i am surprised REAL MINISTERS did not defend what Rev. Wright said as his interpretation of the Bible. What was the GREAT FLOOD about? What was Sodom and Gamora about???? God was cleansing the World of sin in these cases.

America is not without sin! Let’s be Honest!!! America funds anti-government movements in other countries, and frowns when someone criticizes this government. That is why the dollar is losing value and other countries are getting ahead of US. When foreign government don’t progress, their people get in the streets and demonstrate and stand up against government policy. In America, we drive our expensive cars, eat out every night of the week, get the latest in designer clothes, see the latest movies, take our fancy vacations while our jobs are sent overseas, our dollar is devalued, our homes are being foreclosed on.

I, too, am of mixed race just like Obama. I’ve struggled my entire life to stake my place in society…… Not of either race but as an individual. The social climate doesn’t allow it. If I had a dollar for each time in my life that someone has queried me on my ethnic background, I’d be a rich person. They can say it isn’t about race but we all know it really is.

What has race got to do with his hurtful comments about 911 ?
I notice those comments were edited out of the clips being shown
over and over again. What about his hateful comments about the
U.S. they were gone too? As far as I know nobody had him held
hostage in the U.S. if he hated the country so much he could have
left. I’m not even American and I was offended by the things he
said.
I don’t think a man who hates the U.S. so much should have a
free pass to the White House anytime he wants, because the
president thinks of him as ‘uncle’ .

Thank you Mr. Wallis, but as you can see this is not what folks want to hear. I am African American. I have two sons. I am getting divorced and will be a single mother. But, I don’t despair. I am excited at what the future will hold for them. I am proud to be African American, but I have concerns about America and it’s direction. We are definitely allowing the media to sway or opinions and it’s very disheartening. I will be glad when tide is over. The church was our last refuge. I pray we can at least keep what makes our churches spiritually fufilling and this mass media coverage don’t destroy what gives me strength to go on another week.

Tit for Tat? The preacher’s remarks were politically stupid, and religiously irreverent; however the first sentence raises a bigger concern. “the reason people hate Obama” Were there public attacks on Obama that enraged the old man into an incorrect response?

It makes me wonder if there is a perception that a woman can be president in America, if she has a ‘real’ president behind her, but a person of color has to wait a few more decades, around the same time the Republics will finally field a non white male, if ever.
(oh.. Why can’t he, in this day and age, call from Europe with an apology? That would go a long to healing wounds.)

I feel Senator Obama’s speech today discussed the issue of racism in America very well. I also felt he did an excellent job of making the point to American people that the real issues we all face, the economy, housing, healthcare, the continuing conflict in Iraq, the oil crisis, to name a few, are better overcome as one, not divided. Senator Obama was correct in pointing out that we should not forget our past but we should learn from it and move forward. Part of that learning is to heal the wounds that the older generation who still feel the pain of racial and gender injustice. Senator Obama embodies all that you want in a leader. People question his experiene. His insight and vision to truly pursue the challenges facing America more than make up for his so called lack of experience. I for one do not want another “experienced” politician leading this country and again, not addressing the issues facing the common citizen. That is what Senator Obama brings, making the common citizen a TRUE STAKEHOLDER in America again, like it should be, like the constitution states. “We the people . . .”

I listened to Obama’s speech & wanted to give my opinion, before I read the blog or listened to the media’s opinion.

Let me start by saying, I liked Obama early on for what I believed would be good for the unity of this country. Let me also say, I couldn’t disagree with his political views anymore then I do.

I started off listening as if I planned to vote for him, but he had lost me. I listened for the things I needed to hear to for him to win me back. What I heard was a great speech overall, but I didn’t hear what I needed to hear as a white Irish American.( with a bit of native American & misc. in me.)

This is what I heard: Rev. Wright has taught me much, but I don’t agree with some of his views. He has taught me about Jesus & pride to be a black man in an unjust world, David Vs. Goliath. He talked of unity & healing. Bringing together the country for the good of America. It was a good speech, but more importantly, it wasn’t what I heard, it was what I didn’t hear is what mattered to me.

I heard about the struggle of a black man, but I didn’t hear about the struggle of Irish Americans, Native Americans, Chinese & Japanese. The taking of the land from the Native American, the persecution of Irish & Chinese workers. The rounding up of the Japanese in WWII and placing of them in prison camps.

I heard to understand the struggle to overcome the past within the black community & in the church. What I didn’t hear was the denouncing of hate filled speeches within the black churches.

