BARACK OBAMA GIVES A MOVING AND IMPORTANT SPEECH ON RACE IN AMERICA
March 18, 2008.
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COMMENTS:
peppers_01
Go Obama!! YES WE CAN!
--------------- MTO...The biggest haters forum
peppers_01
Wow I thought I would feel more pumped up to be first, but nah! It;s not worth waking up at 5 am for.
--------------- MTO...The biggest haters forum
mzcheeks007
wow ive neva been this close to numba 1...guess nobody comments on stories like these
loyalreadr21
4th
obama 08
--------------- ...be wise - love life (*V*)
Qdoggball11
what I'm in the top 5! Obama O8 don't hate!
Pete
yes we will in the top ten thank GOD!
--------------- Taking One Day @ a Time
Goliano
And CNN's Wolf Blitzer tries to diminish it's impact.
--------------- Free Mumia!
Goliano
@mzcheeks007 - Nah, the ignorance factor is too low for posts like these to get many comments.
--------------- Free Mumia!
ManKandi
Hello I'm new and I love Obama
--------------- King Kong ain‘t got [EXPLETIVE] on me!!!
FelonysHobby
I saw it live and he knocked it out the park. He used whats happening with Jeremiah Wright to challenge America about its feelings about race essentially saying we can talk about this now or sweep it away and nothing is done. Like Roland Martin said, this is one of those teaching moments. Now can we please get off of Obama's pastor so he can go back to kicking Hillary Clinton's áss?
-----
How can I survive? Got me asking white Jesus
will a nígga live or die, 'cause the Lord can't see us
in the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
No sunny days and we only play sometimes
--------------- www.myspace.com/felonyshobby
babybabe
This is what I'm talking about MTO this is why I joined today. This is the reason Kudos to you. I was moved today because this is the core of what we should be talking about right now...not who sucked WHO!!OR who called someone a N@@@A and so on... but the fact is this is truth and this is important that if we dont acknowledge what is going on that which is so important to our community then we will never know and stay a people that are constantly in a state of emotion istead of stance and knowledge and power.PEOPLE WAKE UP THIS IS LIFE..we are about to make history and yeah even though bear steins took a hit and racism so clearly exists supporting ourselves is so important first f...k what eva the rest of the society says and I agree with u too GOLIANO in re: wolf splitzer not surprised and nah you will not see too many posts in here even though i pray i'm wrong..KUDOS OBAMA WE GOT UR BACK...OBAMA 08.
Rarestgem
@Goliano Ur pic reminds me of Guru from Gang Starr, if that's u...
I listened to the speech and the comments made following it on MSNBC. A white female commentator from the Washington Post called the speech the most important since Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream. Barack Obama is so inspiring. Everything that he said was true and describes what needs to be done to unify this country. Regardless of race, I support him because of his vision and his integrity. No one else comes close.
--------------- Register & vote on November 4, 2008!
It's funny how some of us only get "political" every 4 years. Organize your community regardless of which [EXPLETIVE]'s (yes Obama is a [EXPLETIVE] too) in office.
And if you think the President runs this country you have a lot of things to learn
--------------- We only get what we‘re organized t
stlnellz
race does not matter ... or does it . He cant make up his mind.
--------------- Tina Fey got it right
lisajkv
Glad you're feeling confident about Obama's speech, but unfortunately the American people are not going to forget about what Barack's Pastors said. You got to be kidding me if you think they will elect him the Preseident of the United States, are you for real? Hillary is now leading in the polls!
Ole_Giza
Why isn't this the headline?
Leanie
Barack and Michelle are quality People for Change (in a good way) for this country. Haters are trying to bog down the situation with sideshows. Stay focused President Obama!
--------------- We have the power people! Use it!
TheShopMagazine
Wow....he just keeps doing it! BO is truely a great leader. He is an inspiration to me and everyone in this shop.
--------------- myspace.com/welcome2theshop
mackofdimes
hey race voters! ready to judge a book by it's cover?
vote obama 08.
ya'll are dumber and more racist than bush's constituency.
si che farraCAN!
IgniteTheMic
BARACK OBAMA IS A DOSE OF POLITICAL SALVATION FOR THE US NATION.
CHECK OUT IGNITETHEMIC.COM
Jensanbelle
Good afternoon to all!!!
--------------- Akon ft Michael Jackson"HoldmyHands
Shoopy
If the Clintons use their trickery to win the primary...I'm BOYCOTTING the November election...in hopes that they put another dumbass republican in office and not Billary!
--------------- "Touch me on my inside parts"-
peachpie
OBAMA: We have no choice but to heal our racial divide, if we are going to continue on a path towards a more perfect union.....The audacity of hope.....
Only Obama had the guts to tackle the eight hundred pound gorrilla in the room.....
Oh Yeah.....Obama in 08.....
Shoopy
I LOVE OBAMA...notice he spoke from his OWN mind...not someone elses...no written speech for him...I LOVE THIS MAN!!
--------------- "Touch me on my inside parts"-
Thrive
This man comes from both sides of the track. Yes his pastor has made some very harsh statements, but those are his statements and feeling. I sit in church sometimes and don't agree with my pastor, but those are his feeling and thought; because he is only a man just like me. Yes his words may have recked Obama, but they did not derail him. For those who say he is another [EXPLETIVE] in office. Look at yourself, because we have some [EXPLETIVE] in us. That light skin just didn't come from bleaching. Keep your stride Obama, because this is your day. Now that's what's up!
cNinja
@peppers_01
looking GOOD up there with your chocolate self!!
IF I EVER HERE ANOTHER BLACK PERSON SAY BILL CLINTON IS "BLACK" I'M SLAPPING THEM IN THE FACE IMMEDIATELY...
THIS YOUR CLINTON RACIST WAKE UP CALL!!!
--------------- retarded comments turn me off from MTO
vanilla_one
I watched the speech it was very touching.
@lisajkv
what polls are you looking at sweetie, because Barack is clearly in the lead by a long shot!
Hilary is only in the lead with the superdelegate.
--------------- Love under construction!
Delicatelioness
I don't know about this guy. I'm getting a phony vibe. However, i could be wrong, but, i'm usually not! Charm can get you a long way. I should know i'm a leo.
It's sad how some of take the beauty of Obama's speech and bring it on here and preach their politics in such a negative way...First thing we should do while organizing our community is to teach the youngens' that we don't have to use inflammatory racist terms to describe people..
For the love of God, you need to check yourself before you start leading the people....Real talk, from a grown woman..
Thrive, I hear ya...We all have a little white in us don't we.....I have much respect for intelligent talk..
--------------- simplemente complicada
Ginger
It's sad how some of take the beauty of Obama's speech and bring it on here and preach their politics in such a negative way...First thing we should do while organizing our community is to teach the youngens' that we don't have to use inflammatory racist terms to describe people..
For the love of God, you need to check yourself before you start leading the people....Real talk, from a grown woman..
Thrive, I hear ya...We all have a little white in us don't we.....I have much respect for intelligent talk..
--------------- simplemente complicada
lisajkv
@ Vanillaone
You have so much to learn about politics, the superdelgates polls are the only one's that matters, sweetie! NEXT
ModelJeff
I watched the speech and ppl were still talking about his pastors comments. Why dont they understand he didnt agree with what his pastor said?
It's just a weak excuse for ppl to say they are not going to vote for him. The real reason why is because he's a black man, and some ppl (insert race) dont feel comfortable voting for a black man to be president.
--------------- Contact info - modeljeff@gmail.com
dcbhoops
I'm a Libertarian, and I'm not an Obama supporter, but that was an EXCELLENT speech this morning.
