The Good Reverend Jeremiah Wright and "Them Jews"

There were two things wrong with the good Reverend Jeremiah Wrights's grouse that "them Jews are keeping me from Obama." Oops, I mean the Zionists, not Jews. That was Wright's nimble effort to take some heat off him for the silly crack. One was that he said it. The other is that he meant it. Wright's "them Jews" quip was vintage Wright. That's his penchant to shoot from the lip, damn the audience and consequences, and knowing full well that it will get the tongues furiously wagging. The correction was a trifle which meant nothing.

It still confirmed what Wright loathers firmly belief and that's that he's a loose cannon, closet racist, and anti-Semite. The timing of his crack coming on the heels of the shoot up of the Holocaust Memorial Museum by neo-Nazi looney, James Wennaker von Brunn, couldn't have been worse. Wright is no von Brunn. He has not turned his life into a crusade against the mythical Jewish domination, and has never advocated violence against anyone. He's a down-home, plain spoken, Afrocentric preacher, who had enough charisma to attract throngs, and keep them coming back week after week to his one time Southside Chicago church. One of whom was a soon to be president.

That's a big reason Wright made the silly, intemperate knock. Wright still thinks that he's due a seat at Obama's table. Never mind that the universal consensus is that one of the smartest things that Obama did was to dump Wright, and dump him fast after he became a political embarrassment. But it's the seat at the table part that makes the Wright dig revealing. It's not just Wright's ego, although there's plenty of that at work in the notion that Obama won't see or have anything to do with him because of some plot by mythical Jewish gatekeepers to keep him away. It wouldn't have mattered if not one member of Team Obama's inner circle was Jewish. Wright would still be banned in Boston at the White House.

The Wright dig does hurt in another way though. There's still the widely prevalent belief among much of the public that more than a few blacks are closet anti-Semites, and even in the more bizarre circles, a rumor to that effect is occasionally heard about President Obama. That was heard after his pointed admonition to the Israeli government to crack down on the building of the settlements on the West Bank. The settlement expansion has been widely and repeatedly criticized by diplomats, political leaders, two former American presidents Clinton and Bush as well as a wide section of Israeli public opinion.

Wright, though, went one step further and poured oil on the flame by branding the Gaza battles, "ethnic cleansing." But it's still the suspicion that many blacks are anti-Semitic that rankles and resonates the most. Two decades later, Jesse Jackson still takes hits for his "Hymietown" crack, and Al Sharpton takes a hit on occasion for some alleged anti-Semitic act. Former Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan, is still virtually interchangeable with anti-Semite.

Anti-Semitism is alive and well in America, and it didn't take the the murder at the Holocaust Memorial Museum by a deranged, delusional nut to prove that. The legion of neo Nazi websites, videos, and books, pamhplets, that rail against Jewish or Zionist conspiracies under every bedpost, even the bedposts in the Obama White House are ample proof of that. But African-American leaders, officials and organizations have always vigorously condemned and fought against anti-Semitism. The heroic sacrifice of Stephen Tyrone Johns, the African American security guard, who gave his life to save others at the Holocaust Memorial Museum was tragic and symbolic of the long history of blacks and Jews fighting against racial bigotry and anti-Semitism. The good Reverend Wright's pithy, loose tongued crack won't change that.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His weekly radio show, "The Hutchinson Report" can be heard weekly in Los Angeles Fridays on KTYM Radio 1460 AM and live streamed nationally on ktym.com

Comments

[dwedge]

I have always defended Wright because he spent 6 years in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Not because I supported the things he said, but because he spent 6 more years in the defense of his country than did many of his more prominent detractors. I will never understand why he goes out of his way to make such senseless remarks. The Reverend Wright that was interviewed by Bill Moyers last fall is a different man than this one and the one that made that unfortunate appearance before the National Press Club.