I heard that white men need to understand what it is to be black, the challenges to be equal & the uphill struggles. What I didn’t hear was black men needing to let go of the past, stop using race for not succeeding & stop keeping the race debate going by the speeches & preaching of hate by black teachers & Rev.

He started to talk about the concerns of white men with jobs, but stopped short of the defense of whites. How without his white brothers, none of this would be possible. How it was with the blood of white men that blacks men gained their freedom. How Kennedy, along with Dr. King, died in their pursuit of equality. He brought up moving beyond race, but brought up Ferraro.

He represented black America fantastically & it is possible to have the first black President, “Change”. I, as a white man, didn’t feel represented. I was to feel guilty for what my ancestors died for 150 years ago & that was the freeing of the slaves. I wanted to hear about the blacks letting go, not just the whites understanding.

Obama talked about how Rev. Wright taught him his faith in Jesus Christ. What I didn’t hear was his view on Jesus Christ. Rev. Wright said, “Jesus was a poor black man.” What I came away with is, if you aren’t black you can’t know suffering. Jesus Christ was more likely to be a Middle Eastern Jew. He might not have been white, but I have my faith all the same. I didn’t feel represented as a white man & the United States can have the first true black President. By the blacks, for the blacks & white men need to understand tolerance. I think it is a double edged sword & for me, he killed himself.

Does America have a Minister of Multi Culturism, like Canada does, that funds centres and events that celebrate cultural diversity.
Melting pot is a misnomer! With pockets and regions of ethnic groups, America is a cultural mosaic, just like Canada and many other countries nowadays for that matter. Think patch work quilt, not cement mixer, if the USA wants to move towards a better racial climate.

Anderson , Mr. Obama’s speech today just confirmed why I feel he is well suited for our next president. He spoke with compassion, honesty and didn’t run from the race issue as so many politicians do. I think he is the perfect guy to represent the US to the world and repair alot of the damage done by our failed policies of the past. I thought it took a lot of courage to say what he had to say today and he has my vote.
Brandon
Silver City, NM

This most recent controversy over race just demonstrates how enormous the gap still is between whites and blacks in the U.S. - in our experience and our capacity to understand one another.

The comments posted on this blog in response to Obama make this abundantly clear.

We need more articles like the one you’ve written here because it gets to the heart of the issue. It appears many people are incapable of going beyond knee-jerk reactions and actually looking at the deeper issues that the Obama/Wright controversy has raised and that is particularly sad because it is very apparent that much more work needs to be done when it comes to dealing with race. It would be great if people could keep and open mind and really listen to each other, but unfortunately I don’t see it happening at all.

I have to say that Mr. Obama’s temperament seem to be one that is calm and none violent, totally different to that of his pastor. If we have to judge Mr. Obama, we must look at how he behaves with everybody. There are those who claim he should have come out stronger against his Pastor probably using more harsh terms. For us to know whether he’s being bias in his approach we must compare how he deals with everyone. Obama’s character is one that is rooted in getting the message across without being insultive To whom he disagrees. We see him doing this with his opponent Hillary all the time. Many times he pauses during his comments to ensure he finds the right words in order that he does not come across as offensive.

Evidence of that comes out in some of his responses to her comment that McCain is more qualified than he is; he on the other hand says she is qualified and would make a better president than McCain.

She says he doesn’t have the experience to be president. While critics say she was just a house wife in the white house, he has never taken that position to demean her experience and instead says “he does not question her experience, but he thinks he has the right judgment”.

Two totally different approaches to politics. Many times we see him not lashing back at negative comments by his opponent, but try to stay focused on the issues. We see a temperament of an individual who is calm and respects people’s opinions even when it is negatively cast against him. Equally I would expect that because it is human nature to judge others the way we judge ourselves, he would also respect even the opinions of his pastor within the same character, but not agree with them. I think all this speculation on the part of the press that he may share the same views with his pastor for being there, is not examining the character of the man in general.

He spoke of his grand mother whom he disagrees with for her racial comments but love’s her and can never deny her. We see a man who has many friends both black an white and has never in the history of his life insulted any ones race, but respects everyone’s opinion on the issue. Besides, we must also realize that these clips were taken over hundreds of summons that lasted just a few seconds, so it’s not like that’s all he was hearing. What about the hundreds of things spoken about other than race that would overwhelmingly overshadow these few seconds of comments.