He shouldn't have had to spend time answering to what his minister had to say, but I think his response today was more than appropriate.
Besides, there are more pressing issues facing this country.
The value of the dollar is plummeting. And this weekend, J.P. Morgan bought Bear Stearns ($236M) for less than what the Yankees spent on A-Rod's new contract ($275M). In light of all that, who cares what Obama's minister has to say?
BTW, I HATE it when prominent black leaders (Louis Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc.) are used as a litmus test for black political candidates.
(ASIDE: Since Ron Paul had had perhaps the most to say in his campaign about monetary policy and the current financial crisis, wouldn't you think that the popular TV news programs would interview him, regardless of whether or not you agree with his solutions?)
--------------- Shop online at www.beige-world.com.
MrsWard
Well I feel if she stood for something(IN MY EYES) then maybe just maybe we might be on to something but in my eyes she don’t stand for nothing but the same ole sh!t...You Got to be kidding ME. My opinion on Obama’s pastor is this...If you go to a African American church which I do..Your pastor is going to say a lot of things that you don’t agree with..but in the same token he will say a lot of things that you do agree with...PLEASE SPARE ME what does his pastor have to do with the price of tea in China? NOTHING!!! Lets really talk about what really matters. Obama to me is a BREATH of fresh air...His message is what I care about... CHANGE.. Is what we need..Not the same ol’e Sh!t the Clinton’s want to give us...Billary don’t want to think outside the box...She talks about experience...Experience..has gotten us to where we are now...DOWN...OBAMA 08 all the way
THEMISSES08
OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT
What a phenomenal speech, a lot of you may not agree with him, however he is a great inspiration to what could be.
Gt2lvit
Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or Clinton.
Records of these two candidates should be scrutinized in order to make an informed decision.
Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas2.html but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after Jam es L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton 's bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.
There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.
Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded **the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law, **The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law, **The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate, **The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law, **The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.
He's not just a talker.
He's a doer.
--------------- www.myspace.com/gt2lvit
vanilla_one
lmao @ lisajkv saying the superdelegates are the only ones that matter!!
Hun, I suggest you go to CNN or MSNBC . COM for a little politics 101 class. Hell google politics for all I care.
But tell me where in politics history do the superdelegates are the only ones that matter? So why even have a debate, why even campaign from state to state, why have an election, why do we vote if the superdelegates are the only ones that matter. WE are the ones who make the votes to elect someone in office. The superdelegates are more like the "tie breakers" or the ones that can make the final say so, and even if they do make the final call with this election, tell me where in politics history have the superdelegates voted against the number of pledged delegates that the nominee has?
--------------- Love under construction!
Swagger
Go Head!!! A man with power!!!
--------------- BOD MON!!!!
vanilla_one
This all stems from the racist remark that Geraldine Ferraro said, but do you see that speech still lingering on week to week? Hell NO they swept that shiit under the rug just like they do with all the other dirty shiit these dirty white politics do. This has the CLINTONS written all over it, how ironic was this mysterious tape of Obama's pastor hitting the surface right after Geraldine made her comment? This was all the Clinton's doing so they can take the heat off of them. Where was this tape before Geraldine's comment? They are a bunch of racist and will do and say anything to win.
--------------- Love under construction!
good_n_plentie
1. how did this person get a 38 min video on youtube?
2. important political speech = 35 comments; pics of kim k (or any celeb) walking down a street = 200 comments. anyone else see a problem??
3. billary clinton will have to use a WHOLE box of tissues to get back into the running after this speech.
4. why should B. Obama even have to explain the comments of his preacher (although i'm glad he did because like he said otherwise people will be trying to focus on this rather than the real issues)? billary will have to use another tactic to polarize his supporters...
OBAMA '08!!!!!
real-deal
After watching this mornings press conference, I have switched my vote from Hillary to Barack. On April 22nd I will cast my ballot for Obama. That was real talk, probably the realest I ever heard from a politician.
It should serve as a wake up call to all races, racism is not one races problem, but all of our problem.
@Vanilla_one his pastors comments were far more disturbing that Geraldines. The whole "hate the Jews" thing from a "man of God" is a disgrace but either way, Im glad it came out because it gave Barack a way to bring this important subject a platform to discuss the issue of race in America and how WE ALL PLAY A ROLE IN IT!!!!!
Lovely_One
AMAZING!
SoulofNesha
For the most part, I'm elated to see so many supporters of Barak Obama and positive comments on this forum. This man IS about change, and not just any change but change for the good, the better and the people.
I don't expect many to understand this man's language (and I'm not talking English); it's beyond that. I'm talking about the message that he's sending. So many folks will have a pessimistic outlook on what Barak is trying to accomplish. But you can't please everyone. However, I do hope/pray that God continues to work through this man and continue to help him grow so that he can be tool that will bring hope back to all races (particulary Blacks), classes (the under class), and America at large.
OBAMA '08
--------------- Keeping the populist informed...
whatididhesay
E Pluribus Unum…I definitely agree that the problems that plague America surpass color lines…Go Obama! I believe that he has the best plan for America. I want him in office!
Obama promotes a message of unity...yet it’s interesting that only 1/3 of white voters are voting for him….but I am not really surprised….
--------------- GREAT is God‘s grace on my life!
whatididhesay
What an interesting time to be taking a class for American Federal Government!
--------------- GREAT is God‘s grace on my life!
Litttlecocanuts
We the people, in order to form a more perfect union."
Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.
The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation's original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.
Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution - a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.
And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.
This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.
This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.
I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton's Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I've gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world's poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners - an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.
It's a story that hasn't made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts - that out of many, we are truly one.
Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.
This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either "too black" or "not black enough." We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.
And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.
On one end of the spectrum, we've heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it's based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we've heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.
I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely - just as I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.
But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. They weren't simply a religious leader's effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country - a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.
As such, Reverend Wright's comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems - two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.
Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way
But the truth is, that isn't all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God's work here on Earth - by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:
"People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend's voice up into the rafters....And in that single note - hope! - I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion's den, Ezekiel's field of dry bones. Those stories - of survival, and freedom, and hope - became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories that we didn't need to feel shame about...memories that all people might study and cherish - and with which we could start to rebuild."
That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety - the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity's services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.
And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions - the good and the bad - of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.
I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.
These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.
Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.
But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America - to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.
The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we've never really worked through - a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.
Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, "The past isn't dead and buried. In fact, it isn't even past." We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.
Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven't fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today's black and white students.
Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments - meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today's urban and rural communities.
A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one's family, contributed to the erosion of black families - a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods - parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement - all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.
This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What's remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.
But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn't make it - those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations - those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright's generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician's own failings.
And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright's sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.
In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don't feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience - as far as they're concerned, no one's handed them anything, they've built it from scratch. They've worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they're told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.
Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren't always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.
Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns - this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.
This is where we are right now. It's a racial stalemate we've been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy - particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.
But I have asserted a firm conviction - a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people - that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.
For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances - for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives - by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.
Ironically, this quintessentially American - and yes, conservative - notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright's sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.
The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country - a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen - is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope - the audacity to hope - for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds - by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.
In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.
For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle - as we did in the OJ trial - or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.
We can do that.
But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.
That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, "Not this time." This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can't learn; that those kids who don't look like us are somebody else's problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.
This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don't have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.
This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.
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.
I would not be running for President if I didn't believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation - the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.
There is one story in particularly that I'd like to leave you with today - a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King's birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.
There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.
And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that's when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.
She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.
She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.
Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother's problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn't. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.
Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they're supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who's been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he's there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, "I am here because of Ashley."
"I'm here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.
But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins
TheDen
I've said this before - I think Barack is a truly great candidate & I think he'll eventually make a very good President by the time he's done. Here's the thing: I'd feel EXACTLY the same way about him if he were lily white. Can all of you say the same? Is your support for this man based on his greatness as a candidate, or the fact that he's a "brother"? Really, ask yourselves that question. I think he's a tremendous candidate because of his convictions - not because he's black.
Sure, I HEAR some black folks talking about how "moving" his speeches are. But is that what it's about? If Barack were white, would half of you be basking in the glow of how incredible his speech was? And another thing - why does supporting Barack have to come as a package deal with bashing Hillary. I saw one person in this thread say that "Billary" is what got the country down to where it is today. Oh, so when Bill Clinton left office in 2000, you're gonna tell me the country was as bad off as it is today??? You're gonna tell me that, in 2000, when we had a balanced budget, a national surplus, and record-low unemployment at the time, the country was as bad off as it is today??? I LOVE how folks like to revise history. GEORGE BUSH'S presidency is what drove this country further down. Millions of us were raving about how good shape the country was in back in 2000 when the Clintons left office. But NOW that a BROTHER is running, suddenly it's all about calling the Clinton's shady, etc etc, as if the country WASN'T in the good shape it was in when they left. As if that fact hasn't been pointed out for years since they've been gone & since Bush has merked the whole joint. But NOW that BARACK is running, let's start calling them "Billary" and "shady", and pretend like we weren't better off then. Is that how we do, people?
Barack is likely to be our next Prez & that's great. But I'm just pointing out how easily history & attitudes change. Just ask yourselves if you'd be this on-fire for Barack, if everything else were the same, except if he were white. If the answer is yes, then good for you, and this message isn't aimed at you. If the answer is no, then you're just the people Barack is talking about, that he doesn't want their votes. People who, deep down, are backing someone as strongly as they are because he's blacker than his opponent. That's not right. Just my opinion, folks. Thanks.
--Den
vanilla_one
@realdeal
I agree with you, his pastor's comments were distrubing, but Geraldine's was disturbing towards the African Americans as well but do you see us going after her like the media (mainly whites)are going after Obama, and yet she said she is not a racist. Then after getting attacked, she tried to play a victim by saying the only reason why she's getting attacked is because she is white? I don't get it, either you are a racist or not! I honestly don't see why they are making Obama take the blame for what his pastor said. Obama already swayed away from his pastor, and gave a very remarkable speech today explaining but yet most people(you figure out which race, here) keep saying his speech wasn't persuasive enough! What more do he need to explain?? I feel if they are going to hold him responsible for another man's action, then Hillary should be held responsible for Geraldine's action too. I want to know how many people go to church every sunday agreeing or believing what they pastor has said. This makes no sense whatsoever! And if you look at the footage of the tape, you will see plenty of white people in his congregation standing up and applauding this pastor after making those statements! So how many people are really affected by this pastor speech?
--------------- Love under construction!
vanilla_one
one more thing..
Bill Clinton was elected a second term after the infamous Lewinsky scandal, yet he was never impeached for his actions as a leader of our country. Here we have Obama taking the heat for another man's speech, as if OBAMA himself made the damn speech.
--------------- Love under construction!
stlnellz
Its sad to see so many black folks confused. Great speech he was able distract you guysfrom the real issues. Lets talk about race now yeah.. blacks will really be on my side an whites cant say anything because then they w8ill be racist. Good job BHO your proving that blacks can and have been easily misled.
--------------- Tina Fey got it right
momo1979
@ VANILLA_ONE
...actually "Impeachment" is a process Bill Clinton WAS subjected to. The word impeachment references the process - enough votes were not available for him to be removed from office, but technically he WAS "Impeached." Check on it before you type...
TheDen
And again, I believe the favoritism exists with many of you guys too, in my opinion. I saw QUITE few folks on here, when the Geraldine comments were made, saying that HILLARY was playing the race card on Obama. Nobody wanted to hear that it was just a crazed, out-of-line support talking out of their necks, THEN.
But now that a BARACK supporter, this pastor, goes ape-shyt with all these comments, I'm reading "Why should he even have to answer for another man's speech as if it's his own!? It's not fair." Guess what, people. It wasn't fair EITHER time. Neither Hillary NOR Obama should be held responsible for the actions of others. But there were many people here, using Geraldine's comments as further "proof" of Hillary's "shadiness". Yet somehow, you don't want this pastor's comments to come within 10 miles of Barack's reputation. So, in my opinion, double-standards go both ways. And it's ALWAYS unfair.
girliegirl87
Go Obama!!! You rock I definitley voted for you for president. I really love all of your speeches and they rock. Obama you are the bomb!!!
-----
I am the girliest girl you ever met born in 87
--------------- http://lifeoflatise.blogspot.com
Salome
First, I don't think anything the pastor said was appropriate. I don't truly think that pastors speak that way. That part alone was disgraceful. Secondly, if he was/is truly Obama's spirtual advisor, why doesn't he come forward and at least let the world know that Obama does not share his views on race, color or america. It seems to me that if he truly cared for Obama as Obama obviously cares for him, he would not let him weather this storm along. Obama literally told the entire world today that he would not disrespect of disregard the Pastor. He cannot possibly be what Obama and many other say he is, if he does not come forward now and defend his own words, not Obama's. Where is he? It's bad enough Hillary is trying to capitalize on this disgrace, but the pastor is acting very ignorant by not publically standing by Obama at this time. I question his motives. He sounds very much like a divider, race baiter and hate monger and I know for sure THAT'S NOT what pastor's do or how they respresent themselves.
He made himself and his calling look weak, false and unbelievable. There was nothing in that rabid speech that represented god or godly ways. He's a disgrace. Presidency be damned, those words have no place in society. Not now or ever.
He's a digrace.
TROOPER
@ Revolution: everyone know that the president don't run the country in its entirely. u not saying nothing new. Everyone know about the shadow government. to say Obama [EXPLETIVE] is showing that u r a dumbass that read a book or two and think that was a deep statement. Cause u have dreads don't mean u bob marley with political saavy. Obama is the man to be president and people need to stop acting like America has not done wrong or don't have a problem with discrimination. Obama put it out there today and told the truth. He shouldn't have to explain that pastor actions shi.t did Billary explain that Bit'ch friend of hers actions and did anyone in the media associate Billary to her saying they were her views NO! so bitches back up cuz like my man Tracey Morgan said Black is the new President BITCH!
OBAMA 08
--------------- HIGH FIVE IN THE 09!
JuztMax410
This speech reminds me of W.E.B. DuBios who stated that in the 20th century the problem in society would be race...Obamas stating that in the 21st century the issue will not be race...think about that!
-JuztMax
--------------- The talent everybody‘s been waitin
SisterSoldier
WOW! His speech has surpassed my expectations. That is one of the best speeches I have ever heard.
I heard that his wife Michelle cried backstage after he made the speech. I don't blame her.
stlnellz
oh by the way if BHO was a muslim american and his church was a mosque REV Wright was wearing a turbin. Would he still be in the race?.... I think not.
--------------- Tina Fey got it right
DEEP_EAST_OAKLAND_P
I CAN SUM UP WHAT OBAMA SAID IN 4 WORDS
IT'S A BLACK THING
--------------- LAKERS N.B.A 09 CHAMPIONS KISS DA RINGS!
SisterSoldier
They (Rush, HRC, Fox News, etc) tried to take him out, but he made history instead:
A psalm of David. Here is the Lord’s proclamation to my lord: “Sit down at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool!”
