New Wright
By Michael GersonWASHINGTON -- Barack Obama has run a campaign based on a simple premise: that words of unity and hope matter to America. Now he has been forced by his charismatic, angry pastor to argue that words of hatred and division don't really matter as much as we thought.
Obama's Philadelphia speech made this argument as well as it could be made. He condemned the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's views in strong language -- and embraced Wright as a wayward member of the family. He made Wright and his congregation a symbol of both the nobility and "shocking ignorance" of the African-American experience -- and presented himself as a leader who transcends that conflicted legacy. The speech recognized the historical reasons for black anger -- and argued that the best response to those grievances is the adoption of Obama's own social and economic agenda. (Back to Article)
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Mar 18, 10:44 PM |
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The speech was really bad. Not even first grade racial understanding.
Then Obama took a really long time explaining how we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah complex, by the way)
His main point was that the only way forward was by voting for him, all other paths were backwards or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man? Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
Of course, those are not the words he said, they were the theme. Which is great, because you will think that it is something you thought of yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is apparent from all the people saying it was a great speech.
Was it? Why?
Courage? He had no choice.
His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa? It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America has tried to help Africa.
Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all. Only an empty promise that he will deliver one, but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
Then Obama took a really long time explaining how we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah complex, by the way)
His main point was that the only way forward was by voting for him, all other paths were backwards or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man? Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
Of course, those are not the words he said, they were the theme. Which is great, because you will think that it is something you thought of yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is apparent from all the people saying it was a great speech.
Was it? Why?
Courage? He had no choice.
His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa? It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America has tried to help Africa.
Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all. Only an empty promise that he will deliver one, but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
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Mar 18, 10:49 PM |
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Rev. Wright is not a hater, although he expressed words that many people view as hateful. Obama sees a man of charity and kindness who does not mistreat anyone. I would willingly walk with such a man, even though some of his words I viewed as hateful.
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Mar 18, 10:57 PM |
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fblaze, I absolutely agree. Those in the media and on these blogs who blindly criticize Rev. Wright without researching his career with an open mind do us all a grave disservice.
The evidence is clear...Rev. Wright said a few very inflammatory and stupid things. However, the sum total of his career is very, very positive.
The evidence is clear...Rev. Wright said a few very inflammatory and stupid things. However, the sum total of his career is very, very positive.
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Mar 18, 10:59 PM |
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Michael Gerson just doesnt get it. Though - credit where credit is due - his column is all about hate.. his own.
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Mar 18, 11:00 PM |
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"Barack Obama is not a man who hates -- but he chose to walk with a man who does."
And that about sums it up
And that about sums it up
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Mar 18, 11:01 PM |
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Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
Kindergarten blog... Keep Hatin' Cool Bob.
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
Kindergarten blog... Keep Hatin' Cool Bob.
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Mar 18, 11:01 PM |
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His speech says -
"We all say wrong, racist things" -
"Vote for me and you can prove you're innocent and not really a racist."
"We all say wrong, racist things" -
"Vote for me and you can prove you're innocent and not really a racist."
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Mar 18, 11:03 PM |
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Wright was most evidently a hater and racist. Why BHO backed him is a just concern.
Choices of association and community are largely based on a symbiosis of differing yet likeminded connection; one relates to those one chooses to associate with.
BHO has congratulated Wright and Farrakhan and his actions back that up through association with a community which also admires these men ... for better than 20 years.
There is no racial judgment in pointing this out. It just gives us helpful indication of where his values truly are.
Sometimes labels are ok, they keep you from drinking poison.
Choices of association and community are largely based on a symbiosis of differing yet likeminded connection; one relates to those one chooses to associate with.
BHO has congratulated Wright and Farrakhan and his actions back that up through association with a community which also admires these men ... for better than 20 years.
There is no racial judgment in pointing this out. It just gives us helpful indication of where his values truly are.
Sometimes labels are ok, they keep you from drinking poison.
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Mar 18, 11:06 PM |
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It amazes me how Obama can disassociate a man from his words and actions. Did he give the same deference to Don Imus last April, 2007? No. Does he think that somehow he has all the answers to the race issue? Well, he left out the white perspective, if that were the case.
Here are some points Mr. Obama needs to be reminded of:
William Wilberforce, a white man in England, fought for the emancipation of slaves in the 1700's.
Abraham Lincoln, a white man, fought for the emanicipation of slaves in America in the 1800's and paid with his life for it.
In the 1960's whites marched with blacks for equality and voter rights. Whites developed and pushed through legislation called Affirmative Action. That forever altered the course of education and employment opportunities for minorities.
Mr Obama, himself, was a receipient of Affirmative Action when his grades from Columbia would have kept him out of Harvard.
His wife, Michelle, the one who hates America also, was a receipient of Affirmative Action and went to Princeton.
To hear him describe the race problem was a slap in the face of all those americans and whites that have bent over backwards to make sure blacks had a hand up.
He no more understands race relations than he does being a representative for all of America. He understands rhetoric and he understands using race to cover for his inadequacies. He does not understand the totality of America.
Here are some points Mr. Obama needs to be reminded of:
William Wilberforce, a white man in England, fought for the emancipation of slaves in the 1700's.
Abraham Lincoln, a white man, fought for the emanicipation of slaves in America in the 1800's and paid with his life for it.
In the 1960's whites marched with blacks for equality and voter rights. Whites developed and pushed through legislation called Affirmative Action. That forever altered the course of education and employment opportunities for minorities.
Mr Obama, himself, was a receipient of Affirmative Action when his grades from Columbia would have kept him out of Harvard.
His wife, Michelle, the one who hates America also, was a receipient of Affirmative Action and went to Princeton.
To hear him describe the race problem was a slap in the face of all those americans and whites that have bent over backwards to make sure blacks had a hand up.
He no more understands race relations than he does being a representative for all of America. He understands rhetoric and he understands using race to cover for his inadequacies. He does not understand the totality of America.
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Mar 18, 11:07 PM |
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Too bad Mr. Gerson is not a minority to fully appreciate Mr. Obama's speech.
Obama haters will NEVER say anything positive about him so there's no real point reading that junk. I'll be the first to laugh at the naysayers when Mr. Obama wins the presidency.
Obama haters will NEVER say anything positive about him so there's no real point reading that junk. I'll be the first to laugh at the naysayers when Mr. Obama wins the presidency.
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Mar 18, 11:07 PM |
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I think of all those who immigrate and CHOOSE to move to the US from Africa and lead productive and dare I say happy lives. What cowards that curse the country they live in yet rarely show any desire to leave! This is pure rhetoric based on racial hatred and unproductive, bitterness. Why do I sense that in 100 years this same garbage will be taught to people keeping them in this bondage of negativity and division?
