There has been quite a furry over the past week concerning some admittedly controversial statements made by Senator Obama's pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Yet, if we look at Rev. Wright's statements in full context, they are nothing more than a man speaking truth to power. Rather than acknowledge the truth about the dark past of America, and in some instances the present, we are quick to charge anyone who removes the veil of our history, as being racist and/or anti-American.
African American religious leaders have historically combined sociology, theology and politics. In some instances, it has been done to inspire change, and in other instances, to inspire awareness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a prime example. Yet, he was considered an agent of change and is celebrated for his courage and involvement in the Civil Rights movement through non-violent means. Why now is Rev. Wright viewed differently and even vilified? Is it because Dr. King was more eloquent in his speech than Rev. Wright. No! The answer can only lie in the fact that Rev. Wright is the pastor of an African American presidential hopeful who has seemingly wooed white America by running a campaign that has made every effort to transcend racial divisiveness. In other words, if Senator Obama is removed from the equation, how interested is America in the veracity or inflammatory nature of the comments made by Rev. Wright?
In all fairness, the comments of Rev. Wright deserve a closer analysis in order to determine whether they are in fact racist and anti-American, or, is the media engaging in nothing more than sensationalism in an effort to diminish Senator Obama's cross cultural appeal.
One of the primary comments criticized by the media is that Senator Obama knows what it means to be a black man in an America controlled by rich, white people. Does the malfeasance lie in the fact that Senator Obama grew up as a black man in America or that America is controlled by rich, white people? Certainly it cannot be the former. It is irrefutable that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are rich, white men in control of economic, social and political policy in America. The question then becomes, is it racist or anti-American to say that Ameica is controlled by rich, white people or is this a truth spoken to power?
Another comment which is more shocking than anything else is Rev. Wright's announcement that Senator Clinton can never know what it means to be a black man in America, and, she has never been called the "n" word. Yet, whether we are speaking of Hillary Clinton or any other white person of privilege in this nation, the fact remains they can never know what it has meant, or what it means, to be a black man in America. Neither can they know how deeply hurtful it is to be called the "n" word or worse yet to be treated as a member of the "n" class. Unfortunately, as progressive as we would like to consider ourselves, racism is alive and well in our society. We have made strives but we still have a long road ahead.
Interestingly, although Bill Clinton has been spoken of as the first black president of the United States, Rev. Wright said Bill Clinton did to black people what he did to Monica Lewinski, "he was riding dirty." In other words, Bill Clinton had an intimate relationship with a mesmerized young woman with no intention of treating her with dignity or respect. The impact of the three strikes laws on the African American community and funding of prisons to the detriment of education and healthcare is analogous.
A close look at any state budget in this country will reveal that the majority of state resources are directed toward prisons to the detriment of education and other necessary state programs. Many states are experiencing critical budget crisis but they will not compromise where the prison systems are concerned. In the past five years alone, states have faced a combined $200 billion in budget gaps. Meanwhile, prisons continue to consume a larger portion of the state budget pie--$35 billion annually in 1999, up from $17 billion in 1990--rendering them a bigger target for budget cutters. From 1985 to 2000, prison budgets grew at six times the rate of higher education budgets. If imprisoned, the Black man provides jobs and economic opportunities for the white underclass. The three strikes law and mandatory sentencing is a good way of ensuring the prison system stays in business and correctional officers employed.
Another example is Bill Clinton's welfare reform which eliminated Aid to Families With Dependent Children and forced women into low paying jobs with no consideration for child care. Thus, a new category of the working poor. Yes, Bill Clinton has a relationship with African Americans but has he really treated us with dignity and respect?
Finally, Rev. Wright spoke of the lies of the American government. According to Rev. Wright, the American government lied about the connection of Al Qaeda to Saddam Hussein; the connection of 9/11 to Operation Iraqi Freedom; and, weapons of mass destruction. Ironically, the goal of the democratic party is to unseat the current administration because of these very lies and the detriment they have caused to our economy and standing in the world. The remaining Bush supporters are among the rare few who choose to think otherwise. They (Sean Hannity) are also believed to be the originators of this controversy.
