Frankly I feel bad for Obama... I too have been forced to renounce a long-time friend who took a self-destructive turn, and it's hard to do to someone you have known and liked for a long time.
I'm sure the Reverend Wright Obama knew was a kind and generous man who worked diligently for the well-being of his community, much as Obama has done in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, Reverend Wright was blinded by the spotlight in his face and proceeded to feed his own ego rather than do what would have been best for his former followers.
Obama should no more be considered responsible for Wright's behavior than he should be considered responsible for the behavior of his fellow Senators.... like Clinton and McCain.
McCain would have us follow the same disasterous policies that have crippled America, and Clinton has apparently sold out to the Karl Roves of the world since she made her $100+ million.
Obama is STILL the best man for the job!
Lear on the Heath
Monday, the world was treated to the spectacle of a seemingly intelligent man of the cloth, named Jeremiah Wright, intoxicated by the giddy exhilarations of lights, camera and press action -- behave like any two-bit celebrity from reality TV. It was a sort of psychological portrait of a bad father figure, at the National Press Club -- a Post-Modern Vaudeville Abraham trying his best to sacrifice a child on the alter of his manic high self-regard. The American circus, once again, exploding in a cacophony of the narcissism of the ongoing cult of personality which fuels all news cycles. I must also drily note that the good reverend's appearance seems to have been orchestrated by a gleeful and fervent Clinton supporter, another member of the clergy (sigh), named Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds.
Tuesday, Barack Obama, riven with quiet anger came out at a press conference in North Carolina, and finally dropped the other shoe. He stood there, and with certitude said "enough is enough." He was visibly appalled, outraged at being labeled a pandering inauthentic politico by his(semi/faux) surrogate. Still, you can see how painful it is for Obama -- how it goes against his intrinsic sense of loyalty and history -- to finally jettison the mad Reverend Wright.
What the last day has been about for many Obama believers, was how long it would be until the inevitable denunciation. One knew, of course, watching Wright rage madly about HIV as a government conspiracy against minorities, not to mention American terrorism and "God Damn America" still being justified, and his mockery of various regional dialects -- that it was a matter of hours before this strange modern Lear on the heath would be excommunicated.
What I find sad is that Wright's soul-sick glee at being heard nationally has all but obliterated whatever was good about the work the man did for decades on the south side. Well, media attention is an intoxicant, and humility is the first quality to collapse when one is drunk with the sounds of one's own narcissistic dialectic. Wright, of course, messianic, and thrilled, and out to sell books, will keep it coming". It's an American tale.
Hopefully, now, Barack Obama can return to a campaign of honor, of hope, and of ideas that inspire. There are miles to go before he sleeps.
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There is no honor is disowning a friend, there is no honor in allowing a mentor to hang out to dry. This man is being crucified on behalf of a parishioner. Why shouldn't Wright feel betrayed and angry? Funny how these pundits and commentators have never been on the TUCC website, know nothing of the 40 years of outreach, programs and good the community has done under his leadership. The man retired early to help Barack seal the candidacy, campaigned on his behalf and has been reduced to a media fool. Is Wright controversial? Yes but is he evil, no! Obama showed the sort of loyalty worthy of a Clinton, circa Dr. Joycelyn Elders and Lani Guinier. I'm offended by Anymore than the preachers
Where by the way is the moral outcry against true hatemongers, bigots and racists such as Hagee, Farwell, Robertson, etc.?
Where is the outrage against preachers during this Bush Adminstration took money under the guise of "faith based initiatives" and delivered "morals based" votes in support of a Republican agenda?
P.S. I challenge you to find an African-American alive who doesn't believe the government would and could engage in disease warfare against the race especially since Tuskegee Experiments are well documented.
many saying that Obama's speech was excellent, well, he looked sad when displaying it. It's either he regret it the relationship "ended", or he's sad since he had to do it because of his circumstances as a candidate. I am not sure what is his heart says? I hate to say that some of Mr. Wright comments were relevant, but that the fact that's happening in America, not only in America, but also here in Canada discrimination is just part of our lifes. Worst is that now, the so "colour" people are more racist towards White rather than the other way around as used to be.