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Mar 18, 11:08 PM |
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Look, I am a McCain man, both in 2000 and now. I have donated to his campaign and am an ardent supporter. Notwithstanding that predisposition, I found Obama's speech one of the most remarkable I have ever heard. He is truly gifted in his judgment, intelligence and speaking abilities. This was an important dissertation, regardless of how this campaign is resolved. Everyone should listen to it with an open mind.
Look, I disagree with this guy on almost every issue. I am confident, however, that we shouldn't let reasoned differences blind us to the thoughts of a remarkable person who has a great deal to contribute to the national debate.
Look, I disagree with this guy on almost every issue. I am confident, however, that we shouldn't let reasoned differences blind us to the thoughts of a remarkable person who has a great deal to contribute to the national debate.
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Mar 18, 11:12 PM |
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Where is Sharpton? Where is Jackson? Where is Farrahkan? Scare little boys, hiding behind in the corner saying, "Go get 'em."
All dictators are great orators. This man is walking with his entourage of hate right in plain sight, and America just can't see what's in front of their eyes.
guess who's coming to dinner? Rev. Wright in his star trek outfit gonna give us a song and dance.
Him and Michelle sing as follows:
God Damn America, Land that I love, When it suits me, only when it suits. I look to the skys up above.
Barack sell your hateful story to the people who want to live in hate. Rev. Wright would be shunned by Jesus. Shunned.
All dictators are great orators. This man is walking with his entourage of hate right in plain sight, and America just can't see what's in front of their eyes.
guess who's coming to dinner? Rev. Wright in his star trek outfit gonna give us a song and dance.
Him and Michelle sing as follows:
God Damn America, Land that I love, When it suits me, only when it suits. I look to the skys up above.
Barack sell your hateful story to the people who want to live in hate. Rev. Wright would be shunned by Jesus. Shunned.
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Mar 18, 11:13 PM |
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I agree that making the assertion that the United States government created and disseminated that AIDS virus is ridiculous...
Nearly as ridiculous as the thought that they would knowingly infect African Americans with syphilis , withhold treatment for a curable disease and then study them for over 40 years to watch how the disease would take its course.
While the former statement is obviously a myth, the latter is a sad fact. The Tuskegee experiments did happen. It is a sad but undisputed chapter in our nation's history.
While Wright's comments are frightening and appear patently ridiculous to most white Americans, it's at least worth considering that minorities, and African Americans in particular, have a history which makes it less likely for them to dismiss such statements out of hand.
Nearly as ridiculous as the thought that they would knowingly infect African Americans with syphilis , withhold treatment for a curable disease and then study them for over 40 years to watch how the disease would take its course.
While the former statement is obviously a myth, the latter is a sad fact. The Tuskegee experiments did happen. It is a sad but undisputed chapter in our nation's history.
While Wright's comments are frightening and appear patently ridiculous to most white Americans, it's at least worth considering that minorities, and African Americans in particular, have a history which makes it less likely for them to dismiss such statements out of hand.
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Mar 18, 11:13 PM |
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His speech did not tell anything new, just the same ole same ole.
BHO is done.
Hang up the signs, the caps, the t-shirts and take it on home.
Those that were for you won't change, like BHO talked about, change.
Those that were on the fence will change their mind NOT FOR BHO. THose who wished they didn't vote for BHO will NOT do so in the Presidential race.
The polls are already, and have been since the Rev Wright tapes and hate mongering have come to light, are going down down down.
Do the God Loving people of the United States of America a favor, RESIGN from the Presidential Race. You are not fit to be called a candidate, lier.
PS. Where do I sign on the Petition to get BHO's name off the Democratic ticket ?
God Bless the USA.
BHO is done.
Hang up the signs, the caps, the t-shirts and take it on home.
Those that were for you won't change, like BHO talked about, change.
Those that were on the fence will change their mind NOT FOR BHO. THose who wished they didn't vote for BHO will NOT do so in the Presidential race.
The polls are already, and have been since the Rev Wright tapes and hate mongering have come to light, are going down down down.
Do the God Loving people of the United States of America a favor, RESIGN from the Presidential Race. You are not fit to be called a candidate, lier.
PS. Where do I sign on the Petition to get BHO's name off the Democratic ticket ?
God Bless the USA.
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Mar 18, 11:14 PM |
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What a stupid, stupid column. And it's quite telling that it's listed #1 on RCP - for a site with such a nice compiling of polls, it sure is slanted toward the neocon/fascist right wing.
Michael - are you an idiot? Never did Obama attempt to make words of hate sound less severe than they actually are.
Wright is an inner-city black preacher in Chicago. Does it really surprise you that he's passionate about race in America? he lives in a bubble and sees things through an extremely filtered lens. This is simply a product of where he lives and what he does. Though, I'm sure he says good things as well, and Obama is free to pick and choose whatever messages he likes from the sermons, just like the rest of us do at church.
It is the same effect that has made Bush and Cheney actually believe that War in Iraq is worth it or that the United States is better off spending $3 trillion overseas while our country implodes back at home. It's called tunnel vision. It's just what happens when someone is too deeply involved in one cause for too long.
In no way can Obama be held responsible for his former pastor's words. He obviously likes some things about SOME of the messages from Wright. But because it's his pastor doesn't mean he endorses, likes or even somewhat believes.
I'm shocked that so many people are taking this so seriously. This is a pastor. Has Obama's campaign message given us ANY reason to believe that he honestly believes any of the things Wright has said? Who cares if he was in the pews during a controversial sermon? Did he write it? Did he jump up and say "that's going to be my campaign next year!"?
NO. And it's nothing more than character assassination to accuse otherwise.
Michael - are you an idiot? Never did Obama attempt to make words of hate sound less severe than they actually are.
Wright is an inner-city black preacher in Chicago. Does it really surprise you that he's passionate about race in America? he lives in a bubble and sees things through an extremely filtered lens. This is simply a product of where he lives and what he does. Though, I'm sure he says good things as well, and Obama is free to pick and choose whatever messages he likes from the sermons, just like the rest of us do at church.
It is the same effect that has made Bush and Cheney actually believe that War in Iraq is worth it or that the United States is better off spending $3 trillion overseas while our country implodes back at home. It's called tunnel vision. It's just what happens when someone is too deeply involved in one cause for too long.
In no way can Obama be held responsible for his former pastor's words. He obviously likes some things about SOME of the messages from Wright. But because it's his pastor doesn't mean he endorses, likes or even somewhat believes.