[Nommo]

One would think that, as former Marine, he'd be likely to not cut corners with what is on his mind at any given time. He was a pastor for 20+ years and apparently to a full house for all that time. The problem here is the double standard. All seem to think that they know and can define Rev. Wright
on the basis of a couple of utterances.

If all these self-righteous fools would apply the same standard to those who, in the national forum, continually spew racist/sex­ist/misant­hropic garbage. Even more, those that get paid obscene amounts of money for their racism. So Rev. Wright is a product of to some, two of the highest callings there are. He fought for this country so that this country can go on and attempt to deny him is right to speak freely. Hey, not unlike those Black service people returning from WWll only to be treated with less dignity than German POWs.

Seems to me that far more dangerous and unhinged speech is coming out of the former VP. Priorities, anyone?

[JaneDoe1979]

"The problem here is the double standard. All seem to think that they know and can define Rev. Wright on the basis of a couple of utterances."

Double standards? You cry about ANY standards being applied to a black person. Funny you people sure didn't mind the lynching of Imus and Michael Richards for talking the way a million black folks do. Funny you sure have no problem judging white folks based on a couple utterances- when those utterances involve the seemingly strong link of blacks and crime, to name only one.

[CarlyHope]

What about the ADL's study finding African Americans to be the American Minority group most likely to have prejudicial feelings against Jews. Still, even discussing black antisemitism and bringing it into the daylight is helpful.

[Nommo]

The ADL? Why should they be any different from the rest of America? When something goes wrong, American will blame it on the Negroes. Just about a year ago, it was Black people's fault that the economy was going down the tubes. You and the ADL need to give it a rest. Let the ADL deal with its racism.

[JakeMontero]

he is a raclst

[GrainOSand]

He may be...I do not think he is based on what I have been able to learn of his ministry. What he seems to be (to me) is a human being capable of hypocrisy. His statement made him guilty of the same generalized disparagement he accuses others of in relationship to brown people. Racism, ethnicity-ism, culture-ism, sexism, or moral selectivism of any sort is intolerable. The reverend revealed a flaw, but I do not see it as the fatal flaw of a hating racist who will never know reform. The reverend is a man of God by verifiable word and deed. He is not towards hate but he is not above error, sin, or garden variety human frailty to express ones’ best self in the moment. There are valid criticisms of every sort to be made about this or that, but one should take care in the packaging lest one be found to be racist by statement in the moment...thereby eclipsing decades of good deeds and activity towards strengthening the universal family of humans that preceded the moment where such a misstep occurs. I will say it again, he should have named names and not religion in his remarks.

[1will]

And this is the man that Obama followed for two decades for his spiritual needs. Some wonder why we worried about this connection last year.

[Flavor]

No! you worry, don't put all americans in your category just like you probably did not vote for President Obama, but you have a right to your opinion but all of americans are not worried. To be honest I was more fearful when President Bush was in.

[damilitantone]

White folks are still carrying a torch for Reverend Wright. Well just because you didn't like what he said doesn't meant that what he said did not contain the seeds of truth. The truth can hurt, but it appears that some white folks feel that they are the only group allowed to criticize others without anyone returning the favor. Wright is correct in his assessment of "the Jews and Obama" he could have very easily said that the "blacks" are trying to keep him away. I am black and if I was Obama's advisor I wouldn't want Wright anywhere around him. Wright is a lightning rod no matter what has says and Obama needs to rise above the fray. The problem I have is this notion that if a politicians' white pastor said what Wright said then that politician would be toast. White folks have never had a problem pointing out the social ills affecting black folks time and time again and would be hard pressed to say anything positive about black folks as a whole. With regard to the "God d@mn America" comment, it may well be that the Lord does have a problem with what we as a country have been doing. If last eight years are any indication then I think that God has had his fill of our self-centered arrogance and has left us to our own devices. Who knows may be Obama is God's way of answering our prayers.

