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DEL.ICIO.USIs Rev. Wright descriptive or divisive?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., is getting more attention after a speech during the NAACP’s 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit.
Wright, the former pastor of Sen. Barack Obama said his critics were off base when they called him divisive and polarizing, according to an articleby the Associated Press.
He said he was descriptive, not divisive, as some critics have said.
Another article in The Detroit Free Press quoted Wright as he drew contrasts between the races and different ethnics groups to make a point that different does not mean deficient.
“One is not abnormal and one normal — it’s just different,” he said, explaining the difference between black and white church traditions, according to the Free Press article.
“I come from a tradition, where we give God the glory, and we give the devil the blues,” he said.
Wright and Obama received much criticism after circulation of videos of some of Wright’s old sermons in which he accused the U.S. government of racism and criticized the country’s foreign policy. He said the chickens were coming home to roost after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Has Rev. Wright been treated fairly by the media? Have his comments been taken out of context? What affect do you think his latest comments will have on the Obama campaign? Should a candidate be held accountable for what his minister or an associate says?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By DD
April 28, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
He has not been treated fairly. His comments were taken out of context. 90% of the people who will comment on this blog today didnt even take the time to listen to the sermon in it’s entirety.
By bubbatech02
April 28, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
I listened to the entire sermon. This man is racist and hates America. I dont know how America failed him (being a decorated Marine), but he is not happy. No disputing that.
By Deward Bowles
April 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Xenophobia, homophobia and religious intolerance is apparently the campaign platform some have chosen to run on.
McCain should explain why his “spiritual adviser”, Parsley has said “The fact is that America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this false religion [Islam] destroyed, and I believe September 11, 2001, was a generational call to arms that we can no longer ignore.”
McCain should explain why he has defended comments by Hagee who has said the Catholic church is ‘The Great prostitute,’ the ‘apostate church,’ the ‘anti-Christ’ and a ‘false cult system’. Hagee has said Katrina was God’s punishment of America for the sin of homosexuality.
First McCain should explain himself before he starts questioning somebody else’s faith.
Clinton needs to explain her comments about Wright since here own paster says she is wrong about Wright. Perhaps she should now “walk out” of her own church.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/17066 161.html
Clinton needs to explain why her husband invited Wright to the white house during the height of the Monica L scandal as a spiritual adviser.
By Listened intently
April 28, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
I saw the speech last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone that saw the speech in its entirety and not snippets of the news clips (as I was doing previously) can not sway my opinion of Rev. Wright as an older white woman. He is of my generation and I have a better understanding of the black perspective now. I was not sure who I would support previously, but I was impressed by Rev. Wright’s message that different does not mean deficient. The more I hear, the more I like what I am hearing and will cast my vote for Sen. Obama this fall.
By just me
April 28, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
And most of them will never know that the soundbite they keep running is a quote from a U.S. ambassador. Wright was using the quote from the ambassador in his sermon. While the comments were despicable and inappropriate for the pulpit, they were nevertheless grafted out of context to appear as if they were his words instead of someone else’s.
By Vee
April 28, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
He said the chickens were coming home to roost after the Sept. 11 attacks.
AJC, did you hear Pastor Wright’s comments on “Good Morning America”? If so, why do you insist on telling part of the story? Pastor Wright was quoting another person’s words—a person who happened to be white.
I am really disappointed in your blogs, at this point. Just as sure as rain falls from the sky, this blog will be full of trolls that make racist comments by 11:00 a.m. It’s funny that when John Hagee said that hurricane Katrina was the Lord’s way of punishing the “wicked” city of New Orleans and the public education system is a “sewer”, there wasn’t this type of blog or hype in the media. So, the U.S.—especially the media—isn’t racist? Hmmm.
By Ray
April 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Why are white people making so much noise about Rev. Wright? I would like for any of them to point out any comment that he has made that is false!
By DD is a moron
April 28, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
DD, Rev. Wright is a hateful and racist excuse for a human. You are either very ignorant for defending him or you share his awful views. Either way, there is no excuse for anyone trying to defend Wright.
By Ray
April 28, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
More important than Wright’s comments were the actions of the congregation while the speech was being given. Wright said some eight ball things about America but I feel that that they truly reflect how much of black America feels about this country. He can say these things in the safety of a church pulpit and call it religion but it is about as far from religion as can be. It is hate speech. All you have to do is look around you every day and you will see a Reverend Wright who is angry, without identity aside from rappers and professional athletes, and who is about as far from mainstream America as we can be. This anger is just below the surface and never seems to go away. It will take two or three more generations before we are in a position to include a lot of black America into the mainstream if they don’t kill themselves off before then. The anger and resentment persist and reveal themselves in speeches such as this. If we are ever going to get past this, we are going to have to forgive and forget and move along. This rebelliousness is hurting America as nothing else can, especially the longevity of black males. The best and brightest are dying at alarming numbers every day and the Sharptons and Jacksons pass it off like nothing is happening. Keep in mind, none of us here today were slaves and none of us here today were slave owners. We are, to a large extent, stuck with each other, and we might as well make the best of it!!