I'm shocked that so many people are taking this so seriously. This is a pastor. Has Obama's campaign message given us ANY reason to believe that he honestly believes any of the things Wright has said? Who cares if he was in the pews during a controversial sermon? Did he write it? Did he jump up and say "that's going to be my campaign next year!"?
NO. And it's nothing more than character assassination to accuse otherwise.
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Mar 18, 11:18 PM |
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Passionate black pastors are not just on Obama's side -- check out Rev. Calvin Butt's sermon -- a proud Hillary endorser - sermon "Two Towers" [www.churchpond.org]. which echos many of the sentifments of Rev. Wright. I haven't heard Hillary renounce Rev. Butts word... Let's get some balance here.
K. Rush
K. Rush
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Mar 18, 11:21 PM |
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The speech was bad? Maybe for an uneducated schmuck such as yourself. He didn't talk about choosing between merely him or bad stuff, but talked about the problems in society that many like to pretend aren't there anymore.
He DID NOT say his view was stuck in the past, but his pastor's--that American can move forward from such ideas and build a country of unity, not divisiveness.
I drew my conclusions from available, non-biased resources.
What biased news media spoonfed you, dumb-ass?
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
He DID NOT say his view was stuck in the past, but his pastor's--that American can move forward from such ideas and build a country of unity, not divisiveness.
I drew my conclusions from available, non-biased resources.
What biased news media spoonfed you, dumb-ass?
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
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Mar 18, 11:22 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Obama absolutely lied when he said he never heard Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic group.
Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a role model and important influence on his family.
Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good things he stands for, that's what my family knew him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing about." Like hell.
This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone had better call him on it.
Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a role model and important influence on his family.
Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good things he stands for, that's what my family knew him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing about." Like hell.
This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone had better call him on it.
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Mar 18, 11:23 PM |
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too bad you are so myopic that you cannot see the real message, which was of unity, he understood and stated both sides of the racial divide, and he pushed for unity. the sad reality is that people like you still exist in this country.
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
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Mar 18, 11:23 PM |
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Mr. Obama thought speech mattered withhh Ferraro. He thought speech mattered with Imus. Why doesn't speech matter wwhen a Black racist like Wright speak? Why should we give HIM a pass. Obama DENIED hearing or knowing of the rants of Wright before today, or does his koolaid drinking friends remember this? If nothing else, it proves Obama is the same old politiciaan of expedience that he tells us he isn't. He has eearned my scorn and pity, not my vote inn November. BTW, I did vote for him in the caucus. Mea culpa.
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Mar 18, 11:25 PM |
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I am a Barack supporter. But I am not blind, I've started wavering in recent weeks in light of the very legitimate concerns that have been raised about him.
I consider myself to have pretty objective, sound judgement. And I found Barack Obama's speech today meaningful, thoughtful, and perhaps one of the best of his career. It addressed head-on some of the underlying (and often unspoken, misunderstood) racial tension that still lingers in the American psyche.
This column, as well as the first comment on this page, proves conclusively to me that there are just some people who will find wrong in Mr. Obama no matter what he says. They will always find something to criticize. They're blind, and their dislike for Barack Obama has become a religion in the sense that it's set in stone, no matter what he can say or do.
Great speech and a good move on Mr. Obama's part.
I consider myself to have pretty objective, sound judgement. And I found Barack Obama's speech today meaningful, thoughtful, and perhaps one of the best of his career. It addressed head-on some of the underlying (and often unspoken, misunderstood) racial tension that still lingers in the American psyche.
This column, as well as the first comment on this page, proves conclusively to me that there are just some people who will find wrong in Mr. Obama no matter what he says. They will always find something to criticize. They're blind, and their dislike for Barack Obama has become a religion in the sense that it's set in stone, no matter what he can say or do.
Great speech and a good move on Mr. Obama's part.
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Mar 18, 11:27 PM |
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You're no truthseeker. Those are the followers of Mike Malloy, the talk show host. Don't act like you know what the @#$%& you're even talking about.
Who said Wright was a anti-white bigot? He was denouncing America on the whole for it's actions....
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Truthseeker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Obama absolutely lied when he said he never heard
> Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic group.
>
>
> Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a
> role model and important influence on his family.
>
>
> Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> things he stands for, that's what my family knew
> him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> about." Like hell.
>
> This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone
> had better call him on it.
Who said Wright was a anti-white bigot? He was denouncing America on the whole for it's actions....
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Truthseeker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Obama absolutely lied when he said he never heard
> Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic group.
>
>
> Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a
> role model and important influence on his family.
>
>
> Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> things he stands for, that's what my family knew
> him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> about." Like hell.
>
> This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone
> had better call him on it.
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Mar 18, 11:30 PM |
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Question is whether Obama has reconciled the racial divide within himself:
From Dreams of My Father, " I FOUND A SOLACE IN NURSING A PERVASISVE SENSE OF GRIEVANCE AND ANIMOSITY AGAINST MY MOTHER'S RACE".
From 'Dreams of My Father',
"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.
From 'Dreams', "never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."
From 'Dreams', "I had grown accustomed, everywhere, to suspicions between the races."
From 'Dreams of my Father', "The emotion between the races could never be pure, even love was tarnished by the desire to find in the other some element that was missing in ourselves. Whether we sought out our demons or salvation, the other race would always remain just that: menacing, alien, and apart."
OBAMA''S SPEECH TODAY:
This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should''ve been authorized and never should''ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we''ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.
BILL CLINTON"S FAREWELL SPEECH IN 2000, Farewell Address:
"Third, we must remember that America cannot lead in the world unless here at home we weave the threads of our coat of many colors into the fabric of one America. As we become ever more diverse, we must work harder to unite around our common values and our common humanity. We must work harder to overcome our differences, in our hearts and in our laws. We must treat all our people with fairness and dignity, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of when they arrived in our country-always moving toward the more perfect Union of our Founders'' dreams."
From Dreams of My Father, " I FOUND A SOLACE IN NURSING A PERVASISVE SENSE OF GRIEVANCE AND ANIMOSITY AGAINST MY MOTHER'S RACE".
From 'Dreams of My Father',
"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.
From 'Dreams', "never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."
From 'Dreams', "I had grown accustomed, everywhere, to suspicions between the races."
From 'Dreams of my Father', "The emotion between the races could never be pure, even love was tarnished by the desire to find in the other some element that was missing in ourselves. Whether we sought out our demons or salvation, the other race would always remain just that: menacing, alien, and apart."
OBAMA''S SPEECH TODAY:
This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should''ve been authorized and never should''ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we''ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.
BILL CLINTON"S FAREWELL SPEECH IN 2000, Farewell Address:
"Third, we must remember that America cannot lead in the world unless here at home we weave the threads of our coat of many colors into the fabric of one America. As we become ever more diverse, we must work harder to unite around our common values and our common humanity. We must work harder to overcome our differences, in our hearts and in our laws. We must treat all our people with fairness and dignity, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of when they arrived in our country-always moving toward the more perfect Union of our Founders'' dreams."
