Barack Obama for President

[partypup]

“Brutus, Obama’s former “pastor” is not a racist. The problem was that he gave his opinions in an inflammatory manner. Sometimes the way you say things will tick people off.

Father Pfleger said the same things about Hillary and he’s white. Is he racist against his own race?

Just a little food for thought.”

Marion,

While you’re eating, please chew on this:

You need to spend more time listening to Wright’s sermons. I’ve taken the time to listen, and I find it hard to believe that any sane person can believe this man does not hold white people in extremely low esteem; that he believes they are ALL liars and cheats who seek to exploit and abuse blacks and other people of color; that they get what they deserve.

If you turned the tables, and had Reverends Falwell or Robertson made the same comments about African Americans that came from Wright and Ayres (who incidentally is also a raving homophobe), there is no question that you would be saying they were racist. But you excuse these “inflammatory” and ignorant comments because they are coming from a black man.

I am black, and I absolutely loathe the fear and anger that Wright and his kind are stirring up in our country.

I believe his “chickens coming home to roost” comment was perhaps one of the most damning, and I will explain why.

The fundamental reason that I take sharp exception to even the slightest suggestion that America has no cause to complain for consequences that are predictable; or that whatever America threw around came back around; or that our chickens came home to roost, is because I deeply and to my core believe that countries — and our country, in particular — are not properly represented by the people who control them. If we have learned one thing over the past eight, long, grueling years, it is that a country and its government can be high jacked to the dismay and horror of those living within its borders. A country does not consist of it’s government; it’s consists of the millions (and sometimes billions) who live within it, too often without a voice. America is the sum of its people, not the sum of a failed foreign policy; Iraq was the sum of its people, not a deranged and homicidal dictator.

Therefore, when Wright speaks of America’s chickens coming home to roost, he needs to be QUITE clear that the vast majority of Americans (black, white, brown and other) have no concept of the nature and scope of our country’s foreign policy or even how our economy actually functions. The successive members of Congress and presidential administrations who have controlled this country for the past one hundred years have kept its citizens woefully ignorant of the lengths to which they have gone to secure American supremacy, both militarily and economically. It is not that Americans have never sought the truth; rather, the truth has been withheld from them on a massive and deliberate scale.

I had a similar reaction to Sharon Stone’s comment last week which sparked a public outcry in China. In a candid interview, she observed that a form of mass karma might possibly explain the horrendous earthquake (and aftershocks) that befell that country and injured several hundred thousands of innocent people, many of them children. Karma for what? Karma for mistreating the Dalai Lama and the gentle citizens of Tibet, she explained. Understandably, millions in China went ballistic when they heard her comments, because they — like me — draw a sharp distinction between the Chinese government and the Chinese people. For the past 8 years, in fact, our president has pursued policies openly opposed by more than 50% of the citizens of this country. Should God damn ME or YOU because we choose to live in a country whose government flaunts the will of its people? Do we really know how the vast majority of Chinese feel about their government’s oppression of Tibet? Doubtful that we’d ever hear from them, it being a Communist country and all.

I agree that a small cadre of white men have royally screwed us all. But I wish that Wright would focus on the fact that it is our government, not the bulk of white Americans — “who needs to make things right.” The issue isn’t race; the real elephant in the room is class. And race has been used by our government for years to divide the classes so that it becomes veritably impossible to mobilize them against the forces that have oppressed not only those outside our country, but also those within. White, black, brown, other — we all share many more similarities than differences. Our struggle is a common one. Americans of all stripes are facing a common struggle to simply survive now. At this point, it matters little whether you are black or white, and to focus on these differences at this stage in the game is dangerous and foolhardy.

But instead, we allow ourselves to get caught up in race-baiting.

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.

Have blacks attained equality in this country? Hell no. Far, far from it. On that, I completely agree with Wright and Wise. But place the blame where it belongs. It doesn’t belong with the single mother of three who can barely afford to feed her children or put gas in her car. Or the middle-aged white man with a high school diploma who just lost his job of 35 years at a GM plant. These are the Americans that Wright is “damning”. And when that single mother or that middle-aged man hears Wright say that “America’s chickens have come home to roost,” they wonder what the hell he is talking about, because they had no hand in letting the chickens out. And then they start to feel defensive, and confused. And angry. And that anger sets us back. It sets us ALL back.