By Melissa
April 28, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Does Ambassador Edward Peck hate America too? Look him up if you don’t know who he is. It might surprise you who Rev. Wright was quoting…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/21/meet-the-white-man-who-n92793.html
By The Truth
April 28, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
The Revvv. Wright also preaches that RICH WHITE people run America yet he has just built a $10 million house. Guess times have changed for poor black people have they not? His church is more about Islam than Christianity anyway. I read one of their church bulletins that blasted Israel and Jews and praised Muslims. Anyone who thinks this guy is great has a few screws loose somewhere. I think it’s funny that some of these comments say that he was taken out of context. So, what did he REALLY mean then? Also, John Hagee is not John McCains pastor. And, to add to that. Hamas and Iran have openly supported Obama for president. That’s all I have to hear in order to know that Obama would make a terrible and dangerous president.
By Kevin Bishop
April 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Jeremiah Wright is not God called as a preacher. He is so called. He uses race to get attention from the media and when he puts his foot in his mouth he throws a pity party. What a hateful man he is. What an ignorant man who uses the pulpit to voice what is in his heart; bigotry, hate and damning America.
By princess
April 28, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Rev. Wright shouldn’t have to defend himself. What he preaches is the truth, end of story point blank.
By COL.{retd]A.M.Khajawall
April 28, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Dear Fellow Americans,
Our Great-grand Nation, the United States of America is and will face very critical “Challenges” in coming years and decades.
The Problems will be tough and solutions would not easy.
The key will the cool, calm, and collectedness of our next President[ What I call Presidential Temperament’ The one remaining candidate who has consistently that Presidential Temperament is Senator Obama.
His message of change makes sense. We have to stop doing business in Washington old ways. The new ways of lifting each other up and stopping tearing each other down will not held our Great grand Nation. The Terrorists around the world[real] and inadvertently assisted by some shortsighted media [Who are party to this perpetuation of psychological terrorism of mis-information, dis-information, and duplicity], that is what we do not need.
In order to send the message around the world that America is get Senator Obama our next president. At least on thing he has shown consistently is the presidential Temperament. The Temperament of our next president is very critical address internal and internal challenges. Let us defeat real external terrorists snd internal psychological terrorists once for all.
God Bless out Great grand Nation, its diverse people, and Senator Obama. He is the ans her to our future stability, security, safety, and regain our status in the world.
Yours truly,
COL.[retd] A.M.Khajawall Disables American Veteran. Las Vegas Nevada.
By One
April 28, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so enamored by this man’s (Wright’s) comments? Why? Because your azzes are scared that this man (Obama) may win!!!!! Never thought it would happen, huh? Funny how noone brings up the fact that Rev. Wright is the minister that went to pray with Bill Clinton after he got caught with Monica!! The same Rev. Wright!!!! Even funnier how noone talks about the relationship with the Bush’s and the Bin Laden’s!!! He!!, their families have known each other for years!!!! And now you all want to try to distract people with sound bytes and snippets of this mans (Wright’s)speeches??!!! Guess what, we’re not listening!!! Keep lying, and playing your dirty little political games. Guess what’s gonna happen? The people who truly are sick and tired of being sick and tired are gonna split the Democratic party and take our votes with us. And once Billary finishes lying and wallowing in the political mud, she’ll hand the win to McCain, because the Democratic party will be done!!!!!!! Keep your lies, and your drama, and your bullshyt, we’ve had enough, and it is truly time for a change!!!! Peace!!
Barack the vote!!!!
By NICK
April 28, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Rev. Wright has NOT been treated fairly by the media. Just because he is black, does not mean he should get a “pass” from the media.
Rev. Wright is a RACIST and a BIGOT, but because he is black and the media is so liberal, he is allowed to “spew” hate.
Rev. Wright is a prime example why blacks are so racist towards whites.
Instead of teaching “hate”, Rev, Wright should teach about hard work, education, responsibilty and tolerance.
Just like they do in white churches..
By bubbatech02
April 28, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Quite frankly, I dont care about any connection Obama has to Wright. What I do care about is how a person can go from defending his country as a decorated Marine to despising it? There is something broken in the system when someone who the country should be honoring instead ends up as someone who despises his country. I am sorry that we lost Wright. As a veteran myself, it is a tragedy when our honored soldiers no longer believe in the country they were willing to die for.
By Vee
April 28, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
DD is a Morom, you actually look more like a moron. Notice that I’m saying that you LOOK like one—I’m not calling you one. I say this because you, like so many others, are demonizing this man when he was only telling the truth. There is still racism in this country. No, there are any dogs being sicced on people, there aren’t any water hoses being sprayed, and there aren’t anymore segregated restrooms and water fountains. There ARE unconvicted cops who viciously beat a black man on a video. There ARE unconvicted cops who shot an unarmed black man more than fifty times on his wedding day. Katrina victims waited for days for help, but the upper middle class to wealthy California fire victims didn’t have to wait at all for assistance.
