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Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
I would like all the Huffington Post's black readers (please tell me you're out there, right?) to skip this post — this will seem like boring inside baseball to you. I would also like all open-minded non-blacks to not bother with this rant — as I understand that you feel our pain. This post only pertains to those still grappling with their overnight introduction to Black America brought into stark focus by the very presidential lens of Barack Obama. Now, for those still reading, can I ask you: Is it so hard to understand the unvarnished elements of the black community? I mean, do I have to rent each and every one of you a Tyler Perry film? Is it so hard to empathize with a people who haven't learned to cover all of their warts as they enter mainstream national politics? We don't want a free ride, but man, stop with the fear mongering.
Find me a people that have been systematically disenfranchised, underrepresented, shut out, since time memorial? And then find me evidence of total civility and political correctness in that community? It doesn't exist. So, if the rules are that in order for us to play in your game — the ascent to POTUS — we have to cleanse ourselves of all evidence of our fight to even get to this point, then we will lose. We're not ready for prime time if that means we have no controversial Jeremiah Wright's still visible to mainstream America. Obama's pariah pastor is emblematic of the vitriol that is still part of the black dialogue in some ways. But most importantly, it is not what Obama has been preaching from his time as a community leader and throughout his entire political career. So why force him to answer for it?
Blacks have not been a part of the national political discussion until very recent memory, and only a handful of blacks have ever held a state office in our history. So where has this left our nascent national political craft? Well, for starters, we don't have the 200 plus years of learning the delicate waltz known as pandering or kowtowing. We haven't perfected the skill of dancing around our relationship to questionable supporters (find me a president that didn't have these albatrosses), strange bedfellows and fair weather friends. We have the unique American experience — along with our Hispanic, Asian and other rising political power-holder brethren — of having to internalize our strange native politics. Because to show you our true feelings — like in the case of Jeremiah Wright — would be to scare the living crap out of you. We haven't had a national dress rehearsal in which to work these things out. And frankly, we didn't really think this was going to be our year.
Is it so hard to understand that this outsider role leaves us with a lot less refinement? It leaves us with outspoken and controversial folks like the Reverend Wright making the nightly news and filling the blogosphere. In the black community, Wright's words are just part of the vast script of opinions. Part of the deep and sometimes paradoxical story of a people still struggling to be heard. People like him don't speak for all blacks; again, we are not in lock step, no matter how much we all might like rap music. But he does speak for some, whose frustrations with America's abysmal record of keeping her promises has resulted in a lifetime of disappointment. Now, we know that you can feel us on this point, because she's not always been good to you too, our fairer brothers and sisters. But you have your own ways of dealing with your frustrations, and they're much more acceptable on the mainstream stage. Maybe Wright is the the yin to your evangelical Christian yang — preaching fire and brimstone about gays, school choice and illegal immigration.
But I understand that it seems foreign, offensive and scary. Seeing this black man in a weird 'African' robe (yikes, is he Muslim too?). We think the same about your wild-eyed southern preachers and Bob Jones University rallies. Hell, we've had to deal with a lot more of your weirdos than you have ours. And yours actually get elected, for crying out loud. Listen, I don't expect you to understand the internal strife of the black soul--it's gonna take a while and a bit more investment than watching Crash. It's a complicated and intricate latticework and it won't be deciphered by the mainstream overnight. But if you could accept us as we are, a still-struggling multi-faceted people with a lot of irons in the fire, then maybe you'd be more tolerant of our outbursts. Whether you agree with them or not.
Mr. Obama is doing a great job threading a very small needle between race, class and geography. Personally, at first, I didn't think he'd be able to do it. It's something no leader of color has been able to accomplish — yet. But if you expect him to be colorless to the point of disavowing the very real emotions and angst that still persist within the community that gave him the inspiration to even become a candidate, then I'd expect your vehement denouncement of the candidate and his pastor. For better or for worse, Jeremiah Wright is part of the diverse black community, just as Pat Robertson may be part of yours. Decide whether you can live with that — and whether you trust Obama to be a president for all of America — and let's move on. Don't make us dance for it.