- it was the poll numbers made him take action
- it was his ego that was being defended not the not America or the American people or the victims families of 9/11
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All I can say is, GOD DAMN AMERICA. Reverend Wright is right!!! White Amerikkkans are annoying snivellers who will suck up any and every amount of balderdash served up in the name of religion, but God forbid that it very call their white suprematism into question--THEN we have white hysteria (ample evidence in the blog above and the posts with it).
And, sheesh, lay off the AP literature references, Mr. Baitz. Shakepseare and Robert Frost to talk about a TV interview and a press conference? Get real. Oh, I forgot--you live in that maigical (and white, no doubt) "village."
What is all this Wright thing about ? Another distraction from the important things that need addressed that are making this country a worse place to live, no matter who or what you are. The focus on this another none issue will be forgotten 2 months after the election. This is making the right wing neocon republicans very happy. Lets elect the next president based on BS just like we have the last two times. Apparently the Reverend has been sucked into this and has found the spot light very warm. Its a shame how much of a farce the U.S. election process is.
Obama, "Will no one rid me of this priest?"
Why is it that certain Blacks, when given the chance, have to prove the white rednecks right about their beliefs?
Rev. Wright , buy his actions, shows not a grain of Leadership or respect for his people. He has shamed the good people of his church buy his actions. A man of the cloth is suppose to be supportive of his flock and preach understanding. Instead he chose to preach division and race hattred .
To say that Aids was released buy the Gov as a scurge on the blacks is assinine. How many whites have also die from this disease? Last I checked it did not discriminate in who it took.
This is the equivilent of the Moral Majority justifying the destruction of New Orleans as God's way of getting revenge on the wicked.
I can't blame Obamba for severing ties with Wright.
If you look up your AIDS history oneproudamerican you'll see that it first took it's toll on blacks in Africa and gay men in this country. Now who are some of the most reviled people in the world, minus the jews? He may be on to something.
I love how you'll chop Rev Wright's head off and label him as a narcissitic lunatic like a mad hatter in front of a camera, when weeks ago everyone was singing Obama's praises for standing behind his victimized pastor. All of a sudden it's not good for Obama so as the prophet makes a dramatic PR move to save his campaign, his constituent blindly shift thier mindset to fall in line with thier messianic nominee. Who said Reverend Wright wasn't allowed to criticize America? Obama isn't doing himself any favors with skitterish wealthy white males who don't like "thier" establishment being questioned, but how many of your closest people do you throw under the bus for your campaign? He's maligned his grandmother in defense of his pastor and now he's left his spiritual guidance counselor of 20 years out to dry for the sake of his campaign. Not that I know diddly squat about politics. But in my neck of the woods if someone challenges me on my family, I stand by them and if I have to step down from some office in defense of my friends and my people then so be it. Maybe you quit your campaign and you protect your loved ones. Not visa versa. Hillary is the "win no matter what" nominee but Obama seems to be heading down the same sick path. "Choose the force Luke" Don't give in to the dark side. Or it won't matter either way. We don't need another politician.
You...as have many many more, missed the whole point. Obama is not upset about Wright coming down on America...he is upset about Wright coming down on him, personally. Wright said that Obama only says things for political reasons... that Obama is basicly lying to us all in order to get elected. Wright totally denied Obama's whole campaign, and his whole reason for running. Obama is staying true to his campaign, and staying true to us, the people of America. Wright is a self-centered, selfish clown. As Obama said...a charicature of himself. Sorry for my spelling.
Wright has known him for 20 years. What if Rev Wright is pulling his covers and thats why he's so upset? He's gotta distance himself for self preservation. But someone I've been close to for twenty years could probably say something outrageous about me but it would probably hold some truth to it. Rev. Wright says Barrack is just placating America for the sake of his campaign. That sounds more like dangerously true than dangerously clueless, given the relationship.
...and Obama didn't see that coming? He went to the man's church for 20 years. He had to know his methods.
Jon - truly a brilliant commentary, even poetic in its eloquence. Bravo!
Bajaboy, Just dropped by to say I tried to address your questions of the earlier post as well as I might, given our very different points of view. However, I am sorry that my comments angered you. Can I not perhaps persuade you that the spectrum of opinions doesn't have to be all or nothing. There are lots of nuances too. It might surprise you that I too am considering voting for Obama.
