The U.S. "deserved" the attacks on 9/11? We didn't "bat an eye" about nuking Japan to end WWII? History shows the leaders discussed and debated in depth what to do: drop nuclear bombs or invade?

And, one particular comment the Obama-une conistently shies away from is Wright's comment that the U.S. government created the AIDS virus to enact genocide against blacks.

Please explain the "truthfulness" in that comment?

Let's back up a bit and see whether or not this is even worth pursuing.

Those of you who are "anti-Obama": Is there ANYTHING that he could say or do that would change your minds?

If there isn't, then there is no point in discussing it any further. You've made up your minds and further discussion is pointless.

If there is something he could say or do that would influence your thoughts, I'd be interested in hearing what it would be.

Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s rabid anti-American, anti-white rhetoric and Obama’s ill-considered association with the Reverend’s church for 20 years are fast turning the Democratic contest (and the presidential election if Obama is the Democratic nominee) into an unspoken referendum on race, which is unfortunate.

But I am not concerned about Mr. Obama's so-called "race" (he has none). He is bi-racial; his "blackness" is the result of his conscious attempt to find a racial identity with a race. Whether that attempt had come about as a result of genuine personal need to belong to a community or political calculation to further his personal ambition remains to be seen (or to be debated by future historians).

Unlike most "mono-racial" people who are tossed into a racial basket from the day one, bi-racial people have to consciously decide (or not decide) on their racial identity, yet never being completely comfortable about their decisions. Mr. Obama is no different (in fact some black accuse him of his "fake blackness," which undoubtedly angers him, but deep down in his heart he knows his identity will always be an attempt). Thus, people who talk about Mr. Obama being black or people who see his bi-racial background as a symbol of racial unity are both wrong. Mr. Obama, in spite of his political posturing and formal identity with black community, is really his own man, his own "race," wherein lies the hope and danger of Barack Obama.

The hope, of course, is that he genuinely believes (his association with Rev Wright notwithstanding) that he can help bring about greater racial harmony and unity to this country (the altruistic vision quest thing); the danger is that he is using all this racial wishful thinking to further his own personal ambition that has more to do with his search for fulfilling his self needs (the ego trip thing, with Rev Wright and his congregation being just a means to his ambition, although now having outlived their usefulness a bit too long).

My concern is Mr. Obama the man, not his race, and on this account, as I watch him closely, particularly his body language and manner of speech (which actually reveal more about a person's psychological makeup than what one says in public), unfortunately I am more convinced than ever that he is on the trip rather than on the quest. Undoubtedly he is a man of great intelligence, full of moral indignation and idealistic utterances, not unlike the now disgraced Eliot Spitzer, but also of great cunning with compulsive need for personal power. He belongs to a rare breed of men who can look into your eyes with not the slightest flutter of his eyelids while telling you lies quoting the Holy Scriptures (no, there is no point in talking about his being a Muslim, Christian, etc; he is his own religion)

Barack Obama publicly confessed last Friday night. He confessed in front of a TV audience that he had never seen his spiritual mentor, Rev Wright, going into his rabid anti-American tirade in 20 years of his association with the Reverend until he saw him on TV a few days ago. Realistically, one cannot credibly argue, even if he is a top-notch lawyer like Mr. Obama, to be a member of a church, located a short driving distance away from where he lived for most of the 20 years he had been a member, actively assisting its proselytizing efforts with large financial contributions (to the tune of $22,500 in 2006 alone), by professing not to know what the church’s pastor had been saying much of the time.

Unless Mr. Obama can prove that Rev Wright customized his sermons on the days Mr. Obama was in attendance ("Oh, Barack is in the pews, I'd better tone down today"), this is outright fraud, or to be more charitable, an attempt at such; an attempt no less phony than a man who lived next to an active railroad track for 20 years claiming to have heard no trains passing by. The guilt by association? Absolutely; the trains went by him every day.

Last Friday night Mr. Obama confessed: He is a liar. As he spoke to millions of Americans, his eyes were looking straight into the camera, with not a flutter on his eyelids. This man is not a visionary, not a uniter as he claims, but another overambitious public figure in search of personal power at people’s expense, undoubtedly more intelligent, more convincing; thus, more dangerous.

Hopefully what Abraham Lincoln once said will become the parting epitaph for Mr. Obama's attempt at his ego-fulfillment as pubic service before it is too late for America:

"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time."

"How often has someone you were "affiliated with" or "associate with" done something wrong or said something appalling?"

THis ssaying from Obama backers is really starting to irritate me. If I went to a church and the pastor talked about ANY race of peopel in a negative way I would never return to that church again. I would certainly NEVER bring MY CHILDREN into that church. That is such a copout. Obama didnt seem to have a problem with Wrights anti-white views until he decided to run for president. Obama lied to both MSNBC and Fox News when he said he was not aware of these types of comments made by Wright. He qoutes Wright in his own book and even says that is the speech that sold him on Wright. One of the posters above qouted the exact words straight from Obamas book. HE IS TOAST!!!

The audacity is that you feel that blacks have a pass when it comes to being a racist. What would you call it when blacks speak of whites that never did a cruel thing to them with such hatred. Please educate me I am dying to know.

The words used by Rev Wright are exactly related to issues important to voters …. the values that make up the foundation of his sermons will influence Obama’s actions related to society and world affairs. Obama’s claim that he has never heard the words “from the pulpit” is an insult to the public .. it is impossible to be a church member for 20 years and be so ignorant of your minister’s social positions.

After listening to Rev Wright giving sermons, is there any doubt as to why Mrs. Obama has never been proud of America during her adult life?

Obama is lying - that is what i'm getting from all this. Why are Obama supporters so blinded by what they think is change and it really isn't change at all. Just the same story, different politician!

I love it Jake! My dad is a Pastor and has been a pastor for over 30 years. They were raised in an era that makes it very difficult for them to shake off the hurt and pain of the past. So often my dad says racist things that I just can't believe. He never taught us to hate, and I don't think he hates anyone, he is just distrusting of some. I said all of that to say that the pains of my dad's past is what I understand, but it doesn't make the rest of him horrible. He is a great man of God. He is one that has made mistakes, but overall, I won't stop loving him or sitting under his ministry because I don't agree with him all the time. Before you judge a few of Rev. Wright's sermons, get more information on him and his ministry. I can guarantee that most of you that are screaming about Obama were not going to vote for him just because he is black.

I wonder how it's racist to talk about racism in America? If your parents didn't have the "American" right to vote guaranteed by law until only 40 years ago, you would hear his words differently. If your parents had known people that were murdered by being lynched simply for doing better than some of their white counterparts, you would hear his words differently. Many whites are not racist, but many still are, and say things like "I'm not voting for the N*****" as recently as the Ohio Primary. America still has a massive race problem, and speaking about it to those that deal with it everyday is not racist. To discuss these issues is not "anti-white". That's why we still have undercover racism in this country, because any time someone African American mentions racism, somehow he or she is anti-white. Besides, Wright was a Marine, so I guess we should view all ex-Marines views on America suspect. There are prominent white citizens that are members of Trinity. I guess they are race traitors? What is more important is that somehow, this one, old speech, which has never been hammered in any other speech by the entire church congregation since, has circulated in the wake of Geraldine Ferraro, who has a repeated "race" problem, as do many Clinton supporters. I wonder if it's the media's determination to do Hillary's and McCain's work for them. Lou Dobbs and others already brought up Rev Wright after Obama passed the Louis Farakkhan litmus test. Ferraro is definitely racist, saying Jesse Jackson was only in the race because he was black in 1984, then the same thing about Obama this year. (Media sweats..."Obama needs a race problem too! Yes!!!! Found something on his pastor from 2001 that makes Obama seem anti-white AND racist! Yay!!!!") Who is Hillary's pastor? What has he said since 2001? Is Hillary still in this race because she's white? A woman? Entitled to it because she says so? I think she can't believe that she has to fight against a black person, any black person, this hard to secure what she thinks is owed to her. I find that the Clinton recent 100 Million dollar deal with a Kazakhstan financier that she refuses to disclose on her phantom tax returns far more troubling that what one of her friends has said to the press. All those records to confirm her White House experience over eight years? Whoops, we haven't seen them. Why not? I think it unlikely that a women who has that much money can identify and champion the interests of the average American when she can't even show us her records.