Wright shouldn’t condemn the people who are suffering right alongside him; instead, he should recognize who the REAL culprits are, the men who actually let the chickens out, not the innocent white men and women and children who were hapless bystanders when they came home to roost.

Whether Wright realizes it or not, there is a leveling coming. Very soon, it won’t make a whit of difference what color you are as the screws begin to tighten against the American people.

It does not benefit any of us when people engage in mental gymnastics to rationalize this type of behavior, Marion. Your heart may be in the right place, but to forgive Wright for these comments unleashes a hell you can’t possibly imagine. If we legitimize his words, we give license for unenlightened white people to hold similar views about blacks. And I’ve got a BIG problem with that.

[partypup]

“Brutus, Obama’s former “pastor” is not a racist. The problem was that he gave his opinions in an inflammatory manner. Sometimes the way you say things will tick people off.

Father Pfleger said the same things about Hillary and he’s white. Is he racist against his own race?

Just a little food for thought.”

Marion,

While you’re eating, please chew on this:

You need to spend more time listening to Wright’s sermons. I’ve taken the time to listen, and I find it hard to believe that any sane person can believe this man does not hold white people in extremely low esteem; that he believes they are ALL liars and cheats who seek to exploit and abuse blacks and other people of color; that they get what they deserve.

If you turned the tables, and had Reverends Falwell or Robertson made the same comments about African Americans that came from Wright and Ayres (who incidentally is also a raving homophobe), there is no question that you would be saying they were racist. But you excuse these “inflammatory” and ignorant comments because they are coming from a black man.

I am black, and I absolutely loathe the fear and anger that Wright and his kind are stirring up in our country.

I believe his “chickens coming home to roost” comment was perhaps one of the most damning, and I will explain why.

The fundamental reason that I take sharp exception to even the slightest suggestion that America has no cause to complain for consequences that are predictable; or that whatever America threw around came back around; or that our chickens came home to roost, is because I deeply and to my core believe that countries — and our country, in particular — are not properly represented by the people who control them. If we have learned one thing over the past eight, long, grueling years, it is that a country and its government can be high jacked to the dismay and horror of those living within its borders. A country does not consist of it’s government; it’s consists of the millions (and sometimes billions) who live within it, too often without a voice. America is the sum of its people, not the sum of a failed foreign policy; Iraq was the sum of its people, not a deranged and homicidal dictator.

Therefore, when Wright speaks of America’s chickens coming home to roost, he needs to be QUITE clear that the vast majority of Americans (black, white, brown and other) have no concept of the nature and scope of our country’s foreign policy or even how our economy actually functions. The successive members of Congress and presidential administrations who have controlled this country for the past one hundred years have kept its citizens woefully ignorant of the lengths to which they have gone to secure American supremacy, both militarily and economically. It is not that Americans have never sought the truth; rather, the truth has been withheld from them on a massive and deliberate scale.

I had a similar reaction to Sharon Stone’s comment last week which sparked a public outcry in China. In a candid interview, she observed that a form of mass karma might possibly explain the horrendous earthquake (and aftershocks) that befell that country and injured several hundred thousands of innocent people, many of them children. Karma for what? Karma for mistreating the Dalai Lama and the gentle citizens of Tibet, she explained. Understandably, millions in China went ballistic when they heard her comments, because they — like me — draw a sharp distinction between the Chinese government and the Chinese people. For the past 8 years, in fact, our president has pursued policies openly opposed by more than 50% of the citizens of this country. Should God damn ME or YOU because we choose to live in a country whose government flaunts the will of its people? Do we really know how the vast majority of Chinese feel about their government’s oppression of Tibet? Doubtful that we’d ever hear from them, it being a Communist country and all.

I agree that a small cadre of white men have royally screwed us all. But I wish that Wright would focus on the fact that it is our government, not the bulk of white Americans — “who needs to make things right.” The issue isn’t race; the real elephant in the room is class. And race has been used by our government for years to divide the classes so that it becomes veritably impossible to mobilize them against the forces that have oppressed not only those outside our country, but also those within. White, black, brown, other — we all share many more similarities than differences. Our struggle is a common one. Americans of all stripes are facing a common struggle to simply survive now. At this point, it matters little whether you are black or white, and to focus on these differences at this stage in the game is dangerous and foolhardy.

