Ronp

Come on, please cut the crap! IMHO this is not as complex as all the pundits are making it out to be. This is the Democrats election to lose. The margin the democrats will win this election by will be proportional to the percentage of eligible voters that vote in the November election above 52-53%. Below 50% mark, is territory where the Republicans will probably keep the white house, likewise the closer to 60% represents landslide territory for the Democrats. Thus, the primary goal is to keep as much of the electorate engaged in the process as possible, particularly young people and new voters whom appear to be aligned with Sen. Obama. posted 05/08/2008 at 11:58:08

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that revenge is man's greatest sin well as an ultimate death sentence of the human race. That "my father is bigger than your father" or "last gunfighter" mentality is one of the primary reasons behind the escalation of violence all over the planet and why the weapons continue to become more lethal.

"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent" - Salvor Hardin posted 05/07/2008 at 14:16:39

Are you suggesting that maintaining relationships with dysfunctional relatives and close life-long friends (i.e. alcoholism, spousal abuse, drug addiction, hate speech) disqualifies one from becoming President of the United States due to questionable judgment? Are you suggesting that anyone raised in a Catholic church victimized by clerical abuse may never aspire to the office of President of the United States as long as they maintain a relationship with that church? Give me a break - you're absolutely disgusting. Be careful what you wish for.

All I hear under the guides of CommonSenseRules are rants about intellectual dishonesty. Rants without substantive evidence, pointing only to outward displays of arrogance by a pastor who let the national spotlight show the worst in him. Meanwhile we're supposed to be so stupid not to see through your utilization of academically immature snippet journalism to support a dishonest agenda aimed at keeping the white house by any means necessary.

So what the Obamas attended Trinity UCC for 20 years. Why not aspire to fairness and balance and attempt to understand why Trinity remains a stalwart in that community? Enough with the accusations of "hate speech." If you throw it out, please help the rest of us common folk understand what is hateful about it and remember the folks on the deck of the ship pray to a different God than the ones below in chains. posted 05/02/2008 at 16:10:16

With such a media frenzy afoot I'm surprised no one has raised Fredrick Douglass' "Fourth of July" speech. posted 04/30/2008 at 18:52:24

I really appreciated your essay's voice of thought out and reasoned journalism in a time where academically dishonest snippet journalism has become the norm. As a geographically detached (NJ) Internet follower of Trinity UCC I have since Monday been internally buffeted by a continuing roller coaster of emotions between depression and extreme anger. Gratefully Rev. Moss focused today's services on the theme of "God's Love," which helped buffer the force of those emotional waves and put them into a different perspective. In his Pastoral remarks he reminded us (a) that church is community, (b) that church is family, (b) that God is demanding we as a family seek to remain whole through love and (c) that divine love does not ask family to choose between family members. That's why I love Trinity.

That's also why I continue to support unashamedly and unapologetically Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Sen. Barack Obama. Hopefully reasoned minds for survival sake will continue to discuss this most important topic; as race still matters. posted 05/05/2008 at 01:27:48

IMHO these hirings are part of a strategic initiative by Rupert Murdock to dilute all messages from the liberal camps by spreading as wide as possible conservative media targets. Their goal is to give optimize the probability of the Republican party retaining the white house in November. Instead of responding as expected the liberal media may want to focus it's efforts just on Rupert Murdock and John McCain. Don't let Rupert Murdock take a breath without it being reported, analyzed and compared with an apocalyptic future resulting from a republican white house. At the same time, organizations like moveon.org should identify all the Murdock empire advertisers, make them public and let other organizations suggest massive economic boycotts, which a dispirited cohort of young people might be justly motivated for. posted 04/25/2008 at 18:02:11

Bill Moyers will broadcast his interview since the FOX character assassination attempt with Jeremiah Wright this week on the Bill Moyers Journal (PBS), beginning Friday April 26 at 9PM EST. posted 04/23/2008 at 14:33:56