Funny, it's as if all the posters here expect some degree of honesty out of Washington. It's gone on so long we can't really say you're still gullible or naive...you must be stupid? The motivational speaker won’t make a good President, he hasn't the experience to make the right decisions, after a while all the slick talk and semantics will wear off and then it'll be too late. Like most others have stated, you don't attend a church for well over a decade and not be made aware of this type of racism by a black "priest". How is it the Romney had to continuously explain his religion yet no one is supposed to as Obama anything that might make him sweat? You Dems are like the angry kids in the schoolyard..hillarious!There's not enough soap for all the dirty laundry on this guy....and while we're at it; McCain acts like a Democrat anyway...so how could The People's Republic of Maryland lose?

Hey Obama, if your pastor, for twenty years, walked, talked and looked like a duck, then he was probably a duck. Now, insert the words "racist and America hater" instead of "duck."

Obama lamely tries to use the context argument to minimize/explain Wright's comments. I see some of his sheep are also trying.

Wright said that America created the AIDS Virus to kill black men. Someone please tell me any possible context where this statement is not deranged and ridiculous.

He won't answer questions, instead he will make a speech tomorrow. What a load of horse manure. Only morons will still vote for this liar.

Get over it and stop fearmongering!

Posted by: Sheila | March 17, 2008 4:04 PM

Sheila: Your delusional if you think most Americans should just forget about it. This man is a racist and a bigot and i believe as time goes by you will see more and more of his true feelings about America and white people.You can take this to the bank, this mans political career is over. Beware Americans this "huckster" is a wolf in sheeps clothing. He makes Rev. Ike look like a amatuer.

BHO can only give a speech on this issue where he has the floor and doesn't have to answer direct questions about this issue. In other words, he is dodging the one-on-ones because he can't stand up to the heat of direct scruntiny and needs to control the forum.

Rev. Wright, Tony Rezko, and Farrahkan, these are the associates BHO holds as advisers and close friends, and without these close ties BHO wouldn't even be the junior congressman in Springfield.

BTW, just what has BHO accomplished in DC as this great "uniter" anyways? I think the junior Senator from Illinois should spend more time on trying to getting something done first before trying to leapfrog to the next best job. Then again, this is his "m.o." and has worked in the past before he got smoked out as a fraud that speaks well.

Oh well, BHO and his wife can get back to the business of hating white people and this country very soon since obviously that is what they are best at doing. So long BHO and glad we got to know the true you, it was only a matter of time, but your true colors are not red, white, and blue, only black.

Rob thanks, I think you silenced the lambs.

Hay "public servent" your post seems awfully detailed..sure looks like the Obama camp working every chat room possible.

"That ANY white American would have the audacity and presumptive arrogance to label any African American a racist is unbelievable to me. "

??????

Is this not this a "racist" statement in itself?

America's obsession with race and religion is off-putting to say the least. Most of those claiming to live the moral and virtuous lifestyle turn out to be the biggest hypocrites of all, and some of the hatred spewed from extreme white Christian groups makes the rest of us on the planet reel in dismay. So what if Obama's pastor has made some controversial comments? He could basically be a good man who speaks out of turn at times, or in fact there could be some truth in what he says. This makes neither himself nor Obama un-American (whatever that is) So get over yourselves and stop being so judgemental. As I said before the obsession with race and religion takes too much attention away from the real issues facing both the US and the rest of the world.

Obama's trying to prove that Reverend Wright has it wrong. Unfortunately, the reaction by some may actually prove he's right after all.

How about you, what are you trying to prove?

Do you think a mixed-race candidate with a funny-sounding name can get a fair hearing? Or will you automatically assume he doesn't care about this country and believe every false rumor you hear that he doesn't pledge allegiance or salute the flag? And would you be as ready to believe these lies about a candidate with blond hair?

Is Reverend Wright right after all?

I find it very DISTURBING that the News Media can "hound" Obama and won't "hound" Clinton about her TAX PAPERS. Sen. Obama is NOT RESPONSIBLE for Rev. Wright!!!! Stop using the double-standards...IS THIS ANOTHER TACTIC USED AGAINST KERRY??? IT WON'T WORK -- SEN. OBAMA will be the nominee for president.

Now, you're being SOFT on Hillary as the whole world watches as the media continues to make a mockery out of itself...

No, I'm not dilusional. Tell me, what do you know about the African American Church experience. Have you ever been to a black church, sat under a black leader. Well search your history. Call it what you want, bottom line, you are all fearful of black people and the reason that you're so afraid is that in your tiny heads you really think you are better. Address the facts, you won't vote for him because he's half black. Enough of the philosophical stuff. Rev. Wright was right in a lot of his ideologies,and you know why you all are so upset, YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE!

Barack Obama has confronted the issue of Rev. Wright's comments head-on. Before the firestorm over the sermons was unleashed, he denounced the comments, saying that Wright was like an "old uncle", and that he didn't agree with everything the man said. He has never publicly embraced any of the inflammatory sentiments espoused by Reverend Wright.

And when the firestorm DID hit, Obama took those denials and made them stronger. He was the one that proactively approached the media to make it clear that he completely (to borrow a phrase) "rejected and denounced" the comments made by Reverend Wright.

What's more, his denial was not just "I disagree with these comments that are causing me political trouble", but a complete and full-throated rejection of the MOTIVATION behind thecomments:

I just want to say to everybody here that as somebody who was born into a diverse family, as somebody who has little pieces of America all in me, I will not allow us to lose this moment, where we cannot forget about our past and not ignore the very real forces of racial inequality and gender inequality and the other things that divide us. I don’t want us to forget them. We have to acknowledge them and lift them up and when people say things like my former pastor said, you know, you have to speak out forcefully against them. But what you also have to do is remember what Bobby Kennedy said. That it is within our power to join together to truly make a United States of America. And that we have to do not just so that our children live in a more peaceful country and a more peaceful world, but that is the only way that we are going to deliver on the big issues that we’re facing in this country. We can’t solve health care divided. We cannot create an economy that works for everybody divided. We can’t fight terrorism divided. We can’t care for our veterans divided. We have to come together. That’s what this campaign is about. That’s why you are here. That’s why we’re going to win this election. That’s how we’re going to change the country.

This wasn't Geraldine Ferraro having her comments quietly deemed "regrettable" with no effort to combat their divisiveness. This wasn't Samantha Power being immediately kicked off the Obama campaign for calling Hillary a monster. This was a flat-out rejection of the inflammatory comments made by Rev. Wright not only BECAUSE they were inflammatory, but because Barack Obama fully believes that they are COMPLETELY WRONG.

So you tell me: What "reasonable" person looks at Obama's denunciation of his former pastor's remarks and says he should still be held responsible for them? What "reasonable" person says things like (per the comment linked above) "As for Obama's response, it is bumbling and inadequate." What would be the motivation for such a "reasonable" person to push this idea? Would it be to help a Democrat, or even to help America? Or would it be something different?

Finally, I want to say something about supposedly "reasonable" crap like this:

But Obama has been a member of the church for 20 years. It is utterly implausible that he didn't know Wright was a controversial figure. Hell, Obama's own staff knew that Wright was a controversial figure.

And if Obama disagreed so much with Wright's views, why didn't he walk out or the church?

When Bill and Hillary went through their very public marital issues, I always hated it when people said things like "She only stayed married to him so she could be President, too". Because you know what that is? It's bullshit. It's absolute fucking bullshit.

I can almost guarantee you that you've never met Barack Obama, or Hillary Clinton, or any other public official at the highest levels of office. Everything you know about them is based on the actions you know about publicly, as exposed and analyzed by the media filter. This gives you the right to judge their actions - but it gives you NO right to presume to analyze or criticize the most personal and difficult issues these people (yes, living, breathing human beings like you and me) go through in their lives, especially when you do it in the most basic, simplistic, ignorant, most meaningless way.