But instead, we allow ourselves to get caught up in race-baiting.

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.

Have blacks attained equality in this country? Hell no. Far, far from it. On that, I completely agree with Wright and Wise. But place the blame where it belongs. It doesn’t belong with the single mother of three who can barely afford to feed her children or put gas in her car. Or the middle-aged white man with a high school diploma who just lost his job of 35 years at a GM plant. These are the Americans that Wright is “damning”. And when that single mother or that middle-aged man hears Wright say that “America’s chickens have come home to roost,” they wonder what the hell he is talking about, because they had no hand in letting the chickens out. And then they start to feel defensive, and confused. And angry. And that anger sets us back. It sets us ALL back.

Wright shouldn’t condemn the people who are suffering right alongside him; instead, he should recognize who the REAL culprits are, the men who actually let the chickens out, not the innocent white men and women and children who were hapless bystanders when they came home to roost.

Whether Wright realizes it or not, there is a leveling coming. Very soon, it won’t make a whit of difference what color you are as the screws begin to tighten against the American people.

It does not benefit any of us when people engage in mental gymnastics to rationalize this type of behavior, Marion. Your heart may be in the right place, but to forgive Wright for these comments unleashes a hell you can’t possibly imagine. If we legitimize his words, we give license for unenlightened white people to hold similar views about blacks. And I’ve got a BIG problem with that.

[partypup]

“Brutus, Obama’s former “pastor” is not a racist. The problem was that he gave his opinions in an inflammatory manner. Sometimes the way you say things will tick people off.

Father Pfleger said the same things about Hillary and he’s white. Is he racist against his own race?

Just a little food for thought.”

Marion,

While you’re eating, please chew on this:

You need to spend more time listening to Wright’s sermons. I’ve taken the time to listen, and I find it hard to believe that any sane person can believe this man does not hold white people in extremely low esteem; that he believes they are ALL liars and cheats who seek to exploit and abuse blacks and other people of color; that they get what they deserve.

If you turned the tables, and had Reverends Falwell or Robertson made the same comments about African Americans that came from Wright and Ayres (who incidentally is also a raving homophobe), there is no question that you would be saying they were racist. But you excuse these “inflammatory” and ignorant comments because they are coming from a black man.

I am black, and I absolutely loathe the fear and anger that Wright and his kind are stirring up in our country.

I believe his “chickens coming home to roost” comment was perhaps one of the most damning, and I will explain why.

The fundamental reason that I take sharp exception to even the slightest suggestion that America has no cause to complain for consequences that are predictable; or that whatever America threw around came back around; or that our chickens came home to roost, is because I deeply and to my core believe that countries — and our country, in particular — are not properly represented by the people who control them. If we have learned one thing over the past eight, long, grueling years, it is that a country and its government can be high jacked to the dismay and horror of those living within its borders. A country does not consist of it’s government; it’s consists of the millions (and sometimes billions) who live within it, too often without a voice. America is the sum of its people, not the sum of a failed foreign policy; Iraq was the sum of its people, not a deranged and homicidal dictator.

Therefore, when Wright speaks of America’s chickens coming home to roost, he needs to be QUITE clear that the vast majority of Americans (black, white, brown and other) have no concept of the nature and scope of our country’s foreign policy or even how our economy actually functions. The successive members of Congress and presidential administrations who have controlled this country for the past one hundred years have kept its citizens woefully ignorant of the lengths to which they have gone to secure American supremacy, both militarily and economically. It is not that Americans have never sought the truth; rather, the truth has been withheld from them on a massive and deliberate scale.

I had a similar reaction to Sharon Stone’s comment last week which sparked a public outcry in China. In a candid interview, she observed that a form of mass karma might possibly explain the horrendous earthquake (and aftershocks) that befell that country and injured several hundred thousands of innocent people, many of them children. Karma for what? Karma for mistreating the Dalai Lama and the gentle citizens of Tibet, she explained. Understandably, millions in China went ballistic when they heard her comments, because they — like me — draw a sharp distinction between the Chinese government and the Chinese people. For the past 8 years, in fact, our president has pursued policies openly opposed by more than 50% of the citizens of this country. Should God damn ME or YOU because we choose to live in a country whose government flaunts the will of its people? Do we really know how the vast majority of Chinese feel about their government’s oppression of Tibet? Doubtful that we’d ever hear from them, it being a Communist country and all.