I thought Barack Obama’s discourse on race relations in the history of America was an honest and true reflection of what many of us do not wish to see or be reminded of. The United States of America has not always lived by the pledge of “liberty and justice for all”, especially for blacks in this country. In fact, Jim Crow law was only abolished in 1965 which is not long ago when you think about it. For many African Americans the memory is very much alive of their experience of white only bathrooms and water fountains. The memory is alive of black men, woman, and children being knocked to the ground by water hoses and attacked by police dogs because of their desire to march and fight for equailty. I have heard many people, caucasions in particular, who have said that “black people need to just get over it.” However, it is easy to say when you have not lived and experienced the kinds of injustices and inequities that many of these living Americans have endured. I have uncles and aunts that carry a certain amount of bitterness for the things they have experienced. Admitedly, I too hold some measure of anger of my own for some of the things I have experienced which I thought was perpetrated from racial prejudice. I agree with Obama’s statement when he said, “The anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races,” For far too long we have tried to ignore or sweep under a rug the issues of race in this country and because of this it is easy to see why we have not yet found healing from this painful condition.

Give me a break. I remember the 50’s & 60’s and don’t need a history speech. He lied yesterday and attempts to correct the lie today. I have changed my church and Priest for far less. It’s not about race, it’s about our country (USA). Does he have a problem with the pledge of allegiance?

While the pastors comments were inflamitory, I think they are still accurate.

The black experience is different from the white experience.

This nation has been controlled by White, priveledged, wealthy men.

That statement is true.

Obama was raised by a single parent who was not priveledged/wealthy and not male…..that is what the comment is about.

Base people on their intellect not their skin color….otherwise we end up with trash….white but dumb.

I’m a bit tired of the “good old boys club” of White, priveledged, men. I want it based on intellect not exterior.

Obama scares them because he is sharp intellectualy but his exterior is not what they expect.

They need to get over it.

This from someone descended from Irish Nobility by the way.

Dear Sirs,

I challenge you as a news organization to require a full explanation on Mrs. Clinton’s and Mr. McCain’s views and attitudes on race, religion, and their church attendance.

I am voting for experience. If not Hillary it will be McCain. I did not come to this lightly. ITS NOT ABOUT RACE! Now that Obama blamed his grandmother, for words that were unkind to her grandchild. Hillary for having someone in her campaigne bring attention to Obama’s sunday church meetings. I did not see Obama step forward to tell his church not to hate during these events. Will he even now do that much. He loves giving speaches, why not start there at church.
Bill Cosby wanted the black familys to work harder for a better tommorrow and the African American people turned on him. My family was not in this country when there were slaves, but because I am white I am blamed as all whites, we all must of been slave owners,the color of my skin means I am responsible for the hardships of all African Americans.
What about Opra !!! Is she given a pass on the bad behavior of the church as well? I thought she was above being a biggot.

This is not about a race. This is about Obama’s lack of judgment. But also that he lied last friday. When he said he never heard this kind of speech on my church before. But now he said yes I heard this before.

I feel that it is a great injustice that Barrack Obama has to defend his race when Hillary didn’t have to make a speech on gender and John McCain didn’t have to make a speech on the elderly. When are we going to accept that the fact that Obama is a black man is the issue here. A few weeks ago McCain and someone to speak out against Obama and that was in the news for only a few days and after Geraldine resign noone has heard anymore about her, however the issue with Obama pastor is on every news channel everyday. Anyone who says that they have not been around someone ( friend or family) who has made a racial comment would be lying. Come on America lets face the fact that this happens but we just don’t talk about it.

Obama is not going to “change”. We were apart of a catholic church inwhich the preist retired. After his retirement, we had a nun step in and run the daily business of a parish life. We did not agree with how the church was being ran or the comments that were being made, therefore, we stopped going to that parish and found a different location. My point is that if Barack and his family did not agree with the pastor for years, they could have changed churches. But they didn’t. The things in which his pastor had said and advised his flock are Baracks roots.

These issues should have been addressed long before Obama’s bid for the White House.

I think for Obama to even take the time to address these issues shows leadership qualities an American President should possess. The truth is many of our politicians found it easier to avoid the issue of race in America only to try to solve the problems in the Middle East.

This truly shows he cares about America’s issue. In these times of crisis we need an American President not an Iraqi President. Someone to serve the people of the United States of America.

After CNN ran the Wright tape over and over, I started to think that perhaps the country wasn’t ready for an African-American president. All that anger.