Thank you Jon for your intelligent take on Rev. Wright's, Lear like tirades that so diminsh all the fine and humane acts he and his congregation have done, on behalf of people,both black and white, who need help.
this includes his financial help given to a poor white Appalachian church. To watch him unravel is basically sad. It is probably very painful for Barak Obama who trusted his pastor and admired his intelligence and courage. To reduce, Black Liberation Theology to the kind of cheap shots and questionable accusations he engaged in at the Press Club Conferencce ,misrepresents the religious black Church Community's goals,exemplified by Martin Luther King,Jr., who kept his rhetoric eloguent and approprite,while getting across his condemnation of US Government policies,i.e., the Vietnam War
i find the whole dialogue profoundly sad, and I pray Rev. Wright lets go of his rage and restores sanity to the question of the racial divide that obviously plagues our nation and our political process. Whites need to understand the pain of so many African Americans, and learn more about the culture Rev. Wright speaks to when he's not talking trash.
Yes, thank you Jon, for your intelligent and heartfelt commentary. It is sickening how much time we wasted while preoccupied with this narcissistic evangelist. And now, finally, can we pleeeeease move on....?
Come on America.......stop this ridiculous conversation RIGHT NOW!!! This is pure INSANITY!!! This is what we get when we inject RELIGION into POLITICS!!!! Can you imagine if past Presidential candidates had to answer for everything their ministers yelled out in impassioned sermons???
My Daddy was right when he told me long ago that men become preachers when they're too damn lazy to work for a living! Rev Wright is going after as much $$$ as he can get for his BOOK DEAL !! If he has to destroy Obama in the process, what does he care??
All this is going on while Sec'y Gates is sending yet another AIRCRAFT CARRIER to the Persian Gulf, and we are on the verge of attacking ANOTHER country that has NOT ATTACKED US!!! We are going to destroy this precious Democracy that the Neocons only give lip service to if we don't take charge and reign these bastards in!!!
IT ISN"T ABOUT PASTOR WRIGHT --- REALLY IT ISN'T or religion !!!
Its the fact Obama had Wright as his mentor and for 20 years sat in that church and listened to Pastor ( I HATE AMERICA --WHITEY & JEWS ) rantings plus the churches admiration for Mr. Farrakhan.
Now association is everything---don't kid yourselves. . Its who you are and if this took the mask off Mr& Mrs Obama then how wonderful for America. But If only people will pay attention.
janmB said: "Now association is everything---don't kid yourselves. . "
Oh, really? How much of a price did Bush pay for being buddies with the Bin Laden family?
Jon,
Ironically, you saw fit to vilify Reverend Jeremiah Wright for his delivery at the National Press Club on Monday last. It is your right to express your thoughts, but with rights come responsibilities. Instead, you chose sensationalism and a Hollywood writing flair for dramatics though intellectually and factually lacking. In so doing, you sided with the gross misrepresentations seen in those farcical, out-of-context, media sound bites of Rev. Wright"s sermons, evidently unaware by so arguing you concur with propaganda, courtesy your far-right adversaries.
To say the article reminds me of noise emanating from a penny section is an act of generosity considering your characterization of Rev. Wright as a madman. Beyond dismissing his right to express himself, more problematically, is the arrogance with which you assail his character in favor of blindly protecting and advancing a political candidacy positing change and transformation in the national political discourse. Unfortunately, therein you opine that which you claim to abhor. And, like Senator Barack Obama on this issue, you seek political expedience over principle in denouncing the words and actions of someone interjecting historical perspectives important to an overdue, genuine, national debate. Conveniently, you rush to advocate for bringing about change though willing to discount the historical realities of those longest needing meaningful change in their lives.
I suggest you consider " hope, honor, and principled governance arise from principled mindsets. Meanwhile, sustained inspiring ideas are built on truth and facts, not myths and convenience!