Argent1 your comment represents the epitome of ridiculous - enough of this stupid stuff. Coburn and Ayers both advocated murder. Ferraro and Wright incited nothing, cable so-called news media did that attempting to force public policy using repetitive and grossly out of context soundbites. Expend some work and review both their works created during their significant professional lives; you might actually learn something. You criticize the debate organizers for not producing evidence about Vince Foster, while in the same comment you fail to provide any yourself to support your accusation. The election is between Hillary and Barack, not Bill. What's most interesting and telling is how you haven't figured out FOX News - Fair and Balanced is an oxymoron. On and on rants and name calling seem to be the only tools available to you, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc. and are frankly tired. The clouds of hope our young people are expressing (which Barack Obama has touched) is in their sense of urgency. Awareness that future competition is not bigoted and narrow minded folks like yourself, but an increasingly more educated global society that can critically think and do the research to see through the stupid stuff. They understand great change is a product of those who dare to travel off main street. It's a matter of survival from a world created by those like yourself bent on prosperity at any cost and bystanders like me who failed to lift a finger to prevent you from destroying the planet. Sounds familiar? posted 04/17/2008 at 12:13:30

Mr. Lou Dobbs

It"s so absurd and transparently obvious that America remains caught in a vicious cycle between guilt and denial regarding race. Whenever someone of color initially accepted as different by white America (code for non-threatening), reminds us of America's shameful legacy and its remaining and unacceptable vestiges, or has an opinion on America"s immoral foreign policies, they are suddenly treated as ungrateful and undeserving of whatever position they have through great adversity risen to.

Never thought I"d see the day I would be agreeing with Condolezza Rice on much of anything, but whoa, I stand corrected. You go girl! Hopefully America will support her on this. Were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson not slaveholders? This is not the first time I"ve heard and seen you make an ignorant ¦ of yourself, as you continue to undermine the legacy of MLK while dropping his name every chance you get.

I suggest you go on sabbatical ASAP to let's say, the south side of Chicago and spend the next 6-12 months in a community building effort; possibly with the same organization of churches Sen. Obama worked with. Then, please return and remind us of your views on American diversity. We're all pulling to see if you"ll notice America"s schools, churches, communities and prisons are still segregated. It may as you say be the most diversified country on the planet, but please do add that it"s also the most terrified and terrifying country on earth as well. posted 03/31/2008 at 23:22:17

My vote will reflect not the candidate's experience nor their tenacity, but their character. Article two of the Constitution requires a candidate for of President of the United States to be (1) a natural born citizen, (2) at least 35 years old, and (3) a resident of the US for at least fourteen years. Nowhere is public service or foreign policy experience a requirement. If there's anything I"ve learned the past sixteen years, its honesty, integrity and authenticity is the most important packaged prerequisite to represent me.

When I walk out of that voting booth on Nov 4, 2008 regardless of the results, I"m determined to have no regrets. The Hillary Clinton campaign IMHO is repeat with dishonesty and divisiveness at a minimum. Showing the maturity of character by staying with Bill over concerns of morality, but throwing your pastor of twenty years under the bus (even though it was hypothetical) as a reaction to media pariah speaks volumes. The ease with which she displays contempt towards obstacles (i.e. the press) is no different than the hunker down and hide everything philosophy of the Bush administration. This campaign at minimum has compelled me to look at Bill Clinton through a different lens begging the question - How did I not see this before?