Follow Raymond Leon Roker on Twitter: www.twitter.com/raymondroker
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Amen! It's all politics and has nothing to do with realities or substance. More blood has been shed by white holier than thou Christians. That these pure Americans should have no understanding of being a black American, are outraged at any criitcism or anger towards the American establishment is just proof of their ignorance, hypocracy and self serving opportunism. But then again there is no sense of decency or propriety in US American politics, it's all about power.
BTW, I'm white.
"Hypocrisy."
The true insanity of white culture is that a candidate must offer up proof of his Christian roots before being considered for public office. And not just *any* Christian will do. It has to be one who blames abortionists and homosexuals for terrorist related activities.
HuffPost's Pick
Politics is Power! In a fight for political power, some may try to force people to prioritize their self-interest over the interest of others.
The early 20th century American social critic and humorist H. L. Mencken, known for his "definitions" of terms, defined a demagogue as "one who will preach doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots."
Though this definition emphasizes the use of lying and falsehoods, some point out that demagogy does not require such, but that skilled demagogues often need to use only special emphasis by which an uncritical listener will be led to draw the desired conclusion themselves, seeding a belief that is self-reinforced rather than one based on fact or truth. (Wikipedia)
Demagogues may make use of logical fallacies, though persuasion may require no use of logic. While it may not rely heavily upon outright lies, the use of half-truths, omissions, and distortions are what define demagogy — it is, in essence, giving bad-faith arguments for the purpose of political gain. (Wikipedia)
Demonization — identifying others as a mortal threat. Often this involves scapegoating — blaming others for one's own problems. This is often advanced by using vague terms to identify the opposition group and then stereotyping that group. This allows the demagogue to exaggerate this group's influence and ascribe any trait to them by identifying that trait in any individual in the group. This method can be aided by constructing a false dilemma that portrays opposition groups as having a value system that is the polar opposite of one's own, as opposed to simply having different priorities. This method was incorporated by the Nazi regime to gain the general support of the public when it began to initiate its anti-Semitic policies. (Wikipedia)
Less review some logical fallacies about Barrack
1. Barrack has little to no “experience”….All of us who have filled out a job application knows that there are two basic qualifications for any job: Actual work history or education. Barrack worked as a State and US Senator and Constitutional Law Professor… (debunked)
2. Barrack “Hussein” Obama is a Muslim or racist anti-American…..Barrack is a member of the US Senate and a member of Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. Each of these positions requires a security clearance (at least a Top Secret level). Is wrong to assume that anything “scary” in his past that may be harmful to our national security would have been “vetted” for security reasons by NOW. (debunked)
Let's use the real definition, not Mencken's (who, BTW, was a vicious anti-semite.)
Demagogue: 1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
That is exactly what Barack Obama is doing.
Popular prejudices
He uses the "bamboozled and hoodwinked" line from Spike Lee's version of Malcolm X's speech to alert the African-Americans where he is coming from. And, he follows the racist teaching of a bigot like Rev. Wright (see, the tenents of Wright's "faith" quoted below.) He plays the race card whenever he is questioned, claiming that people only question him because of his race.
False claims
He claims that he took an unpopular position on the war in 2002. Actually, he was runnning for a state senate seat in a district overwhelming controlled by affluent white liberals and African-Americans, precisely the demo is aiming for now. It would have been disaster to have supported the war. Then, when he got to the US Senate, he started voting for all the funding for the war; just like Hillary did.
False Promises
"Cause you see, when we change, the country changes and the country changes and the world changes." When one reads the posts by Obama's adherents, one realizes that he doesn't change anything: he brings out the hateful, angry resentment of his followers. Just listen to Wright, and ask yourself: is that the message that will bring America together?
Wake up.
If I was an Obama supporter, I'd stop defending Wright. Obama didn't. Why do you?
"Alabama's got me so upset,
Tennessee made me lose my rest,
But everybody know about Mississippi
Goddamn!"
-Nina Simone
Your Popular prejudices statement:
Why did Obama not attend Tavis Smiley’s “State of the Black Union” event? It would have been a perfect opportunity to use his “popular prejudices” message. Do you know that Obama pushed back on the calls from the so called “pro-black” activist for his attendance at this major black event? Why…was it because he did not want to be seen as the “black candidate?
