Obama speaks again about Rev. Wright

Give me a break. The guy has been going to this church for twenty years. If Obama is inferring that he's never heard Wright preach like that - he's a liar. Wright has been making these statements for years. They're available on video at the church. Wright's church is based on James Cone's socialist, racist idelogy and Obama knows it. Not only has Obama been donating money to this church, he was married by this anti-American loser and his kids were baptised by this racist. Not only that, Obama and his wife continued exposing them them to this hate speech.

And now, suddenly, Obama discovers there's hatred in Wright's heart. Yeah right. I honestly don't believe Americans are buying this SPIN. It's the same kind of SPIN he's given his cocaine abuse, his friendship with Rezko, his communist relatives in Kenya and his voting record. ~ THE RED FLAGS ARE WAVING! IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP, AMERICA ~

Amen M.J. Bee,
I still desperately hope Democrats in the remaining states left to vote that are supporting Obama will wake from their trances and see the train that is coming in September and October. It was sickening to watch the endless runs of the "Call me, Harold" ads that the RNC ran in Tennessee when Harold Ford ran for the senate in 2006. Ford had done nothing and the RNC smeared him endlessly. If Obama is the Democratic Party's nominee, the RNC and 527s will run ads of him and Wright until Obama will be lucky to get his grandmother's vote, assuming she is still talking to him after what he said about her in his speech.

Old Hickory Democrat of Tennessee

Wake up and realize what? Have you heard Rev. Wright's comments personally, seen the video personally, or do you only know what you've seen on a 30 second clip on Fox News? I am not defending Rev. Wright's comments, they were wrong. However those are his words, not Senator Obama's.

How much hate speech from a preacher is acceptable in your view? I don't want any. I've read the New Testament, and never found anything in Christ's teachings that sounded like Wright's vile hate.

Obama has given thousands of dollars each year to fund and promulgate Wright's hate. I give what money I can afford to the Southern Poverty Law Center to end such hate instead of giving money to encourage and support such hate speech.

Obama may not share these views, but he tolerated them so that he could get elected in South Chicago, where Wright and Farrakhan have lots of influence.

Stop Hate and Bigotry,

Old Hickory,
Why do people who support Obama need to wake from "a trance"? Could it be that they see him as a true leader who might inspire people in this country to greater heights.
Explain what the awful thing that Obama did to his grandmother was...he said that she had used a few terms that made him cringe. It was an honest statement in my opinion. I'm guessing that in Tennessee you may have heard one or two racial slurs, perhaps even from a relative. Do you have the guts to admit it?

I hear something that makes me cringe everytime I am around my family. I still love them.

To M J Bee and Old Hickory.

This is the deal. You don’t have to be a member of a church for hate to be spewed and you become a person who is "Guilty by association" Unfortunately this is happening to Barack Obama. I believe the both of you are probably WHITE but are definitely Clinton supporters.

The deal is this. Because of years of oppression, and just superiorism at the hands of WHITES. Every President by the way they have all been WHITE has taken money from vile, evil racist preachers from Billy Graham to Jerry Falwell, to John Hagee to Rod Parsley. And before any of you try to use this bullshit about being a member of the church for 20 yrs.

These WHITE evangelical preachers platform has been a part of the Republican Party for years. And no one is "guilty by association" they have given money and the principles of their groups is given to the nominee and they accept the money, the endorsement and SUPPORT the principles of them.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THESE ARE BLACK AND ALL OF THEM ARE WHITE! So now we're held to a higher standard? GIVE ME A BREAK.

At this point John McCain will unfortunately win because of so much turmoil in this party. However you talk about the refuklicans will damage Barack. At this stage of the game. If you think Hillary will beat him. You'll be just like The Notorious B.I.G. when he said “It was all a dream" because Hillary winning this????

NEVER!

MJ and Old Hickory should honesty reflex on the times in their lives when they found themselves in situations which they could not control. One’s church is like a marriage it is not something you simply leave because you have moments of disagreements or disappointments. They and Hilary Clinton, who appears to be their candidate of choice, apparently agrees with me.

The tactics that I am reading in the aformentioned reminds me of the type of paranoia that existed when narrow minds thought that Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy would be ruled by the Pope of the Catholic Church. Fortunately, he was able to weather that storm and I sincerely hope that Senator Obama can do the same thing. Do these people stop to think that they have been listening to racists tactics that permeate our society against black folk for hundreds of years and the minute we question their "great society" as they see it we are suddently anti-american? Those of you who are are paranoid about Rev. Wright, take your ignorant, narrow minds and get a better, positive outlook and even if you don't the world will still move on without you.