Mz_Doagae
This man gives me so much hope.....I got a little teary eyed....
--------------- I only got 3 people in my FAVEfive...
naomi
Perfect!
naomi
Perfect!
Total_Revolution
George Bush needs to take notes from Obama on how to deliver a speech.
ga_boy87
Now that's what I'm talkin bout. He actually talkin bout it instead of sweepin it under the rug.
--------------- East ATL stand up!!!
Opinion8ed
I am speechless. I am truly inspired. Obama '08 all the way!!!!!
brotherj
History in the making!! Ladies and gentlemen I present to you our next President!!!!!
Monie911
He is brilliant and he knows how to express what is going on.....period, at this time, even though we may havev radical ideas about changing society, for now, i think Barack is a good start and hopefulyl future national leaders will follow that will be even better. but right now he is all we have , he is the only hope period
MYDRO28
Barack is truly a wonderful man. I have to say that he is very intelligent and keeps his composure. I've seen how they are trying to make him look bad. But if God wants him to be in the office then he will and there's nothing they can do to stop it. There are alot of older white Americans who are still stuck in their racist ways and just not about having a Black President. Why the color of someone skin is always an issue? especially Blacks. Blacks face so many challenges in life than whites. There will always be racist people and that's just the way it is. One thing that is true we all come from one source and one day those racists people of this country will see the truth. When you hate someone thats diffrent from you, you hate thyself. Truth is real and deep.
vanilla_one
@momo1979
thanks for clarifying "-ed" and "-ment" in the word Impeach lmaooooo!!
--------------- Love under construction!
nellboogie
I was so moved by the speech that I pulled over, parked and listened to it in my car. Obama is trying to reveal to us that despite all of our imperfections as individuals and regardless of all of our differences, we have a responsibility as Americans to come together and change our plight as well as our dispositions. Many people share the same sentiments as Pastor Wright and Geraldine and as Barack so eloquently pointed out, these feelings come from a very real place, we can't be dismissive of those feelings but we can work together to heal the bitterness and understand that the enemy we are fighting is not our brother or sister down the road but those in power who have placed us all in a position where we have to fight each other for an ever decreasing piece of the pie. Wake up America! We must get past the pettiness and understand that We (Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, Christians, and Muslims) will have no legacy to leave to the generation coming up behind us. WE bear a tremendous amount of responsibility to those young and yet born Americans and we should no longer take that responsibility lightly.
--------------- The reality of truly being me...
Cwill
it was a great speech!!!!!
www.smartsexyrichcrazy.com
nanafia1
This man is the truth. It would of been politically correct for him to denouce and or reject his pastor, but he refused to do that, he rejected his words, but also asked everyone to look deeper into the words and see where the anger stems from. He is very loyal and has integrity and should not be penalized for another persons words. I agree with a lot of the things the pastor was stating, that Hilary will never know how it is to be a black man and be called a n*i*g*g*e*r, and lets face it, America and the world is run by wealthy white men. Last thing, People are saying that the pastor is racist, however, Racism is when one race considers themselves intrinically superior to members of another race, therefore black people may be prejudice towards whites but not racist.
bitai
If Obama gets elected prez, he'd have Rev Wright sitting up there with him and his family during the inauguration, and think there's nothing wrong with it. That's how bad I think his judgment is.
As to whether blacks can be racist or not, why don't people just look the damn word up, instead of trying to make up their own definitions?
1.a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2.a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3.hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
So, according to the third definition, yes, blacks CAN be racist.
interesting
Obama is a nice orator. He is an effective speaker like JFK, TD Jakes, etc...
HOWEVER, He has lost the presidency because of his own "achilles heel" (a militant and extremist pastor he has known for 20 years).
Obama is a politician, sorry Obama supporters.
He is a wolf in sheep clothing and has fooled you with this allusion of inclusion. If Iowa and other states knew this about him, he would not even get more votes than Edwards. He would get the black vote and some white liberals, but that is it. What a punk. Yeah I said it, a punk!
Where in the world is Oprah, Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John Kerry? They created this black camelot and like Ted Kennedy will loose and as Democrats we all will loose if Obama is the nominee.
I am glad I did not waste my vote - Hillary 2008
Clinton was right, he should have been vetted by the Democrat party. Gore and Kerry lost to Bush by Supreme Court and Electoral College. Democrat party does not know how to pick candidates.
They get people like Dukakis in 1988 and get swiftboated like Kerry.
Obama, I guess your Chickens have come home to roost! LOL!
DougFlutie
Wow. that was a nearly perfect speech and very daring.
*interesting, your argument is baseless and reveals a clearly preexisting bias. Your logic does not clearly contain why Obama is NOT a good nomination choice nor why Hillary IS. try again
DougFlutie
To *nanafia1 and *bitai you are both wrong to an extent. Firstly, a black American cannot be considered a racist in AMERICA because racism involves the INSTITUTIONAL and SYSTEMATIC domination, privilege and advantage of one race over another/others. Black Americans are in no position of power to be true racists in America. So nanafial's conclusion is right but the rationale is erroneous. Bitai your first two definitions are correct but the third is a modern misrepresentation of the word. This is not a precedent, for example, the word "gay" is not supposed to be a sexual delineation but in modern dictionaries it is. By TRUE definition, a black American cannot be racist in America. In Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Haiti, etc. yes, but not in AMERICA, Canada, England, Australia etc.
yellowberry
for those who aren't feelin obamas chances in this race need a hug.he'll be all right, some of you say he is still part of the system and that the position of president means nothing, that couldn't be further from the truth.senator obama is a realist, he see a situation for what it is, he dosen't give anyone(black or white)a false sense of reality, and theres no sales pitch in his delivery.i fully support him based on his sincerity and record and not because he is a black man(although i always try to stand behind a brotha).as for someone sayin hes behind in the polls.....look at ur websites that show this info, hes actually out in front, not by much but out in front noneless.hes behind in superdelegates but not by much either.truth be told.....he has an outstanding chance to win the nomination(breathe easy)because if hillary were to win EVERY state from now till the convention, she would NOT have enough delegates to be nominated and he would STILL have more than her, and thats IF she won every state.obama does not and will not have enough delegates to win the nomination either.this process will have to be decided by the superdelegates.out of respect for who the leading delegate winner is by the end of the primary, the superdelegates are supposed to vote for that candidate REGARDLESS of what candidate they are commited to.it will be interesting.
--------------- elizabeth hasselbeck must go !!!!!
Dee07
Obama's speech today was so moving and historical, that it should be in every history text book. This is truly a call for change and something special. This country would be mighty stupid to let someone like Barack Obama slip away. I will be a delegate for Obama at my state convention here in Texas. I'll do everything I can in my power to see this man elected. Guys, get out there and vote for Obama because he's our only hope for the future.
Obama 08'
SisterSoldier
@Hillary spammers
You guys can try to diminished the significance of Barack Obamas speech if you want to...but this speech will go down in history, and he hasn't even became president yet.
focus
It was a wonderful speech. However, other cultures are not seeing Obama's affiliation with Rev. Wright the same way as black people do. Rev. Wright's sermon comes from somewhere deep. From a person who's experienced segregation and the degradation of being a black person of the 40s, 50s, 60s, etc. his sermons come from what he has experienced.
We have to look at this from all sides now. We can't just look at it our way so if you discuss this with someone of another race who just doesn't understand how Obama could still be friends with Rev. Wright, take the time to explain it to them because some TRULY don't get it. They think it is racist to the core! Now, some of Rev. Wright's words were harsh but the clips I saw he was using metaphors about past treatment in this country.