But after Obama’s speech I saw the situation differently. There are plenty of things CNN does that I dislike, like sensationalize the news.
E.g., the Wright tape over and over.

I think CNN is turning into the National Enquirer of journalism.

But I’ll still watch watch it.

What I like most about Barack Obama is that he faces tough situations head on, and doesn’t try to avoid the tough problems as so many other “poll obsessed” politicians try to do. That, in itself, makes him a good candidate for President of the United States.

I could care less what color Obama is! The fact is he has not told in detail any of his plans on how he is going to change things. I shouldn’t have to go to his web site or read a book to see it. Since he is so great at giving speeches he needs to articulate to us all, what his plans are from his own mouth!

And I resent the fact that someone thinks because I am white that I don’t know anything about a black church or black issues! This is not the old days of yore! True I’ve never lived it but I do know the hardships and the reality of racism. And as far as the church goes I go to a church that is totally mixed with blacks, whites and spanish. My preacher even preaches in the same style as Wright known as pentecostal. Yet he NEVER, EVER would get up and say that trash that Wright did. Don’t lay it on me that he’s only preaching what the black men deal with. That is absurd! He should be preaching unity, love, rising above what others think and doing your thing, etc. Hate filled rants do nothing but breed more hate. How can that not have gotten into Obama in 20 years!? PLEASE tell me that!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

I was not impressed with his speech. All he did was defend Pastor Wright’s assault on America .maybe that’s why Mrs. Obama made the comments that she is proud of this country for the first time in her adult life maybe she has been listening to Pastor Wright too long. But lets all believe that Barock was not there to learn the hate for America that his wife was taught. You people have to think rationally!!!!! You are making a choice for the President of the United States of America

I am an educated 28 year old African American female and an Obama supporter. I am not supporting Obama because he is a Black man, but because he has proven himself to me. He speaks my language and the language of millions of other people. When you hear him, you can’t help but feel, finally, someone that can CHANGE American politics. In my opinion, the real fight is not black and white, but rich and poor. There is such a disparity in this country between the classes that middle and lower class Americans are losing all hope. As an African American woman in corporate America, I am not frustrated in any way with race. I am more concerned about the gas prices and my 401k plan. As Obama said in his speech, I feel everyone has to be accountable for the path they tread for themselves. But as you can blatantly see in the race he is in for American President, race is obviously still an issue for many Americans, or at least in the media. It is sad to see an opportunity for us to focus on such important issues such as the economy, foreign affairs, all of the children “being” left behind, etc… all being overshadowed by race. I would rather the media focus on the these issues instead of a Sunday morning sermon.The views of Rev. Wright are not the views of the African American community. I do not blame America for any problems I experience in my life. I consider myself a very open minded and optimistic individual, but I am also not naive. I know that there is still racial injustice in America, but I can only hope we do not take the opinion of an Obama associate and lose out on the opportunity to make history. History; not because Barack is a “black man”, but history in the fact that for the first time in American history, we will look forward and look beyond color and truly united together for what is best for America.

Racist hate speech is not an understandable part of todays racial situation.

Bigoted, hate inciting, rhetoric should be condemned, not sympathetically understood. It doesn’t matter if the year is 2008 or 1968, this country will not, and never has moved forward on issues of race relations by pandering to explosive bigotry, no matter who claims that they “understand” the cause of the bigotry.

The words of Rev. Wright are very dangerous, not to mention wrong. This speech certainly does elevate itself to something more powerful than “just words”.

Anderson
There was a artical today online Wall Street Journal
Written by a Shelby Steele he specializes in the study of race relations. Very interisting article called the Obama Bargain.
What about the Suix Indian finally receiving a medal of Honor 25 years after his death.
There are people who don’t like people for all kinds of reasons. Color hair, eyes skin, female, male, and gay. But we have to remember not to say all of us are that way. Each individual is different.

I would like to know if Hillary Clinton has been showing a lack of judgement by accepting the endorsement of many African-american ministers, who have similar rhetoric and views as Rev. Wright’s.

The point is the media coverage has been so narrow on presenting this story. You could have easily found many white politicians who attend Arican-american churches during election time to get votes. They could care less about what’s being preached there.