I am glad to know that there are people—of all races—who recognize injustices. I am also grateful for people, like Rev. Wright, who are bold enough to speak against the injustices that exist in this country.
By MrKnowGood
April 28, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Yes, Rev. Wright has been treated UNFAIRLY beyond any doubt. Most journalists like to talk about how it is such a “noble” profession, but all too often those same “journalists” leave their nobility at home and hop on the bandwagon of sensationalism and tabliod reporting. Sean Hannity and Fox News knew exactly what they wanted to portray and they manipulated the public in order to serve their predefined purpose.
By The Truth
April 28, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
princess, So, if what you think is true then black people are racist. Right?
By Blackberry
April 28, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Melissa, You may want to check your sources and post an actual page. I clicked on your link and all I got was a page not found.
By WTF?
April 28, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
It will take two or three more generations before we are in a position to include a lot of black America into the mainstream
WTF kinda comment is that? That’s why we need change, because white america thinks they can “let” other Americans do something!!!!!
Barack the vote!!!!!
By JeremiahWright
April 28, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Well, let’s see. He’s as “descriptive” as the KKK was in the 60s. Black racists get a pass from the media, and I hope to God that it hurts Obama. This has to stop. You’ll see a lot of excuse makers on this blog (McCain’s advisor…, read the entire sermon…, blah, blah, kind of nonsense).
By Crafty
April 28, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
With all the freedoms that come with this country there is also freedom that gives anyone the right to LEAVE. If people like Rev. Wright hate our country so much then he is welcomed to move to Africa. Funny thing is is that some blacks preach african this and african that but will never set foot in Africa. Blacks have every opportunity that their grandparents did not and should take every advantage of it. The reality is is that a lot of them are just lazy and want the taxpayers to give them free handouts.
By Patience
April 28, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Oftentimes, it’s best to consider all of the FACTS prior to issuing a personal opinion.
By Dr. Melody T. McCloud
April 28, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Obama can hang it up now. Jeremiah Wright just put the nails in his coffin, sacrificed the campaign.
IMO, Jeremiah is likely angry and upset that, just as he’s retiring, his entire name, reputation, legacy and 36 years of ministry had been minimized to these snippets recently shown in the news across the country and world. He just was not able to let his name and reputation go out like that—he feels slandered—and he couldn’t hold his tongue any longer; he felt he had to defend himself, even if it means hurting Obama’s campaign—which it will.
Wright has said some things America doesn’t want to hear. Different does not mean deficient—true. But this was not the time for Wright to do this—for him, perhaps [self-preservation]; but for Obama (his former longtime member and “friend”), no. I feel his timing is MOST selfish and narcissistic.
This is NOT going to play well for Obama, and his people—Susan Rice and David Axelrod—are furious, especially Susan Rice (his foreign policy advisor). She was most ticked just now on MSNBC, though she tried to be PC. She was NOT happy. Obama will need to strongly assert that HE is running, not Wright.
By Vee
April 28, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I have a nice little blog question for those who say that Obama should have left Wright’s church. Say for instance you have in-laws who say things that you don’t agree with. Should you leave your spouse because of his/her kinship? Should you stop going to the Thanksgiving family dinners because of those in-laws’ views? That’s basically what that lying Hillary Clinton said Obama should do.
Yes, I called her a liar because no one can say they had to dodge ammunition one time and then change the story after the facts are out. Misspoke? Please. She doesn’t even the know the definition of “misspoke”. You lied, boo. You lied.
It’s funny, but there are some people who’d rather vote for a white liar than to vote for a half-black man whose FORMER pastor speaks the truth several YEARS ago before this man even thought about running for president. Like Wright said, people are attacking him like he’s running for president.
Get over yourselves, people. You didn’t want to vote for Obama in the first place. Now you feel that you have a valid reason due to his association with Pastor Wright when you just didn’t want to vote for a colored man. I guarantee you if you tell the truth, you’ll feel so much better.
By JeremiahWright
April 28, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
It’s hilarious that FoxNews gets blamed for this when they’re only reporting what the racist Wright actually said. Funny that no one said CNN was unfair when they reported Pat Robertson’s comments, isn’t it? More hypocrisy from the far left; hopefully that will doom Obama’s racist agenda.
By Heard Enough of Obama
April 28, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Wright, your 15 minutes of fame were up an hour ago.
To claim attacks on you is an attack on black faith is at best hideous.
You’re not helping racial tensions but exciting and destroying them. It wasn’t until 9-11 that most Americans had any ill thoughts toward Muslims. What did Osama accomplish? About the same thing you are, turning people against you because you are an obvious glory seeker not worthy of being heard. If it weren’t so serious that you are the pastor of a man running for president, your voice wouldn’t even be heard.