You know why Obama stayed in his church? No, you don't. And neither do I. And neither does anyone else, except him and those with which he's discussed the issue.

Reverend Wright helped Barack Obama find God. He married him to Michelle, he baptized his children. He gave Obama counseling on his faith in Christ, and no doubt helped him through trying times. In short, he had a relationship that Obama has always characterized as deeply meaningful and personal. If you truly believe that Obama is as close to Reverend Wright as he is because the core of his teachings and guidance were based on hating America, I truly find no grounds on which to call you "reasonable".

You can love and respect a man and not accept everything he says, even when the statements you disagree with are as inflammatory as you can get. I don't know anyone that would throw away a deep, meaningful, abiding 15-year relationship with a pastor and a church because that pastor occasionally sermonized about topics beyond the pale of acceptable political conversation. I don't know anyone that could be so involved in a congregation that has constantly been characterized as the epitome of what an active, loving church should be that could just walk away at the drop of a hat. And if you can't fathom that, you have apparently forgotten that Barack Obama is a human being, too. And I don't consider that to be very "reasonable".

Obama has taken every possible step to show that he disagrees with those comments on every imaginable level. He has removed Rev. Wright from his campaign, and specifically spoken AGAINST the content and tone of those sermons. He has never publicly embraced the feelings behind the statements, and has proactively sought to make it clear that he disagrees.

As a reasonable person, I see that and respect Barack Obama for publicly rejecting the words of a man he no doubt deeply respects, and for trying to advance that idea that America is bigger than this, that we can be better than this.

And as a reasonable person, I cannot see how anyone else I would consider "reasonable" would still try to use Rev. Wright's words to criticize Obama.

This isn't about Rev. Wright.

This is about Barack Obama and the effort underway to redefine him. Efforts that are clearly working in McCain's favor.

Throughout rightwing talk (hate) radio and the blogsphere and many sites people are posting that this Wright controversy cuts to the heart of Obama's drawing power. It makes it seem that he is unAmerican for associating with this pastor. That he has hatred in his heart for this country, for white people, for America. That is the goal of the Wright controversy for those on the right: to make Barack Obama unAmerican.

The Hussein thing, that is easy to combat. He is a Christian and he speaks every day about lifting this country and fighting terror. But he had ties to Muslim countries so that was the best they had going for them until Rev. Wright's made for tv God Damn America quotes.

But Barack Obama is not Rev. Wright. He came to that church to gain a clearer understanding of the people in his community where he was working as a community organizer. And he found in that church love, joy, and a dedication to the spirit that nurtured such activism. He did not take hatred as his lesson, he took hope.

And that is what makes Barack Obama my ideal candidate. He can enter another viewpoint and find within the Rev. Wright, despite his failings, the man who built a ministry that served it's community and has served this nation's military. He can find within himself to say no one has the answers and consider the other point of view. He can approach arugments by believeing them to be in good faith.

I just came from reading NRO's the Cornor. And it was sad that people are determined to ignore the fact that this man has a white mother and is half white. That he has a tradition of Christmas with the family, the white family that raised him, in Hawiia. That he came to Christ through community organizing and has served his entire life: as an activist organizer, as a teacher, as a state senator, as a senator, and now running for the nomination of the Democratic party. He has devoted his entire life to the American Ideal: that people can be anything; that this country is dedicated to the protection of life, liberty, and the prusuit of happiness; that this country needs active citzens.

Nope.

This man harbors views that disqualify him for president.

This man has race based issues.

This man is unpatriotic.

This man is elitist.

This man is false: his entire life is based on the accumulation of power.

This is the image being floated now. And I will just quote what Lisa Schiffren wrote...

"Call me a cynic, but here's my guess about how Senator Obama came to join Pastor Wright's church — and stay for 20 years. Obama, as we all know, was brought up by his free-spirit, actively atheistic mom, and her two Muslim husbands. He got to Harvard on his intellect and his prescient abilities to navigate the system. He got to head the law review because he managed to convince all sides in the ideological conflict there that he was, if not sympathetic, at least fair. In part he did this by advocating no real views of his own. Nothing in his education would have made a conversion to Christianity a particularly natural evolution".

But that is not Barack Obama. That is not the man who declared in 2004 that we are not Red States or Blue States but the United States. That is not the man who has devoted his life in service to the citzens of this country. It's not the man who wrote Dreams of My Father or the man who wrote The Audacity of Hope. It's not the man who has worked to cleanse the system of money by running an extraordinary grass roots campaign. And it's not the man the same media was declaring a post-racial candidate and the folks at the Cornor celebrating for not using his "blackness" or being affirmative action prone, whatever that means.

It is the image that is being propogated and I'd urge you to start a conversation, write a blog, send an email, or just talk about the Obama that has run this campaign and the Obama we know in public. Because it's not the caricature that is being created. They're talking that Manchuring Muslim candidate idea and repackaging the fears in an angry black man who hates whites and America meme that will gain traction given the vidoe they loop and the one question always asked: who could stay in a church with a pastor like this?

That's not a question they want answered and I think it's foolhardy to try; rather just repeat that is not Barack Obama. And that is not the sum total of that church.

Why wait until Tuesday? I guess he needs more words from Deval Patrick. You said words matter so I guess your pastor words don't count. It is impossible for you to say you did not know this about your pastor. There are no excuses.
So I can't wait for the pretty preaching words tomorrow.

Intitally I was offended by Mr. Wright's comments. However, I am white, so I haven't been subjected to the racism that he has. After reading these blogs, I'm starting to think maybe Mr. Wright is correct. I was hoping that with Obama's candidacy, we all could get beyond this all, but I guess not.I'm still a strong support of Barack because he's obviously the only politician that can help us get beyond this.

Unfortunately for you who think that burying your head in the sand is the absolute politically correct thing to do, don't feel bad when someone comes along and seperates it from your body. If you really must know why Islam is a false religion, then go to Mecca and look at the great monolith there and then have the locals explain who is at the center of the monolith (be sure to talk to someone who is literate and knowledgeable of history). If you don't have the cash to make the trip, then I will explain. Allah is at the center surrounded by all the other gods that the muslin people used to worship before it was decided by Mohammed to keep the peace and bring about unity among the people. Allah means "the god" as it is at the center of the monolith, also allah is the "moon" god and that is why you see their symbols, insignias, etc. with a crescent moon in them. So this should be an understanding that allah is not God Jehova who is the creator of all things, not a created being or image of man.

Blazestop @ 4:35 p.m.,

The conventional answer, in the past, seemed to be, (sorry about the qualifiers), that black people have no power, therefore it is not possible for them to ever be racists. If this makes any sense to you, then repeat it back to me so that I may understand it. The whole world of democrats is designed to give u a migraine. I can recognize that "Hate America" thing that they have added to their mix, and there is no need for me to sort through 'the this' and 'the that' of the righteous Reverend Wright's elegant message any deeper than that.

this is really getting ridiculous. You would think Rev Wright is a terrorist...or worse yet, a subprime lender!

He is a minister who, on occasion, addresses the traumas of the black experience in this country in a way quite similar to Rev King and Vernon Johns.

We can't change our history, just like the Jews can't forget about the Holocaust, or Native Amricans about extermination. But now talking about it, and framing a rhetorical perspective is anti American.

The day our country puts a muzzle on criticism and challenge is the day we will not be a democracy.

Here we go this is so typical of Obama. He has nowhere to hide so what does he do? He is having his writers come up with a heartfelt America loving , touching story of how much he and His anti american wife, love this country and do not believe in the teachings of his church. He only goes there because he likes the decor! He'll say his mother was white (but why has he not embraced or acted proud of that fact until now) to get all of the bleeding hearts back in file. He cannot speak on the fly as has been shown over the past few days without putting his foot in his mouth or in you know what! He will deliver the speech of a lifetime and compare himself to many great men and maybe even Jesus. He is not stupid people but he does know how to get the "not so unstupid" people back in a frenzy to vote for him. Good luck America. Hey the only good thing that will come of him becoming President is there will be no more rush of immigrants to come here legal or not. He and his teacher have big plans for this country once he gets in. The bad part is the young and gullable have bought in to this plan and the rest of us can only sit back and watch "the bus go into the ditch"! Wake up America!!