On Rev. Wright…as someone posted earlier, if you replace the word “black” with the word “Christian” would you still feel the same about that church’s tenets? Secondly, when it comes to political statements being made by a pastor....damnation of others and the governments is equally used by preacher, crusaders and crazies on all sides. Stop fearing what you do not know….use the “Google”.
Your False claims statement:
If I give to you, your claim that he took an unpopular position on the war in 2002 was of political reasons…would you give to me …Obama’s judgment about the war was correct when he said….
"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars."…again use the “Google”.
Your False Promises statement:
Unless you represent the oil industry “special interest”, how can you not see a need for change? Truth be told, any politician change, be it more to the left or even to far right, would be better than what is going on now. Those days of using hate, fear and stereotyping to control someone’s vote are over with.
We should be discussing policies and politics. If you talk more about racial issues and who, what and why there is so much hateful and angry resentment….
Bring it on!!!
"I want to campaign the same way I govern, which is to respond directly and forcefully with the truth," ~ Barack Obama
The Rev Jeremiah Wright was comparing Barak Obama's life to the Life of Jesus, (a step up from the Life of the Saint found on Barak Obama's website) and meanwhile Barak Obama was stealing from the poor to enrich himself. Barak Obama had turned his back on the poor Blacks living in Chicago slumlord Rezko's properties, and Barak Obama was writing glowing letters of recommendation for Rezko to help Rezko get Federal grant monies, and Barak Obama was helping himself to a fine mansion by obtaining a $300,000 discount through the generosity of Rezko. And our Anointed Jesus’ answer for why he did these things – why ignorance, of course....Obama just didn’t know there were slums in Chicago and my, oh my Obama had absolutely no idea there was any suggestion of wrongdoing levelled against Rezko, despite the fact that the major Chicago newspapers were all carrying stories about problems with Rezko and Rezko’s impending indictment by the Feds.
If you believe Obama...what can I say? I mean, go ahead, and believe in Santa Claus and that the world was created in six days, as well.
Raymond...
You are 100% on point!
Even though I am a 29 year old Black female - I still had to post and say...
Amen!
One question,
Is it OK for a white man to give an "Amen Brother?"
Cause if so you got one from me.
Another thought...
I have been watching the Adams miniseries on HBO (which should be replayed in every history class in America), and have been thinking. How is it that for over 200 years American soldiers have DIED for the right to free speech, and for the last 7 years it has been unpatriotic? I guess all those American soldiers, and our founding fathers too, were just terrorist plants?
If I want to say God Damn America, and then piss on a flag, and then say I pledge allergy to the fag of the Underwear States of America, that is my right, and too many have DIED to give me that right. At some point we need to return to the ideals of the Founding Fathers. That all people are endowed with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness. That we will sacrifice our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, that liberty shall not perish from this earth. That this nation cannot survive as a house of two parts, one liberal, one conservitive.
bah, what do I know.
Yes, it is o.k. I am truly glad that there are people who recognize reality in our country. We are all Americans. I love this country, still I know it is not perfect. It is a shame that instead of us focusing on real issues that affect us all we are focusing on, and spending so much time on nonsense. Obama did not say any of these things.
I am 50+ black female and have also seen the unbelievable mess that has happened in our country since 2000. I felt I was living in the Twilight Zone, not the America I learned about in school and grew up loving. Through the years, there have been many instance where I have seen inequities and unfair practices based solely on race, still I love my country. Have also been exposed to racism, both in my face and subtle.
I am a Christian and listen to various pastors, regardless of race. I do not agree with Rev Wright, but would fight for his right to say what he feels. I have heard white preachers say the same from their pulpits, and worse. Examples include, "Catholicism is a cult and a whore..., America is responsible for AIDS or whatever tragedy befalls it because of policies on gays, gambling or whatever supposed sin. I have never seen the venom and hatred that the Wright comments evoked. When Timothy McVeigh set off the bomb, I never heard any minority condemn white people. When 911 happened, law abiding Arabs were attacked for no reason.