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Mar 18, 11:31 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
hey kevin - what are you talking about? he never said that speech didn't matter in the case of Wright, he said that Wright was wrong and that the old mentality has to give way to the unity that he is trying to foster. This is not politics as normal, I dare you to give me another example of a politician speaking with such frankness with so much on the line.
Oh and real original and groundbreaking reference to Jonestown, you were certainly the first to make that connection, kudos for being a parrot.
kevin in iowa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mr. Obama thought speech mattered withhh Ferraro.
> He thought speech mattered with Imus. Why doesn't
> speech matter wwhen a Black racist like Wright
> speak? Why should we give HIM a pass. Obama
> DENIED hearing or knowing of the rants of Wright
> before today, or does his koolaid drinking friends
> remember this? If nothing else, it proves Obama
> is the same old politiciaan of expedience that he
> tells us he isn't. He has eearned my scorn and
> pity, not my vote inn November. BTW, I did vote
> for him in the caucus. Mea culpa.
Oh and real original and groundbreaking reference to Jonestown, you were certainly the first to make that connection, kudos for being a parrot.
kevin in iowa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mr. Obama thought speech mattered withhh Ferraro.
> He thought speech mattered with Imus. Why doesn't
> speech matter wwhen a Black racist like Wright
> speak? Why should we give HIM a pass. Obama
> DENIED hearing or knowing of the rants of Wright
> before today, or does his koolaid drinking friends
> remember this? If nothing else, it proves Obama
> is the same old politiciaan of expedience that he
> tells us he isn't. He has eearned my scorn and
> pity, not my vote inn November. BTW, I did vote
> for him in the caucus. Mea culpa.
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|
Mar 18, 11:31 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Well said, Sam Clare. Good to know there are people like you out there. At least you know what Obama addressed during his speech.
Good for you.
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Sam Clare Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am a Barack supporter. But I am not blind, I've
> started wavering in recent weeks in light of the
> very legitimate concerns that have been raised
> about him.
>
> I consider myself to have pretty objective, sound
> judgement. And I found Barack Obama's speech
> today meaningful, thoughtful, and perhaps one of
> the best of his career. It addressed head-on some
> of the underlying (and often unspoken,
> misunderstood) racial tension that still lingers
> in the American psyche.
>
> This column, as well as the first comment on this
> page, proves conclusively to me that there are
> just some people who will find wrong in Mr. Obama
> no matter what he says. They will always find
> something to criticize. They're blind, and their
> dislike for Barack Obama has become a religion in
> the sense that it's set in stone, no matter what
> he can say or do.
>
> Great speech and a good move on Mr. Obama's part.
Good for you.
[claremontobserver.blogspot.com]
Sam Clare Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am a Barack supporter. But I am not blind, I've
> started wavering in recent weeks in light of the
> very legitimate concerns that have been raised
> about him.
>
> I consider myself to have pretty objective, sound
> judgement. And I found Barack Obama's speech
> today meaningful, thoughtful, and perhaps one of
> the best of his career. It addressed head-on some
> of the underlying (and often unspoken,
> misunderstood) racial tension that still lingers
> in the American psyche.
>
> This column, as well as the first comment on this
> page, proves conclusively to me that there are
> just some people who will find wrong in Mr. Obama
> no matter what he says. They will always find
> something to criticize. They're blind, and their
> dislike for Barack Obama has become a religion in
> the sense that it's set in stone, no matter what
> he can say or do.
>
> Great speech and a good move on Mr. Obama's part.
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Mar 18, 11:34 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Truthseeker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Obama absolutely lied when he said he never heard
> Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic group.
>
>
> Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a
> role model and important influence on his family.
>
>
> Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> things he stands for, that's what my family knew
> him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> about." Like hell.
>
> This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone
> had better call him on it.
um, how bout I call you on being an idiot? that seems more fitting.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Obama absolutely lied when he said he never heard
> Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic group.
>
>
> Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as a
> role model and important influence on his family.
>
>
> Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> things he stands for, that's what my family knew
> him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> about." Like hell.
>
> This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and someone
> had better call him on it.
um, how bout I call you on being an idiot? that seems more fitting.
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Mar 18, 11:35 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
I am referencing here the first comment on the page. As I said in another comment here, "This column, as well as the first comment on this page, proves conclusively to me that there are just some people who will find wrong in Mr. Obama no matter what he says. They will always find something to criticize. They're blind, and their dislike for Barack Obama has become a religion in the sense that it's set in stone, no matter what he can say or do. "
In classic logical fallacy form, this poster put words/themes into Mr. Obama's mouth and then criticized him on points that he did not make. Mr "Cool Bobby," just because YOU took that meaning away from his speech does not mean that that was his point.
The point that grabbed me was " Of course, those are not the words he said, they were the theme. Which is great, because you will think that it is something you thought of yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is apparent from all the people saying it was a great speech." Well DUH you numbskull, what do you think the point of a speech is?! And secondly, you even admit that those were not his words. If those were not his words, then you have no legitimate right to make a claim on what his "theme" was.
You seem to criticize Mr. Obama for not being substantial here, for not being direct, for not providing support for his claims. Well sir, neither did you. "Not even first grade racial understanding...." How do YOU know? What claim do you have on racial understanding? I don't care if you're black yourself, just because you feel one way doesn't make it THE way, arrogant fellow.
And as a final example of the absurdity of the comment, the guy says "HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man? Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!" Umm, again, Barack Obama did not say that, nor did he imply it. You just put those words into his speech and then criticized him on a point he did not make.
Intellectual cowardice, not to mention incompetence. Sorry to sound like a snob there, but it's the damn truth.
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
In classic logical fallacy form, this poster put words/themes into Mr. Obama's mouth and then criticized him on points that he did not make. Mr "Cool Bobby," just because YOU took that meaning away from his speech does not mean that that was his point.
The point that grabbed me was " Of course, those are not the words he said, they were the theme. Which is great, because you will think that it is something you thought of yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is apparent from all the people saying it was a great speech." Well DUH you numbskull, what do you think the point of a speech is?! And secondly, you even admit that those were not his words. If those were not his words, then you have no legitimate right to make a claim on what his "theme" was.
You seem to criticize Mr. Obama for not being substantial here, for not being direct, for not providing support for his claims. Well sir, neither did you. "Not even first grade racial understanding...." How do YOU know? What claim do you have on racial understanding? I don't care if you're black yourself, just because you feel one way doesn't make it THE way, arrogant fellow.
