Hypocrisy in the Public Sphere on Obama's Speech

London - Even on this side of the ocean Barack Obama's speech on his personal Jeremiah has made waves but I see that the usual suspects in the right-wing commentariat are not satisfied: Krauthammer in the Washington Post opinion pages today and Michael Gerson in the same place earlier in the week. How can a pastor, a man of the cloth attack the U.S. with words like "God Damn America?" they ask and demand total renunciation, repudiation etc., etc...

In the autumn of 1995 I was traveling around Mississippi doing some reporting for the BBC World Service. I try to get to the deep South once a decade because for better or worse it remains the cauldron where this nation's politics are forged. People reading this on either coast may think they set the nation's agenda. They don't. The South does. White southerner's lingering resentment to being conquered and occupied for the best part of a century is what drive's American politics. Nixon knew it and that's why the southern strategy was so successful. White southerners are their own tectonic plate crashing into one party or another for a time and creating the political equivalent to a super continent.

Anyway as I'm cruising the surprisingly well-paved back roads of Miss'ippi I'm listening to AM radio. A white Christian station comes up and I hear a song that is absolutely shocking. It calls on God to destroy America. Why? So it can be reclaimed for Christ. I was so stunned by the tune that the next time it came on, as I was driving through a white section of Clarksdale I pulled over, took out my Sony Pro tape machine and recorded it. The chorus ran, "Even if you have to bring her to her knees/Lord, please/ revive her again."

The song's image of America destroyed so it can be reclaimed for white Southern Christians was only one example of the relentless disparaging of the U.S. along with damnings to Hell of vast swathes of American society to be heard being broadcast by white Christian pastors.

These same pastors of course preach the politics of the right from their pulpits and their congregations provide the foot soldiers of the conservative movement.

No one ever demanded of President Bush that he repudiate these hellfire and brimstone types, yet even after delivering one of the great speeches of the last several decades the ideologues are demanding something more of Obama.

The hypocrisy here is large; I would not expect anything else from Krauthammer but Michael Gerson is a "person of faith." And surely he knows the danger of hypocrisy in that part of the public sphere where religion intersects with politics. I'm sure he knows much of the Gospel of Matthew by heart. I am certain at this season of the passion he is re-reading it fervently. But in case he is speed reading it let me remind of Matthew 23 verses 13-15. Each verse begins, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"

America needs no heavenly destroyer to revive itself, it needs people in Gerson's position to examine their consciences and stop being hypocrites. A good place to start would be for him to address the shocking statements made by white Christian preachers over the air waves every day. He might take advantage of the opportunity to repudiate them by name and renounce their help in electing Republicans to office. If not, to quote the Gospel, "Woe unto him ..."

Comments

[EmJay144]

"yet even after delivering one of the great speeches of the last several decades the ideologues are demanding something more of Obama."
Excuse me, but isn't Obama the one who is promising us so much more? Every time he sets the bar higher, he proves that he cannot reach it and then gets all huffy when people hold him to his own standards.
"No one ever demanded of President Bush that he repudiate these hellfire and brimstone types" - Actually, lots of us did. He was just too stubborn and arrogant to listen.

[jade7243]

Bravo and thank you!

[Sabreen60]

I have questions. We have all seen the Rev. Wright snipets in a loop almost 24/7 for several days. Who at the networks make the decisions regarding what is on the news? Does the producer have the final say? We speak of the "media" in vague "deity-like" terms. I want to know WHO gives the on-ahead on what is or is not shown?

[SCG]

Conservatives outraged by a religious figure gone wild? I never realized they even noticed such things?

There's hope for Republicans yet.

[peibossman]

Obama is probably the "cleanest dirty shirt" in this Presidential race, but it is hard to believe that he did not hear the dispicable remarks of his Pastor while sitting in the church pew.

[TwoCentsWorth]

I find it to be unsettling, bordering on scary, to think of someone as inexperienced as Obama becoming president. Does he think Americans are not listening when he tells us Senator Clinton lies?

To the contrary, it is Obama who lies.
Obama lies when he tells us Clinton lied about her position on NAFTA -- ask David Gergen, he was there when Clinton, as first lady, spoke against NAFTA in private but publicaly had to support her husband.

Obama lies when he tells us he didn't "hear" or he didn't "know" that Rev. Wright spoke of horrendous acts that America had committed against blacks.