Ok, lets see Obama is not black enough no wait he's the black candidate, Obama is Muslim, no wait hes a fundamental black Christian,
Obama has no experience, no wait he's to brilliant and dangerous.
I think that America has a chance to elect someone truly great, who would instantly by the mere fact that he's made it, inspire countless young people to aspire great things, not only that the immediate impact would lead to a greater American standing in the World.
He has run a superb campaign, America we need a happy ending here, just think of the impact, what a let down if you let a Mcaine or Clinton win.
Plus no matter what else you should insist on Clinton releasing her documents What the hell is she hiding, if she was down in delegates the race would be over by now.

I found this today and it absolutely addressed the "Obama can do nothing wrong" thinking of so many supporters. I found it on the Rezko Watch page, which linked to the Left Coaster, or something like that.

Pay particular attention to:
[[TOR 2.0. NOT every statement of any prominent supporter or surrogate of Barack Obama is a reflection of Barack Obama's personal views or directives.

COROLLARY to TOR 2.0: Statements by any supporter or surrogate of Barack Obama's that may cast him in poor light, are most definitely NOT a reflection of Barack Obama's personal views or directives - regardless of whether he distances himself from those statements or supporters or surrogates.]]

Here's the copy:
The Clinton Rules and The Obama Rules

by eriposte
Vastleft at Corrente is the inspiration for this post. Vastleft sarcastically says (emphasis mine):

I’m beginning to develop a moral sense about this stuff, but it’s still kinda cloudy for me. For example, I know this to be true, but I don’t quite know why:

If Obama gets the nomination and loses, it will be the fault of Hillary and her supporters. If Hillary gets the nomination and loses, it will be the fault of Hillary and her supporters.
I am going to borrow Vastleft's insightful observation to craft my version of The Clinton Rules (TCR) and The Obama Rules (TOR).

The Clinton Rules (TCR)

TCR 1.0. If anything bad happens to the Democrats in this campaign, it can and should be blamed on Hillary Clinton.

TCR 2.0. Every statement of any supporter or surrogate of Hillary Clinton is a reflection of Hillary Clinton's personal views or directives.

COROLLARY to TCR 2.0: Statements by any supporter or surrogate of Hillary Clinton that might cast her in poor light are most definitely a reflection of Hillary Clinton's personal views or directives - regardless of whether she distances herself from those statements, supporters or surrogates.
TCR 3.0. If Hillary Clinton gets the nomination (through her evil machinations) and loses, it will be the fault of Hillary Clinton and her supporters.

TCR 4.0. Any votes that Hillary Clinton receives from Independents and Republicans are due to their interest in preventing Sen. Obama☼ from becoming the Democratic nominee and defeating Sen. John McCain.☼ After all, the GOP wants to run against Hillary Clinton in the Fall! [added, thanks to reader Wasab]

TCR 5.0. If Hillary Clinton attempts to work the completely screwed up primary system to her advantage, it represents vote-stealing and cheating. [added, thanks to reader Dawn]

Once you know The Clinton Rules, it is easy to derive....

B. The Obama Rules (TOR)

TOR 1.0. If anything good happens to the Democrats in this campaign, it can and should be attributed to Sen. Barack Obama.

COROLLARY to TOR 1.0: All the good stuff that has happened and will happen is because of Obama's unifying and positive campaign of change and his brilliant 50-state strategy (the resounding success of which is evident from the fact that he has so far already won in states with 193 electoral votes, while Clinton has only won in states with 263 electoral votes).
TOR 2.0. NOT every statement of any prominent supporter or surrogate of Barack Obama is a reflection of Barack Obama's personal views or directives.

COROLLARY to TOR 2.0: Statements by any supporter or surrogate of Barack Obama's that may cast him in poor light, are most definitely NOT a reflection of Barack Obama's personal views or directives - regardless of whether he distances himself from those statements or supporters or surrogates.
TOR 3.0. If Sen. Obama gets the nomination and loses, it will be the fault of Hillary Clinton and her supporters.

TCR 4.0. Any votes that Sen. Obama receives from Independents and Republicans are a result of his uplifting and positive campaign of hope, change and unity and his incredible coattails - and not because they are just becoming Democrats for a day. After all, isn't it ridiculous that Democrats alone are allowed to pick the Democratic nominee? [added, thanks to reader Wasab]

TCR 5.0. If Sen. Obama attempts to work the completely screwed up primary system to his advantage, it represents hope, optimism and change and a reflection of the will of the people. [added, thanks to reader Dawn]

I welcome more additions to TCR and TOR from both Clinton and Obama supporters. This is fun!

"Address the facts, you won't vote for him because he's half black. Enough of the philosophical stuff. Rev. Wright was right in a lot of his ideologies,and you know why you all are so upset, YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE!"

Talk about stereo-typing,...sheesh. How about this, all blacks will vote for him ONLY because he is black regardless of his political, economical, and social views of the country.

FACE THIS, if this issue didn't come to light recently, BHO would continue to tell us that Rev. Wright is a decent and honorable man and continue to employ him as part of his campaign committe. Only now is he trying to put some distance between himself and his "christian" Reverend, much like his relationship now with Tony Rezko. You are who you are by the associates you keep as friends. You can't pick your family members, but you do choose those with whom you associate and are influenced. By this standard, BHO's judgement is fair to question, besides the fact he hasn't accomplished anything in public office.

I will not believe whatever Obama says now cause I feel he is goning to say whatever he needs to til he is elected and then he will be back with wright and maybe Pastor Wright will somehow find a way into Obamas Cabinet or someplace in is White House. I can not Vote for someone to hold that office who aligns himself with people like that. Further proof of Obama using us is now he can say GOD BLESS AMERICA I am not being fooled by him again. I have also read somewhere maybe it was on Newsmax that he and pastor wright have already disscussed about him maybe telling people he was not around Wright anymore. But Believe me I think the minute he is elected Wright would be right back with Obama, So no more deciet for me I love this country and all who gave their lives for it. Now what would be said if the tables were turned and this was coming from Hillerys church and slaming the black race. Think about that They are always crying race but yet that is what they are teaching their young.

I don't want to go into a lengthy tirade like some of you, especially R.Parsley.
One glaring fact, Obama HUSSEIN got 91 % of the BLACK votes in Mississippi.
If this is not a race issue I DO NOT KNOW what it is.
I rest my case.
HILLARY FOR 08

I don't want to go into a lengthy tirade like some of you, especially R.Parsley.
One glaring fact, Obama HUSSEIN got 91 % of the BLACK votes in Mississippi.
If this is not a race issue I DO NOT KNOW what it is.
I rest my case.
HILLARY FOR 08

Wow.. by they way, the economy is about crash. Just did know if anyone notice, I know its not considered that important.

I don't want to go into a lengthy tirade like some of you, especially R.Parsley.
One glaring fact, Obama HUSSEIN got 91 % of the BLACK votes in Mississippi.
If this is not a race issue I DO NOT KNOW what it is.
I rest my case.
HILLARY FOR 08

200 years and you still don't get it!! Here it is for the last time White People. "YOU ARE NOT THE WHITE MAN!!!" The white man makes "Jim Crow Laws", calls for the death of Native Americans, sends young Americans off to war to fight and then forgets them when they come home; He makes women into a second class and he takes more of your money for himself in the form of taxes and leaves you idiots with less. Wake up white people!!! "YOU ARE NOT THE WHITE MAN!!!" TO THE WHITE MAN YOU ARE JUST ONE MORE WAY FOR HIM TO MAKE MONEY AND HAVE CONTROL!!!" "MORALITY TO THE WHITE MAN IS GREEN AND FOLDS UP IN A WALLET." You know what don't believe me. When your children are working for slave wages and speaking another language in their own country; you'll remember what I said! Chumps!