There isn't an American alive who doesn't have a racist family member...somewhere...don't believe it. And your lying to yourself, if you say otherwise. That said, if you are a supporter of Obama, then you accept his explanation. If you ar e not, then, of course, you have major issues with anything that he says. That's the way this falls.

And, once again, if Americans are stupid enough (and I believe they are) to let the RNC who has given money to the rich, the corporations and plunged us into a recession define what's best for them and their pockets, then they deserve everything that they get.

People need to get over this whole Rev. Wright situation and also stop blindly following the media and do their own research, because if they did they'd realize that Rev. Wright in his sermon about "chickens coming home to roost," he was actually quoting something from Edward Peck, a US Ambassador, and a white man no less. He even said in his sermon that those aren't his words their the words of "a white man." However you don't see the media playing that do you? And then the media shows him yelling about the US bombing Nagasaki and other places as if what he was saying wasn't true. The US did bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the US did basically torture Japanese Americans, etc, etc so I don't know what the hell people are getting so angry about. They just see a loud black man and wanna have a fit. What the United States is 231 years old and for mostly all of it's 231 (take away about 50) and then some if you count before it was recognized as the US and was simply known as "The New World," black people have been oppressed and discriminated, so you got about 350 or so years of oppression and discrimination and about 50 years of somewhat equality and yet white people say we should get over it. I mean where is the balance? I mean hell even to this day their are still firsts in terms of African American achievements, like Gov. of NYC, so clearly the equality ladder is still being built, so no we shouldn't get over it.

Odd how those who are so "upset' at what Rev Wright had to say, won't address any of what he in a coherent way or the fact that the Clinton's embraced him as well when good old boy Bill was in office. Just the typical GOP, HRC, name calling and, nothing with anything to back it up. McCain has his own hateful preachers behind him, and, yet, nary a peep. Or the out and out lies of HRC, one bone to gnaw on, and, nothing else, kind of like the other two in the race who won't deal with real issues, since, last time I checked, rev Wright wasn't running for office, and, nor had he been promised a cabinet position. This has to be one of the most uneducated voting populations on earth, if they hear a snippet on Fixed/Fake Noise/News, CNN, or MSNBC, they take it as the truth, even those who are online and can easily look up info and get the facts without the bas of the so called mainstream media.

And, Whoopi, that was just awful the way you carried on today, we know that you loves you don't dare deal with anything "black" but, the unprofessional manner and utter disdain you showed for Obama was as vile as when you said that boyfriend of yours in black face was funny. Girl, find yourself some self esteem, and, a bra as well, that sloppy, bag lady look isn't working in 2008.

There appears to be some confusion here. First of all, I am not a Clinton supporter. Secondly, I am a conservative Caucasian who doesn't care for the politics of the Republican candidate (McCain) much more than I do Obama's.

Logan - Yes, I have seen Rev. Wright's sermons. Haven't you? Many are available on-line. Are you familiar with his personal ideology and Trinity's mission statement? I've not heard one person indicate those are Obama's words. The disturbing reality is that, by continuing to attend and financially support Trinity, Obama is pledging personal support for Rev. Wright's words and ideology.

RuthAnn - You're correct about Bill Clinton. He is a good ol' boy. However, you're wrong about his political affiliation. Like his wife and Mr. Obama, Bill Clinton is a liberal democrat. Obama and Hillary Clinton basically have the same senatorial voting record. Like it or not, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama are political siblings.

David & Mikey - Trinity's foundation, based on Cone's ideology, is racist by design. Do a little internet research on Mr. Cone. Racism is not limited to White America. There are countless Black people in this country who are racists as well. However, I think it's time that everyone admits and recognizes that our country has come a long ways in overcoming the ugliness of racism. Obviously, we all still have a ways to go.

MJ, I agree, racism is not confined to white America, but, since, they run the show, they have the one thing that the others don't power to make things happen. The GOP has made its bread and butter using race as an issue in every election since Goldwater's Southern strategy, and, the Clinton's have taken a page right out of that play book and injected fear of the black man as a wedge issue, because, they know it still works with millions of white, Asians and Hispanics.

I think that the country has come a little ways, not a long way, as the pervasive subtle racism is alive and well, and, between 24 hour cable networks that claim to be "fair and balanced" and politics who will do anything to win, racism will continue to be the bane of this country for years to come.

So, being a member of something means that you automatically support and endore everything that the church does. Interesting. Does that mean that every American has endorsed the war, abortion, civil rights, lynchings, tax cuts for the rich, affirmative action? No, in all actuality, it is hard for Americans to agree on everything. That is supposedly apart of the beauty of this country. However, Barack is accused of supporting and endorsing everything that went on in his church, because he stayed there? I understand Trinity to be a mega church, meaning that there are probably more than 10,000 members of the church. Are all of them racist supporters of Rev. Wright, too?