Finally, life is too short. If the election were today and Sen. Obama is not the nominee, in my graying age will cast a Barack Obama write-in vote, up each morning - no regrets! posted 03/28/2008 at 20:27:00

It appears that by day JohnBarleycorn very likely works as an editor for FOX News, applying the same style of sensationalist journalism using no context snippets to make an irrelevant and insignificant point that Reverend Wright made a few typo's. He like FOX relies wholly on your remaining uninformed (or very narrowly informed) along with the inability to research and critically think about the world around you. Someone should tell him, that the Huffington Post is not FOX; he came to the wrong place

There is a growing body of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright's work with context unlike the repeated ad nauseam FOX clips we've been inundated with, to better inform our already very capable inference engines. Two that spring to mind are:

http://www.youtube.com/RONPTECH

http://www.youtube.com/TRINITYCHGO

"An educated customer is our best customer" - Sy and Marcy Syms posted 03/31/2008 at 10:19:26

Just want to weigh in with one correction. Ambassador Edward Peck was being interviewed by FOX news anchor David Asman. There are references corroborating the perceived hostility in that interview in the Washington Monthly issues (Oct and Dec 2001) under the column .

Charles Peters (Oct. 2001) says:

"Finally, the whole country needs to dedicate itself to understanding the world of Islam. We should not be like the repellant Fox News anchor David Asman, who treated former ambassador Edward Peck with contempt as Peck tried to help viewers understand the Islamic mind. If we're going to eradicate terrorism, we have to understand its causes in order to eliminate them."

Nelson Marans (Dec 2001) reports

"It is difficult to believe that Mr. Peters and I heard the same Fox News interview with the former ambassador to Mauretania, Edward Peck ("Tilting at Windmills," October 2001). Instead of the mentioned contempt exhibited by David Asman, the interviewer, I felt that Mr. Peck was treated with admirable restraint, considering that his views could be considered highly inimical to the U.S., particularly in the aftermath of the atrocities at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Mr. Peck blamed the U.S. for perceived transgressions against Iraq. His claim that the U.S. constantly violates Iraqi territory by monitoring flights over that nation ignores the conditions of the agreement that ended the Persian Gulf conflict allowing such overflights." posted 03/28/2008 at 00:31:05

It's all about perspective.

"Today's dissenters tell the complacent majority that the time has come when further evasion of social responsibility in a turbulent world will court disaster and death. America has not yet changed because so many think it need not change, but this is the illusion of the damned. America must change because twenty-three million black citizens will no longer live supinely in a wretched past. They have left the valley of despair; they have found strength in struggle; and whether they live or die, they shall never crawl nor retreat again. Joined by white allies, they will shake the prison walls until they fall. America must change."

A Testament of Hope - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - published posthumously 1968 posted 03/27/2008 at 23:45:41

Hmmm... Just curious what do you think of Martin Luther King, Jr., Moses and Jesus Christ for a start? posted 03/27/2008 at 15:23:36

(Part I)

FOX News continues to perpetrate an outright lie that they are fair and balance. The inaccurate spin, innuendo and untruths they created with the Jeremiah Wright story appears to be a purposeful effort by Rupert Murdock and his gang to directly influence the 2008 Presidential Election. They bank on an unskilled and/or lazy to do their own research audience who will subconsciously believe anything repeated enough.

You are absolutely correct to point out the unprofessional journalism behind the false caricature of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr. derived from a handful of carefully selected sound-bites from a man who has spent thirty-six years at this church and is regarded highly in theological circles as a mainline prophetic minister. That by itself should have caused some skepticism by the journalistic community.

Many do get their news from the major television news outlets, but what does the current literature say about the effect cable (particularly FOX, CNN) becoming the medium of choice in public places (bars, airports, bus terminals, train stations, restaurants, jury rooms, etc.) is having on where increasing numbers of people receive their news from? This creates a real dilemma, when you have the constant drumbeat oxymoron of a fair and balanced FOX" news outlet. This is having an immediate and dramatic effect on the integrity of the industry. Is all of this a result of corporate consolidation dynamics or growing competition from the Internet? posted 03/27/2008 at 02:54:28

(Part II)

Never the less, in the Rev. Jeremiah Wright instance since Barack Obama has represented those clips as being unrepresentative of Rev. Wright, doesn"t it seem appropriate the rest of the news media should desire to verify FOX News" claim with the bright light test on the pastor, the congregation and ultimately black churches in America? Recordings of these sermons going back many years are easily available. Fairness and simple decency demand the other outlets including, the Huffington Post, which are more representative of "fair and balanced," reveal to "we the people" the results of that research. After all, isn"t education the best way to counter these attitudes? More importantly you must take responsibility to encourage "we the people" to do some of our own research and critical thinking instead of continuing to be spoon-fed like immature secondary school students; and we wonder why America continues to sink on all the global academic achievement lists.