[valkyrie607]

Doesn't "carrying a torch" mean "still longing for the person you were in love with once upon a time"? Which hardly describes the reaction of white folks to Rev. Wright. I think you're trying to say white folks are still offended and angry at being confronted with common criticism of mainstream white culture as voiced by the Rev. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[OtayPanky]

The good reverend Jeremiah Wright has turned out ot be neither particularly good, nor especially reverend.

[GrainOSand]

Flawed genius...it happens. I can see the individual pixels in people. I utilize a masking program that eliminates the negative pixels and allows me to see the positive details of a given human life. I have empathy for all living beings. We struggle in our imperfection. The reverend is not immune to the internal struggle of bitterness, disdain, hurt feelings, and bloated ego. I love the man. He was brilliant (at times) during the election. My heart ached for him at the Press Club conference as it was apparent that the heat had gotten to him and he was beyond peeved. His latest broad brush comment is dismissive, divisive, and detrimental to the cause of peace and love (for those who seek a reason for discord and hate).

He is but a single human being. He expresses facts, ideas, sentiments, and personal beliefs about a people, but he is in no way representative of all the people labeled brown in terms of viewpoint. The same is true for Farrakhan and many others. Who among us is not flawed? Growth for an individual comes from realizing and acknowledging the flaws and working to repair the realized holes in ones' humanity. In this way, life is a continuous process of learning. In this way, every single human is afforded the ultimate lessons of life, if only we would pay attention.

[GrainOSand]

I have had my feelings hurt so why would I want to hurt the feelings of another. Telling the truth should never take a back seat to contemplation of hurt feelings. However, if one seeks to tell what they perceive to be the truth, let it be a truth that is specific and therefore verifiable, and not generally disparaging with no discernible merit. The reverend still has some lessons to learn...for all his gifts...as do I...as do we all. He seems stuck in Hurt Feelings 101, or Bruised Ego 440. He needs to let it go and let it flow and realize he is great beyond an invite to the White House. He is great beyond the need to trample on others because he is ticked about the outcome of things...the unfairness of being made a caricature in the public view by less than honest brokers of hate and divide. He is great beyond a hypocritical system that inspired the controversial sermons he gave yet denies being the root cause of rhetorical blowback from the pulpit. The times unfolded as they did and Reverend Wright played a major role. I thank him for his service and I pray for his continued growth.

My two cents

[Flavor]

Let me say this one on this blogg have said something about ones intelligence because we voted for President Obama, and this is what I say to that. I have said numerous times, I voted for President Bush because of the war on terror, now I voted for President Obama, and am not one time sorry I did because I felt and still do feel he was and is the man for that seat. I don't know why anyone would question someones intelligence because we voted for who we felt was the person for the Commander and Chief seat. I am so glad we live in the good old USA, where one can vote for whom they (choose) not because someone took it upon themselves to question ones intelligence, and by who's standards. I am a independent voter, have been and will continue to be and capable of thinking, listening and doing my very own research. I respect whomever anyone (chose) to vote for, never would I say that because you did not choose the candidate I chose that something is wrong with one's intelligence. Just my view.

[damilitantone]

When one votes for someone like Bush who time and time again demonstrated a lack of intelligence and depth of knowledge on a range of issues, then their own level of intelligence and understanding can be called into question. Voting for anybody based on one issue is myopic and shortsighted and can lead to unintended consequences. Being an independent voter is great, but being an independent thinker is even more important. We all are responsible for our actions and if you voted for Bush once or twice then you bear some responsibility for the condition of the country because the guy you supported scr@wed up.

[Flavor]

This is why I am sooooo glad that I can vote on whomever I wish, frankly I don't have to tell you or anyone else why I voted for whom I did. That was my (choice) to state and if I choose to vote for President Obama a second time it is my (choice). I will state this again I'm proud to be a thinking american who is not intimidated by what others think. Now If I voted for President Bush twice that was my decision and one I don't have to answer to you on, and I'm willing to bet your one that voted for him too, you see it is easy to speak on the blogg and lie and hide who you really are especially when you have a hidden agenda to start a battle but let me tell you this I choose the battles I want to fight this is not one. Now I could question your intelligence but why? Peace Out.