By Voice of Reason
April 28, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say Wright hates America, etc. [stop being inflammatory!],but I don’t think he was thinking about Obama at all, with this current media blitz he’s on. Obama will suffer for this, I think. Wright is trying to preserve his legacy.
I hate the way this election process has gone. And I think Wright needs to sit down for a bit; he’s a distraction when issues like health care, the economy, etc., need to be discussed.
By Norah
April 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I watched the speech a couple of times. I learned much more about Rev. Wright. I had no idea that he was so accomplished. Eight honorary degrees- wow! His comments were humorous, insightful and captivating. I felt that I was privileged to be hearing from a truly enlightened teacher. Possibly all of the prior nonsense about his comments was for a greater purpose. The publicity was responsible for the press coverage that gave us all an opportunity to hear his words. The intolerant- the racists and bigots- will still unjustly attack him but after listening to him I do have hope that tolerance, acceptance, genuine equality and love for our fellow man is coming.
By JeremiahWright
April 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Vee’s an idiot. You’re comparing FAMILY to a PASTOR. You can leave a church, but you can’t leave your family. I’ve left a church for far less divisive statements, and I’m not running for President. Just more excuse making.
By gwarfan
April 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
First off Obama and Wright are two different people. Second New Orleans has always been a crap hole of a town and a “wicked” city where the public education system is a “sewer”. The town was full of shifty people of every color. Third Bush’s and the Laden’s had a connection and we all know that. Yeah once he did something to American I could swear he dropped bombs all over his followers and went to protect the oil. Fourth Bigot and Racist are two different things.
By xfnreporter
April 28, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
I am a white man about to say this:
I like this guy. he is honest and to the point. although i presume he would never break bread with me at a table due to the color of my skin i would do so in a heartbeat. He is not wrong in anything he says. this country is founded on discriminating people for the color of their skin and even when my family arrived from Italy some 100 years ago to NY, they were treated like dogs for being Italian. The Irish went through it as well in the mid 19th century. So here were are, our foundation set in casting those out that do not meet our “traditional” standards, voting for politicians that are all liars, every one of them, regardless of color, gender or party, and yet we are upset that this guy tells the truth. We did bomb Japan, we did support terrorist acts against our enemies and where the tragedies of 9/11 are not what we deserved, did any of the people we have decimated for our definition of “liberty” deserve it? I wonder what God will do in the end. We are all up for judgment and the sooner we stop ignoring the oldest of cosmic laws, what goes around comes around, the sooner we can find harmony and peace amongst ourselves.
This guy is not a bad guy. He is a truth seeker and teller. He should be embraced for his honesty and he willingness to help expose the lies of our politicians.
By Mr. K
April 28, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Ray, while none of us today were slaves and no one alive today were slave owners, many of our grandparents were born of former slaves… more than you may think. Slavery technically ended in 1865 even though we know it went on long after that. Making it conceivable that many baby boomers were the grandchildren, or great grandchildren of former slaves… this puts them in the same age range as Rev. Wright.
With that said, do not be surprised why so many older African Americans are jaded about this country. Many of the acts that you want us to just “get over”and “forgive and forget” are still raw in many folks minds.
Lets not forget, the atrocities of just the last 4 decades. Wikipedia Emmitt Till, Michael Donald, Amadou Diallo, Yusef Hawkins, etc. I could keep going but you get the point.
By End Of Discussion
April 28, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Back to the original question: Rev. Wrong is Divisive.
By The Truth
April 28, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Vee, What you fail to see is that Obama made his church an issue in his book. Rev. Wright was his pastor for 20 years. Yes, we all have crazy relatives who say stupid things but these crazy relatives ARE NOT our spiritual leaders. Big difference. Hillary is a pathological liar and no one can deny that. I’d take Obama over Hillary any day because he’s not as crazy and power hungry as she is. I understand the anger from blacks about Americas past but there comes a time to GET OVER IT and move on.
By Jack in Atlanta
April 28, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
When a friend asked me about these comments when the internet loops first started playing on cable news, I responded that they really do not want to get into this because it is about the black church. This position was reiiterated by the introductory speaker, and misreported by almost every single white pundit. How could it be fair to characterize anybody’s whole life from a looped, concentrated 30 second sound bite? If America is going to elect a black candidate, the Black church should not have to hide until Novemeber, as if it is something deficient about its style, approach, or methodology. As an Obama supporter, I realize that if this hurts Obama, it is more of an indication of White America’s unwillingness to embrace black America in its entirety. And that is not too much to ask, since blacks have for generations learned about the majority culture to ad nauseum.
By Vee
April 28, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
If people like Rev. Wright hate our country so much then he is welcomed to move to Africa.
Crafty, are you serious? Africa? Why not Europe, Asia, Australia, or the other inhabitable CONTINENTS? Africa is not a country, dear. You’re not as “crafty” as you think.