Once again, the American public is being duped. Unfortunately, Senator Obama is receiving the brunt of it all. He is now being charged as being associated with a racist and anti-American minister by white Americans and lacking allegiance by African American ministers. There has been no focus on John McCain's spiritual advisors or the Reverend Billy Graham who was heard on tape speaking against the Jewish people to former president Richard Nixon. Hopefully, Americans will look beyond the rhetoric and analyze Senator Obama's capacity to be president based upon his record and ideological perspectives about the issues that really matter to this country.
Sensing she was disturbed by what we were watching I said, "Isn't it terrible, Aunt Bea, that some white people don't understand that we're all the same. (I wanted her to know I wasn't one of THOSE white people) What she said changed my life, forever. She said:
"Honey, black people and white people ARE different," and then with a big smile on her face, she said, "but, that doesn't mean we can't get along."
I've now spent the last forty-six years playing jazz bass, working, and living in the only industry in America that "equal opportunity" actually means equal opportunity. (click on the following link to get a sense of what I mean)
http://www.harlem.org/
But, it wasn't until much later that I honestly understood what my Aunt Bea meant. What "being different and getting along" means is...
Peace, Love, and Understanding is found by honoring differences, not in erasing them. Tolerance is equality. We're not supposed to be the same, we're supposed to all have the SAME CHANCE to be ourselves.
"Love thy neighbor, as they self."
I believe this is what the Rev. Jeremiah Write meant by what he said. If he were a tenor saxophone player, he'd be John Coltrane playing "Naima." His sermon is like a Greek tragedy: it is meant to be uplifting, not demeaning.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Steps
http://play.rhapsody.com/johncoltrane/giantsteps/naima
Obama's job now is to inform America what lies ahead. I have a feeling that we may find ourselves being a little puzzled at first, but our challenge is great. It is not for him to explain why he listens to Rev. Write, it's our job to understand the importance of different perspectives.
It's an audacious hope, but one we can ill afford to ignore.
Obama-Webb in '08
“A close look at any state budget in this country will reveal that the majority of state resources are directed toward prisons to the detriment of education and other
necessary state programs.”
Clearly no state is spending a MAJORITY of its revenues on prisons. I just took a look at the New York State budget and discovered that New York State is spending $19 Billion on education and $4.14 Billion on criminal justice (including not just prisons but the State Police). This is only state expenditures, not expenditures by cities, towns and counties.
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/budget/2007/enactedbudget0507.pdf
While many people, including apparently Rev. Wright, argue that African-Americans have disproportionately suffered as a result of increasing prison populations, it can also be argued that African-Americans disproportionately BENEFITED as a result of falling crime rates.
I spent three years as a teacher in a South Bronx high school. (Where, ironically, I was called an “N” word over a dozen times even though I am about as white as you can be without being an albino.) I understand how important education is to breaking the cycle of poverty and hate. I think we would be better served working together to improve our schools, rather than shouting insults at each other. I wish Barack Obama still had an open mind on school vouchers so that poor parents might have the same chance to pull their kids out of failing public schools that wealthier families have.
Just for the record, I don’t believe Obama shares Rev. Wright’s more controversial beliefs, though I do not believe Obama was as ignorant of those beliefs as he claims. It won’t affect my vote one way or another since I am brain dead Rethuglican zombie who will vote for John McCain. But I still have tremendous admiration for Barack Obama.
As a result of this drop in crime rates, New York’s prison population is beginning to shrink. This is unquestionably a good thing. New York is increasing its education budget as well. Unfortunately, the education problems are not a result of funding alone.
Also, if you vote for McCain, you are voting to put another Bush back in office; someone who doesn't care about the people and has a personal vendetta against the Middle East in order to establish a military presence in an oil-rich country.
Obamas mega church connection wasnt vetted. Shame on the press.
Obama got millions from the church parishoners. What was delivered in return?
Is Obamas undying support for Bushes No Child Left Behind Act related to church school funding?
Has the church recieved federal or state money for other programs?
The Rezko "contributions" werent vetted either.
Why would Rezko give Obama almost a million dollars over the years?
Why did Tezko help Obama buy his mansion and the propoerty next door if nothing wasnt expected and delivered. How did Rezko benefit financially from the relationship?
It is legit to ask and research before voting and not afterwards when its too late.
We dont need another Bush surpise.