In sum, if you don't agree with everything in this country, MJ, shouldn't you distance yourself from the country and move somewhere else. We wouldn't want you to be guilty by association, because America certainly ain't perfect.

Oh Please, Everett. Your futile attempt to excuse Obama's "membership" is typical of broad generalizations to excuse specific issues. Yes, being a member of something (church, team, political party) indicates your alignment with their beliefs, ideology, goals or hope.

If one is affiliated or aligned with the Black Panthers or the KKK, their racist idelogy is obvious and despicable. While I depise both of those hate oriented organizations, it's not cause for me to leave my country. No, I don't agree with or care for everything in this country, nor apparently do you. No, America isn't perfect, but I'm proud of my American heritage and have no plans to relocate.

Once again, Trinity Church has a flawed foundation based on hatred of White people (Google Mr. James Cone). If people want to attend a church founded on hatred that's their option. When you watch Wright's "sermons", the video sadly depicts audience agreement.

By the way, using the church pulpit to engage directly in politics generally negates a house of worship from its tax exempt status. The AME church in Los Angeles has been doing it for years without any ramifications. My guess is that Trinity isn't worried about it either. Perhaps you can ponder why... in present-day America.

You pose a couple interesting of points MJ, but, you can't have it both ways, Bush and the GOP has aligned itself with some of the nuttiest right wing groups out there where hate for years, based on race, gender and or sexuality is part of thier platform, and, lets not forget McCain seeking out the endorsements of two total hate filled "preachers" who are as nutty as they come, Hagee, Parsley and Pat Robertson, Hagee with the Jewish and Catholic people and the other two everyone else.

I find it hilarious that the media and "sensitive" whites are so offended by this man and his comments, and, so eagerly are dismissive of other kooks in the pulpit. And, about, the AME church in LA, hasn't just about anybody who has ever run for office set foot up in there? The catholic church teaches things that could be deemed offensive, along with the Southern Baptist, so, maybe it would be better to see why people are divided every single Sunday and, all interpreting their Bibles in a different manner, and, tolerance is not a word any of the so called Christians seem to have for anyone who does not look like them on a Sunday at 10 AM, and, plus, is Obama's church 100% black? I only ask because the silly definition of race in America says he is a black man, Wright, whereas in quite a few other places on the planet he wouldn't even be considered black.

Too bad that O stayed in this church, it is just a distraction that means nothing, other than some cleaver debates about whom is the bigger bigot, and, I agree with the one poster, since whites have all the power, they can pick and chose who to hate and not to hate. Blacks like Wright, are just doing one thing, talking and, in some parts telling a truth that many don't want to hear or acknowledge, racism is alive and well in the USA in 2008. But, thank God, the younger genration is leaving all this tripe of hatred behind them and seeing people for who they are based on who they are, not the color of thier skin.

Vance wrote:
“Blacks like Wright, are just doing one thing, talking and, in some parts telling a truth that many don't want to hear or acknowledge, racism is alive and well in the USA in 2008. But, thank God, the younger genration (sic) is leaving all this tripe of hatred behind them and seeing people for who they are based on who they are, not the color of thier (sic) skin.”

I’m not quite convinced that is true. In Wright’s eulogy to Asa, just last year, he said the following:

“Asa lived his whole life under the oppressive heel of white supremacy.”

“Asa was born in a climate, a context and a country controlled by white supremacy. From its founding fathers some would say "fondling fathers" who defined Africans as non-persons, from its original government to its current government hell-bent on leaving every Black child behind”

“The government runs everything from the White House to the schoolhouse, from the Capitol to the Klan, white supremacy is clearly in charge,…”

He then goes on to a dozen or so times ranting about “white enemies” & “white supremacy”, but he also takes the time to rip some Blacks:

“But we also got some Africans who can out-white, white folks…White supremacist brainwashing passing itself off as education, is not restricted to the United States of America or white European cultures. White supremacy is not restricted to any particular country or any particular color. We got some Africans who are whiter in their thinking than George Bush and Dick Cheney.”

These are deeply dishonest statements about the current state of our country, and he’s been preaching this stuff to the new generation. While it’s true that individual, and subtle racism still exist on the fringes of our society; overt or institutionalized racism has been purged over the last 40-years (just ask Don Imus, or Geraldine Ferraro, Trent Lott.) Even liberals, who have strong track records on race issues have had their carriers destroyed over minor infractions when it comes to race. The society has profoundly changed. However, Wright’s attitude and comments are, in fact, stirring/stoking racial hatred and keeping it alive in the Black community, and subsequently, causing a backlash in the white community that would choose to just live-and-let-live.