I have not heard one person say that what Rev Wright said was right or a good in any way. No one is taking up for him. It seems that for some, if the source is white, it's o.k, but if not ,then condemn the whole race. The truth is his words epitomizes how the world sees us (all Americans). They think we are arrogant, think we have all the answers and believe we are better than everyone else and can do whatever we please. Other countries truly have free press which shows them the true story of how Bush's war destroyed Iraq and our economy in the process. They see the true numbers of Iraq civilians killed, the rising crime rate where there was none, bombing of communities, etc. They come here and see the classism and hear racists comments from Americans who assume they feel the same way because there is close to theirs. They come here and see the privleged few while others barely get by. Our press on the other hand doesn't report freely on important issues, certain stories are buried and then they emphasize the irrelevant. In one of the most important elections in our time, they flood the airwaves with pictures of a man dressed in local garb when he visited a country, playing to hate mongers. There were also pictures of other candidates who did the same, but these photos were not shown time, after time, after time, after time again.
I don't know one person who feels that there is not enough press coverage of Britney or Paris. I find it insulting to my intelligence what passes for news reporting these days. I wonder how the people in that business sleep at night. I grew up with real reporters who sought and gave the public the truth, consequences be damned. Now we get someone's political agenda geared to sway and cause turmoil, rather than truth. I would much rather have news that was news, that told me if a candidates comments/commercials were accurate when attacking the other, or what each candidate's actual experience is, what their life's work is.
My fellow countrymen, wake up. We must learn to get along with each other. Love would be great, but I will settle for getting along. The truth is, our country is changing and nothing anyone does will stop it. We are more diverse and becoming moreso, with more and more people of various colors and ethnicities. I thank God that the children seem to understand this. Though there are still a few adults who attempt to poison them, too. For this country to rise to its full potential we have to come together, see each person for who they are on the inside, not the outside package. Additionally, we should hold each adult reponsible for their own actions.
God Bless America!!
God bless you.
Only a real patriot can say "Goddamn America!" and still come out of the internal fires that spark such realizations willing to continue the fight for justice and equality, continue the battle to realize the prospect that is America for all of its citizens. That's real patriotism.
The HYPOCRISY of this week is absolutely staggering, and of course, the nuts that blog and post at Huffpost are no exception
You are defending these comments yet wanted to CRUCIFY Ferraro for making an observation, that by the way, many don't think is entirly untrue.
Further than that the media and the obamanuts decided it was "intentional", and an attempt to woo thei white racist vote, as though they would need to do anythign to get that vote (any racist does not need more reason NOT to vote Obama)
But what of Wrights commetns about the CLINTONS? Made back in December, LONG before SC primary and LONG before Ferraro's comments. Hillary aint never been called a (nword) and Bill didnt treat us good, and blah blah blah. That is a sentiment that was ECHOED in black churches across the country, and was a blatant attempt to court the black vote away from the Clintons...by smearing them.
Where is the OUTRAGE at the Obama camp playing the race card AGAINST the Clintons?????
Also, NOBODY is going to believe Obama's claim that he "never heard" these types of comments while at church. Yeah right. Just wait till THAT tape shows up.
Hillary hasn't been called the N-word, unless you know somethng I don't????
While I didn't agree with everything Mr. Wright said, the US policy around the world does come back to bite us in the ass sometimes. Also, Mr. Wright is a former Marine, Ferraro has now military experience whatsoever, as far as I'm concerned Mr. Wright has earned the right to say what he wants. Imagine coming home from a war, in which you defended your country, but had to drink out of "Colored Only" water fountain.
Is what he said truly racist, or are caucasians just offended he pointed out the truth. Caucasians DO CONTROL a majority of the wealth, and power infrastructure, in the US, that's a fact. Deal with it.
Post this on some winger blog somewhere, OK? Huffpost readers don't need the lecture.
The fact is, many of us essentially agree with Wright's "God damn America" screed. And it's not because we're unpatriotic. We love the promise of this country. We just hate what greed and stupidity and complacency and racism have done to it. So God damn America, but only the America of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney and John McCain. God bless the America we live in. God bless America.