And as a final example of the absurdity of the comment, the guy says "HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man? Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!" Umm, again, Barack Obama did not say that, nor did he imply it. You just put those words into his speech and then criticized him on a point he did not make.
Intellectual cowardice, not to mention incompetence. Sorry to sound like a snob there, but it's the damn truth.
Cool Bobby K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> racial understanding.
>
> Then Obama took a really long time explaining how
> we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> complex, by the way)
>
> His main point was that the only way forward was
> by voting for him, all other paths were backwards
> or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
>
> HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this man?
> Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
>
> Of course, those are not the words he said, they
> were the theme. Which is great, because you will
> think that it is something you thought of
> yourself, not that he told you to do it. This is
> apparent from all the people saying it was a great
> speech.
>
> Was it? Why?
>
> Courage? He had no choice.
>
> His entire tone was black-centric. I thought his
> church was Afro-centric? What did we do to Africa?
> It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately, America
> has tried to help Africa.
>
> Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> unity. There was none forthcoming from him at all.
> Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
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Mar 18, 11:36 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
It is not so ridiculous to see a deliberate plot with AIDS when the govenment in fact poisoned blacks in Tuskegee with Syphallis to measure the effects not so long ago. Gerson needs to take a history course, or at least make a better effort to see alternate points of view.
Obama is asking America to take a serious look at itself, its history, its cultural norms. I applaud Obama's global perspective on these matters, but I don't know if America is ready for it. He probably lost the election with the speech, but that is fine with me. Once he again he showed the country why he is the best candidate for President.
Obama is asking America to take a serious look at itself, its history, its cultural norms. I applaud Obama's global perspective on these matters, but I don't know if America is ready for it. He probably lost the election with the speech, but that is fine with me. Once he again he showed the country why he is the best candidate for President.
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Mar 18, 11:37 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
The question is: would Jeremiah Wright be a guest in an Obama's White House?
He did nothing today to suggest the answer to that question is other than yes.
We should have the courage to decide whether it is acceptable to elect as President of the United States someone who carries Rev. Wright around as part of him, and who takes his ranting seriously.
He did nothing today to suggest the answer to that question is other than yes.
We should have the courage to decide whether it is acceptable to elect as President of the United States someone who carries Rev. Wright around as part of him, and who takes his ranting seriously.
|
|
Mar 18, 11:38 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
jonnycarrots Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Truthseeker Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Obama absolutely lied when he said he never
> heard
> > Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic
> group.
> >
> >
> > Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> > doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> > and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as
> a
> > role model and important influence on his
> family.
> >
> >
> > Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> > things he stands for, that's what my family
> knew
> > him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> > about." Like hell.
> >
> > This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and
> someone
> > had better call him on it.
>
>
> um, how bout I call you on being an idiot? that
> seems more fitting.
I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Carrots here. Obama never said he didn't hear Wright say ignorant or inflammatory things. He said he wasn't there for the Dec. 2007 sermon in which he said "god damn America" and all that crap. And there's proof that he was flying around campaigning that day.
This guy is just a pastor. If Obama really believed this divisive crap that Wright said, would he honestly want to represent the United States as he so clearly would like to? No - he would probably loathe politicians. But he wants to change things for the better, which includes changing the reasons Wright feels he has to be such a radical pastor.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Truthseeker Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Obama absolutely lied when he said he never
> heard
> > Rev. Wright utter a word against any ethnic
> group.
> >
> >
> > Wright is an anti-white bigot. There is little
> > doubt Obama was exposed to some of his rantings
> > and did nothing. In fact, he sees the Rev. as
> a
> > role model and important influence on his
> family.
> >
> >
> > Obama is now trying to say "Yes, all the good
> > things he stands for, that's what my family
> knew
> > him for. All those bad things, we knew nothing
> > about." Like hell.
> >
> > This is a whopping lie by Barack Obama and
> someone
> > had better call him on it.
>
>
> um, how bout I call you on being an idiot? that
> seems more fitting.
I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Carrots here. Obama never said he didn't hear Wright say ignorant or inflammatory things. He said he wasn't there for the Dec. 2007 sermon in which he said "god damn America" and all that crap. And there's proof that he was flying around campaigning that day.
This guy is just a pastor. If Obama really believed this divisive crap that Wright said, would he honestly want to represent the United States as he so clearly would like to? No - he would probably loathe politicians. But he wants to change things for the better, which includes changing the reasons Wright feels he has to be such a radical pastor.
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Mar 18, 11:39 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
As one who often has to speak from the heart, I am horrified that anyone believes that Mr. Obama EVER does. This is simply not the case.
I can accept the pastor. It is the candidate himself that I have issue with. He is far too intelligent, far too experienced in campaigning, to not know that he is a populist and taking full advantage of the gullibility of people. This is called conning. It is no different that those who make a living asking for train fare. He has never settled down and done any of the jobs he has been elected to do. That is why he has no record. He has been campaigning for the last 12 years.
It is also Barack's choice of a mate that I object to. It is also his failing as a father in taking his children to hear the pastor. It is also his choice in churches. It is also his thin understanding of Christianity. It is also his choice of mentor.
It is his financial dealings that are truly audacious. "I cannot BELIEVE that I am winning and HOPE that I do not get caught before they CHANGE their minds and do not vote for me!" NO YOU DON'T!!!!!
I can accept the pastor. It is the candidate himself that I have issue with. He is far too intelligent, far too experienced in campaigning, to not know that he is a populist and taking full advantage of the gullibility of people. This is called conning. It is no different that those who make a living asking for train fare. He has never settled down and done any of the jobs he has been elected to do. That is why he has no record. He has been campaigning for the last 12 years.
It is also Barack's choice of a mate that I object to. It is also his failing as a father in taking his children to hear the pastor. It is also his choice in churches. It is also his thin understanding of Christianity. It is also his choice of mentor.
It is his financial dealings that are truly audacious. "I cannot BELIEVE that I am winning and HOPE that I do not get caught before they CHANGE their minds and do not vote for me!" NO YOU DON'T!!!!!
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Mar 18, 11:39 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
As a grown, white male I can honestly say that I have no problem with having Wright a guest in the white house.
Rodn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The question is: would Jeremiah Wright be a guest
> in an Obama's White House?
>
> He did nothing today to suggest the answer to that
> question is other than yes.
>
> We should have the courage to decide whether it
> is acceptable to elect as President of the United
> States someone who carries Rev. Wright around as
> part of him, and who takes his ranting seriously.
Rodn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The question is: would Jeremiah Wright be a guest
> in an Obama's White House?
>
> He did nothing today to suggest the answer to that
> question is other than yes.