I have waited and waited for Barak Obama to acknowledge that he was raised by a WHITE single mother(who according to the NYtimes article sounds fantastic). He is obviously a man in search of a father and an identity and he found it in Chicago and has adopted his minister as his father figure. It is indeed sad that he didn’t relate to his White grandfather or to his White grandmother who he basically “threw under the bus” in his speech. This was the woman along with his mother who scarificed to raise him and she is repaid by being belittled in his speech while he praised his minister.
I view Barak Obama as someone who was raised in a multi-racial culture in Hawaii but who only found himself in the black community in Chicago. His candidancy is indeed a lost opportunity!

The bottom line is this is a major case of poor judgment on Obama’s part to associate 20 years with a man like Rev. Wright. Also, Obama said to the Chicago Tribune this weekend “it was his instinct to trust Rezko despite his acknowledged legal problems”. Again another example of poor judgment. We overlooked his lack of experience can we over look his lack of good judgment. Is eloquent speaking what we are all so inspired about that we can close our eyes to the facts, this might not be the man for the job.

Obama needs to drop out

Obama seems to be reminding us to question ourselves on a personal level at home, in our neighborhoods, churches, workplaces, recreational places. What choices do we make based on race in our daily lives?

His speech encourages us to think about how we view each other on a personal level.
Does a teacher see a student or does a teacher see the color of a student first?
Does a doctor see a patient or does a doctor see the color of a person first?
Do I see my neighbor as a white neighbor or a black neighbor?
Will white Christian ministers come to Rev. Wright to comfort his pain and discomfort on racial matters?
Can an anchorman of any race be readily accepted, trusted, believed?
Will we ever have a presidential race where there is no polling data based on race? Imagine what we are telling the rest of the world when the media spend hours on displaying and discussing polling data on race. That says a lot to the rest of the world about racial problems in our country.

Give me a break. This was racism at it’s finest. Mr. Obama and Reverand Wright are both frightening men. I’ve been to churches of all kinds all over the world, and have neverrrr heard anything like what this so called Christian Minister Spewed. We can not take the risk of electing any one who has assosicated so closely he considers this man his Uncle who has known Radical Islamic ties, not to mention anti american…. For him to refer to his grandmother and mother that worked to raise him in the priviledge that affords him the position he is in today.is dispicable. Black women are afraid and of black men too. Black men fill our prisons. It’s no different than getting on an airplane with a person in Islamic Attire. For our own well being it is necessary. Racial Profiling is a necessity not something anyone likes to be forced to do. Anderson, Mr Obama is a Mulatto, who is a black man wanna be. He has blatantly lied to us…and we have every reason to be wary of him. Hitler was an eloquant speaker as well.

Mr. Obama’s essential problem is that he is not being genuine, authentic. He comes across like a phoney. He tells people what they want to hear–what he thinks will “sell.” I have watched this race very closely, but I still have no idea who Barack really is. WILL THE REAL BARACK OBAMA PLEASE STAND UP???

I feel that the reason that young voters are not as deep seated in the controversy of RACE is that they have never experienced first hand the “older” generation of African American point of view, being that of victimization and oppression. Young voters have really only experienced the effects of fairness and equal opportunities and therefore may not have that perspective, until possibly now. A young person may say something like, “My generation is not responsible for those horrible things and therefore, they are not as relevant”

It sure is educational for a person who has NEVER before heard so much hate from a person who is supposed to be teaching love. I go to church and I have NEVER heard such hate, nor would I ever tollerate it, from a spiritual leader. It is shocking to me to hear people defend that minister. SHOCKING.

Here I go again, thinking that I am finished with posting my comments and then I read something else and I have to put my 2 cents in. It is amazing to me how some of the people who have responded have said, “he lied” He said he had not heard that speech of the reverend, but he was right, he was not there. I am sure he has heard comments like that before, but it may not have been in the church, did you ever think about that and because we were not present when comments were made we don’t know if he pulled his coat tail do we. But we are ready to pull the plug on him, we are ready to one day be for him and the next crucify him, what kind of people are we? We are the typical wishy washy americans. We believe in half truths. It is amazing to me how many americans have been so quick to throw him under the bus, like they were sitting waiting for this to happen. We couldn’t get him on anything else but we can get him on this?? We say he does not stand for anything and yet I have heard the issues where were you people? Why is it okay for Hilary or McCain to have speeches but not Obama. He has talked about health, education, the war, the economy. He has talked more about education than Hilary and McCain. He is a man that cares about our children and country more than I can say about the other two, but we will never know because once again we have hurt our poor white folks feelings with telling the truth but then God did say, “You will know the truth and it will set you free” Are we ready to be SET FREE! I DON’T THINK SO!!