[valkyrie607]

The fact that you don't question the validity of the whole concept of the "war on terror" calls your intelligence into question.

[Rog49Thomas]

The good Reverend should get together with Reverend Robertson and go out and do what the Lord would be doing today: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, ....

Preferably they could so as the Bible advises in Matthew 6: 1-6.

In itself shutting up could be a good work worthy of much merit in both this life and the next.

[faithnj]

".......and symbolic of the long history of blacks and Jews fighting against racial bigotry and anti-Semitism. The good Reverend Wright's pithy, loose tongued crack won't change that."

Hear, hear!!!

[freshnotbitter]

I really miss the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. I think he meant that Rahm Immanuel and Axelrod, who are Jewish and O's closest advisers, won't let O talk to Wright or get anywhere near him. I don't think Rev Wright meant to imply anything about Jews being evil.

I would be happy to castigate Rev Wright when he says something that is flat out wrong but I don't know that he said anything that was "wrong" per se. Of course, you wonder how Reverend Wright would react if I were to say that "those negros around Obama won't let me talk to him". I'll bet we'd hear a mouthful from the Reverend!!!!

[Doofus]

On the other hand, why pass up an opportunity to seem anti-semitic,
when it suits the good Reverend. It'll earn him some points somewhere.

[upbeatdem]

Where will he get points for seeming anti-Semitic? I don't think he is courting the neo-Nazis like the cretin who shot up the Holocaust Museum. Your comment suggests some stereotypical beliefs about people who might listen to Rev. Wright. Such ideas were de-bunked in the article you are responding to.

[GoldsteinD]

it's interesting that Rev Wright's remarks might imply that Obama, now the most powerful man in the world, does not have the self determination to make up his own mind about who he speaks to

[Nommo]

Part of the problem with the office are those who surround he who holds the office. They are likely to be extreme sorts.

[Wattree]

Excellent assessment, Hutch.

[EducatedObserver]

Congratulations Mr Hutchinson; you are one of the few voices of reason on this publication.

I have said elsewhere that it is amazing just how far the United States was prepared to apply the black/ white double standard in 2008.

Imagine for one moment that it was discovered that the pastors of Hillary Clinton or John McCain had made remarks similar to Jeremiah Wright's?

The candidates' political careers would have come to a screeching halt.

Yet in 2008, so few people thought it important enough to consider the impact this acknowledged mentor of Barack Obama's might have had on his psychological and spiritual development?

Astonishing indeed.

[Nommo]

So few people think period. No revelation there.

[faithnj]

.........Get real (Or get honest.) If you think Wright was saying these types of things from the pulpit every Sunday, don't you think Fox News would have had more clips to show???? Churches like his tape the sermon's every Sunday and sell the tapes. Audio tapes, video tapes, dvds.....the evidence would be out there if there was any evidence that he was tearing Jews apart in public every Sunday morning.

[Nommo]

There's nothing there. It is just another attempt to divert from real issues. In the time since this brouhaha began, a thousand ugly remarks have been spewed on right wing radio in their constant demeaning of Black people, and anyone else that does not fit the oh so put upon white male mode.

Amazing how a Black man can make them toss all perspective out the window.

[BeyondKen]

Imagine if President Clinton had invited Jeremiah Wright to the White House???

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/promos/politics/blog/20clintonwright1.533.jpg

[Flavor]

Whats your point?

[BeyondKen]

"Imagine for one moment that it was discovered that the pastors of Hillary Clinton or John McCain had made remarks similar to Jeremiah Wright's?"

http://prorev.com/2007/12/hillary-clinton-heavy-into-rightwing.html

[EducatedObserver]

BeyondKen, thanks for providing your two links. My response:

1. I do not quite understand your point of posting a photograph of Jeremiah Wright and Bill Clinton together. It is public knowledge that Wright was not Clinton's mentor. What therefore are you suggesting?