I agree that a small cadre of white men have royally screwed us all. But I wish that Wright would focus on the fact that it is our government, not the bulk of white Americans — “who needs to make things right.” The issue isn’t race; the real elephant in the room is class. And race has been used by our government for years to divide the classes so that it becomes veritably impossible to mobilize them against the forces that have oppressed not only those outside our country, but also those within. White, black, brown, other — we all share many more similarities than differences. Our struggle is a common one. Americans of all stripes are facing a common struggle to simply survive now. At this point, it matters little whether you are black or white, and to focus on these differences at this stage in the game is dangerous and foolhardy.

But instead, we allow ourselves to get caught up in race-baiting.

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.

Have blacks attained equality in this country? Hell no. Far, far from it. On that, I completely agree with Wright and Wise. But place the blame where it belongs. It doesn’t belong with the single mother of three who can barely afford to feed her children or put gas in her car. Or the middle-aged white man with a high school diploma who just lost his job of 35 years at a GM plant. These are the Americans that Wright is “damning”. And when that single mother or that middle-aged man hears Wright say that “America’s chickens have come home to roost,” they wonder what the hell he is talking about, because they had no hand in letting the chickens out. And then they start to feel defensive, and confused. And angry. And that anger sets us back. It sets us ALL back.

Wright shouldn’t condemn the people who are suffering right alongside him; instead, he should recognize who the REAL culprits are, the men who actually let the chickens out, not the innocent white men and women and children who were hapless bystanders when they came home to roost.

Whether Wright realizes it or not, there is a leveling coming. Very soon, it won’t make a whit of difference what color you are as the screws begin to tighten against the American people.

It does not benefit any of us when people engage in mental gymnastics to rationalize this type of behavior, Marion. Your heart may be in the right place, but to forgive Wright for these comments unleashes a hell you can’t possibly imagine. If we legitimize his words, we give license for unenlightened white people to hold similar views about blacks. And I’ve got a BIG problem with that.

[Anonymous]

partypup, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to Wright’s speech in its entirety. I will and have said that what I did hear wasn’t racist. I viewed it as someone telling the truth but in an inflammatory fashion. 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.

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.

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?

Now, why don’t you post Wright’s sermon in it’s entirety and I’ll judge whether or not he’s blaming the white soccer mom and white J6pack for “America’s chickens coming home to roost”.

[Anonymous]

partypup, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to Wright’s speech in its entirety. I will and have said that what I did hear wasn’t racist. I viewed it as someone telling the truth but in an inflammatory fashion. 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.

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.

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?

Now, why don’t you post Wright’s sermon in it’s entirety and I’ll judge whether or not he’s blaming the white soccer mom and white J6pack for “America’s chickens coming home to roost”.

[Anonymous]

partypup, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to Wright’s speech in its entirety. I will and have said that what I did hear wasn’t racist. I viewed it as someone telling the truth but in an inflammatory fashion. 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.

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.

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?

Now, why don’t you post Wright’s sermon in it’s entirety and I’ll judge whether or not he’s blaming the white soccer mom and white J6pack for “America’s chickens coming home to roost”.

[Anonymous]

partypup, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to Wright’s speech in its entirety. I will and have said that what I did hear wasn’t racist. I viewed it as someone telling the truth but in an inflammatory fashion. 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.

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.

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?

Now, why don’t you post Wright’s sermon in it’s entirety and I’ll judge whether or not he’s blaming the white soccer mom and white J6pack for “America’s chickens coming home to roost”.

[Anonymous]

partypup, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to Wright’s speech in its entirety. I will and have said that what I did hear wasn’t racist. I viewed it as someone telling the truth but in an inflammatory fashion. 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.

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.

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?

Now, why don’t you post Wright’s sermon in it’s entirety and I’ll judge whether or not he’s blaming the white soccer mom and white J6pack for “America’s chickens coming home to roost”.

[partypup]

“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.

[partypup]

“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.

[partypup]

“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.

[partypup]

“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.

[partypup]

“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.

[an]

Very eloquently put partypup. I completely agree.

[an]

Very eloquently put partypup. I completely agree.

[Author]

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