Obama,
He is one of the most articulate, passionate speakers that I have ever heard, People forget we are in the 21st century and we need some intelligence in our country. I am tired of OLD PERSONS BOTH BLACK AND WHITE who always take us down the same old roads. I want to learn about new STUFF. Thats why I donot think Hillary nor McCain are good for AMERICA in the 21st century. They are old. Let’s get real.
NEW IDEAS PLEASE. I f you don’ have it by now, just forget about it.
EDUCATE yourself and get it done. Stop dragging us down. It is like a pity party.

I’m very disappointed in Barack Obama. Friday night, he stated he was not aware of his pastor’s radical views, but today he admitted he was aware of those views, and tried to distance himself from this controversy. If he really didn’t agrree with his pastor’s remarks, he should not have continued to worship in that particular church. I was born and raised Catholic, but my disagreement with some church doctrine has forced me to no longer attend services on a regular basis. I believe you can still be a Christian, even though you don’t attend a particular church service, and I believe Sen. Obama should have walked out on that pastor’s hate sermons long ago!

Jim, funny you end by saying God help us heal that divide and truly bless America. The Rev. of course speaks the truth (goes a little over board at times.) and their are many who think like him (me, at times and I’m Mexican/American) but Obama is running for the Noble Office where it does matter who inspires you. Words count (Obama said.) it kinda don’t matter what good you do as soon as you Damn America their goes the dream..I Know Obama didn’t say it, but he loves the Rev. like family even compare him with his grandmother he is inspire by him, nothing wrong with that but the damage is done the Rev. damn the democrat party! He ride us like he said Bill did. ouch!

Funny how Obama managed to spin this into a race war. When the REALITY is that Reverend Wright is a radical of political nature. How do you explain why Wright and Louis Farrakhan made a joint visit to the military dictatorship of Moummar Gaddafi during the “1980s”? Was that because of race? Or was that because of radical politics?

Gaddafi and Libya were responsible for the DEADLIEST terror attack against Americans prior to 9-11, the Lockerbie Scotland downing of PanAm flight 103, holding 189 American citizens! At the time, Libya was no ally of the United States.

But Wright has nothing but contempt for innocent American victims apparently, by his decision to visit Gaddafi in the first place then to rub it in in hate-filled speeches blaming 9-11 on America. Is this how a pastor should speak? What about the victims and their families? They are just supposed to go, “oh well, guess America had it coming to my Dad, my wife, my son, my daughter.” I mean, it’s unconscionable to infer that! And reckless to preach it!

And THIS guy is a close friend and campaign advisor to Obama? In what freak universe do you think Americans should trust someone with that kind of bad judgment to surround himself with such advisors as this and then hand him the presidency when he ALSO doesn’t have any experience? Are these the kind of people he would fill his cabinets with? I mean, WE DON”T KNOW! Because he has no experience and no achievements and virtually no record. He is a blank slate so the only way we can fill in that slate is with the limited information we get — which is who he chooses to put on his campaign and what is being preached at a church he claims to have attended for over 20 years.

It is offensive to Americans to suggest that because we don’t like the hate-filled anti-American speech of Wright, that we are somehow “racists” or that we don’t understand “black culture.” The reality is that white, black or brown… it is what Wright SAID that is offensive and what he has DONE that is outrageous (and by associatoin, Obama’s close connection with him). Not the color of his skin or the predicament that many African Americans like him find themselves in — holding a lot of resentment and pent-up anger. There is no amount of anger that could possibly justify anything that Wright said in those MULTIPLE inflammatory statements that he made. It was also ILLEGAL for him to criticize Hillary Clinton and campaign for Barack Obama from the non-profit pulpit.

So please, media, stop trying to spin and hype Obama into the White House. Americans are smarter than that!

It’s okay to be angry over past injustices in America, but Sen. Obama has failed to acknowledge the progress that has been made since the 60’s. It’s wonderful to want to see more progress in the days ahead, but I ask you, prior to Obama running for President how has he been an instrument for change to social injustices?

Prejudice of any type is wrong, and everyone is responsible for their own actions. Sadly, we have moved into an era of “instant gratification” and a certain sense of “entitlement”, and that’s what I see in Sen. Obama.

So the preacher of a large congregation got all “full of himself” and said some things people take exception to. Wow, like that’s never happened before! At a time when we have troops at war and stretched dangerously thin, the economy is tanking, and millions of Americans still don’t have healthcare, we are obsessing over what someone’s preacher said? Let’s get back to what matters folks.