2. Your second link, accompanied by my quote, was presumably intended to rebut what I said. I took the time to read the article and found nothing even beginning to approach the kinds of Rev Wright statements with which we are now all familiar.

I therefore stand by my original comments.

[Flavor]

Oh, okay I see your point.

[JaneDoe1979]

Imagine if pastors of Hillary Clinton or John McCain had made remarks similar to Jerimiah Wright's EXCEPT THEY WERE ABOUT "them blacks" . Imagine the fallout. We all know most of the people now being apolgists for Wright would be the first to cry "racism"

[GrainOSand]

"Yet in 2008, so few people thought it important enough to consider the impact this acknowledged mentor of Barack Obama's might have had on his psychological and spiritual development?"

If there had been widespread consideration of that it would have led (and rightfully so) to widespread consideration of the impact on the psychological and physical development of the masses of people nurtured in an environment of hate, hubris, and hypocrisy over centuries. The rabbit hole of guilt and harm by association goes deep. At the bottom (in America) may reside theft of a nation, and torture, murder, and rape of a people and the millions who sat back (in the church of white male superiority) and let it happen, over the decades and centuries. What negative effect has America had on Americans? Who is having that conversation? Reverend Wright was wrong -- period! However, America was wrong -- period! How many have perished under the boot heel of original sin of theft of land and killing of man? The reverend is advised to name names and not cite ethnicity when he rages. He does himself a disservice when he does otherwise. Let us turn back to the bigger issue that brought us the chicken or egg of Reverend Wright's misguided statements, this American environment of hate, hubris, and hypocrisy that so ravages spirits and psychologies, this environment that causes the victimized to become like those who victimized -- wielders of broad brushes and betrayers of the idea of universal love.

[GrainOSand]

"The reverend is advised to name names and not cite ethnicity when he rages."

...or religion, gender, or anything that is not the exact people to whom he refers...

[Meah]

Wright said what he said just before the Holocaust Museum shooting. Now he has to reflect on his own hatred. I hope he does for his own sake, but he really did himself in on this one. Retire and look within Mr. Wright. And leave the rest of us alone. We do not care what you have to say.

[Nommo]

Wright bothering your personally? Then mind your business and tend to your own affairs. You would not have had a thought about Wright if not for this remark.

[Meah]

Oh now you make sense!

[JaneDoe1979]

Have you thought about taking your own advice? More importantly, If Jeremiah Wright and scores of other show boating black community/relgious leaders minded their own business and tended to their own affaris the black community would not be in the sad place it is. This finger pointing and obsessive scapegoating is WHY these fools are impotent to making real change. The problem is not outside of them or their community. Furthemore, it is childish for someone to make an inflammitory offensive statement and then cry "leave me alone". If he wanted to be left alone then he should have followed the bible and treated jews, his neighbor, the way he wanted to be treated- with respect.

[JGatsby]

I was rather shocked at how thoughtless this remark was. I always defended Wright in the past. His previous remarks about 9/11 seemed to me to be either taken out of context or unpleasant truths that Americans don't want to hear. But this comment was so insensitive and just plain stupid.

[usna73]

You have raised many important issues. I have been a target of anti-Semitism in my business life. Provable and direct. I have never though been a "victim." I won't allow it.

Along the way I have been friends with several African-Americans who have shared the following code, largely as I did, from our upbringing. We were taught to "pity" our ignorant predators, unless we were truly threatened with violence. We were constantly reminded that our greater challenge was to apply our own standards of decency and honor and influence the overwhelming majority of us to weed out the behavior via isolation, shame and illumination.

Decency and courage know no ethnic, national nor religious boundaries. Overcome.

[Rockwell]

Well said!

[Meah]

Hear hear!

[llisa]

fanned.