If the other media outlets do not verify the substance of those clips, then YOU become complicit in a cover-up that will only exacerbate racial relationships in a larger way then any of us realize; while allowing the false assertion that Barack Obama made race the issue in the campaign. That is why I created the YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/ronptech) site with complete Trinity sermons and services, since the media up to now has refused to put a light onto those of it"s own who curse in the darkness. posted 03/27/2008 at 02:54:05

To gastrodoctor " (Part II)

He points to grandma"s incessant prayers, mom"s unconditional love, dad"s leadership, the neighbors nagging expectations, and pastor"s how to live with adversity lessons that got us this far (not the talking heads in Washington) can get us through. Black churches like Trinity UCC, and pastors like Jeremiah Wright have been the locus of the surviving and enduring faith that has kept us sane, since 1787.

BTW " I believe that Barack Obama is really a centrist; "government can"t do everything for you," and Matthew obligates us to never abandon the poor.

You should pray that we continue to "keep hope alive" and make it one of your life missions to light candles; America's only survivable alternative. The condemnation of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright is surely spitting in the wind. Despair is always there when hope dies " Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Tibet, Bosnia, and South Central Los Angeles.

You might as Rev. Wright is fond of saying "Come See," for yourself the power and hope of a people unashamed of who God made us to be and a people unapologetic about our faith. Trinity UCC is surely is one of those communities of faith whose business is lighting candles, unlike Bill O"Reilly and Sean Hannity who seem to ironically take their privilege for granted earning a living cursing in the dark. posted 03/27/2008 at 01:56:23

To gastrodoctor " (Part I)

After listening to Sen. Obama's speech last week and reading Mr. Abdul-Jabbar's clear and eloquent follow-up essay, I'm was left feeling more hopeful that my children will benefit more than I did as a direct consequence of our determination to not steep in as you say "terminal victimhood." At times, this meant submitting ones self to various forms of "yes master," while at other times it meant believing with every ounce of your life that "God will make a way out of no way.," and yet at other times it meant determined to right unacceptable injustices at any cost.

Though, after reading your post, I had to ask God for guidance and temerity to remain calm for at least a minute.

Contrary to your belief, the African American community has not embraced victimhood; else you would surely not enjoy the privileges you do today. Each generation, our community lifts up familiar voices (Truth, Douglass, Garvey, King, Clayton-Powell, Ghandi, DuBois, Mandela, Jackson, Obama, etc.) reinforcing our faith with the powerful message of hope; mankind"s last stop on the bus to the final battle. Sen. Obama brings in addition to this generation the "URGENCY OF NOW." His light reveals Dr. King"s dream on the other side; a shrinking window of opportunity our survival is dependent our on getting through. posted 03/27/2008 at 01:55:47

This is the first time that I've seen and heard (via tv) Chelsea speak and I not impressed. The condescension behind that remark was so obvious and very much like that her mom showed with her explanation of the Bosnia gaff. The most important prerequisite for leadership is authenticity, and she is too young and privileged to display that level of scorn. Not to be fair I have only seen this one clip and it may not be representative of who she is.