Obama lies when he told the voters his position on NAFTA and then told the Canadian government official that what he told the voters was just political rhetoric.

Obama lies when he tells us "Words Matter" and then quotes JFK, MLK, and FDR but when Rev. Wright spews out venom at America he tells us "Rev. Wright's Words Don't Matter".

Obama is the one who cannot be trusted -- he threw his kindly old " typical white" Grandma under the bus to save himself from the reality of Rev. Wright's words.

Remember, Desmond Tutu said that "Language creates the reality it describes." Obama is trying to "create" a picture of himself that does not fit at all with his decision to accept Wright's preaching and continue to associate with Wright over a period of nearly 20 years.

Obama has shown himself to be a consistent liar, if the Superdelegates allow him to become the nominee the Republicans will easily put John McCain into the Oval Office in 2008.

[Nommo]

"Venomous", "poisonous", "lunatic", and "fire and brimstone" are just a few of the phrases attached to Rev. Wrights words without ever, any example of what words or phrases the writer deems so. This is the simplest of ways to accuse a Black man. Susan Smith and Charles Stuart just say it was a "Black man" and the forces of media and whatever appropriate legal or moral enforcement due join up in a frenzy of babble at what the Black man "done did" this time.

No one is required to acutally take the time to use quotes to illustrate any more than one is required to know the words that came before or followed the quote that has the collective blood boiling. Only that it was one of those Black preachers. It does not matter by any other set of things by which we measure people, all America sees is another crazy Black man. Thank god for the pulpit, if it were a street corner, he'd be tazed or shot by some crazy cop. That justified by his "tone of voice" I'll wager. "He sounded threatening".

Please get a grip America. It is a church you never heard of in a place you never heard of.
Chicago. Southside. Legendary. In a few insane moments, America has unconsciously conspired to denigrate the work of a lifetime. Does no one contemplate that this man was a former Marine who learned to address other people in that fashion? Is it possible that one day your parents spoke to you in that fashion?

So what is the big deal here? "Thank you (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)..."Different strokes for different folks". Not. I guess.

[sqwerl]

The only hypocracy is Obama himself. First he said he never heard the rev say controversial statements, then in his "amazing speech" he admitted he did.

[Sabreen60]

What I wish is that people could comprehend what they hear and comprehend what they read. Obama is NOT a hypocrite. He said he was not in church to hear the controversial statements that have been playing in a loop on many TV stations. He said he had been in church and heard Rev. Wright make other less controversial statements. Please stop circulating false statements. If you don't like Obama, fine. But at least be truthful about what he says.

[rojo7449]

Search YouTube, or wherever, and find the clip from Olbermann's Friday night interview with Obama...the Friday prior to the infamous race speech. Listen to him carefully. He absolutely said he had never been in the church when Wright was saying anything controversial. He did not narrow that down to just the clips in circulation. I know it's hard to hear him lie for his supporters, but he did. Then he gave a speech about racism. The issue was about betrayal and mistrust to the people who were so horrified by the Rev.

[LDW]

No one demanded anything of Bush, because he was so 'likeable"

Until about two weeks ago, no one has demanded anything of Barak Obama, because he's such an inspiring speaker. And because his campaign branded anyone who challenged him as a racist..

But people should be looking at Obama, and questioning his judgement and his grasp of the issues. He gives a good speech when supplied with a teleprompter, but in debates he hesitates, meanders and flounders.

Or just keep cheering for him without question. I mean, American needs another Dubya right now, doesn't she?

[Sabreen60]

Obama wrote his own speech he gave on racism. Your inference is that he used a teleprompter, therefore reading the words of someone else. I wonder why people just say anything before checking the facts? Actually, he's brilliant. I know at least one of his books (talking) won a Grammy. Maybe both, I'm not sure. Also, the book that won the Grammy beat out Bill Clinton's book. I guess there is no love loss there.

[rojo7449]

He was talking about the easy listening aspect, he didn't even suggest Obama the words weren't Obama's.

[rojo7449]

Actually, he admitted he had help with the speech, but it reflected what he wanted to say. It just didn't reflect what the people wanted him to explain. Betrayal and lying.

[Fritzi]

An excellent article and very true. Obama is being crucified. Many Americans can't seem to understand that Obama stayed there--in Chicago and in that church--because it was for political expediency. Look at McCain who went to Hagee for his political expediency.