>
> We should have the courage to decide whether it
> is acceptable to elect as President of the United
> States someone who carries Rev. Wright around as
> part of him, and who takes his ranting seriously.
|
|
Mar 18, 11:43 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
[www.abcnews.go.com]
APRIL 11, 2007
Obama: Fire Imus
. Obama First White House Contender to Call for Imus' Firing Over Racial Slur
"I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."
In an interview with ABC News Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., called for the firing of talk radio host Don Imus. Obama said he would never again appear on Imus' show, which is broadcast on CBS Radio and MSNBC television.
I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."
Obama said he appeared once on Imus' show two years ago, and "I have no intention of returning."
"He didn't just cross the line," Obama said. "He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America. The notions that as young African-American women -- who I hope will be athletes -- that that somehow makes them less beautiful or less important. It was a degrading comment. It's one that I'm not interested in supporting."
Though every major presidential candidate has decried the racist remarks, Obama is the first one to say Imus should lose his job for them.
APRIL 11, 2007
Obama: Fire Imus
. Obama First White House Contender to Call for Imus' Firing Over Racial Slur
"I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."
In an interview with ABC News Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., called for the firing of talk radio host Don Imus. Obama said he would never again appear on Imus' show, which is broadcast on CBS Radio and MSNBC television.
I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."
Obama said he appeared once on Imus' show two years ago, and "I have no intention of returning."
"He didn't just cross the line," Obama said. "He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America. The notions that as young African-American women -- who I hope will be athletes -- that that somehow makes them less beautiful or less important. It was a degrading comment. It's one that I'm not interested in supporting."
Though every major presidential candidate has decried the racist remarks, Obama is the first one to say Imus should lose his job for them.
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Mar 18, 11:48 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
BrianTR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Who cares if he was in the pews during
> a controversial sermon? Did he write it? Did he
> jump up and say "that's going to be my campaign
> next year!"?
No. He simply chose one sermon to name his biography after, since he'd been listening to them since he was in college, and the Reverend had become his 'mentor,' 'spiritual guide,' and 'sounding board.'
So does BARACK think this man's opinions had no effect on his own views?
From dictionary.com:
Mentor (noun) 1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.
Spiritual (adjective) 1. closely akin in interests, attitude, outlook, etc.: the professor's spiritual heir in linguistics. 2. of or pertaining to the spirit as the seat of the moral or religious nature. 3. of or relating to the mind or intellect.
guide (noun) 1. One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising.
2. One who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct.
Sounding Board (noun) 1. A person or group whose reactions to an idea, opinion, or point of view serve as a measure of its effectiveness or acceptability. 2. A device or means serving to spread or popularize an idea or a point of view.
So if Barack does agree with his obnoxiously smug and reactionary online supporters that Rev. Wright's views have not/do not influence(d) him, he has only held that belief for the last few days.
Now, please start calling me racist because I distrust and dislike Barack. Being bi-racial and coming from a tri-racial family myself, I find it ironic in a way Barack thinks you could never understand!
-------------------------------------------------------
Who cares if he was in the pews during
> a controversial sermon? Did he write it? Did he
> jump up and say "that's going to be my campaign
> next year!"?
No. He simply chose one sermon to name his biography after, since he'd been listening to them since he was in college, and the Reverend had become his 'mentor,' 'spiritual guide,' and 'sounding board.'
So does BARACK think this man's opinions had no effect on his own views?
From dictionary.com:
Mentor (noun) 1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.
Spiritual (adjective) 1. closely akin in interests, attitude, outlook, etc.: the professor's spiritual heir in linguistics. 2. of or pertaining to the spirit as the seat of the moral or religious nature. 3. of or relating to the mind or intellect.
guide (noun) 1. One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising.
2. One who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct.
Sounding Board (noun) 1. A person or group whose reactions to an idea, opinion, or point of view serve as a measure of its effectiveness or acceptability. 2. A device or means serving to spread or popularize an idea or a point of view.
So if Barack does agree with his obnoxiously smug and reactionary online supporters that Rev. Wright's views have not/do not influence(d) him, he has only held that belief for the last few days.
Now, please start calling me racist because I distrust and dislike Barack. Being bi-racial and coming from a tri-racial family myself, I find it ironic in a way Barack thinks you could never understand!
|
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Mar 18, 11:51 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Calculated Fluff speech to try to cover up something that he cannot cover up with fluff. In fact he used it more or less to try to change subject and make others feel guilty about daring to question him and his lack of sense.
20 Years! wil not be buried by this tripe.
Obama is done.
20 Years! wil not be buried by this tripe.
Obama is done.
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Mar 18, 11:51 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
I will admit that it's a little hypocritical of Mr. Obama to say that after all this.
But keep in mind: Is Mr. Wright a part of his campaign anymore? Nope. And for all his extraordinary statements, Wright did not call anyone a "nappy-headed ho"
I also think that the Imus thing was way overblown, even though it was a really bad thing to say.
Hah, people need to chill out about this stuff.
Obama - Imus... Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> [www.abcnews.go.com]
> 7&page=1
>
> APRIL 11, 2007
>
> Obama: Fire Imus
>
>
> . Obama First White House Contender to Call for
> Imus' Firing Over Racial Slur
>
> "I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama
> told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's
> nobody on my staff who would still be working for
> me if they made a comment like that about anybody
> of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC
> ends up having that same attitude."
> In an interview with ABC News Wednesday afternoon,
> Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., called for the firing
> of talk radio host Don Imus. Obama said he would
> never again appear on Imus' show, which is
> broadcast on CBS Radio and MSNBC television.
>
> I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama
> told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's
> nobody on my staff who would still be working for
> me if they made a comment like that about anybody
> of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC
> ends up having that same attitude."
> Obama said he appeared once on Imus' show two
> years ago, and "I have no intention of
> returning."
> "He didn't just cross the line," Obama said. "He
> fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two
> young daughters are having to deal with today in
> America. The notions that as young
> African-American women -- who I hope will be
> athletes -- that that somehow makes them less
> beautiful or less important. It was a degrading
> comment. It's one that I'm not interested in
> supporting."
>
> Though every major presidential candidate has
> decried the racist remarks, Obama is the first one
> to say Imus should lose his job for them.
But keep in mind: Is Mr. Wright a part of his campaign anymore? Nope. And for all his extraordinary statements, Wright did not call anyone a "nappy-headed ho"
I also think that the Imus thing was way overblown, even though it was a really bad thing to say.
Hah, people need to chill out about this stuff.
Obama - Imus... Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> [www.abcnews.go.com]
> 7&page=1
>
> APRIL 11, 2007
>
> Obama: Fire Imus
>
>
> . Obama First White House Contender to Call for
> Imus' Firing Over Racial Slur
>
> "I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama
> told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's
> nobody on my staff who would still be working for
> me if they made a comment like that about anybody
> of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC
> ends up having that same attitude."