Having quit churches in general years ago due to the sexist attitudes that prevail, and having seen churches split in half over the song selection, I find it amazing that Obama would continue to go to a church for 20 years in which he shared such diverse opinions from it leader. Could it be that off the political campaign, his opinions are really not different?

It is a crime that we as americans have not moved foward but still stuck on the plantations what a shame. oh and to those who ask about his experience what freaking experience did bush bring oh lies theft and murder oh yea we know now. stop the maddness the man is probably our only hope for real change in america and we want to do anything to stop him because he dosent look like us.

I would like to differ from the men in the posting who say Hilary hasn’t had to defend herself as a woman. First of all, I am undecided as to who I will vote for in the election. I am not really impressed by any of the candidates. But if we are going to talk about discrimination, as a white female, I think you have to address this issue of gender. I have lived through job discrimination twice. The second time I filed a complaint with the EEO. My case worker, a black male, never bothered to contact me. I called him and he told me he was looking into it. Never heard from him again. I went on with my life and found a job working for another female. Discrimination does not begin or end with the color of skin. Repeatedly on TV I have watched men, especially black men, question Hilary’s ability to be president based on her sex. So to say this hasn’t been an issue for her is ludicruous. My questions for Obama have nothing to do with race-I want to know what qualifies him to be president, what has he done in his current role that shows his ability to be bring about change, and what exactly he plans to change. I have been voting for change for 30 years, haven’t seen any yet, so tell me, what does Obama offer a 50 year old women who has worked for 30 + years and is tired of paying taxes to keep up the world while retirement gets further and further away?

Wright was a US Marine who fought for the flag of the United States in Vietnam. He, like millions of people around the world, sees the hypocrisy and yes, sometimes sheer evil, in many of America’s actions in the international arena. Wright’s statements on 9/11 were very hurtful to many people and Obama has roundly condemned them. However, the average Iraqi woman who has lost at least one child under 10 since 2003 didn’t do anything wrong to the United States. How do you think she feels about us? If she speaks up and gets dismissed as a terrorist because she’s Muslim, how do you think she will feel?

This instinct to avoid acknowledging other people’s anger is a fundamental weakness of mainstream American society. It has made America weaker around the world.

Obama said Wright, like his own grandmother, is not perfect. That he understands the trouble people of Wright’s generation have moving on should not surprise anyone. It’s like asking why Jews get so hung up about the Holocaust anyway? America has been selective about respecting and acknowledging people’s pain and anger. I wonder if the average person posting negative on this board has ever heard a homophobic or racist statement from a family member at the dinner table.

I saw before me today, a man with honor and great patriotism address the American people today about an issue that has divided this country for quite some time. A man neither black, white, Latino, or Asian, (although to some eyes, he is black) should not have to prove to the American people that he is worthy of running for office for the President of the United States of America. When the entire world watched the Twin Towers fall, there was no mention of race but only of Americans who lost their lives. It was a day that united this country to mourn the lost of those who had fallen.

I, among countless Americans have never participated in any presidential election until the 2008 elections. I am not proud of that but I am proud today that my vote counted. I hear all too often echoing throughout the communities that, “I am not voting because nothing is going to change”. Well there is someone who stands before us is willing to sacrifice it all for change. I heard this man last year announce his presidential candidacy and I stood up. Not because he was a black man but because I believe he is the right man. I had given up on the “American Dream” because of all the hate that surrounds me in this country. How can we repair our economy if we can’t learn to except who we are and not judge each by the color of our skin or our religion? I know that there will always be diversity but does it always have to start with race? Have you looked out your windows to see that there other issues in this country that needs your attention and not just the media focusing on one man because of who he knows? The tiring polling that goes on daily about a race issue that hasn’t changed much since slavery. We all know that polling is only an effort to determine your ratings. Can you see beyond all this race and realize that Senator Obama and Senator Clinton has brought more people together to join the battle for change? How long has it been since there have been record number turn out in polls in an election year? I guess that type of news doesn’t sell. I served my country for eight years. I met some great people during my tour. It was a bond between American people that has come together to fight for the American Dream. My American Dream came to an end when I was honorably discharged from the military. The absolutely worst day of my life. I left some brave men and women on the battlefield. I did not realize that I would be facing another battle in this country and that battle is the headlines in the news today. But I heard a man speak last year and it changed my life and gave me some hope and my American Dream back. The military wears only one uniform adorned with only one flag. That flag stands for liberty and justice. In the military, they fight together and they die together. Of all the fallen heroes, not one mention about the color of their skin or their religion, but only that they were military soldiers. Why can’t this country together wear one uniform, the uniform as an “AMERICAN”? Why do we fight for freedom if we can’t free our minds of the past?