If you think Wright is going to recede into the wood work and let Obama return to a campaign of hope, honor, etc. you are just INCREDIBLY naive. The Republicans are spending a half mil in the special elections in Louisiana and Mississippi doing ads against the Dem candidates featuring Wright. If they work, if Hillary keeps it close in NC, if Hillary wins Indiana (and it looks like she will), and if she wins KY by 36 points and WV by over 20 (as polls show), Obama people are going to have to wake up to the possibility, as I have, that Obama has no chance of winning the swing states in November and McCain will, therefore, win the election just as Bush did in 2000 and 2004. At some point, the thrill of Obama has to give way to a practical analysis of who can beat McCain!!!!!
Let's not lose sight of the fact that if it wasn't Rev. Wright, they'd find some other associated clown that would somehow make Obama look bad. The story will only go on for so long before it no longer drives ratings up, and viewers/readers get annoyed. The best case scenario at this point is for Wright to keep his yapper shut from now until December.
Again, I hate to say it over and over, but I think I have to if Americans yet to make a wrong decision to choose a president. It is proven again, Obama was more lucky than expert on his vote against the war in Iraq. Don't get me wrong, I like Obama, very much so, especially he lived in my country for few years in Bandung, Indonesia, the place that has the most extreme Moslem in the country in which I truly believe that he also embraced Islam. I do hope Democrat will prevail, but I am afraid it won't happen if Obama is the candidate. Obama has proven himself he was not correct that he said he got it right at the first time to make decision against the war.. but after 20 years hugging his Pastor, Mr. Wright, well, well apparently he was wrong after all.. or is it just politic after all.. Somewhat I hate to agree with the Pastor upon his saying that Obama had to do what he had t do.. as politician he has to disagree with his "former" Pastor.. but looking at his people surrounding him and his voters, don't Americans see he is totally Black ! Choose smart, choose Hilary, and as Indonesian - Canadian, I would also proud of America as the greatest country with its people who had been brought down by your recent president..Don't let stupidity contingeous..Bush is so dumb, but Americans are smart..! Go Hilary go!
nobody brings up the fact that rev wright volunteered for viet nam as a marine in 1962. so who's more patriotic jeremiah wright, a war veteran, george bush, draft dodger? it is the patriots duty to criticize government when government is wrong. if you've been to oakland, ca, washington, dc or east st louis you'd see that his goddamn america comments should be taken into context. i do not. while some people live the american dream, some peeople, mainly poor minorities only see an american nightmare to paraphrase mlacolm x. until there is a serious dialogue on race relations in this country, things are going to remain the same.
Mr. Baitz, you need to consider the possibility that your a full fledged racist; I was anticipating the 'N' word to appear at any time. Free speech has become an endangered species in this country, especially if it contradicts the ruling party"s propaganda that is currently being regurgitated by the MSM. If you are a Black Religious Leader challenging the status quo, additional attacks are mounted by heating up the tar and feathers while you hang a noose from the nearest tree ! You might consider that your past work was recognized because it conformed to the establishment"s authoritarian views, after all, we never heard an alternate view from those who questioned the Holocaust in Germany during WWII.
Are you out of your mind? Your attitude here is a big part of what is wrong with the dialogue today. Are you too dense to see that Baitz is on YOUR SIDE? You think BAITZ is a RACIST? You either have big reading comprehension problems or are certifiable.
What he is saying is that Wright is HURTING OBAMA in the service of his own ego.
What I find amazing is that so many people like you seem to care more about Wright than the actual election. Here's a clue for you... If you keep on cheerleading Wright, what is going to happen is that McCain will be in office. Is that what you want?!
It's unbelievable how OBAMA SUPPORTERS are called RACIST because they call Wright out on hurting Obama's chances.
Look at how INSANE your post is... You're talking about lunchings and nooses and Nazi Germany in the context of criticizing a columnist who SUPPORTS OBAMA. You need to learn who your friends are.
Does this mean that we can now skip all the...
"Barack Obama's speech, perhaps one of the most important in modern political history pushed us as a people to move beyond race and gender, beyond Democrat and Republican, beyond politics and into reviving the spirit of the nation itself. "
I guess Rosanna Rosanna gets the last word... Nevermind.
Would he have made that excellent speech if it hadn't been a political necessity? He has tried from the beginning to distance himself from Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and now, his own pastor said he didn't mean what he said, that it was all about "electability". I still love Black people, but I am not going to vote for someone who is not honest or experienced just because his skin is Black.