> In an interview with ABC News Wednesday afternoon,
> Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., called for the firing
> of talk radio host Don Imus. Obama said he would
> never again appear on Imus' show, which is
> broadcast on CBS Radio and MSNBC television.
>
> I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama
> told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's
> nobody on my staff who would still be working for
> me if they made a comment like that about anybody
> of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC
> ends up having that same attitude."
> Obama said he appeared once on Imus' show two
> years ago, and "I have no intention of
> returning."
> "He didn't just cross the line," Obama said. "He
> fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two
> young daughters are having to deal with today in
> America. The notions that as young
> African-American women -- who I hope will be
> athletes -- that that somehow makes them less
> beautiful or less important. It was a degrading
> comment. It's one that I'm not interested in
> supporting."
>
> Though every major presidential candidate has
> decried the racist remarks, Obama is the first one
> to say Imus should lose his job for them.
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Mar 18, 11:51 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Primary Wrote:
You shouldn't put quotation marks around your comments re: Obama because that's not what he said. That's your myopic take.
-------------------------------------------------------
> His speech says -
> "We all say wrong, racist things" -
> "Vote for me and you can prove you're innocent and
> not really a racist."
You shouldn't put quotation marks around your comments re: Obama because that's not what he said. That's your myopic take.
-------------------------------------------------------
> His speech says -
> "We all say wrong, racist things" -
> "Vote for me and you can prove you're innocent and
> not really a racist."
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Mar 18, 11:54 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Gerson's got it wrong. Wright isn't a traitor, he's just angry and irrational. The Reverend was not asking literally God to damn America, he's saying he's mad at America.
By misconstruing Wright's message as wishing America ill, Gerson would put Obama in a bind. But Obama's version rings true, that Wright was inappropreately expressing his bile at real injustice Bad form, but not a firing offense.
It comes down to: whom do you believe? Gerson appears to be tone deaf and with an axe to grind. But, I saw Obama speak, he's sincere and I believe him.
By misconstruing Wright's message as wishing America ill, Gerson would put Obama in a bind. But Obama's version rings true, that Wright was inappropreately expressing his bile at real injustice Bad form, but not a firing offense.
It comes down to: whom do you believe? Gerson appears to be tone deaf and with an axe to grind. But, I saw Obama speak, he's sincere and I believe him.
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Mar 18, 11:55 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
When Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address his words were ridiculed by press of the time. In the long run Obama's speech will be remembered for forthrightly addressing the racial divide in this country, while the petty criticism will be long forgotten.
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Mar 18, 11:56 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
jonnycarrots Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> too bad you are so myopic that you cannot see the
> real message, which was of unity, he understood
> and stated both sides of the racial divide, and he
> pushed for unity. the sad reality is that people
> like you still exist in this country.
>
His message was not about UNITY. This is the problem with the candidate. He uses the WORDS, but all that does is leave it to each one of us to our own vision of what it MEANS!!!!
Listen.
Of course you will agree with yourself. If I say I am for HOPE, and do not define what I mean, you will define it.
and then agree with yourself, and if you are not careful- think you agree with me. But I have NOT told you what HOPE means to me. So you actually have no idea if you agree or not. Understand. All Obama can do is present words well, like an actor who can read and convey ideas. That is not the same thing as conveying what you want to, what you mean to, what you are truly passionate about. All of us have had great teachers. What made them great? They had passion, but also, they were concerned about conveying the message. If they had to do it twelve different ways to make twelve different kids understand it then that GREAT TEACHER could and would do it.
This is not Obama. Obama is just a great talker. His ideas would change (irony there) if it would get him elected and he would not look one iota different from the stuff he claims as his platform now.
>
> Cool Bobby K Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> > racial understanding.
> >
> > Then Obama took a really long time explaining
> how
> > we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> > conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> > HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> > complex, by the way)
> >
> > His main point was that the only way forward
> was
> > by voting for him, all other paths were
> backwards
> > or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
> >
> > HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this
> man?
> > Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
> >
> > Of course, those are not the words he said,
> they
> > were the theme. Which is great, because you
> will
> > think that it is something you thought of
> > yourself, not that he told you to do it. This
> is
> > apparent from all the people saying it was a
> great
> > speech.
> >
> > Was it? Why?
> >
> > Courage? He had no choice.
> >
> > His entire tone was black-centric. I thought
> his
> > church was Afro-centric? What did we do to
> Africa?
> > It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately,
> America
> > has tried to help Africa.
> >
> > Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> > stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> > unity. There was none forthcoming from him at
> all.
> > Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> > but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
-------------------------------------------------------
> too bad you are so myopic that you cannot see the
> real message, which was of unity, he understood
> and stated both sides of the racial divide, and he
> pushed for unity. the sad reality is that people
> like you still exist in this country.
>
His message was not about UNITY. This is the problem with the candidate. He uses the WORDS, but all that does is leave it to each one of us to our own vision of what it MEANS!!!!
Listen.
Of course you will agree with yourself. If I say I am for HOPE, and do not define what I mean, you will define it.
and then agree with yourself, and if you are not careful- think you agree with me. But I have NOT told you what HOPE means to me. So you actually have no idea if you agree or not. Understand. All Obama can do is present words well, like an actor who can read and convey ideas. That is not the same thing as conveying what you want to, what you mean to, what you are truly passionate about. All of us have had great teachers. What made them great? They had passion, but also, they were concerned about conveying the message. If they had to do it twelve different ways to make twelve different kids understand it then that GREAT TEACHER could and would do it.
This is not Obama. Obama is just a great talker. His ideas would change (irony there) if it would get him elected and he would not look one iota different from the stuff he claims as his platform now.
>
> Cool Bobby K Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The speech was really bad. Not even first grade
> > racial understanding.
> >
> > Then Obama took a really long time explaining
> how
> > we had a choice between--- bad stuff (or his
> > conception of bad stuff)---- OR VOTING FOR
> > HIM!!!!! (this is the definition of messiah
> > complex, by the way)
> >
> > His main point was that the only way forward
> was
> > by voting for him, all other paths were
> backwards
> > or stuck in the mud FOREVER.
> >
> > HUH! Since when? Why does anyone support this
> man?
> > Because he says you should? WOW!!!!!
> >
> > Of course, those are not the words he said,
> they
> > were the theme. Which is great, because you
> will
> > think that it is something you thought of
> > yourself, not that he told you to do it. This
> is
> > apparent from all the people saying it was a
> great
> > speech.
> >
> > Was it? Why?