I can't believe people are getting all bent out of shape about what Pastor Wright was saying. I've heard people call him racist and that's what he was preaching against. For the last seven years we have been very careful about what we say for fear of being called unpatriotic. People have been very angry with this war that Bush got us into, his and Cheney's violations of the constitution and their corruption. When I hear people getting outraged about what Wright said it seems more like the last seven years and I was hoping that Obama would help us to go forward and that people were finally speaking their mind. It's okay to criticize your gov't , or expect more from your gov't . Isn't that what America is supposed to be about? Freedom of speech.
Thank you!!!
Nice post. Yeah, I'm white, but so what. The amount of melanin in one person's skin versus another really does not make a hill o' beans of difference to, well, actually, many millions of us -Americans- out there.
You are entirely right to say that this nation has a long history of abusing some races of people and elevating others. And it's still going on ... even slavery is still going on. That's why Mexicans don't get green cards. It's not a cotton field; it's an avocado field, but what's the difference?
We called it "affirmative action" but what an insult is that. It's making racism ... official. Telling a man or a woman, "you can't get anywhere unless we 'help' you." Tell that to George Washington Carver.
Lots of folks don't know that when the Civil War broke out, the biggest slave-owning region was Chesapeake Bay. And let's call all those "indentured servants" exactly what they were. Plenty of folks did not want the phrase "or involuntary servitude" to be included in the text of that Amendment, for obvious reasons, and the current bypass for that ornery piece of legislation is to make sure that your slaves don't have green cards and are therefore not "citizens."
These are all social injustices that need to change. But as for me, I'm not going to look at the color of a man's skin (or a woman's skin) as a litmus-test of how effective or even how interested that person will be in addressing them. I also know that it is flat-impossible to expect any one person to do anything if the entire Congress is not similarly aligned. (I hear -zero- about Congress in the "election show.")
I'd love to see either a woman or a black-man in the top leadership post ... but not because of gender or skin-tone. As it happens, both of the people I'm speaking of are extremely smart, experienced and well-educated. They've "been around this block." And those are the qualifications that we must be looking at... all of us, no matter what OUR skin-tone or gender.
The chosen occupant of this Presidential term in particular, is signing up for pure hell. (S)He is no one to be envied.
Perhaps this would not be so troubling had not Senator Obama's wife not said some things which sounded so similar to her minister's sermons. Both of my children voted for Senator Obama in the primaries because they felt that at last we would have someone who would represent their generation, a generation for whom the color of a person's skin did not determine whom you would play with, or, as they got older, "hang with". Now, they are even having some doubts. Given information that a reporter was with the Senator at his church when a similar sermon was given, they fear that he is just another politician, saying what he thinks people want to hear. You do not know how sad this makes me, for I remember being their age and my idealism and how my candidate was assassinated. Then, later, along came Jimmy Carter and I thought he was a different kind of politician,but we ended up with double digit inflation, highest interest rates of my lifetime, and a failed foreign policy in dealing with the Iran hostage conflict. .My greatest fear of Senator Obama was that once in office, he would be another Carter. I know that I must be still idealistic, because somehow, I , too, want to believe politicians when they speak. Right now, I am just disgusted.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand your reasoning. Because Obama's minister made some comments in his sermon reflects on Obama? Honey, I am Catholic and if you heard some of the sermons I have heard, and you thought I agreed with them because I was in the congregation, you need to have your head examined. What about all the extreme comments Hagee has made and McCain actually courted him to get his endorsement? What about all the extreme comments by other evangelists who support the Republican party? Where is the outrage? This is all racism, pure and simple, because he is black.
Bravo!!!
The ignorance of some whites is staggering.
I'm really not all that surprised by the comments made by whites who know NOTHING about the history of the black church in this country.
Are any aware that the black church came about because whites refused to allow their fellow 'brothers and sisters in Christ' to worship in the same building. You want to talk hypocrisy and racism--explain THAT! People need to be educated, so here goes nothing:
Unlike white churches, black churches did not serve just a spiritual need, but a social and political one as well. This tradition dates as far back as the founding of America. Think back to MLK's Ebeneezer Baptist Church as well as Abyssianian Baptist Church--both which played (and continue to play) strong roles in the civil rights movement. White Christianity has seldom been pro-active, but always re-active (something that the Moral Majority understood at their founding). Black Christianity has always been less about getting saved and getting wingss and harps, and more about the need for social justice, such as Jesus advocated.