"America's obsession with race and religion is off-putting to say the least."

Yes, it is.

http://snurl.com/racist

"Most of those claiming to live the moral and virtuous lifestyle turn out to be the biggest hypocrites of all,"

Most? Really? Unless you can cite some evidence of this (peer reviewed studies, for example), this is beginning to look like bigotry. From someone who decries it. Wait...dang! You're evidence for your own point!

"So what if Obama's pastor has made some controversial comments?"

Wait! Didn't you just make the judgment that our obsession with race in America is off-putting? Now you have it that Wright's race-centered piety is a "so what?" kind of thing?

Dang! More evidence for your claim about hypocrisy. You're your own best argument!

"He could basically be a good man who speaks out of turn at times,"

But...wait -- couldn't that true as well of the "virtuous folk" above, whom you claim are such hypocrites? Why are you exercising bend-over-backwards imaginative spin for Wright, while attributing hypocrisy so globally to a cohort you know so little about (the virtuous)?

"As I said before the obsession with race and religion takes too much attention away from the real issues facing both the US and the rest of the world. "

http://snurl.com/racist

Race and religion AND politics -- front and center. How right you are.

"...the man who has worked to cleanse the system of money by running an extraordinary grass roots campaign."
Posted by: John Magee | March 17, 2008 5:28 PM

OBAMA?! You're joking right?

So how does his supposed "cleansing" square with the documented fact that he accepts money from lobbyists, as well as from friends, relatives and business associates of lobbyists? That he accepts Bundled funds?

How does that square with the fact that indicted "fixer" Tony Rezko has been his financier for almost 20 years?

We're not red, were not blue, blah, blah... yeah, sure. The only color Barack cares about is green.

Forget about Wright. Why can't Obama just answer the questions on anything when asked by the press? Please do not tell them I'd "talk" about it tomorrow.

What kind of responsibility is this?

Why do we listen to his oratory for all questions we have?

I am sure when he talks in Philly, he will quote "Liberty" and historical significance of Philadelphia and all those glossy stuffs to the cheers (count a couple of faintings there too). His answers to Wright-issue would be attacks on people who raised this issue. He will surely play his race card - which has been always a cover he takes refuge to for any genuine tough question. And tomorrow all his folks will "adore" the way he responded to this issue.

It looks like we are already getting fatigue out of his campaign. Give us a break!

Obama lied about his association with Rezko in the MLK day debate. He explained to Wolf Blitzer's question that the only contact he had had with Rezko was 5 hours of work for a church client - a church that had Rezko on the board. We now know that there was much more. It is an insult to the American people's intelligence for him to say that he didn't know his pastor was giving anti-American speeches. I think it's Michelle Obama standing up and clapping in the "9/11" speech video. The only thing Obama could say in his speech of 3/18 that I would believe is this: I withdraw my name as a candidate for President because I care about uniting the party and the country. Jana

This isn't about race or religion. It's about HATRED. We cannot have a president who doesn't know the difference! Clearly this "pastor" preached pure hate and misrepresented political facts/reality to his disenfranchised black community in order to get them all riled up. He was preaching backwards politics from the pulpit. This is not just wrong, it is illegal (as most churches are non-profit organizations and by law are not allowed to endorse candidates). Reverend Wright wasn't just preaching this hatred and skewed perspective, he was a close campaign and spiritual advisor to Obama. Who knows if he was advising him on policy too? The bottom line is that the close association with a radical hate-mongering church and its radical hate-spewing ministers is going to do damage to a candidate who tried to claim that he was above the fray and not a divisive or radical personality. Most Americans will not look past that or the lies Obama has used to cover it up.

Based on some of these posts, America hasn't changed at all; they just love to hate.

But I wonder how much footage they had to go through to get the footage they came up with. Some was from many many years ago fast forward to some footage of a few months ago. So, what about alllll the footage in between? Why isn't there just reel after reel after reel of footage week after week after week? HUH?

HMMM....

"He [don imus] didn't just cross the line," Obama said. "He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America."

HMMMMMMM.. what obama wants is for his "two young daughters" to grow up with jeremiah wright's words...while being cuddled by michelle...HMMMMMM

AMERICA ACTTING LIKE THEY NEVER HAD SLAVRERY IN THIS COUNRTY DR KING GOT KILLED CAUSE HE WAS BLACK MALCOM X GOT KILLED BY BLACKS FROM THR FOI/BUT BLACKS IN AMERICA WERE LOOKED AT HAS SECOND CLASS PEOPLE ITS JUST THE FACTS JEWS WENT THUR IT FRIST & THEY HAD TO CHANGE THEIR LAST NAMES TO TAKE OVER HOLLYWOOD WE HAVE REAL ISSUE TODAY THIS IS A PERSON FROM THE PAST TALKING AND AMERICA RUNNING WITH IT LIKE ALWAYS THERE A RACE CARD SOMEWHERE THE COUNRTY WILL NEVER RISE FROM THE AHSES ONE NATION CANt RISE IF ITS SEGREGATED THATs WHATS HAPPENING NOW KEEP IN MIND OBAMA MOTHER WAS WHITE HE CANT THINK LIKE THAT ITS NOT IN HIM, HE SEE HIS SELF AS HUMAN NOT JUST A BLACK MAN WE HAVE REAL ISSUES TO DEAL WITH THE TERRORIST/THE ECONOMY WERE NOT SPOSE TO BE DEALING RACISM ITS NOT ONE OF OUR ISSUES OR IS IT? what can bring us all together one country under one leadership keep this out of it if GOD not human were all in some big %$#@ right and wrong are the only things that should matter who the best for the people obama

Tell me, what do you know about the African American Church experience.
Posted by: Sheila | March 17, 2008 4:04 PM

Well Sheila here's what i know . when i was a child i lived at 8601 Cottage Grove went to Dixon school to the 3rd grade then in the middle 60s the area changed and people were getting robbed , raped , shot and stabbed, We then moved to 7939 S Avalon Ave till the late 60s' till the area changed and people were getting robbed, raped, shot and stabbed. We then moved to 118 th and Western Ave till i retired to Maine in 1997. When i go back now and again, i hear that people are now being raped,
robbed, shot, and stabbed. Yea Sheila i know a little bit about black people, unfortunately not a lot of good things.

THANKS KERRY et al.(& ted)!!!..

YOU INVITED THIS PERSON

KERRY..et.al.. you have KILLED the Democratic Party..

Finally, i understand what (Ray Gun, or whatever) meant when he said.. ['coz ACTIONS speak louder than WORDS):

>>I didn't leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me"

reagan's actions?: the USSR (if U know history) dissolved...

Obama loved his Preacher and Knew him Well Chicago Tribune
rEAD IT FOR YOURSELF

http://www. chicagotribune. com/news/custom/religion/profiles/chi-070121-relig_wright,0,5184608. story?page=1&coll=chi_news_custom_religion_promo

Obama says that rather than advising him on strategy, Wright helps keep his priorities straight and his moral compass calibrated.

"What I value most about Pastor Wright is not his day-to-day political advice," Obama said. "He�s much more of a sounding board for me to make sure that I am speaking as truthfully about what I believe as possible and that I�m not losing myself in some of the hype and hoopla and stress that�s involved in national politics

In his 1993 memoir "Dreams from My Father," Obama recounts in vivid detail his first meeting with Wright in 1985. The pastor warned the community activist that getting involved with Trinity might turn off other black clergy because of the church�s radical reputation.

The absurd ranting of our nemeses in Iran is indistinguishable from the teachings that guides whom may be our nation’s next leader. Ahmadinejad and those of like mind are unacceptable candidates to hold the keys of nuclear arsenals and this hopefully will be addressed as the primaries unfold.