Why is that when blacks stand up and speak against the racism in this country, they should move to Africa? Well, sweety, you can hang that up. Just for the record, Rev. Wright doesn’t hate America. But if he did, he has every right to be here just like anybody else. Why don’t you do the “white flight” thing and move to a COUNTRY in Europe? I’m not talking about all whites—just the racist ones.
By 70 something
April 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Living long in this land and experiencing the changes that have happened, I wonder WHAT NEW CHANGES Mr. Obama wants? Have we not had changes - some good and some evil? Change is part of the American experience and whoever is our next President will have change occur. So what new change thing can occur? If we listen to this Wright preacher man, I fear the change will be so dramatic and evil that my boots shake as if the earth were quaking underneath. To hear voices that demand change without explaining what kind of change is worthless talk. Are we going to allow a man who talks hate and disrespect for our America and its flag and its soldiers and its government to take control of our land and make changes that turn us into a nation like those in Africa who fight and kill one another and destroy democracy and create mayhem? I pray to God that the change Obama and his advisers like Wright, J Jackson, and A Sharpton have in mind do not prevail. Thank God I am 70 and not long for this world if that is what will happen.
By G
April 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
All racists and hate mongers try to cover their abhorrent thoughts with descriptive words… another example of this descriptive talk…
“I don’t call myself a white supremacist. I’m a civil rights activist concerned about European-American rights.” David Duke
By Michelle
April 28, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
No, Obama should in no way be held accountable for what his Pastor says. In addition, the comments made by the Pastor have clearly been taken out of context and what a Pastor who helps people in need and fires them up to not only face life, but to embrace it and encourages them to work hard and be productive citizens that support themselves and in addition, give back to society in the way of helping hands to others…should not be under fire. His negative comments should not be given this much attention nor should they be used to manipulate the general population.
By Kepps
April 28, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Of course the Rev. has been treated unfairly! I have had to endure the damn soundbites thousands of times, but have yet to see any MSM outlet show clips of his inspiring and uplifting speeches. I have heard no comments on the good works he and his church have done over the years. What I have also not heard is much criticisms of the Revs. Hagee and Paisley’s onerous comments about gays, catholics, etc. Nor have I heard any uproar over Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell agreeing that 9/11 was America’s own fault. It’s quite telling about the level of racism and predjudice in this country that right wing, WHITE nutjob ministers can say anything they damn well please and nobody bats an eyelash. And if they support a particular republican candidate, well that’s OK, because we know the candidate doesn’t think like that. But let it be a black minister making controversial comments and of course since all black people think alike (as opposed to us white people) then of course any candidate they support MUST think just like that.
By princess
April 28, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
By the Truth, we are all racists to a point. Get over it already. The truth is White America doesn’t want to see a black man as president. Can’t we all just get along?
By James
April 28, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
This man is a close as you will get to a concerned citizen that loves his country. He is a pastor, a leader and a patriot. Before you pass judgment please see at least the entire Bill Moyers’ interview and hopefully his NAACP speech in their entirety. If after having watched and listened to both you believe this man is a radical that hates America then we live in two different worlds. Our constitution entitles everyone in this country to freedom of speech. Some seem to feel that his quote of Ambassador Edward Peck in the speech after 911 was inappropriate. If you think the part of the speech he quoted was inflammatory you should hear Amb. Peck.
Fox News should replay that speech by Amb. Peck in order to clear up some of the confusion caused by playing his quote of it out of context and without the attribution which was stated in the speech. If Rev. Wright is a radical then so is every concerned person in this country. We know this is the case and it is the press’ responsibility to inform the public when in instances such as these politicians are manipulating the facts to serve their end. As Americans we need to be given the truth and allowed to confront and analyze the facts of our reality without the self serving political spin that is damaging us all; simply to serve their political ends.
By mike davidson
April 28, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
If this is about the reverend, do not compare his actions to anyone elses actions outside of his peer group; other Christian religious leaders. Please look at what he said “God damn America” I have listened to the entire sermon in which he spoke these words. They are completely in context. He said and has repeatedly had the opportunity to apologize or modify his statements. He has not done so. He obviously loves the attention he got preaching and loves the controversy now. He appears to have a great ego, not so humble in anything I have heard him say. …..I have listened to many preachers, priests, lay preachers, evangelists, reverends and pastors over the years and have never heard any other Christian leader say God damn any thing, person or place.
By P Murray
April 28, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Hey, this is America ! I might not like what was said, but I will defend his right to say it.
And don’t shoot the messenger.
By MrKnowGood
April 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Here is a link to Rev. Wright’s sermons in CONTEXT (since the AJC won’t post the speech, but would rather continue to debate the sound bites).
Sound Bites vs. Sermon Excerpts From the Chicago Sun Times.