Reverend Wright's speeches are nothing new, nor is the level of anger--several years ago, Frederick K. Price of L.A.'s Faith Dome dedicated nine weeks to a series called "Racism and Religion", in which he took to task white Christians who used the bible to justify racism, slavery, bigotry and Jim Crow. His research was meticulous to the nth degree. Do you know what happened? His program was taken off the air because it was deemed 'controversial'. Still, he managed to get a very famous family who publishes bibles--the Dakes--to renounce their version of the New Testament which contained racist passages and had been widely used in churches for decades.
I don't know what sermons people saw that was racist. What I did see was the face of black America--an anger and frustration that whites simply cannot fathom (and most don't give a damn about). I saw and heard a man who is angry at the dreams deferred, and at this country's arrogance and greed at the expense of the poor and disenfranchised. Rightly or wrongly, he blamed 9/11 on this country's failed history of dealing with people of color around the world. He is calling this country to task for failing to understand and truly deal with the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. Frankly, the fact that he voices the opinions of many Americans makes him a lot more patriotic than the flag-worshipping scum-buckets who see nothing wrong with invading a country that didn't do anything to us.
I am far more inclined to accept someone with the BALLS to say that they will not vote for Obama because he is a black man. He's not a muslim (which has been proven time and again), nor does he leave his critical thinking skills at the door just because he goes to church (I agree that some folks do, but these are the same people who would follow a car if they believed there was an image of Mary on the hood). There are no excuses.
"I am far more inclined to accept someone with the BALLS to say that they will not vote for Obama because he is a black man."
-Rubiconski
Well said, and that is really all it boils down to. We have heard all of the other excuses before.
Here's part of the problem: This is truly a nation of immigrants. As the granddaughter of immigrants who came here just prior to World War I, I resent being accused of racism. My family on both sides were slaves at one time or another and although I might LOOK white, that's the way it was. They escaped religious and economic oppression and poverty so grinding it they never got over it. They know full well what it is like to be treated as less than human.
So when Rev. Wright or anyone else falsely accuses us of having some kind of privileged life because we appear to be white, my reaction is what the hell are you talking about?
I won't vote for Obama. I won't vote for hatred of any kind. And it is NOT because he is black, but because he is not truthful about his own feelings. If were honest enough to admit he agrees with Rev. Wright, I'd have a lot more respect for him. It's the duplicity that is unnerving.
And Obama is black AND white. Why does he repudiate his mother? He seems to have only discovered her publicly in January of this year. That tells me there is a good deal of resentment there. His not managing to make it to her bedside for ther death is very telling.
Obama had a very privileged life in Hawaii. Few black OR white people have had such good fortune. To slap half his heritage in the face like that is appalling and that turns me off.
Hi Pine:
Youn are racist. Face it. You would not vote for Obama if he alone was running. Not because he would not be a great President, which he will be, but because he is called "black" by people LIKE YOU.
Bet you voted Republican most of your voting life. Bet you are a "Po white" who looks at the White Elite ( the republican Party) and day dream.
You don't get it.....I'm a white woman of european ancestry, whose great-grandparents emigrated here from Europe; and they were slaves under the Ottoman empire. This has nothing to do whatsoever with a place called America. The African-American was already here---they have been in this country longer than most anyone else. Barack didn't discover his mother in January of this year....the press did. Barack doesn't refer to himself as African-American, the media does....in truth Barack is bi-racial.
You were never for Barack before the Wright thing exploded, so get off it already. It is you who is totally disingenuous.
Apparently, I did not hear the same video clip that you heard. The only person that he claimed has had a privileged life was Hillary Clinton. Nor have I heard Obama repudiate either of his parents. How can Obama be held accountable for the rantings of the pastor of his church? That is what is so absurd about all the outrage being spewed out in the media and the blogs.
Rev. Wright actually said nothing that hasn't been said before, by whites, blacks or hispanics. We are inundated with "conspiracy theories" but I never heard any one label -ed "anti-american" because they spout and believe conspiracy theories.