@Dougflutie: You have it all wrong. A black person can be racist and I've met several of them. Some have grown up during segregration and can't stand a white person or some have never left their hood and only go by what others have told them yet can't stand white people or the Asians running businesses in their communities. It doesn't have to involve power, systems and/or institutions to be racist in one's heart. What about the poor as a mouse, racist white person, living in the trailer park who uses the "N" word for every person of color he sees, even a dark Hispanic or Indian? He's a racist alright.
@interesting: No, you wasted your mental capacity by judging the first genuine politician in our life time by a few edited clips. Yes, Obama's known Rev. Wright for over 20 years but that hardly makes him a "wolf in sheep's clothing." In the edited clips I've seen I have yet to see Rev. Wright speak like Louis Farrakhan calling white people "devils". Rev. Wright did make some bad choices with some words but from what I saw and heard, what did he say that wasn't true?:
1) Hillary has never been called the "N" word: True
2) Hillary doesn't know what it's like to be a black man in America: True
3) Barack knows what it's like to be a black man in America: True
I haven't heard much more than that. Now I've heard someone say he said something about the KKK but I want to listen to his sermon in its entirety and not those few news clips.
I've never attended a church where any pastor has spoken like that. If so, I'd certainly ask someone where his pain comes from and why he didn't offer it another way. But Obama knows him personally and not via some edited news clips.
nenelux
Wow! I've never really listened to Obama, but I see he is very deep in word and throughts and you know he is speaking from the heart and mind because he is not reading this from a paper or notes. I heard that this great man made up this speech on Monday (in one day), so quick and so effective. Sounds like the right man for presidency, to me!
misscocoa
Barack Obama is such a wonderful speaker. I knew that he would be able to step to the plate and intelligently face this controversy. But the sh*t is not over yet. Because his numbers are so good and there is a strong possibility that he will win the nomination and the White House as well they will continue to attack him with ridiculous and untrue accusations. That just shows us as a people he is doing something right. If his numbers were really poor he would not be an issue.
I hope Oprah does a show about this because she has stuck her neck out on the line to nominate Obama and that's what she needs to do next-have one of her community forums to help clear this up and make it more understandable to those who truly don't understand this.
SisterSoldier
@Dee07
Glad to hear that. Go ahead!
interesting
The argument is valid.
Obama wants to indicate he is post-racial.
However, he hears for 20 years a minister named Rev. Wright who is militant, extremist and perceived anti-american and continues to use his support to get the black vote b/c he is biracial and has no clue what being black is.
Obama lost to Bobby Rush due to his experience and connections with Jackson, Jr. in his early senate rune. Obama used Rev. Wright to get known and get backing.
Nothing is wrong with that. But, he is doing the same thing now by denouncing him and Farrakhan to get WHITE VOTES and not be too militant for their taste.
That has back fired. His supporters and his wife were crying b/c they know their dream of a Black House is lost.
If Democrats nominate Obama the fake, they are done in Nov-08. Luckily Hillary is still in this and can win this with her victories in TX, OH, RI.
Democrats should have vetted Obama and not let this freakin fake even fake you so called black folks out into thinking he had a chance with his sordid background.
If you have an achilles heel, you don't run. That is pure and simple. He does not have the Judgment to Lead and be President of the U. S.
SisterSoldier
@Interesting
I think you are wrong, and I think that Michelle Obama was crying because she was proud of a husband.
Reactions to Obama's speech, The blogosphere has its say on the Philadelphia story:
The speech was profound and needed. I listened with tears in my eyes he made me proud and I don't even know him. He is the President of the United States of America. America needs to wake up and stop allowing smoke and mirrors to determine who we vote for that's how we got in this mess 7 yrs ago. Vote for the issues and who can best help us to become a great country again or a better country true to the constitution. Obama is the one regardless of race or culture. I love the fact that he didn't throw his pastor under the bus, someone whom he does love and respect. I have many family members and friends I don't agree with completely on every issues but we debate and move on. It's life. Obama 08
--------------- work that, work what u got.
SoThenISaid
@ TheDen
>> But NOW that BARACK is running, let's start calling them "Billary" and "shady", and pretend like we weren't better off then. Is that how we do, people? <<
Are you kidding? They brought the angry sentiments upon THEMSELVES by attempting to marginalize Obama USING race, religion and belittling language about him, as well as "shady" tactics. If *anyone* should have stated from the outset that race and religion would be rejected as a campaign tactic, it should have been the Clintons, for as long as they've had a two-way relationship with Black America. I do think Black people were hoping they wouldn't go there, and they did, which is a huge slap in our collective faces. They failed. They flunked big time, and that betrayal comes with real consequences.
It hurts when a stranger twists a knife in your back, but it is excrutiating if your friend does it.
They were sourced as responsible for the traditional garb pictures that tried to link him to terrorism.
Bob Kerrey, a Clinton surrogate, was one of the first to bring up Barack Hussein Obama, trying to turn his name into a prejorative.
Routinely, Hillary talks in a "black voice" when visiting churches. You think people weren't going to pick up on this phony and condescending behavior?
Hillary, in a botched attempt to frame Obama as just a skilled orator, dismissed Dr. King's speeches during the fight for Civil Rights legislation as just words. That's an extra sting with the slap, mind you.
Bill is the one that dismissed Obama's win in S.C. by comparing it to Jesse Jackson's, even though both Kerry and Edwards had won the state two election cycles after Jackson.
They have called the Senator a "kid" (one stop short of "boy"), which is obviously insulting.
The preacher, another Clinton surrogate, who suggested Obama was a coke DEALER, was flat-out lying and particularly playing on the fears of white voters.
Shady? Why yes. Hillary deliberately kept her name on the Michigan and Florida ballots after she signed and agreed with the DNC's position to sanction. Why did she keep her name on the ballot. It's obvious. Of course she is saying the votes she received should count, and the vote was fair, even though none of the other major candidates names were on the ballots, and they followed the rules. Why wasn't she speaking out about the possible disenfranchisment of those voters while the DNC was considering the sanctions? She only does what benefits her and her only. Hello 2000 Election all over again! To play Bush's role is unforgivable.
Hillary alluded to Obama being Muslim on 60 Minutes by deliberately adding the disclaimer, "as far as I know" to the end of her response. (And there are Muslims in uniform that are dying for this country, by the way...)
She arrogantly suggests he could be *her* V.P. Obama nailed it when he said, "they are trying to hoodwink you...and suppress the vote" by giving people the impression a vote for her is a 2-for-1 deal. Well, this isn't McDonald's. She should take remedial math, too.
Finally, last week, she apologized to a group of Black journalists for these so-called missteps in her campaign. Funny, I don't apologize to anyone when I've done *nothing* wrong.
I don't like to generalize, but I strongly believe if Hillary took the high and right road by flat-out refusing to engage in such race baiting, etc to win the Presidency, she would not be experiencing such an ugly defection from her camp. People would have gone to support Obama, but more likely with the attitude of, "but Hillary's our friend, too, and if she gets the nod, we got her back." If she would have stuck to the issues - as Obama is trying to do - and making real comparisions of their records, vision of the future, etc, I believe she would have a lot more respect than she does now.
So, yeah, that's how we do when you disrespect and screw us over.
--------------- Ban mental warfare with morons
RIOTOUS1
MAKE MONEY ONLINE
http://www.my.ws/1stepcloser
PERFECTSHADE
If yall havent realized by know Obama is the Truth! hell the pastor wasnt lying..like obama said we all express our views about whats going on in america, in barber shops kitchen tables... i just think that the good pastor should have refrain from saying so much..especialy when hes doing so well in the race..they will take anything and run it to the ground...he made me proud standing up for us and keeping real..i know Michele is so proud of her man...GO OBAMA!