Coming of age in the 70’s I used to fight with my step-father (who came of age as a middle-class white in S. Chicago) over his overt racism. In those days, he used to throw around the N-word, with impunity, at least in private. Subsequently, he has seen the error of his ways, but because of this whole Wright thing he’s starting to revert back to his, “see, I told you those f*%*ing N*&&%$ers won’t stop demanding…” comments. Wright’s failure to acknowledge the enormous progress, and Obama’s pathetic justifications only feed the racist’s inclinations. This is destructive to or national soul; Wright’s comment should be thoroughly/universally condemned.

So, MJ, since we are now saying that alignment implies agreement, are you willing to align yourself with the racist history of the US. And, by racist, I am saying that American is built on the notion that oen group of people (Whites) should be privileged over another (people of Color). Now, if you can stand by that, because it sounds like you have probably benefitted, let's see you make some changes. After all, you are advocating accountability for membership.

By the way, has anybody heard what Condi Rice has said about the issue of race in America? I wonder why that has not hit the mainstream media.

As for James Cone and his supposedly racist ways, I invite you, MJ, to check out Peter Gomes' most recent article posted here on The Daily Voice. James Cone, and other liberation theologists, follow in the same way as Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus spoke out agains the religious leaders of his day for their duplicitous, classist, actions. He called them a brood of vipers. He was speaking to the folks who held power. The Old Testament is full of other examples of prophets decrying the leadership of the very nations where they lived. You need to learn a little bit about the true nature of religion. It's not meant to stroke your ego and make you feel good about your unearned privilege and marginalization of other people.

By the way, James Cone didn't necessarily hate White people. He had a heart for the oppressed. That is the premise for his theology. Jesus was always on the side of the oppressed and never aligned with those who held earthly riches or power. If you're offended by that theology, then you are offended by Christianity.

Having said all of that, I'm glad you are willing to engage in the debate. I would invite you to consider a few things: You seem to have some pretty strong thoughts about this situation. I'm wondering if you perceive that you have been personally hurt or offended or threatened by the presence of somebody black. Usually thoughts like yours stem from feeling like some type of personal injustice has been perpetrated against you.

I'm just saying...

By the way, "Google James Cone" is not the most effective manner of undestanding who the man was. That's about as effective as taking the Jeremiah Wright clips that have hit the news and determining that you know who he is and what Trinity Church is all about. If you want to know something about James Cone or liberation theology, you should visit Amazon.com or the local Black bookstore. READ HIS BOOKS!! That's where you'll find the truth about James Cone. I'm not sure that I trust Google to inform me about the contributions that Black people have made to this country.

I'm just saying...

Vance -

Please list the HATE GROUPS that the Republican Party has aligned itself with.

By the way, I would suggest you look into the Civil Rights Act of 1964. From a political standpoint, it was the Republican Party that championed the cause... not Al Gore Sr and the democrats. I would also suggest you do a little research on Black appointees by Bush 43. Compare his appointee selection to any - ANY - previous President.

You can attempt to defend Wright all you want. He's a racist. Obama remained a member of that church because he agreed with the message. For those who defend his CHOICE, is to further validate his poor judgement (Rezko, Kenya, foreign aid policy and homeland security voting record)

Still no response to the foundational issues of James Cone and Trinity Church. Wright's association with the Fruits Of Islam is also disturbing.

We get it MJ, Wright and all blacks are racists, are you happy now? Wright told the truth levels, and, some of his remarks were out of line and repugnant, such is life, can't make all the people happy all the time, and, although Bush and his cronies have wanted to make freedom of speech a memory, it hasn't happened yet. You have issues with this Cone guy, whoever he is as I have no need to look him up online, since he has nothing to do with my daily life and I certainly have no need to be obsessed with him and that church, that's your issue. And, google him, anyone knows how that works, harly a way to find ot the real truth. Its not as if you were going to vote for Obama before this all came out, so, what's your point???? Other than all blacks are racists and all whites are not, its a simplistic approach that many like to take, and, its their choice, however, in the real world, it plays out a wee bit differently.

Homeland security? The biggest joke of all since 9/11. I guess that's why hundreds of thousands keep pouring over the border from Mexico.

And, thanks for the quip about Bush 43, the only thing I recall about him are Willie Horton and Clarence Thomas, and, I assume from your post, a bunch of tokens with no power while in office to make any sort of change for a better country, like most of the GOP blacks and, Democrats for that matter.