OBAMA in 08
The one where he wrote (of Farrakhan) : "When Minister Farrakhan speaks, Black
America listens. Everybody may not agree with him, but they
listen ... His depth on analysis when it comes to the racial ills of
this nation is astonishing and eye-opening. He brings a perspective
that is helpful and honest
"Minister Farrakhan will be remembered as one of the 20th and 21st
century giants of the African-America religious experience. His
integrity and honesty have secured him a place in history as one of
the nation's most powerful critics. His love for Africa and African-
American people has made him an unforgettable force, a catalyst for
change, and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and
purpose."
It is lamentable that Senator Obama is accused of what? listening to Wright? although obviously Obama's entire working approach has been different. It isn't that he ignores the injustices that exist, but he is trying to rally people with the energy to deal with them, and to have energy-giving hope that they can make a change. He still gets my vote.
There have been flamers on the right as well, and no one has spent much energy looking at who the evangelicals have been listening to.
I agree, no one spends much energy looking at (or listening to) who *anyone* is listening to, whether they agree, disagree or don't have an opinion.
Who cares what a pastor may have exclaimed from the pulpit? I'm sure he could have said much worse things and been very accurate. He probably didnt say enough.
AND FOR ALL YOU HAPPY REPUBLICAN CAMPERS:
Ever notice how the price of gas doubled in GWB's presidency after having invaded the most oil rich territory on the planet? Can you please give us some great explanation? Maybe find some liberals or pastors to blame.
The price of gas went from $1.04 in 1992 to $1.60 at the end of the Clinton presidency. Where were your cries then?
If you are concerned with the sermons that Obama has listen to and which Wright has given over the last 20 years, then I would suggest that your research into the Rev Wright brand of Christianity (sanctioned by an predominately white denomination) be a bit more extensive than selective snippets of a few sermons and quotations without context.
The question is about Obamas affiliations and truthfullness.
If he'd lie about Wright and Rezko, Whats next?
Would he be any better than Bush?
At this point Obama may be a better lier than Bush.
This is what we need to know to vote.
Someone needs to research Obamas statement for truthfullness.
This is why I love the Huffington Post. I read such enlightenment from "white" America and it lets me know that we can't paint everyone with the same brush. They are some Obama's staunches supporters. Keep up!
Obama '08!
Beyond doubt, the real culprits seeking to destroy Barack’s credibility are the ones who are clear-cut racists. A person who is not racist desires to know the truth, despite the consequences. The truth is liberating! If you have not seen the cheer for Barack below, read it; it speaks volumes of his support.
What’s in a Good Name?: The People’s Cheer for Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.
B is for Balance—the type of accord Barack can bring to a country in need.
A is for Articulate—the form of expression imperative to expose greed.
R is for Rally—Barack continues to mobilize diverse citizens to improve life.
A is for Awareness—the sensibility to help the poor overcome economic strife.
C is for Competent—it takes Barack’s skill to bring Change to the Community.
K is for Kenya and Kansas —nature’s special mold to give Americans real opportunity.
H is for Hope—Barack’s optimism is vital to achieve universal healthcare.
U is for Unmoved—by the divisive antagonist entities and their fruitless dare.
S is for Spiritual—this is what many people feel when Barack enters a room.
S is for Strength—Barack teaches the masses that unity is power that will zoom!
E is for Elevating—the socioeconomic standing of the real working class.
I is for Integrity—speaking in third person proves Barack’s ability to surpass.
N is for No-nonsense—Barack has a straightforward approach, a new politic!
O is for Obligations—Barack affirms that citizens have a social responsibility.
B is for “Bring the Peace”—people are tired of war and barbaric hostility.
A is for Analytical—the critical decision Barack made to oppose Bush’s war.
M is for Momentum—the pundits will never destroy Barack, our active radiant star!
A is for Assembly—Barack connects all nationalities and viewpoints; he is diplomatic.
J is for Justice—it shows throughout his entire name, Barack, Obama, and Hussein.
R is for Righteous—despite the mainstream media untruths, we love Barack the same!
Give three Cheers for Barack Hussein Obama!
Give me a B! Give me an H! Give me an O!
Obama ’08! Obama ’08! Obama ’08!— (Barack means “One who is blessed by God.”)
Alternative media is critical and powerful!
Anonymous/(From the People!)