--------------- "Nothing but death can keep me from
kasey68
He may not have thrown the reverend under the bus but he sure threw his white grandmother under the bus and that said it all to me.
muffinhead
Obama seems to possess the one rare quality that politicians no longer have: SINCERITY.
'You can move mountains with the mind, but you can move nations with the heart.' Muffinhead(tm)
princedarrell
Is it me or did Obama look presidential yesterday when he made the speech. You know the American flags and blue background. I think this was a dress rehearsal for him. He really looked like the President of the USA.
--------------- BROTHERS LETS DO BETTER.
stlnellz
Obama has pimped the black community. He has lied got caught in a lie and diverted the attention away from himself toward america. I dont need BO to reminf me that racism exist. I see everyday. I tired of people saying that he put it all out there. Its been out there it will remain out there. Dont get me wrong a black President would be great. but the right one. Not one who will set us back 100 years. he always said he rose above race, but know this speech about his grandmother {I know u guy loved that} Give me a break. So what. He was brought up with a silver spoon. Dont buy into that food stamp stuff do the research. He sought out his blackness which is great. He sought out Rev Wright. Like most mixed " interacial" people say they have a hard time finding there identiy well we have found his, Racial divide, Superiority over does who disagree, HATRED OF THE USA. Well im glad he gave this speech and ducked the real issue that was at hand. He had to reminf us that racism still exist in the USA thank you so much BHO. If your lucky maybe President Mccain " I hate the sound of that} will let you visit the oval office
--------------- Tina Fey got it right
princedarrell
Obama has pimped the black community. He has lied got caught in a lie and diverted the attention away from himself toward america. I dont need BO to reminf me that racism exist. I see everyday. I tired of people saying that he put it all out there. Its been out there it will remain out there. Dont get me wrong a black President would be great. but the right one. Not one who will set us back 100 years. he always said he rose above race, but know this speech about his grandmother {I know u guy loved that} Give me a break. So what. He was brought up with a silver spoon. Dont buy into that food stamp stuff do the research. He sought out his blackness which is great. He sought out Rev Wright. Like most mixed " interacial" people say they have a hard time finding there identiy well we have found his, Racial divide, Superiority over does who disagree, HATRED OF THE USA. Well im glad he gave this speech and ducked the real issue that was at hand. He had to reminf us that racism still exist in the USA thank you so much BHO. If your lucky maybe President Mccain " I hate the sound of that} will let you visit the oval office
-----
DUDE YOU SOUND STUPID AS YOU LOOK!
--------------- BROTHERS LETS DO BETTER.
DLBrother
WOW this speech reminds me of I have a Dream.
--------------- www.crazythingsforlove.com
IZITJUSTME
Obama made history with his speech yesterday. Personally, I was moved to tears. This man is the very essence of what a President should be.
I am glad that he did not dis Rev. Wright. Obama showed a very human side and he showed that you may not like the message but you can still love the messenger.
By the way, I don't see the problem with what Rev. Wright said. It's the truth and sometimes the truth hurts! Get over it, already!
interesting
Well Obama Supporters, you at least had your black messiah (perceived only) share your black experience on a public stage for the world to hear.
So, you did get your point.
HOWEVER, he will never be elected in Nov-08 as a result. Because with Rev. Wright association for 20 years, he is ONLY THE BLACK PRESIDENT.
Independents, Republicans, and conservative Democrats are not going to support him to rule over them.
Well, look at it this way, he tried. So, be happy with that.
Question: Where in the world is Oprah, Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John Kerry, Caroline Kennedy?
They created this fake version of Black Camelot, they should be in attendance to support him for real. I guess they show their true feelings too. LOL!
IZITJUSTME
@interesting:
Isn't it kind of early to be drinking all of that "HATORADE"? You sound worried, buddy. I think you know deep down that Obama is going to not only win the nomination but he will also become President of THESE United States.
Unlike his predecessors he will be for "ALL" people and not just the select few. That includes you, IDIOT!
Beauty08
@stnellz and or/ princedarnell
Why are you logging in as two different people and posting the same 'ish. You must be from the Hillary campain or something. They are stooping to great lows now a days. If what you are saying has merit you don't have to use two different logons and keep posting over and over. A single post should make your point known.
It is too bad that B Obama's speech is too moving for that. Wether you agree that he should be president or not you cannot deny the message. It was appropriate and it is what was asked of him. It moved people that don't even like him. His statements were true and close to the hearts of many.
Obama '08
stlnellz
Sorry... Barrack has hoodwinked you Prince. Bambozzled you. sound familiar. Hes inciting racial tensions. You will see real soon. Mark my word. Prince lol so sad to see the Black Community mislead.
--------------- Tina Fey got it right
lifegroove
Obama did a wonderful job addressing the issues brought up against him.
These White people are trying to break Obama and have him loose his cool. May God continue to bless Obama and make him successful in the race to become the first African-American president.
Black folks, people of color and poor whites need to support Obama and stop being a good slave to their slave masters ( Clintons and old azz McCain ). People are tired of seeing the same old white people in the white house who only cares for the filthy rich. Wake up people and lets support OBAMA no matter what they throw at him.
OBAMA for PRESIDENT!!
naomi
That speech was as thorough as it could be. He explained the origins of anger in the black community beautifully. He also explained how it could be destructive to the progress of our community. I am extremely proud of the fact that he didn't throw is pastor under the bus. He spoke to us like adults. He knows that the real weapon to use is the weapon of understanding of other peoples experiences. That is what we need in a president!!
noshytsherlock
@lifegroove...you said it. This is a war between the haves and have nots. Keep the middle class and poor divided through racism and classism. May "we" finally come together to focus on the lies of war, the cost of oil/gas, the beauty of NAFTA (thank you Bill and Hillary cause she claims this as experience) sending our jobs overseas while we pay for the tax incentives afforded to the same companies that won't emply us here on US soil, the healthcare system reaping billions in profit while dropping and refusing claims by the truckload.
In a word Mr. Obama, BEATUIFUL. I too became teary eyed and proud to say I am angry, embrace my anger and am ready to act like a real family.
--------------- yes...the carpet matches the drapes
b26sugar
Wow, Obama! I'm really impressed. At first it looked like he was going to totally turn his back on his pastor, but instead he talked about things that NEED to be addressed in this country. You just secured my vote, Barack. No one else would have had the nerve to talk race. Like he said, everyone just wants to keep sweeping it under the rug.
Also, I loved when he described where the anger comes from in the black and white communities. Well, done. Now, can we really start to move past a lot of the racial tension that exists between us all? It will take some time, but I believe, with Barack as our leader, we can make good headway.
--------------- HE tamed ME
naomi
Black folks, people of color and poor whites need to support Obama and stop being a good slave to their slave masters ( Clintons and old azz McCain ). People are tired of seeing the same old white people in the white house who only cares for the filthy rich. Wake up people and lets support OBAMA no matter what they throw at him.
*****
@lifegrove...you are right on point. I couldn't have said it better.
vainderby
I am a big supporter of Obama. I have raised money for his campaign. I have made calls. I have went door-to-door urging people to vote. I have written numerous letters to members of Congress, officials, and editorial boards of various newspapers urging them to take an honest look at Obama.
With that being said, I have to say that I don't believe he will win. It kills me to say that. Did you hear the negativity that was spewing from broadcasters' mouths after he spoke? There were some that understood the importance of what Obama had to say, but for the most part there were those that didn't.