I believe that most of what Wright said was false or misleading and simply designed to enrage the audience and create a mob mentality. Let's start with Hiroshima and Nagasaki:

1.) The Axis Powers started WW II, not the U.S. We entered the war after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.

2.) Hundreds of cities, with civilians, were bombed with conventional bombs during WW II. Japan bombed cities in China, Australia, Philippines, Korea and much of Asia. Germany bombed cites in England, Russia, Poland, France, Netherlands, etc. The Allies bombed cities in Germany, Japan and Italy.

3.) War Crimes - the Japanese military murdered most probably 6,000,000 Chinese, Indonesians, Koreans, Filipinos, and Indochinese, among others.

4.) Two weeks prior to using the Atomic bombs the Allies issue the Potsdam Declaration that gave Japan the choice of surrender or destruction. Japan never responded.

5.) The decision to drop the Atomic bombs saved countless lives, both American and Japanese. Estimated United States casualties rose to over a million, while unknown for Japan if amphibious assaults were launched. If you compare that statistic to the one hundred ten thousand killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, you would probably say that the casualties in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were just a small fraction of what the casualties would have been if an amphibious assault was carried out.

6.) An order given by the Japanese War Ministry, ordering the execution of all Allied POWs, numbering over 100,000, if an invasion of the Japanese mainland took place.

7.) Japan also had an Atomic Program during WW II. The U.S. intelligence knew of its existence and took the possibility very seriously.

No reasonable person will ever dispute that Germany or Japan would have bombed U.S. cities with either conventional or nuclear weapons if they had the capabilities, resources and opportunity.

"Those of you who are "anti-Obama": Is there ANYTHING that he could say or do that would change your minds?"

Yes Gary, Barack could tell the truth no matter how unpleasant that might be. It is not possible that Barack did not know about this pastor and his extreme views. NOT POSSIBLE. So that only leaves one possibility. Barack is fibbing. I imagine he is getting "expert" advice from his many advisers on how best to handle a huge mistake. Ask Bill Clinton. The best advice is to just plain tell the truth before the lie becomes the story which is most likely is by now. Why did Barack stay in that church for so long? Surely to heavens, Barack and Oprah discussed this church since they both were members at one time. What was her advice? She left, why didn't he?

It always surprises me when white americans feel so threaten, when black americans express our experience in American. First, Obama is not responsible for everything his pastor says or does. Every person is responsible for their own actions, feelings and thoughts. Each person has the God given right to express their frustrations in a system that doesn't threat all humans equally and fairly especially in the 21st century. When the Pope in the Catholic Church was hiding and covering up all the Priests who were molesting children for years and secretly sending them from church to church and state to state. Did anyone you require every catholic politician to denounce being a catholic and the Pope, Bishops and Priests, as well as leave their church. No, of course not! And lets not forget, everyone knew what was happen to all of those children because it has been happening for decades. Now, what about the KKK. We all know that the KKK members have been very active in the political arena forever. So, lets do some background check and see who they promote and back in the political presidency! Mr. Wright is a man who has taught the word of God for many years and to take several sermons and make this a political issue for Obama is out right wrong! Obama is man with his own moral values, conviction and standards for living a life of integrity. Second, Mr. Farakan though I don't give agree with his messages. He was a very important man during the civil rights movement. Let's not forget white americans believed and treated black americans as second class citizens rather property. Then we were freed from slavery and became independently successful within our own communities, but hey white americans didn't like that, so Jim Crow laws were put in effect to destroy everything. Then we weren't allowed to eat in the same resturants, use the same restrooms, go to the same schools, etc. The civil rights movement forced white americans to treat all humans as equal. Whites, Blacks, Women and all minorities. Mr. Farakan as vocal as he maybe, just doesn't allow white americans to forget the way black americans were abused for years.

In closing lets stick to the issues facing american right now. The high foreclosures, low employment rates, no insurances for americans and the rest of the world hating us right now!

Just like Obama to try to wiggle out of answering a question by saying he'd give a speech.

Why the speech? Oh, because then he can get up and say a few lines like MLK would say them, whip everyone up with emotion, and have everyone talk about what a wonderful person he is. Bet you a million that's what he's trying to do - think about that as you're watching him give his speech. If only being a President was just about being an orator. But think about it everybody, Presidents get interviewed all the time, they have to answer questions at press conferences, they get grilled by reporters, they have to sit down with leaders and talk one on one. The POTUS doesn't generally give rally speeches. That's campaign stuff, not administrative duties.

Obama's response that "I'm giving a speech tomorrow," doesn't cut it. I want answers today. He thinks everything is a game of marketing - he picks the context where he's most confortable to promote his message. No, no, no, that's not how it works. You have to sit on the hot seat and show you have the skill and gravitas to answer the questions. Doesn't look like he's too confident in his abilities in that regard.

Hillary, by the way, is the master of Q & A. She's always ready to answer a question. Solutions, not speeches. Starting to get through to everyone now?
Well, better late than never.

Last I checked, Obama was on the ballot, not Wright. If Obama hates America, he sure has a funny way of showing it in his public life. If Obama hates white people, then he hates himself and half his family including the mother and grandparents who raised him.

People are so afraid to hear something bad about their country.

WAKE UP PEOPLE.

The reason why we are falling behind the rest of the Civilized World in education, currency value, science, standard of living, relative lifespan, vacation and leisure time, time spent rearing children, healthcare, savings, wealth distribution, privacy, civil rights, moral standing in the world (torture, war) is because Americans allow themselves to be distracted by issues like this that have no bearing on our public policy, our laws, or the judges on our Supreme Court.

I am amazed at the number of Barack's Obamuppets who see nothing wrong with the totally racist comments spewed out of his church.

He promises change? His wife hates America. His minister of 20 years damns America and the evil white man. I think this is the kind of change America could live without. We'd be better off with a fully loaded pamper the size of Montana. Never underestimate the power of Stupid Humans In Transit.

it is ok for obama to address the issue, but i am saddened that he even had to address it....the reverend is much older than obama and he was raised in a different era. he lived those atrocities and he has friends/family members and neighbors who suffered from the injustices of racism...one speech, two speeches, a thousand speeches of similar tone is not enough to pull out of the church b/c that church inspires and motivates african americans to do for themselves. they are a self-serving bunch, trying to do for their broken communities what govt could not do, would not do! some of the people are lazy, but not all. some want a way out, but don't know how. some were never given a chance so they find themselves sinking never having a chance to swim. they try to instill pride and self-worth that has been lost for as long as i can remember being an american. if you are not black, then you cannot possibly know what blacks feel and think and how they should react to their "perceived lot" in life. some rise above it--clearly obama and his wife did! it is cruel to expect obama to answer for everyone in his life. you don't have to agree with everything you hear, but you have to weigh the good against the bad. overall, that church is positive for the communities it impacts. show me a sermon where the members are draped in white sheets and they are lynching white folks and burning white neighborhoods, then perhaps i would buy it. i am not denying that wright is prejudice, but try to understand why he is and perhaps you can understand why his church sets out to address issues that concern african-americans-issues that are ignored by the mass. i get the feeling that we think all is fine and dandy b/c of affirmative action, anti-discrimation laws, emancipation etc.

i cringed too when i heard the statements made by the reverend, but deep inside i was embarrassed b/c i know he spoke the truth. we are obsessed with labeling obama with one stupidity after another. have we forgotten that he is half white and he has a half asian sister and white grandparents? what has he personally said or done to make you believe that he doesn't want us all to unite or that he hate whites? listening to such sermons would motivate even me to seek for more unity and inclusion b/c we do have problems in america. pretending racism no longer exist is folly and making it a pivotal point for everything you do in life is equally folly. try to rise above it. that is why i am for obama. it exist, we acknowlege it, but rather than view the difference as a limiting factor, let's focus on what brings us together.

wright pointed out the obvious and i do not think it is not akin to racism. what i find racist is the fact that we are not covering all the candidates pastors and religious associates with as much vigor. if we were truly interested we would find that these things happen-where you admire someone overall, but you disagree on certain touchy subjects.