Sorry, anyone who takes any politician as a saint and actually wants to make life better for ALL people is just sad, they are all crooks and looking out for one thing, themselves and the 2% who are rich and own the place, and, not the rest of the country, be it the millions of poor whites, and, certainly not blacks.

And, instead of whinnying about this Wright guy ad nasuem, maybe, it would be better to "google" as to why so many blacks feel as though he is telling them what they already know. Walk in the shoes of those you seem to despise, and, maybe your cavalier attitude would change. Kind of like how that black woman told pat Buchanan, he wouldn't last a day as a black man in this country, as I'm sure you couldn't either, its not this happy, skip down the street place that so many who dismiss any claim that racism is long gone, and, in just 40 years seem to have. Or better yet, ask a real black person, we don't all want to mug you, and most of us can actually hold a pretty decent conversation on real issues, other than who is a racist, since most of us are not, you know. And, can you post that city in the USA where race does not matter anymore exists???

But, alas, as with most they see the world in their perfect way, and, can't show any sort of empathy with those who still get the short end of the stick,be it from a lame government, or the person who does the hiring at the local factory, so typical of the Republican party faithful. That smugness is why its always the best chuckle of the day to read anything they post online.

Marc -

Take a minute and review the above posts before putting words in my mouth. No where did I infer that all Blacks were racists. And where do you get off indicating I said there are no racist White people? There are racists in all cultures.

Your decision not to be bothered with Mr. Cone is further evidence that you don't want to know the truth about this issue. This BLOG is about Obama and his relationship with Wright and Trinity Church. If you don't find Wright's comments racist, I believe it's because you choose not to.

Once again, I'd suggest you look into the Civil Rights Act of 1964 before you continue condemning the Republican Party. By the way - Bush 43 is George W. Bush. Bush 41 is his father.

VANCE -

I'm still waiting for that list of HATE GROUPS that the Republican Party supports.

Hey M.J Bee here is some HATE GROUPS that the Republican Party supports.

1. Council of Conservative Citizens which Huckabee and others is affiliated with (www.cofcc.org)

2.The Southern Baptist Association (Reupblicans)has always been against Blacks ( i.e.) Jerry Falwell statement from Rev Falwell Born and raised in America's segregated South, Falwell preached that racial segregation was the Lord's will…..REALLY and you’re getting mad at God Damn America. Oh I’m sorry that statement from Falwell doesn’t offend you you’re white

3. Bob Jones (Reupblican)and BJU. George W. Bush was heavily criticized for appearing at Bob Jones University, a non-accredited college known for being racist and anti-Catholic.

4. The Tennessee Republican Party dropped the H-bomb, adorning a press release with Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein, and associated him the Muslim religion by running the 2006 photograph of the candidate wearing Somali tribal clothing.

Here's the first paragraph of the release:

The Tennessee Republican Party today joins a growing chorus of Americans concerned about the future of the nation of Israel, the only stable democracy in the Middle East, if Sen. Barack Hussein Obama is elected president of the United States.

5. The neo-Nazi National Alliance (NA)in which (Republican) David Duke was a member of
M.J Bee. I know all about the “Dixiecrats” so to speak. But In my growing up it has been the reverse. The republicans are now in a nutshell visible hate mongers, Sam Nunn, Trent Lott, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, etc.

Say what you will with gathering info on Jeremiah Wright. Their org UCC is mostly a WHITE based organization and the presiding prelate has no problem with him, so why should you?

I don’t condone racism on any fronts but always remember

WHITES began horrific ACTIONS towards Blacks

Blacks gave a RE-ACTION towards the evilness of whites

It is what it is. And to go all out on Obama who is Black with this info goes to prove your disdain for a Black Man who may become President.

I guess Public Enemy said it right back in the day.
Whites have “Fear of a Black Planet” But relax

M.J we’re not trying to take over just want to be recognized and considered equally the same.

Well, MJ, looks like you got your reply, since, I know what anyone who belongs to or supports the GOP stands for and it sure isn't fairness and equality, so, care to put in your insight as to what Chris has posted? He or she has kept it real, and, I'm sure you have all the answers to the post and the truth, like you chose to ignore the poster about Bush's pappy's two blacks that most recall Horton and Thomas. And, as for the civil rights act, didn't all those 'democrats' who opposed it switch right on over to the GOP, and, didn't, Goldwater fight the civil rights act since it should have remained a 'states right' issue? Can't have it both ways, the GOP is horrible with people of color, have no clue as to what fairness and equality means, and, the Dem's not that much better, be it in 1968 or 2008.

Don't worry Vance......Chris is a HE...LOL
And I gotcha back!