The right wing radio shows are the worst. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham should spend one day as a black person and then maybe then they would understand. I haven't seen Sean or Laura leave their church because of what the priests have done. THEY ARE ALL HYPOCRITES and want to keep the race issue alive. Shame on them.

[jonesgen57]

The mainstream media is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen.

Andrew Sullivan has a useful quote at the top of his blog page, by Orwell, "to see what is in front of one"s nose needs constant struggle." I think this applies to CNN and the rest these days. It looks to me like the passions and resentments and struggles of racial inequality and gender issues, of social justice, are burning right in front of all our eyes, catalyzed by the potentiality of the first African-American or woman president, and what do we keep hearing from the news commentators on TV, "When will we be able to get past this distraction and back to the real issues? Will Obama be able to get beyond the race issue? Etc." What a bunch of denial. Race and gender ARE real issues. Not that they should take precedence over the war and economy, but they are very important and absolutely should not be swept aside by the powers behind the media. The distortions and hidden agendas of the mainstream media are really incredible these days.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

Race(?), gender, and religion may be issues, but they don't accept meaningful solutions. They only serve as backdrops for new acts in a tiresome drama of guilt exploitation. Real progress will come only when acceptance is followed by collegial work.....

Unlike the Obama lot's expectation, his campaign will NOT provide some sort of expiation.....

[jonesgen57]

Excuse me but I think that only through meaningful discussion and authentic attempts at real understanding of these difficult issues will progress be made. I think we will find meaningful solutions, probably sooner with Obama as president because of the kind of optimism he engenders and his setting the tone of calm rationality and open mindedness. I am sorry that Clinton and McCain supporters have such a dark view of our future. Sadly, such a narrow view could become a self-fulfilling prophesy.

[DasBoot]

I agree with you Michael, but don't bet on Gerson and co. on seeing the light. They have made it way too comfortable for themselves in their hypocritical little ultra-right reality. No reason to join the rest of us.

[swift_goat_pet_for_truth]

American MSM would never write anything like this.

Want unbiased news? Try BBC, FT, Economist.

[sociocanuck]

I would have agreed up until you said "economist" - it only manages to appear balanced (not unbaised) by introducing biases from every possible angle of the social spectrum, and yet, at it's foundation (the economic issues) it's still rather conservative capitalist-biased.

My opinion, only, though. ^_^

[loball]

As an agnostic I find it self defeating this religious cannibalism that seems rampant in the Christian faith. Do any of these people really think that they have the god given answer to right and wrong? Isn't it preached over and over that we as flawed souls can never know the hidden truth? If you think you are absolutely right your not.

This is the reason religion needs to be left out of politics, there is no chance we can all agree on everything or understand the underlying truths in someone else's religion.

I am not sure Rev. Wright's comments live up to "reprehensible". Could it be that his message, while being fiery, may hold some truth? Obama's speech opened my eyes to some forms of racism that I have not previously considered (wealth transfer for instance). I know there is levels of ignorance in my own personal sphere that I cannot remove myself from. I would be irresponsible if I was to turn my back on those simply for their opinions whether they are right or wrong.

Hardcore Christians are a minority in this country and some of us are tired of their hypocrisies and judgments. Many people, including myself, would like to move on from being bound by superstitions. Somehow I doubt your moral fiber is superior to mine or any other thoughtful adult.

[priscianusjr]

Thank you, loball. Although you are an agnostic, your comment shows true spiritual insight.

[aprilshowers]

AMEN!

[Manx]

I wasn't upset by the remarks of Obama's pastor as I was at the hysteria stirred up by the tabloid cable news networks. Wolf Blitzer called it a "swirling controversy" but the fact is, it wouldn't have become such a rumpus if they had not obsessed on the story, repeating it over and over and over. When I think of the political power these irresponsible and tabloid networks wield, it scares the hell out of me.

[tubette]

oops... the link wasn't there...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-162072307736147530&q=glenn+beck&total=2820&start=0&num=10&so=1&type=search&plindex=2

[tubette]

and here is one of their talking heads.... with his unbelievable spin... on CNN and his talk show...
please watch:

[AceInTheHole]

I believe that by the consensus of every fair minded American, I cam safely say, that this man is a loathsome abomination, and consummate disgrace, to America and every good thing that it stands for? And in need of a lot of prayer, on his behalf. Since I'm retired and have a lot of time to spare, I'll begin praying for him today.and the South as well.