This is all a media-driven issue.
Can you cite where Obama specifically repudiates his mother? This is really news to me. Also, if it is that he repudiates his mother's white family, that is not equivalent to repudiating his mother.
I repudiate my heartless paternal grandmother. That does not mean that I repudiate my father who to this day has never known his mother's love. I offer this personal example only to draw a distinction.
If you indeed have come across a specific repudiation of his white heritage, please do share specifics. As a former Chicagoan, I am a bit surprised.
Good piece......thanks. However, I am not too concerned about where he attends Church or why, for that matter. I am concerned that he expects us to believe he didn't know about this rhetoric.
That's way too big of a hook to swallow.
I haven't attended church in many years, but when I did, I couldn't have summarized what my minister said one week later, let alone years later. And you can be sure I didn't know what he said when I wasn't there.
You seem to have swallowed some big hook, but it wasn't the hook of reason.
You forgot to end your post with Vote Clinton 08'.
Since that's your point, you might as well just say it instead of making up false concern.
Not every American goes to their church every single Sunday, so quite a few, including myself know exactly every word their pastor says. Even fewer would approve of being judged by their pastor's word instead of their own.
Rev. Wright's words were far from new and this issue was addressed last year. It's only been reintroduced to try to balance out the controversy surrounding the Clinton campaign over Geraldine Ferraro's comments by saying "But they have crazy people on their side too".
This "rhetoric" is nothing compared to the filth that white Evangelical preachers spew every Sunday of every week in this country. McCrazy is willing to embrace freaks like Hagee who only support Isreal so that it can be destroyed in the Apocalypse! But because McCrazy and Hagee are white, well, it's no big deal.
It's that simple. Black man says something angry - whites get scared. White man says something completely fucking crazy and scary and angry - no big deal.
I'd hoped this election wouldn't be about race, but thanks to the Clintons it looks like it's going to be. Thanks a lot, Bill! Thanks, Hill! You've set back civil rights about forty years in just a couple of weeks of pandering to white fears. Great job!
He said that he had not been present for those two particular sermons and was not aware of them until he started running for president, which is entirely believable. Generally, when a candidate prepares to run, they hire a research firm to do self-opposition research, finding anything that could potentially make the candidate vulnerable. I would guess that that is when Obama found out about these particular sermons. He never said that he had never heard Wright say anything controversial or that he wasn't aware of his reputation.
What you refer to as rhetoric is a well-worn theme spoken in most, if not all African American churches across this land. Our history and our story was forged in the same vein of those people who were spoken of in the Bible, and for this similarity, African Americans see the promise of what God's word will deliver isn't merely a free ticket to Heaven, but to social justice. You thus call what Wright said rhetoric, because your culture has not had to fight for its dignity, rights and freedom nor had to endure centuries of demonization here in America. And, although many whites have lived here beside non-white [blacks] they continue to demonstrate how bereft they are of the magnitude of their system, held in place then and today by the notions of white superiority, and its effect on the lives of non-whites.
For some, for sure what Wright says is just rhetoric, as you refuse to acknowledge the reality of non-whites and the experiences they see and feel are different than yours, and you dismiss the historical timeline of events in this nation which has a far more intimate place in the lives of non-whites whose existence today is still today measured in 'first black man' and 'first black woman.'
It's not a reality that whites encounter, but it is continually disappointing that we see so many whites who default to their reality to frame and understand the 'culture' of non-whites.
And, for this important reason, we non-whites can understand in clear terms why a war with Iraq is possible, as we know first hand the propensity of the US to create a self-fullfilling illusion that it possesses the knowledge of others to such a degree, that it simplfies them to nothing. We see this in the way Bush and Cheney stated what they believed would be the Iraqis reaction to them, and we also know their arrogance was proven false. And, for this and some other reason we understand how some whites have been blinded by their sense of superiority and how this sense has led it into conflicts, battles and war both here and abroad.
But, until whites in general come to terms with their own monster: dismantling in real terms 'white privilege and its engine; white superiority, they will never be capable of accepting that just being white doesn't automatically set them apart where they have some natural reign over non-whites, both consciously and unconsciously.
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