Of those that understood his message, how many are registered voters? How many of those registered voters will actually turn out to vote? In our community alone, we have enough people that are eligible to vote that could really make a difference, but are too trifling to get up off their a**es and vote. I guess it is easier to sit on an entertainment blog and tear down those that are trying to make a difference.
Let's be honest. The ones that are buying the BS about Obama are uneducated, low to mid-class white people who have misconceptions about the Black community. They are the ones that are actually voting. Not us. Check the stats. Unless we actually show up, Obama doesn't have a chance.
I'm pleading with those of you who have thrown your support behind Obama to join us online at his website. You can make calls, write letters, start a fundraiser, attend events, etc. This is our chance to ensure the future of our children. This is our generation's chance to make a real difference.
.....PSA over.....
naomi
I know vainderby. I'm sad to say it but you may be right. People please DO NOT sleep on this race. The country/world depends on it. We can not keep going like this. We have to participate. Please don't let the un-enlightened make the wrong decision this November!!
rastamajestyc
Its all true
TROOPER
@ INTERESTING AND STLNELLZ U BOTH SOUND STUPID AND ONE ACTUALLY SHOWS HIS FACE. HOW IS OBAMA MISLEADING PPL? WHAT HAVE HE DONE THAT NO WHITE MAN HAVEN'T DONE? WELL HE HAVEN'T RAN A DIRTY ELECTION HE'S SHOWN THE WORLD THAT U CAN RUN AN ELECTION WITHOUT BEING DIRTY. BUT WHEN BILLARY SAW SHE COULDN'T AND CAN'T WIN SHE BEGAN HER DIRTY POLITICS. AND WHEN OBAMA RESPOND ITS LOOKED AT AS IF HE'S GEARING OFF HIS PATH. NO HE KNOWS THE PATH HE'S ON YALL DUMBASSES JUST DON'T. AND @interesting, Y DO HE HAVE TO BE LIKE HIS PASTOR OR SHARE THE SAME VIEWS OR BE FAKE? I KNOW PPL THAT SMOKE ALL DAY EVERYDAY BUT I DON'T DO IT AND I NEVER DONE IT AND WE DON'T SHARE THE SAME VIEWS BUT I CAN STILL BE COOL WITH THAT PERSON. SO FOR U TO SAY THAT THEN BILLARY MUST BE A FAKE TO CAUSE SHE'S FRIENDS WITH THAT BITCH G. I DONT SEE HER MAKING SPEECHES OR TAKING IT HEAD ON ALL THAT BITCH SAID IS SHE REGRET IT AND MOVED ON. BUT THE MEDIA AND REPUBLICAN DONT HAVE NOTHING ON OBAMA AND FISHING. HE CAME OUT WITH A TELL ALL BOOK ON HISSELF SO NOW WHAT?YEA HE DID DRUGS BEFORE SO WHAT HE GOT OFF AND LOOK AT NOW. SHI'T BUSH IS A DRUNK AND STILL IS AND ALL THA PREZ HAD SOMEKIND OF DEFECT OR PAST SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL IS IT BECAUSE HE'S BLACK AND HE'S MAKING ALL KIND OF RECORDS IN FUND RAISING AND GATHERINGS AND SO ON? WELL ANYWAY BITCHES STEP BACK CUZ THE BLACK IS THE NEW PRESIDENT BITCHES.
--------------- HIGH FIVE IN THE 09!
Educator247
Please do be surprised at what you see and hear in the media, AOL or whatever against Obama and the Rev, Wright ordeal. This is a distracting mechanism used when there is fear in the air. The bigotry and hatred in the beautiful land that we call USA are being destroyed by villains much worst than the Rev Wright. These are individuals who want to stagnate progress, distract the citizens of this land and keep the American population confused so we won’t focus so much on the real issues and substantial problems this country faces. Stop believing the polls (AOL has a funny one, I a laugh at it all the time) even when Obama is ahead they won’t report it, and continue to boycott the media coverage. One suggestion that I might add is to begin looking at global and international news such as BBC and euronews. It is funny how you get such a better perspective on how we are perceived in the world and what actually is going on around us. Nothing will change unless you begin see things in a global perspective. I usually surf the news so I do not give into the ratings. I am a researcher and thank God for the computer. I research those in the media to find out about them and the station where they work. All the Wolfe’s and Sean Hannity’s and the others (you know who) are part of the machine that will not and can not accept an Obama for president due to their own fears. Get to know these people by researching them on Wikipedia and connect the dots. I do this all the time, very interesting reading. The fox news network is owned by Ruppert Murdock, research his information also, you will be surprised what you learn. Lastly, I want to say, always search for sponsors of these stations (CNN, FOX, MSNBC) as well, this is very important, because some of you are funding this garbage. Stop buying the products of companies you don’t agree with. There are so many alternatives; there is no reason to put our money where it is not appreciated. Also email the sponsors of some of these media machines and let them know how you feel. Believe me when all these measures start to happen you will see how powerful you are and there will definitely be a change in perspective. "Power to the people" and Keep it real, Obama in 2008.
princedarrell
stlnellz
Sorry... Barrack has hoodwinked you Prince. Bambozzled you. sound familiar. Hes inciting racial tensions. You will see real soon. Mark my word. Prince lol so sad to see the Black Community mislead.
response from princedarrell
YOU STILL ARE STUPID AS YOU LOOK, IDIOT!
YOU PROBABLY DON'T EVEN VOTE ANYWAY.
--------------- BROTHERS LETS DO BETTER.
monet
I would love to see the day when the majority of blacks will stand beside each other and embrace each other's fortunes instead of tearing each other down. We can do it because we've done it before. Integration has made a lot of people lose their collective minds. We still have work to do, so let OBAMA shine, because as I see it, he is the ONLY person running that I would turn my back on in a dark room. I think you understand what I am saying. I am ready for a decent human being to be in the White House, how about you? I love you Barack and I love his wife Michelle!! They are true Americana at the core!!!!!
monet
I would love to see the day when the majority of blacks will stand beside each other and embrace each other's fortunes instead of tearing each other down. We can do it because we've done it before. Integration has made a lot of people lose their collective minds. We still have work to do, so let OBAMA shine, because as I see it, he is the ONLY person running that I would turn my back on in a dark room. I think you understand what I am saying. I am ready for a decent human being to be in the White House, how about you? I love you Barack and I love his wife Michelle!! They are true Americana at the core!!!!!
monet
I would love to see the day when the majority of blacks will stand beside each other and embrace each other's fortunes instead of tearing each other down. We can do it because we've done it before. Integration has made a lot of people lose their collective minds. We still have work to do, so let OBAMA shine, because as I see it, he is the ONLY person running that I would turn my back on in a dark room. I think you understand what I am saying. I am ready for a decent human being to be in the White House, how about you? I love you Barack and I love his wife Michelle!! They are true Americana at the core!!!!!
SisterSoldier
@Beauty08
Yeah, I peeped that out a long time ago, and is why I called them Hillary spammers.
TANZA
POWERFUL!!!!! HE MOVED ME. I SAW MARTIN IN HIM!
--------------- QUIET ASSASSIN!
interesting
No, just a true DEMOCRAT who does not want to see a Republican like McCain or 2nd coming of Bush win in Nov-08.
Many of your supporters are not the electorate of the electoral college. Bush stole the election and won by Supreme Court and cheating.
Democrats did not do any better by having Liberman (a Jew as VP) with Gore and Kerry (swiftboat) nut. Do you realize that Kerry is a supporter of Obama? Kerry screaming to the public - don't swiftboat Obama. Negro please!
You know being and running president is a cut throat, dog eat dog, shark eat shark CONTEST.