[richardsgirl]

By your post, I think that you're also in need of prayer.

[AnotherunhappyDemocrat]

As others have likely posted, Obama deserves our respect for disagreeing with, but not distancing himself from his mentor. A lesser man or woman would have done some thing "Clintonian", e.g., repudiated his whole 20-year relationship the the Reverend. And, as you write, there is little, if any difference, between the preachings of Wright and the anti-American rhetoric of the white, Christian, fundamentalist preachers, who are indeed leaders and foot soldiers of the conservative movement. (well, maybe there is a difference, in that Wright's words are more honest) This whole affair is just more evidence that racism is alive and strong in America today.

[SeekerOne]

There is a big difference. One group extolls war, while Reverend Wright preaches peace.

If we curse our government for killing and corrupting in our country's name, is it unpatriotic? If it is, then we need to do some serious soul searching.

[uheardme]

Come on man. The media never holds white conservatives and conservative democrats accountable.

[Bluesue]

You want to be shocked and disgusted? Go to this link and read an article by Pat Buchanan on his website entitled "A Brief for Whitey."

http://buchanan.org/blog/?p=969

This man is given a platform every night to influence with his commentary based on racism. Pat Buchanan is a white supremacist. Now I understand the basis for the comments he's been making. It also gives new context to him telling the female, African-American commentation to shut up.

Below are a few paragraphs from a much longer article:

First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known.

Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American.

Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the "60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream.

Governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against white folks " with affirmative action, contract set-asides and quotas " to advance black applicants over white applicants.

Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks.

We hear the grievances. Where is the gratitude?

[LarBear]

Bluesue ....
Actually, Slavery existed, including for people with black skin, long before the American Continent was even suspected of existing... Were it not for people with white skin ( so called "WHITES" ) (European Immigrants) the USA would still have Slavery...
I suspect the roots of Slavery grew in control of $$$$$, not over what color one's skin is.... Native Americans were tried out as Slaves, but that did NOT work... But for "WHITES," people with black skin tones would still be Slaves in the USA... And many of those "WHITES" came as indentured "servants" to earn passage to the New World... Maybe "WHITES" don't deserve all the Hate and Blame they get... Perhaps a Thank You for People with white skin tones enlightened thinking, and votes to end Slavery, would actually be welcome...
I notice you do NOT refute what Pat B. said, but dislike what he said...
The Obama's have played to Race and Color from the start... The Obama's have played the Race Card against the Clinton's several times... Prior to this Campaign, I saw NO accusations the Clinton's were Racist...
If you understand the meaning of a "red Herring" ( from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs] : something that distracts attention from the real issue ) then in my observation, Racism entered the Campaign as an Obama "black herring"...
Obama's judgement related to making Rev. Wright a "Spiritual Advisor" is in question... Obama's 20 year friendship with Rezko... Obama's distancing himself after the Fact, has brought question of his Campaign claim of his Judgement being better... Obama's Lying is a Documented Fact...
And, yes, Racial, Ethnic, Religious, ETC, hatred and fear exist with all skin tones... That is part of our Human Created Social/ Cultural Environment...

[dawlishgal]

Why do I get the feeling that none of the aids to black families and chlldren that you mention above were freely given by you. No genuine charitable act demands gratitude. Your resentment just leaps from the screen. Yet, would you have willingly changed places at any time with a black person? If not, why not? Because on some level you know that blacks will still have to deal with people like YOU, people who can't seem to forgive them for the period in history in which they were given more "breaks" than they had before?

[LongBeachDave]

I believe he is quoting the Buchanan article here, not gving his own ideas...look at the first paragraph...

[Bluesue]

You misread my post. These weren't my words. I posted excerpts from an article by Pat Buchanan.

[kittyma]

Bluesue,

I understand that you were quoting Pat Buchanan , one of the worst kind of racists- a racist who doesn't realise that he is racist.

But (and this is not meant for you, but I am taking the opportunity of what has just happened to you to make a point.)

Can you imagine how Jeremiah Wright and the members of the Trinity United Church of Christ feel knowing that Rev. Wright was quoting from Ambassador Peck and it has been taken as his words!