Secondly the question was if she thought the Monica Lewinski matter affected the credibility of her mother. What is non of your business about that? Ms. Lewinski was a congressional intern - should suggestions of sexual harassment and infidelity of public officials be none of your business? posted 03/26/2008 at 00:20:04

Thank you for this and the Good Friday essays critiquing FOX. There needs to be a serious investigation regarding FOX's attempts to influence this 2008 election. It appears to me a non-journalist consumer of the news that FOX"s continued and absurd perpetuation of a fair and balanced outlet is significantly diminishing your industry"s integrity without much more than a whimper. An industry beginning to resemble certain American fraternities we associate with much of Americas most shameful past. The recent incident with Chris Wallace was too little and hopefully not too late. posted 03/25/2008 at 10:05:40

Thank you for this and the Good Friday essays critiquing FOX. There needs to be a serious investigation regarding FOX's attempts to influence this 2008 election. posted 03/25/2008 at 10:02:39

Thank you for this and the Good Friday essays critiquing FOX. There needs to be a serious investigation regarding FOX's attempts to influence this 2008 election. posted 03/25/2008 at 03:31:29

There are a growing number of sites where you can access complete Trinity UCC sermons and services.

1. http://www.youtube.com/user/ronptech

2. http://www.youtube.com/user/trinitychgo

3. http://www.tucc.org/ posted 03/24/2008 at 12:01:46

FOX News continues to perpetrate an outright lie that they are fair and balance. The inaccurate spin, innuendo and untruths they created with the Jeremiah Wright story was purposefully to influence the 2008 Presidential Election regardless of the truth. They bank on an unskilled and/or lazy to do their own research audience who will subconsciously believe anything repeated enough.

You are absolutely correct to point out the unprofessional journalism behind the false caricature of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr. derived from a handful of carefully with mal intent selected sound-bites from a man who has spent thirty-six years at this church and is regarded highly in theological circles as a mainline prophetic minister. That by itself should have caused some skepticism by the journalistic community.

Many do get their news from the major television news outlets, but what does the current literature say about the effect cable (particularly FOX, CNN) becoming the medium of choice in public places (bars, airports, bus terminals, train stations, restaurants, jury rooms, etc.) is having on where increasing numbers of people receive their news from? This creates a real dilemma, when you have the constant drumbeat oxymoron of a fair and balanced FOX" news outlet. This is having an immediate and dramatic effect on the integrity of the industry. Is all of this a result of corporate consolidation dynamics or growing competition from the Internet?

Never the less, in the Rev. Jeremiah Wright instance since Barack Obama has represented those clips as being unrepresentative of Rev. Wright, doesn"t it seem logical for the other news media to verify FOX News concocted claim by seriously attempting to understand who the pastor, the congregation and black churches at large are? Recordings of these sermons going back many years are easily available. Fairness and simple decency demand the other News Media outlets including, The Huffington Post which, are more representative of "fair and balanced" reveal to "we the people" results of that research and more importantly to encourage we the people to do some of our own critical thinking instead of continuing to be spoon-fed like immature secondary school students " and we wonder why America continues to sink on all the global academic achievement lists.

If the other media outlets do not verify the substance of those clips, then they become complicit in a cover-up that will only exacerbate racial relationships in a larger way then any of us realize; while allowing the false assertion that Barack Obama made race an issue to continue. posted 03/24/2008 at 11:57:18

Unfortunately too many of us will with our esteem and inferiority complexes stay stuck on Sen. Obama's relationship with Trinity Church of Christ and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. until it's dealt with in a healthy way. Too bad it's the senator's campaign that has to bear the brunt of these vicious attacks but, thank you Barack for taking the high road in spite of it all.

At last here is an opportunity for the news media to do what their profession expects from them; search for the truth, report it and take to task colleagues who threaten the integrity of the profession.

Below are links to the Christmas Day 2007 Sermon at Trinity Church of Christ by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., which FOX News acquired and disingenuously used to intentionally create a false and unrepresentative caricature of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., and by association Barack Obama. This was the service with the Hillary comment towards the end of the sermon.

Unfortunately people are too lazy to think critically any more, and continue to fall prey to news commentators with extreme mal intent who continue to treat us as immature children who allow others to think for us.

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdfbWSJINhg
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVeK0JDPm8Y
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o36KBeDXJ8
Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFQAQVcn89A

and http://www.youtube.com/user/TRINITYCHGO

posted 03/21/2008 at 12:19:44