[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-wright-transcripts-webmar29,0,705161.story]
By James
April 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
This man is a close as you will get to a concerned citizen that loves his country. He is a pastor, a leader and a patriot. Before you pass judgment please see at least the entire Bill Moyers’ interview and hopefully his NAACP speech in their entirety. If after having watched and listened to both you believe this man is a radical that hates America then we live in two different worlds. Our constitution entitles everyone in this country to freedom of speech. Some seem to feel that his quote of Ambassador Edward Peck in the speech after 911 was inappropriate. If you think the part of the speech he quoted was inflammatory you should hear Amb. Peck.
Fox News should replay that speech by Amb. Peck in order to clear up some of the confusion caused by playing his quote of it out of context and without the attribution which was stated in the speech. If Rev. Wright is a radical then so is every concerned person in this country. We know this is the case and it is the press’ responsibility to inform the public when in instances such as these politicians are manipulating the facts to serve their end. As Americans we need to be given the truth and allowed to confront and analyze the facts of our reality without the self serving political spin that is damaging us all; simply to serve their political ends.
By Always-Right
April 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Wright and Obama are both racists and I don’t want to ever hear from either one of them again.
By old91A10
April 28, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
J.A. Wright is no M.L. King. So, what? I don’t like some (perhaps many) of his messages. So, what? I wouldn’t belong to his church. So, what? This is much more than a single sound bite. So, what? Through sermons and explanations, his messages have stayed the same. So, what?
B.H. Obama has been addressing this month after month after month. So, what? Oh! That’s the rub. This is where the message changes!
Instead of facing this honestly a long time ago, Obama engaged in a drawn out, disingenuous series of equivocations, obfuscations, and misdirections — ranging from inferences of not being present, to hearing things that made him uneasy, to an avowal that he would have left the church or said something, if Wright had not recently retired.
Blaming any of this on H.R.Clinton is patently wrong. For the most part, she has addressed this in response to direct questions, and, for a politician, used kid gloves, as far as I’m concerned. Fox news brought this to the fore, after it simmered on obscure back burners for a long time.
This is Obama’s mess, and there are some other issues simmering on the back burners that have been handled in a similar flip-flopping manner.
Further, at each flip, there seems to have been disconnects between Obama and the Obamaniacs — at this moment he is accusatory and they are exculpatory.
By Get Real
April 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
This is a non-issue created by the far right to distract voters from the REAL issues that lie before us. The media in all of it’s “E!” glory have latched onto this, Obama’s bowling, Clinton drinking a shot of whiskey, McCain having a temper… because it is far easier to report on that sort of fluff instead of what matters to real Americans who are losing their shirt in this lousy economy. I am more afraid for America’s future than some random pastor in Chicago’s words.
By typical white man
April 28, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Vee: The policeman who shot Mr. Bell consisted of 2 blacks and 1 white. Does this mean it was 1/3 racist? What blacks can’t seem to understand is that most white people are busy living their own lives, not giving a single thought towards being racist. I have known for some time that the way blacks look at whites reflected a deep resentment towards whatever white person happened to be in their proximity. Now I know where that hatred comes from, from people like Rev. Wright. White peoples issue, and frankly everyones issue should be not the manner in which he preaches, but the content of his sermons. Mr. Obama allowed his children to sit in a church that teaches their kids to hate whites based on our countrys’ past. When those kids walk out of church, that hatred is transferred to the whites of today. I don’t lump all blacks together, but I am afraid these kids will lump all whites together as racist. Your tone suggest that you see race in every issue, always the governments’fault. { by the way we know govt. is code for whitey!} Katrina was a disaster from Mayor Neagin on up. Everyone has a part in the blame, but it’s crippling to keep living in the past. Nobody was prepared for such a disaster in New Orleans. As far as California goes, they have these fires every year and are extremely prepared, nothing to do with the color of their skin. In closing, I feel like what has been done here is to open white Americas’ eyes to the underlying hate blacks feel towards us. We have been caught sort of flat-footed seeing such hate come from a place of worship. What you see now is our attempt to find out just how commonly this is taught. This is why we wonder if it may take more generations to heal our differences, if the youngest of our black kids have been taught to hate or at least distrust whites.
By valeria
April 28, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
With regards to that comment about Black Americans being included in Americas mainstream is about a bunch of bull. How dare you, and who are these individuals with this so called authority to include people of this nation??? How ignorant you are, and if people were not raised to think the way you do maybe this nation would be a better place.
By Cammi317
April 28, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I have come to the conclusion that there is fear of a “slave revolt” resonating through the minds of some small percentage of the caucasion population in this country. I said SOME, not all. Slavery has been over for more than 100 years, but the fear is obviously still in the air. Probably, moreso in the minds of people who know that they have personally participated in racial injustices during their lives. I believe they truly fear that somehow they will be punished or there will be reverse slavery. This is the reason why they harp on these crazy things in an attempt to justify their own paranoia. That’s the key word…paranoia. There’s a higher power out there that will serve you your just punishment. We don’t have the time to be concerned.