we are not asking hrc to release her tax returns. we are not talking about her campaign fraud trial. we do not accuse her hispanic voters and white voters of racism and gender bias when they overwhelming cast their votes for her time and time again. we do not find anything askew with ferraro's comments and the tactics used by hrc and her camp to paint obama as some un-american BLACK FREAK, but if he even as so much budge or so dare to defend himself, america goes wild. are we so naive that expect perfection from these people?

we should be discussing the reason why hrc feels that mccain and she are a better fit for the prez. could it be common bond? even an idiot knows, you do not say it even if your little racist mind is thinking it. we do not question why she callously offered the vp position to someone she is trailing. is it plain ole arrogance or could it be exactly wright is alluding to? could it be that she is pissed off that obama, a non-equal, so dared to give her a run for her money? why don't we discuss mccain and his religious affiliates? then again, why don't we skip such nonsense on all levels and stick to the topics that really matter!

can we go back to talks of health care, middle east, economy, education, infrastructure etc? so what if obama is a muslim? he is a christian, but let's say he wasn't--SO WHAT! was this country not build on the sweat and blood of those who were fleeing religious persecution? should jews fear us? should muslims fear us? should catholics fear us? should buddist fear us? are we really that cynical? are we so arrogant and full of ourselves that anything less than white and orthodox christian is unacceptable? what about non-believers? are they not humans too? are they all vile b/c they dont pray our god? i think not! we all believe in something, even if we claim to believe in nothing. we are the epitome of what wright preached and we so dare to sit here on our high horses, pretending america is equal for everyone and tolerant of all law-abiding citizens?

should obama atone for everyone's sins? are we going to seek out his high school friends and colleg buddies and make him apologize for their behavior also?

why should he stop attending the church? if you took the time to read what the church is about, it is directly in line with the way obama has lived his life---a servant of the people for the people...big money was never his motivation. equality, a little bit of hope and a heck of a lot of hardwork is what that church preaches. can we look at the big picture for once? these are a new kind of black--they always existed, but was never given much attention. they are educated, free-thinking, hardworking and successful and they want to motivate others to get up and do the same. isn't that great? or do we prefer filling up our jails with their young and failing them in the inner city schools and killing them with drugs? why don't we talk about that REV WRIGHT???

that reporter should watch out. she has a funny name too and my guess is she may not be orthodox christian. today she is pulling the lever, tomorrow someone might be pulling it on her.

"Great minds discuss issues; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people "

Eleanor Roosevelt

Obama08!

Too bad racism has clouded the Democratic primary. Too bad that the public has to admit its prejudices, and cannot continue existing in a comfortable of state of complacency.

While I don't believe in the condemnation of an entire race for the evil actions of individuals, I can understand the futility of the black community (represented by Rev. Wright's comments) as it tries to deal with its own inadequacies and its own inabilities to rise above the blame game and become truly equal to white America in power and possibilities. Those churches that uplift its black congregations should be commended, but those churches which continue to feed the seed of discontent and frustration only serve to aggravate the ability of the black community to look beyond the past travesties of the white man toward a brighter future for all Americans of all races and religions. The moral teachings that elicit humane action, foregiveness and tolerance should be the creed of all churches, temples and mosques.

Finally, those spiritual guides (Parsley, Wright, Hagee, Robertson) who purport to do the work of God on earth need to rid themselves of their own prejudices before daring to stand before their fellow man and preach salvation. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

This issue directly reflects upon BHO's credibility, his judgement, and his associations as a Presidential candidate.

It certainly has been fair game against the other two candidates and BHO is not above scruntity regarding any of these issues to figure out just who this man is and what sort of "change" he would bring to DC. It is clear he doesn't understand this isn't the United States of the KKK and he continues to associate himself with others that have the same view towards others not like themselves in this country.

Racism...how convenient.

And imagine the AUDACITY of a black person opening up their mouth to complain. I mean, WHO do they think they are?

(For the less astute, the 2nd paragraph is sarcasm.)

This blog is so hurtful and mean.

No wonder this country is such a mess. To think people like you are raising our children and making the everyday decisions that effect them.

FYI..In America African Americans cannot be racist. You must be in the majority and think you are superior.

African Americans can be bigots and prejudiced.

Most of you don't even know what you are discussing. Nor do you read. You watch soundbites on TV and listen to what other people that don't read tell you.

Please God...bless America.

Let me give a speech where I don't have to answer any questions.

"You must be in the majority and think you are superior."

So there was no racism in South Africa then, under Apartheid? Good grief.

Tony @ 7:11 p.m.

You and I studied the same history book. Unfortunately, democrats don't bother with boring, dull things like history, economics,or any kind of academic pursuit that does not have a feel-good quality to it. We just have to accept that America is just a bunch of racist wa-hoos/wingnuts that indiscriminately bombs, enslaves, manufactures cocaine addictions, AIDS infections, crushes out "hope", and God only knows what. Supposedly O.J. Simpson balanced out the racism thing, but obviously not. It's never going to end. If it did, BAM!, there went 95% of the black vote.

A Gulag or the rice fields, that seems to be the real end objective of the modern democrat party for us citizen-subjects over the last 40 years. Discussion, debate, resistance are all futile. This is a staple core democrat issue. Ya can't stop this.

Come on now no questions about Mr. Wright, obama will discuss this on Tuesday when he has had enough time to plan his answers and statements so he doesn't come off sounding like a liar the way he did on CNN the other night. Maybe he can sound a little more convincing. NOT!

It is not just the fact that this man was Obama's pastor. It is the fact that he is a pastor at all.

Black America wonders why they are so often viewed as separate and I have often womndered too, but seeing all of Wright's rants and discovering that his anti-white racist harangues are actually not that unusual....well, that tells me a lot.

If there are hundreds of thousands or Heaven forbid, millions of African Americans breast fed this kind of hatred and spite, from an early age (in a so called "Church" no less), then it is no wonder we have a race problem in America. It is clear from the polls that white America was more than ready to embrace Obama; the majority of Americans didnt care what the color of his skin is. Not enough racism there to come even close to hurting his campaign. The problem came when America was introduced to the white hating, vicious, bitter, resentful, grudge bearing, race baiter of a "preacher" who apparently enjoys keeping the fires of race and resentment, victimhood and rage alive and well, instead of encouraging reconciliation and optimism, forgiveness and unity. Wright is a "Divider", in the way Obama claims to be Uniter. That is what makes it so bizarre for him to have embraced such a man for 20 years as his "Pastor". Black America cannot move forward with preachers and leaders like this. They beguile their congregations with fiery words, throw a few mentions of Jesus in and inflame resentment, mistrust and racism. Hardly Christian. More diabolical. Christians should be Christians, regardless of color. "Black Church"???? Dividing your religion by color is appalling. Blacks fought for equality for decades and now they openly segregate THEMSELVES.....baffling. Most whites don't know what to think or say about the childishness of such contrary actions. Obama seems like a good guy. I hope he doesnt get burned too bad by his "pastor", but to ME the wider issue is how preachers like Wright keep this nation divided.

Gee Sid, glad to hear you wear panties. I do hope sid is a woman.

Based on the nature of most of these comments, this is a nation of simpleminded and ignorant people. No wonder this country is in so much trouble!

I can't take this anymore!

After reading all these posts I cannot vote for Mr. Obama.

I'm going to vote Republican...atleast their not racists and they have normal white preachers.

Paulo

To all you Obama haters, I want to set the record straight on a few issues about Race, When the history of this country has done so much to make sure that all black people stay on the bottom of the pole. Let me explain my point. This not the man has his foot down on me. The history of this country is has not been no way kind to it's black citizens throughout history.
When it's fair foe white to treat blacks anyway they see fit and when the anger comes out in a vile form and directed towards whites and the powers that be get a little uncomfortable, well HELLO white folks welcome to being uncomfortable. When you are reminded of your historical treatment of your ex slaves you get all upset because a few black men have the nerve to tell you about yourself. You all should not be so "LUCKY being White".
Don't worry you all will be in the minority soon enough so until then enjoy
the Obama fest. But keep this in mind as well, you have no ground to grumble about what someone has said because just look at what you have done to Slaves and the decendent's down through your history.