> >
> > Courage? He had no choice.
> >
> > His entire tone was black-centric. I thought
> his
> > church was Afro-centric? What did we do to
> Africa?
> > It was Africans that sold slaves. Lately,
> America
> > has tried to help Africa.
> >
> > Worse, Obama revealed that his view is indeed
> > stuck in the past. There is no clear vision of
> > unity. There was none forthcoming from him at
> all.
> > Only an empty promise that he will deliver one,
> > but only if we elected him. Shesh!!!
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Mar 18, 11:56 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Gerson didn't like Obama before so i'm not surprised the speech fell short for him, he's blinded by his anti-oBama bias to see how important the speech was
|
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Mar 18, 11:57 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
You didn't listen or don't get it.
Have you had a conversion experience? Do you know what you feel toward someone who shows you the Christ? It is like your father or brother. You can't choose who shows you how to attain your "second birth by the spirit" ( John 3 ) any more than you can choose your first birth by water and blood.
Bush hid that person a "Jesus Freak" and pretended it was Billy Graham during a walk on a beach that doesn't exist.
I am white 44 year old man, but I have heard the US called "The @#$%& of Babylon" in more than one sermon. In the Christian and Jewish traditions that what profits do. Wright was mild compared to old testament profits.
If you made JFK explain his Priests positions on Pre-Vatican II Catholic doctrines of birth control, nuclear weapons, just war, purgatory and transubstantiation and how protestants are out side of God's sacraments he would never have been president.
You need to apply and equal measure. You don't.
Have you had a conversion experience? Do you know what you feel toward someone who shows you the Christ? It is like your father or brother. You can't choose who shows you how to attain your "second birth by the spirit" ( John 3 ) any more than you can choose your first birth by water and blood.
Bush hid that person a "Jesus Freak" and pretended it was Billy Graham during a walk on a beach that doesn't exist.
I am white 44 year old man, but I have heard the US called "The @#$%& of Babylon" in more than one sermon. In the Christian and Jewish traditions that what profits do. Wright was mild compared to old testament profits.
If you made JFK explain his Priests positions on Pre-Vatican II Catholic doctrines of birth control, nuclear weapons, just war, purgatory and transubstantiation and how protestants are out side of God's sacraments he would never have been president.
You need to apply and equal measure. You don't.
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Mar 18, 11:58 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Geez, this is like my fourth comment on this page. I'll shut it after this
But I have to ask this poster... why exactly is it a fluff speech? I found it very specific and substantial. As a public speaker and having ample experience writing academic essays, I found most of what he said today quite organized. He had a specific main point, provided all different kinds of arguments (historical, logical, emotional appeals) to support his 'thesis'
I'll say what I said about another poster. 'Triad' is again making things up: why would you say he's trying to make us feel guilty? I didn't feel guilty upon watching the speech, and I had joined in the bandwagon on criticizing Mr. Obama before today. You're making up false points that Barack did not make and then trying to refute them. It's called the straw man argument, and it's weak.
Triad Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Calculated Fluff speech to try to cover up
> something that he cannot cover up with fluff. In
> fact he used it more or less to try to change
> subject and make others feel guilty about daring
> to question him and his lack of sense.
>
> 20 Years! wil not be buried by this tripe.
> Obama is done.
But I have to ask this poster... why exactly is it a fluff speech? I found it very specific and substantial. As a public speaker and having ample experience writing academic essays, I found most of what he said today quite organized. He had a specific main point, provided all different kinds of arguments (historical, logical, emotional appeals) to support his 'thesis'
I'll say what I said about another poster. 'Triad' is again making things up: why would you say he's trying to make us feel guilty? I didn't feel guilty upon watching the speech, and I had joined in the bandwagon on criticizing Mr. Obama before today. You're making up false points that Barack did not make and then trying to refute them. It's called the straw man argument, and it's weak.
Triad Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Calculated Fluff speech to try to cover up
> something that he cannot cover up with fluff. In
> fact he used it more or less to try to change
> subject and make others feel guilty about daring
> to question him and his lack of sense.
>
> 20 Years! wil not be buried by this tripe.
> Obama is done.
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Mar 18, 11:59 PM |
Report Abuse Reply |
I agree. Just part of Obama's pattern of trying to smooth talk his way out of everything (Rezko, Nafta double talk, etc).
|
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Mar 19, 12:00 AM |
Report Abuse Reply |
Posted by: WSH
Comment: #8
Mar 18, 11:03 PM
Report Abuse
Reply
Wright was most evidently a hater and racist. Why BHO backed him is a just concern.
----------------------------------------------------
As are Catholics that support the Pope and his sheltering Cardinal Law and his continued placement of pedophile priests in new churches so they could have some fresh action by moving him to Rome when the police had a warrant for his arrest.
As are the Lutheran's who remain silent as some Pastors preach the late writings of Martin Luther's anti Judaism that were the foundation upon which Hitler based his final solution..
As are the Baptists for supporting Baptists that demonstrate and the funerals of service members killed in action, telling their survivors that their loved one died because God damned them for defending a nation of homosexuality that refuses to defend marriage.
Or the Jewish school that uses electric shock collars so much they cause 2d & 3rd degree burns on kids with Autism then destroy the video tapes to protect the victims privacy after they were ordered to safeguard them for the police defending the practice as a religiously protected practice.
Or the Anglican's that schism with the Episcopal church over the ordination of women so they join the church of Uganda with their open approval of bigamy which is a crime in this country
Yep.
Being ecumenical is a lot easier when we judge others before we judge ourselves..
Comment: #8
Mar 18, 11:03 PM
Report Abuse
Reply
Wright was most evidently a hater and racist. Why BHO backed him is a just concern.
----------------------------------------------------
As are Catholics that support the Pope and his sheltering Cardinal Law and his continued placement of pedophile priests in new churches so they could have some fresh action by moving him to Rome when the police had a warrant for his arrest.
As are the Lutheran's who remain silent as some Pastors preach the late writings of Martin Luther's anti Judaism that were the foundation upon which Hitler based his final solution..
As are the Baptists for supporting Baptists that demonstrate and the funerals of service members killed in action, telling their survivors that their loved one died because God damned them for defending a nation of homosexuality that refuses to defend marriage.
Or the Jewish school that uses electric shock collars so much they cause 2d & 3rd degree burns on kids with Autism then destroy the video tapes to protect the victims privacy after they were ordered to safeguard them for the police defending the practice as a religiously protected practice.
Or the Anglican's that schism with the Episcopal church over the ordination of women so they join the church of Uganda with their open approval of bigamy which is a crime in this country
Yep.
Being ecumenical is a lot easier when we judge others before we judge ourselves..