“Now, about the “chickens coming home to roost” comment. I assumed Wright was blaming the government. When I heard that portion of his sermon, I didn’t hear any words to indicate that he was blaming the common “middle aged white man with a high school diploma that lost his job”. For the record, I haven’t legitimizing any words that would blame anyone-whatever color-for actions taken by the U.S. government that they had no say in or control over.”
Marion, I concur wholeheartedly that it is our GOVERNMENT — not its people — that is responsible for any ill will caused by America’s post-war foreign policy. I think Reverend Wright would have served himself — and Obama — better if he had made that clear (if, in fact, that is what be believes). But to simply “damn” America is abusive and cruel.
A country is comprised of people, not just it’s government. By example, if I were to have screamed “Goddamn Iraq” 8 years ago because I was outraged by the criminal acts perpetrated by Sadaam Hussein against his own (and other) people, how do you think the people of Iraq, who had limited to no control over Hussein’s policies, would have reacted to that statement? They would not have understood my comment to be directed toward Hussein, but rather toward their COUNTRY. That’s exactly the same way that the middled-aged white man and single white mother interpreted Wright’s comments.
So put yourself in the position of the person and think about how YOU would react. I know it’s a challenge for you, but try.
“And you speak of forgive. It’s not my place to forgive. However, it shouldn’t be dwelled on and it shouldn’t be forever harped on and associated with Barack Obama. Why? Because Obama didn’t say those words.”
I think it is completely appropriate to associate Obama with words of his pastor. Why? Because associations — whether with respect to friends, family, co-workers, business, or polics — speak volumes about a person’s character and values. They even speak volumes about a country’s character and values. There is a reason that the phrase “birds of a feather” sticks in our vernacular: it resonates with something very basic about human nature and character.
A defendant’s character can be called into question, in a court of law, by virtue of his criminal associations. Companies such as Gap shy away from contracting with those who exploit women and minors at low wages. Countries, including the United States, “attempt” to sever ties, politically and commercially, with governments that abuse their own citizens and others.
And when Obama spends 20 years in a church listening to a man who not only served as his spiritual counsel, a member of his campaign team, wed him to his wife, but also gave a sermon which ended up being the title of his first book, I find this association important. Again, if you’ll take the time to put the shoe on the other foot, I can’t imagine that Americans would not be outraged if they learned that John Mccain had spent 20 years in a church listening to a man who directed inflammatory language towards blacks, any other minority, or even the government of a country. I have severed relationships with friends in the past when they began to make racist or sexist comments. Why? Because it is important for me to spend my time with those who share my values. Otherwise, I am giving tacit approval. It is important to speak out and attempt to guide those who are unenlightened. But if they continue to express such ignorant views, then it is time to terminate the relationship. This is just common sense for anyone with any sense of character. Perhaps that is somethign that Obama ultimately lacks, despite his feel-good words.
“‘It’s so saddening to feel that whenever we start to move forward as a country, something or someone pulls us back — into the past. 15 years ago it was the O.J. spectacle. Now it’s Wright. When will we ever learn to simply let go and move forward? Being the flawed souls that we are, I suspect the answer is: never.’
This is overly dramatic BS, partypup. Do you think a few words uttered by an insignifant reverend is going to hold this country back?? We are moving forward. Why don’t YOU let it go?”
First off, whenever anyone has to use profanity to make a point, they don’t have much of a point to make. As strongly as I disagree with your opinions, Marion, I have never called them B.S. So please grow up and learn how to have an intelligent debate with someone, allright? This kind of behavior says so much about where your head is (or isn’t).
Do I think the words of this insignficant pastor are going to hold this country back? Seriously, have you even been paying attention to the national debate of the past 2 months around this topic? The hatred that Wright has stirred up has undeniably hury Obama’s camapign. He is now struggling to bring whites back into his fold. If Obama is facing this problem within his own campaign, are you really going to tell me that this has not adversely impacted the relationship between black American and white America?
I think you tend to underestimate the impact of Wright’s words because they were not directed toward YOU. To many millions of Americans, they were not harmless words simply uttered. They were painful and they cut very deep, and I think you are trivializing them because you aren’t white and seem to have a difficult time appreciating the viewpoints or perspective of anyone other than a black person. That’s a pity.
We will move forward as a country, despite the inflammatory ragings of people like Wright. I’m not clinging to anything, so I have nothing to let go of, Marion. I’m simply trying to explain why Wright’s words cut so deeply and why others aren’t able to brush them off as easily as you are.
Its called empathy, and you should try to acquire a bit.