On the other hand, there are surely SOME small percentage of black people who think if Barack is elected that all of the sudden black people are going to “rule the country” and/or receive monetary “reparations” for slavery. Let me clue you in….it ain’t happening. If you are waiting on 40 acres and a mule to be handed to you, you are going to be surely dissappointed.
Just my thoughts on the entire situation.
By EDI
April 28, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
It is amazing how the media is using someone else’s character to distract and divide the country. I love how everyone in glass houses are throwing stones. I hope none of you ever need to take a stand for something you feel is right and have the media use your cousin, your boss, or any other person you know against you. It is sad you could not find anything against Obama, so you choose his former pastor as a waepon against him. I surely hope your minister, preacher, rabbi, etc. said everything you agree with.
By gwarfan
April 28, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Obama is going to will the Dem nomination and if not then the Dems are going to hand over the win to Mccain becuase people are going to be p** off. Mccain was locked in a cage for a few years and I just can not trust anyone locked in a cage, it makes you crazy.
By typical white man
April 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Good Grief! Going to eat at your in-laws equates with Obamas’ church! That is comparing apples to rocks! Lets try another one. Suppose you send your child to a school that teaches your children that whites invented aids to kill blacks. Would you continue to send your kids there,and donate over $20,000 to the school I might add, or would you look for a better education for your children. Rev. Wright mixes in enough truth with his lies to make them believable, especially to young impressionable minds. How many of the kids from his church do you suppose believe whitey invented aids to kill blacks, and how does that affect their view of whites, all whites. As far as Obama goes, I honestly considered him as a good candidate for president. You paint whites with a broad racist brush when you suggest we wouldn’t vote for him anyway. You see color much more vividly than whites! Did you learn this in church?
By waitingforyoutostroke
April 28, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Wright is right. America has made horrible decisions in the past and 9/11 was a backlash because of bad international policy. The people who died on 9/11 didn’t deserve to die, they were not responsible for those international policys. Just like the men and women in IRAQ don’t deserve to die in the name of a falsely justified war. But they will, everyday.
Nothing he said about past american policy was wrong. We have been horrible to the world. And he is MORE SO an american because he does not want this to continue. If letting america turn to crap by ignoring these injustices is american then I don’t want to be that kind of american. And I, and Wright have the DUTY to say so, even if it hurts your whitebreed feelings. By the way, I am white as well, and I am ashamed of the caucasian additude of superiority.
The fact that people are responding by telling african-americans to go back to africa is appauling. Suggesting that they keep themselves down and that blacks are more racist than white. You are the reason Wright had to speak out in the first place. You are the ones who are unwilling to change. You are the ones who are bitter because the black population may gain power in this country.
I can only hope you racist b******* die early of your fast-food coronary and are too stupid to teach your children or grandchildren your bigoted ways. Thank god we haven’t found immortality because you people don’t deserve it. Here or in heaven.
By One
April 28, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Vee, gurrrllll, you hit the nail on the head!!!!! This is just the excuse most were looking for to not vote for a black man!!!!! Period.
Now, let’s look back at Jimmy Carter, who was a member (at the time that he ran for President, I believe) of a church that would not allow blacks!!! And the people voted for him anyway!!!!!
Whatever, like I said earlier, if Hillary steals the nomination, she will ruin/split the Democratic party, and McCain will win. End of story…………and at that point I really will not care!!!! She WILL NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT win against McCain!! She’s too much of a liar!!!
By Tamara
April 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
What does Rev. Wright’s 6 year old sermon have to do with Barack’s present day campaign?
By MJM
April 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I heard his speech last night and will say it just more hate mongering.
By Peri
April 28, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I thought Rev. Wright’s speech at the NAACP event was brilliant. Listening to the constant loop of the soundbytes played of his earlier speeches, I had some misgivings about him. But I watched this speech, in it’s entirety, and I thought it was engaging and even funny.
Of course, even some of what he said in this most recent speech will he said will be disected and misconstrued. I’m afraid he can’t win, but I applaud him for defending himself. He needed to do it.
By jt
April 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Terrible - he is a terrible man. I talked to atleast six of my friends today. We are changing our votes from Obama to Clinton.
By VERITAS
April 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
“G*D Damn, America”?
That statement alone should have emptied the sanctuary, let alone stay as a member for 20 years.
Any church that is political and teaches divisiveness should have its tax-exempt status revoked.
Isn’t God’s Word enough?
By DD
April 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
What exactly did Rev. Wright say that was racist or bigoted?
By Todd Jones
April 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Wright is nothing more than another egotist, opportunist, and capitalist. How nice it must be to make millions from doing nothing more than acting as a lightning rod for racial and anit-America sentiment. Its people like Rev. Wright who continue to disenfranchise black America from being part of the dream. People like Wright want to perpetuate the idea that the American dream is for others, but blacks got the pleasure of doing all the groundwork to make America what it is. Its laughable. Anyone who continues to listen and be influencd by the likes of Wright, shouldt be surprised the American dream is passing them by. You cant live a dream of any kind if youre filled with hate and anger.