Obama's career ended 20 years ago when he decided that to get his street creds and he joined Wright's church. The crisis for his campaign is the revelation that Obama is so arrogant that he figured guilty white Americans would treat this association as trivial. Now the faithful are at wits end. so you fall back on the usual - you blindly flail at Hillary... your lies and exaggerations repeated over and over again - but when BO lied about never hearing Wright's hate speech, - then said he had - the media and you followers never rebuked the liar. You expected us to believe that a 20 relationship with his spiritual leader, the man who married Barck and Michelle, the man who baptized his children and gave Barack the title for one of his 2 autobiographies was not worth examining. And then, those of you who don't read (which is most), SAW Wright - angry, paranoid nut that he is, and you've trying not to cringe. Wright's philosophy goes back to the black power movement - it is angry and racist and Barack sat in church for 20 years soaking it up. How dumb are you people? Read about Black Power Theology instead of lashing out, understand - Barack ISN'T LIKE YOU... and he is a Chicago pol - his campaign just turns out to be incompetent.
Are Americans too dumb to distinguish between what a candidate says and what a candidate's associates say ? Wright said "Goddamn America" - Obama most definitely didn't, and has never ceased to talk up the good America that he wants and sees.
Hilary on the other hand said, and repeated several times, a bare faced lie showing how brave she was(n't) under fire that never happened. Then said she made a mistake !! If you'd really been under fire - you'd remember - no mistakes possible. The lie was deliberate, to make herself look good ! She also still supports the Bush/Cheny war (as does McCain). Obama didn't and doesn't - along with most of America.
Its also Hilary that's busy pandering to McCain and company - anything, just anything, to get the nomination - fair means or foul. America has made two blunders in electing a president - don't tell the world that you intend to make it third time (un)lucky !!
If you had stopped after the first paragraph, you wouldnt have made me angry. I don't believe what you said and his pastor pretty much said he was just another phony politican. Btu, the attack on Hillary. As one preacher said recently;No, No, No, No, No.No
Obama lies:
1) he never heard his pastor make controversial statements.
2) his mother and father met, married and concieved him as the result of Selma, Al. riots.
3 ) he only worked five hours for Tony Rezko.
4) Tony Rezko only donated $150,000 to his campaign.
5) he didn't know his financial advisor had met with Canadian Consul and made promises about NAFTA.
6) he didn't recall meeting Nadhmi Auchi
7) he didn't know Tony Rezko was being investigated when Michele bought lot for $160,000
"1) he never heard his pastor make controversial statements."
You lie; Obama said that he had never heard Wright make *those* controversial statements. It's a statement that is factually correct and in accordance with all known evidence.
Everyone who has known anyone for 20 years has heard them make 'controversial statments' of one kind or another.
I thjink you just proved smayhew right. You ignored the issue with Obama, glazed over your eyes in wonderment, and went on the offensive with Hillary and her wicked ways. If Hillary will do anything to win, she hasn't condemned either (A) her closest spiritual advisor (B) Her own grandmother. That says alot about character when loved ones get ostracized for the "bigger picture". Tell me I've gotta call me grandma a racist to a nation and you'll see someone bowing out of the campaign. If the billionaires pulling the strings will let me.
Wheeew. What a hate filled screed is here. How glad this person is to be given reasons not to vote for Obama. Btw, i am a white, old woman and find my reading of history has more in common with the Rev. Wright's than with the above stink. The thing that pissed Obama off, the thing that hurt his feelings and made him finally denounce Wright is that Wright said Obama was "a politician". That was said with a sneer. Obama never expected Wright to throw a shadow on his sincerity. I do not blame him for being angry.
Do you believe the US government developed AIDS to kill miorities? Do you believe Black children learn a different way than white children? Do you believe Louis Farakhan is the best vioce for African Americans in this century and the last? I guess I just don't know what history you have been reading, but the first time I ever heard of Wright was on youtube and everyone knows Martin Luther King Jr. His name is there in every history book and everyone knows what he did.
Posted April 29, 2008 | 03:10 PM (EST)