Wooses are not allowed. You have to be like the Republicans. Period.
It is part of being Commander in Chief, El Presidente, the HNIC.
Obama is a soft negro who though he could hide his achilles heel - I guess he was wrong. You know Tavis Smiley is just smiling saying
Karma is B-I-T-C-H! What goes around comes back around again.
Where is Oprah, Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry? Why are they so silent? - answer these questions.
Do you honestly think the Republicans will do
interesting
Guys and Gals - Here is what cartoons are saying about Rev. Wright and Obama's speech - If offended, I apologize. However, you need to know what others are saying about the issue. Knowledge is power!
http://cagle.com/news/ObamaPreacher/main.asp
Buttah_Bean
DO YOU HAVE ANY CLIPS OF WHAT HILLARY'S PASTOR SAID? (SO WE CAN HAVE ANOTHER REASON NOT TO VOTE FOR HER!) LOL
I THINK HER (AND HER CAMP) ARE SUCH SORE LOOSERS THAT THEY WILL "PIMP-OUT" CONTROVERSY FROM PEOPLE WHO KNOW BARACK TO JUSTIFY THIS AS A REASON NOT TO VOTE FOR HIM! STUPID IDIOTS!
(I LISTENED TO THE WHOLE SPEECH BY THE WAY)
BARACK HANDLE IT WITH CLASS.
(HIS "SWAGGER LEVEL" IS VERY HIGH, IN MY OPINION!)
DougFlutie
@ interesting
If you truly do not want a Republican to win in November then Hillary is obviously the wrong choice.
Republicans absolutely detest the Clintons and polls and cursory observation informs you that she will not get many Republican voters to cross party lines and vote for her.
Hillary is an extreme anti-gun advocate while Obama has indicated that he will not infringe on state's rights when it comes to firearms. His healthcare plan costs $50 billion less than hers. These are two key issues which may influence a white male Republican of good educational background to vote for Obama instead of McCain.
In reality it is the Independents (like myself) who will decide the race and Independents detest Hillary but like McCain and Obama.
DougFlutie
@ Focus
Focus, man! You missed the point. Stop confusing racial prejudice, racial hate and ethnocentrism with RACISM. White supremacists are the ones that cleverly blurred the definition so that even black Americans in America are stupid enough to refer to themselves as racists. I see you didnt pay attention to the analogous example i gave using the word "gay". Pay attention
biko24601
As a white male in my 30s, I'm watching very closely the reaction that so-called "Black America” has to the Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama face off. What I find so encouraging is that now, more than ever, non-whites in America can be found in every political camp.
When I was growing up in the 80s, it was just assumed that blacks flocked to the Democratic Party that seemed to use their votes and offer them nothing back in return. But then came President Bill Clinton. Now, for fear of being punched in the face by a previous blogger who is significantly larger than I am... I won't call him the "First Black President." But all through the 90s, it was clear to me that this "other" America -- "Black America" (and I say that because there's this title floating around out there: "Black America", so I'm using it as a term and not because I actually believe there two separate Americas -- but then again, sometimes it seems like there maybe there is) seemed to fare better under President Bill Clinton.
Yet, it was during this time that I noticed an increase in conservative to Republican black voters. Over time, more and more African-American – and Caribbean and straight up born in Africa migrated to the U.S. citizens voting – Republican and calling themselves conservative. Then I heard a lecture from MLK's son in which he stated that the new color in America is "green" – in our "post-racial" America, so-called, what's most important isn't what nationality you were born into, but how much green you've been able to amass.
Then, in 2000, I visited South Africa and met a performer named Coco Merckel who performed a stage show in Jo-Burg about being a "colored" in South Africa . The show focused around a central theme: was he black enough, was he white enough? An identity crises stemming from speaking a multitude of language and emerging from post-apartheid South Africa with a clear identity crisis.
We have this same crisis in America -- and Rev. Wright seems to have exacerbated the problem -- much to the dismay of those of us in Barack Obama's corner. But the reason I am so fully committed to Barack Obama for president is not because he is the son of an African father and a white Kansas mother and it's not because he goes to a sometimes radical church with a former pastor who expressed racist, anti-American sentiment.
It is because Barack Obama has been able to rise above all of these stereotypes and the rhetoric of Rev. Wright and see the humanity in all of us. He's been able to look with compassion at the white who may be expressing a form of racism without even knowing it, and a black pastor who is focused on expressing an anger towards American foreign and domestic policy that is rooted in slavery and separation.
These views are not going to play well in many parts of the country, for sure. But he, Rev. Wright, is one of us. Just as, much to our dismay, David Duke is one of us. And if Barack Obama is a Christian, then his goal is to try and see past the hatred expressed in both these men's ideology and find a way to not only overcome it, but heal. There would be no room for Rev. Wright's rhetoric or David Duke's ideology if Christ's message was fully embraced.
Now, I'm not saying that means anyone needs to be Christian -- including Jews or Muslims. What I'm saying is, all teachers have something to teach the world. And if you look at Jesus' teachings as being separate from a religion and just viewed them as a broad lesson for all mankind – for Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Catholic, Mormon and all others including atheist and agnostic -- then it's easier to embrace the notion that we can fully love our fellow brothers and sisters without taking on their hateful ideology.
It takes a lot of love, compassion and elevated thought to do this. But in some small way, I think Barack Obama is the kind of person who is at least trying to do this – as imperfect as he is. And I don't think he's trying to do it to get votes. I think the reason he entered public life as a politician was to do what he could to be a healer. But not necessarily in the way of the clergy. We need healers in all walks of life -- in education, politics, the barber shops, the auto mechanic shop, in the scientific community, athletics and in arts and entertainment. Individuals who transcend their profession and their day to day lives and come to work to not only do their job, but actually let their light shine before men (and women).
I know many people who are stand-up comics and devote atheist -- yet, when they speak truth and make people laugh, they are letting their light shine. You don't have to be religious or Christian or any religion to let your light – your truth, your integrity – shine. That's what will make America a better place and what will perfect our union.
I truly believe that in the realm of politics, Barack Obama is such a person. I don't believe, as a previous commentator wrote, that he's a con-artist and disingenuous (she didn't write it like that, but that's the basic premise she put forth). I believe that – although he is a politician and is just as susceptible to spin as the next – he's honestly trying to constantly appeal to our the better angels of our nature. You can fault him for all of his mistakes and for not leaving his church and for having a political ideology that is different than your own. But at least the man is actually trying... trying to be a healer, trying to be honest, trying to be kind and compassionate, trying to not judge, trying to be fair -- and doing all of this not just because he’s trying to be president of the United States (as some might cynically suggest).
(Perhaps, this is why people are moved to tears at his rallies. This is why the large crowds and so-called perceived “cult” following.)
Above all, he's trying to let his light shine so others may not only see his good works -- but possibly improve their own work as a consequence. He may fail to be president. He may be beaten in the final count by Hillary Clinton and the Superdelegates may swing to her side and all states from here on out may vote her in on a landslide. Or, he may win the Democratic Party nomination, but end up losing to John McCain because a large percentage of the population -- be they white, black, brown, etc. -- feel that he is linked to the ideology of his pastor and will never see past it.
But if that happens, STILL, in my mind there came a candidate who in my lifetime, for one glimmering moment in American history post-JFK, MLK, RFK, there was a young senator from the State of Illinois who asked us to come together, asked us to hope, asked us to believe and asked us to heal not because it was politically expedient to do so, but because it is the right thing to do. At least I personally will have that and know that it is actually possible in the United States of America.
Whatever happens to Barack Obama – he let his light shine.