By TIme Out
April 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I totally agree that it is unfair to use this as a wedge issue against Obama. This just proves that this and Ayers *(the guy that alledgedly did those bombings when Obama was in elementary school) has nothing to do with Obama as a person. This only shows that the Republicans are grasping at straws if this is all they can come up with. Just remember that McCain has been a politician a lot longer than Obama and I am sure that he has met some interesting and “Colorful” advisors in his past. Just remember that, because turnabout is only fair.
By NoSirRee
April 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I dont care what the voters reasons arefr not voting for Obama, so long as they dont. Anyway, this is a red state people. Save your breath.
By Frederick Douglass
April 28, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I get the feeling that if it hadn’t been Rev. Wright, then it would’ve been Deacon Wrong. I can’t speak for African America in its entirety, but this was fully expected. I’ve been around to see ten presidents, and this is the sorriest era I’ve lived through, right wing or left wing.
By The Truth
April 28, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
princess, He’s not african-american. He’s mixed. I’d love to see any person of color in the white house as long as they are competent leaders. And no, whites are not all racist. Most of us are just sick of hearing about how bad blacks have it when they have every opportunity in the world to make a great living.
By typical white man
April 28, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Peri: The Rev. Wright speech at the NAACP event , I can assure you, was not considered funny by most whites. He mocked our preachers, our musical rhythm, our methods of worship, and mant of our revered leaders. But most of all, I think he did blacks a huge disservice by suggesting they need not strive to speak the same as whites. Like it or not, we are judged immediately by our command of the English language, all of us, not just the blacks. What blacks saw as funny, whites were insulted by. This is just an example of your inner character if you delight in the denigration of others because they are different. The underlying tone of his whole speech was black superiority. Right brain-left brain, good grief!
By Obama Talks & Talks but says nothing
April 28, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Looks like the shills and apologists for the Obama campaign are out in full force on this thread. There is no way anyone can legitimately defend Wright, even Obama doesn’t try.
I recently discovered on the net the comedy of Chris Rock and I have to say it is hilarious. Now there is a truthful man, it’s refreshing to hear the truth and be able to laugh about it.
By tf
April 28, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
The Rev Wright has opened my eyes I always thought African Americans were just like the Africans,no ability to rule a country or provide freedom for the people. Unable to feed the population or insure law. Now I know they are just different and none of this is there fault. Oh! by the way Rev Wright needs to make sure all of the Africans know that none of the problems in Africa are there fault.
By terri
April 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Rev Wright did not mock white people’s musical rhythum, methods of worship, preachers. He did not suggest that blacks strive to speak the same as whites. He was simply pointing out that whether white, black, chinese, latino, catholic, protestant, jewish, islam, etc. americans, europeans are DIFFERENT NOT DEFICIENT. How is that OFFENSIVE TO WHITE PEOPLE or devisive. I am white and I listened to him twice. It is amazing how what is said is interpreted so many different ways. I applaud what he said and he was right on!!
By The Truth
April 28, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I’m an intelligent person. I can recognize when someone is a bigot and Rev. Wright is a bigot. What did he say that was inspiring? He obviously dislikes white people and the country that allowed him to build a $10 million house.
terri, you applaud this man? I bet you think Bush blew up the levy and that the Iraq war is about oil, right? He said that the marines were just like the romans who crucified Jesus. What do you say about that?
By old91A10
April 28, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
The point too many are missing, by rehashing Wright: (from above) Instead of facing this honestly a long time ago, Obama engaged in a drawn out, disingenuous series of equivocations, obfuscations, and misdirections — ranging from inferences of not being present, to hearing things that made him uneasy, to an avowal that he would have left the church or said something, if Wright had not recently retired.
To Vee and others: It has happened in our family more than once with in-laws and friends, and the action has always been immediate, “We don’t say that here!” It has always been followed up with a frank, private discussion away from the table.
By Voice of Reason
April 28, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Obama is jacked. It’s over. Thrown under the bus by his own pastor. With friends like Jeremiah…
And this is NOT about the Black church. I agree, Wright is Self-serving, narcissistic. It is over.
By typical white man
April 28, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Terri: I said MOST white people were offended. Obviously you view his speech through a different prism. Rev. Wright made a point of excusing bad behavior in class by left brained black children. He also made a point of suggesting Ebonics was not poor English, just different. He also mocked JFK: “How do you spell ask? ” If you don’t understand this , you better ax sumbody!!!
By Charles
April 29, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Has the Reverend been treated fairly by the media? Absolutely! His sermons have been shown for all to judge for themselves. He’s been allowed to speak and make a case for what he’s said.
Unfortunately for him and Obama what has been said in the past and now in the present has been damaging to both men. Maybe if Obama had left the church earlier this wouldn’t be an issue for him.