Can we PLEASE have a national consensus on the definition of the word 'fulsome'?!

NO ONE WANTSA TO HEAR MORE LIES AND EXCUSES OBAMA, YOU HAVE SUPPORTED THIS RACIST ANTI-AMERICAN FOR OVER 2O YEARS, THIS IS WHAT YOUR TEACHING YOUR DAUGHTERS! SHAMEFUL AND YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESIDENT FOR ALL PEOPLE, NOT JUST BLACK VOTERS! GET OUT OF THE RACE!
OBAMANATION

on the whole Americans are ignorant. There is truth in Rev. Wright's comments concerning 9/11 and racial issues. Anyone who thinks 9/11 happened in a void, and that US foreign policy had nothing to do with the ideological evolution of muslim extremism and anti US sentiment knows very little about history.

If blacks want a world without color, they had better stop seperating themselves and LET IT GO!!!

The United States is full of white people. We want to get along, do you?

Take the chip off your shoulder and we can talk. Otherwise, you are just casting yourselves as victims again and again.

The real issue here is not racism, or Rev. Wright, or even the hatred obvious among some. The real issue is the very fact that Barack Obama has set a political career to move up the ladder as far and as fast as he can for personal reasons. He has had the help of the corrupt of Illinois. He has built his presidental campaign on the catch phrase "Change We Can Believe In". Yet the simple truth, after one removes all the opagueness and rhetoric, is that Barack Obama is nothing more than another lying, coniving politician! I wish he was someone we could believe in, but as one real looks at the facts and the truth behind him, one sees that he is no better than Hillary, John, or even George. It is that plin and simple. Pick your posion.

I applaud George S. for being so clear in thought and writing. Thank you.

And Sheila. That is why they are Preachers and not Preists! They stand before the lost and spew the inflammatory rehetoric for their own good, not that of God! They claim to be believers in Jesus, stand before the crowd thumping the Bible, reciting phrases from its pages, yet they do not live like Christ. Jesus said to turn the other check, but they insist that what is theirs needs to be taken. St. Paul tells us to be willing to die for the faith for Heaven is the greatest reward. The Gospel tells of a parable where Jesus tells a rich man who seeks his graces to sell all his possessions and follow him. The man cannot do so because he is so tied to his wealth. These very Preachers are the ones who drive from their expensive homes in their Cadillacs to preach the word of Jesus. They are the true Anti-Christs! They are the false prophets we have been warned about! To all who dare, open your eyes and see the truth and light. Follow God, not man.

"Great minds discuss issues; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people "

Eleanor Roosevelt

Obama08!

Posted by: Solar | March 17, 2008 8:25 PM

Stupid people use racism to communicate.

And I suppose that the whole world is out after the blacks? That is how you have portrayed yourselves. Have you ever really read and understood what Martin Luther King said ? How he wanted equality for all, not upmanship or retribution for the blacks? How he felt it best to make oneself a constant presence in the world to eventually force the whites to accept the blacks? Of course you haven't! That would mean to sit back and wait for things to change. Instead, you have forced the change you want, neglecting to see that it only enforces the racism in all parties. Peace, love, and understanding is what we all need. Not hateful rhetoric.

It is so sad that this positive movement has come to this. It is also evident that you don't always agree with your pastor (they are human too) our duty as Christians is to believe the word of God, and to do our best to follow his words. We as Christians are taught to PRAY for our Brothers when we see a fault not throw him to the wolves. I am so sick of CNN reporters blowing EVERYTHING out of proportion. Yes it was very ugly what the preacher said but admit it some of it was true. Hillary will never understand poverty, but I think it is possible for her to sympathize. Keep in mind that suffering is suffering no matter what the line of difference may be. That is where Obama has proven that he wants to keep his focus. Understand if you help the have not’s the ones who have will also benefit.

It seams that most folks are so offended when they are confronted with a reflection of themselves or with the true person they have been trying to hide. Just check out your own conversation concerning these matters. Personally I don't regard Obama as a GOD. So I expect him to have some flaws. But I am wise enough to judge the man based on his accomplishments, strengths, knowledge, and even his gift to want to raise above all this petty junk which the NEWS MEDIA keeps trying to convince us is news. Let the candidates get on with the issues. I didn't see this much hoopla when Bush stole the election in Florida or even when we realized this War was a hoax for a personal grudge, or even when as we watched for years as the number of Foreclosure and credit card companies ripped us off or as we watched the tragedies of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region liked it was happening in a third world company. It is 2008 and race is still playing a big part in everyday decisions. Look how the media seemed to make a big deal regarding the number of Blacks supporting Obama. Why couldn’t it just have been the number of Americans voting for Obama? If you look at the numbers and heritages of his followers you will see the rainbow. We didn’t vote for him because of his color. But we saw a difference. Why America is still stuck on that 1% blood theory. I have never heard the media focusing on his white mother or grandparents. They too are responsible for the making of this man. People are looking for a change and the change just happens to be wrapped in brown skin.

I sit at night looking at CNN and of course the reporter wants their view to be heard OR to seam like they have a new scoop. Please go back and look at how you have thrown this campaign off track. We need solutions not "what do you think". Let the candidates tell you what they think etc. you don't need to guess. That is how mess gets started and that is not news.
No News? Play some of the old debates to remind people of why we need to vote! I know that this has not changed my mind about not voting for Obama just as all the Clinton mess has not changed the minds of most of their supporters. We don’t need your personal opinion just the TRUE FACTS, and we are intelligent enough to make up our own minds. Let’s get back to the issues before we end up with BUSH JR. (McCain) in office. McCain doesn’t want to do anything but to protect his 4 and no more.

I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU TO GO TO THE TCCU WEBSITE ON YOUTUBE AND LISTEN TO THE FULL SERMONS-YOU HAVE ONLY HEARD SOUNDBITES WHICH COMPLETELY CHANGE THE STATEMENTS MADE. IF YOU ARE AN OPEN MINDED PERSON, YOU WILL HAVE TO ADMIT THAT WHAT HE’S STATED IS THE TRUTH AND WHILE IT MIGHT NOT BE YOUR STYLE, IT IS NEITHER HATEFUL OR RACIST:

AIDS and "people of color" comment (note, Rev Wright never said "black people"
Read the books by the following-they support his position:
Robert Strecker MD, William Campbell Douglass MD, Eva Snead MD, and Leonard G Horowitz DDS) .

Get a copy of this document; (from The National Security Council. NSSM 200 - "Implications of Worldwide Population Growth for US Security & Overseas Interests," Washington DC, the White House, December 10, 1974. Declassified July 3, 1989. )

1. "Depopulation should be the highest priority of US foreign policy towards the Third World.
2. "Reduction of the rate of population in these states is a matter of vital US national security."
3. "The US economy will require large and increasing amounts of minerals from abroad, especially from less-developed countries. That fact gives the US enhanced interests in the political, economic and social stability of the supplying countries. Wherever a lessening of population can increase the prospects for such stability, population policy becomes relevant to resources, supplies and the economic interest of the United States."

"Chickens Coming Home to Roost" comment:
Rev Wright clearly states (in the part of the sermon that you don't hear in the soundbite" that he is QUOTING Ambassador Peck. someone he saw on FOX News the previous evening). These are Pecks words, not his. Read the sermon on CNN: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-rev-jeremiah-wrights-911-sermon/

God Damn America Comment
When you listen to the sermon, he states the following:
'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," he said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

Scripture to support his commentary:
Ezekiel 22
The Sins of Jerusalem
1 Now this message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, are you ready to judge Jerusalem? Are you ready to judge this city of murderers? Publicly denounce her detestable sins, 3 and give her this message from the Sovereign Lord: O city of murderers, doomed and damned—city of idols,[a] filthy and foul—4 you are guilty because of the blood you have shed.