I thought Obama gave a great speech. I’m tired of seeing Rev. Wright’s rant from the pulpet played multiple times each hour.

My dad is 86 and I am 65 never voted republican, but Obama has
converted us to die hard republicans and will be working for John McCain.

obama rode the fence on this one playing it safe, i dont believe a word he said, he lied before when he said that he wasnt there, i am a black women and i will not be voting for him come this nov, i will vote for Mc cain, if i cant trust him now i know i want be able to believe anything thing he say once he get in the white house , atlease with the other canadates you know what you getting.

Never happen!! and Im a mexican

And what if Hillary Clinton’s Pastor was spewing anti-American, anti-Black hatred on Sunday?
I have never heard such hatred from a minister. If this were to happen in my church, I would contact the head of the church to report the minister’s behavior as threatening. What does this silence say about the real Obama?

This issue is not above whether or not Obama should have left his church. It’s about race. If it weren’t, he would not have had to give this speech to begin with. The racially, biased media wanted this to happen. I hope that Barack is correct: that America can move on past this. If not, this country will be more racially divided than it was before Obama ran for President.

To Dee:

Obama spent a little more time on the black/white issue because that is what apparently the “powers that be” have made an issue. Overall, however, he spoke of unity as Americans overall……perhaps you missed that, and the need to have honest discussions about how we have allowed race/gender/religion to divide what is supposed to be a United States…that liberty isn’t supposed to be for a select few with either the “right” credentials or who are “well” connected….and that opportunity should not be for American citizens because it had to be LEGISLATED. Further, I would have lost ANY respect for him if he had completely distanced himself from Pastor Wright because you can’t be with someone for 20 years and then try to distance yourself from him completely because it’s politically expedient.

I believe Senator Obama was truthful and realistic in his remarks. Now, as I have said….if you were an Obama supporter then this speech will have either had no effect or endeared you more to him. If you were not an Obama supporter based on all the externals that the media and the political establishment would like to you believe are considerations, then you’ll find (or not find) whatever you need in this speech to keep you where you are. If you were on the fence leaning toward the right, you toppled over because you were looking for an excuse to say no……and if you’re a Clinton supporter (because she’s a woman, because she’s white, because she’s a Clinton, or because you believe she is qualified and would be an excellent president for ALL Americans) then, this speech did little if anything for you. You are solidly where you are.

I do think, however, people should just be honest and say, I’m not voting for Obama because he doesn’t LOOK like what I’ve been conditioned to believe a president should look, and stop hiding behind the code words of “experience” or making his faith a litmus test, or his associations a litmus test (we’ve rarely if ever done this for ANY other presidential candidate to the degree with which its being done here). When America get serious about being truthful and honest about what we fear, what we don’t like, what we want, and we start concentrating on solving our REAL problems then maybe we’ll have a chance…a real shot at that more perfect or perfected union.

Until then, we keep up this constant bickering, we start a very tenuous journey down a slippery slope that erodes away at the freedoms and liberties we say we stand for…and pretty soon, those that point the finger at Obama (or even Clinton) for race, religion, gender, may soon find that they set up an environment where it all backfires and they find themselves in the minority, being judged by the very same externals that have held back generations of Americans for years…….and we’ll suddenly wonder how did it all happen?????????

If you ask me, the infighting that we do as Americans is far worse than any terrorist attacks. The world is looking at us now and either laughing, shaking their heads at our hypocrisy, or beyond gleeful at how the Great America….that last, best, greatest hope for the world, the shining city on a hill……is in such turmoil and collapsing on itself.

I feel that we did not need a speech about slavery. Get over it, I’m an American Indian , I don’t blame any race for what happened years ago.
He put his Grandmother under the bus and let his Pastor off scott free. This is not a man I want as President. The Clinton’s have done alot for the African American people and when the seen that he won Iowa they dropped her like a sack of potaoes, thats racism!!!!!

Has anyone been to a Catholic Church close to election time?? If so I am sure you have listened to your priest directing you to vote for a certain candidate who is a proponent of the beliefs of the church. Did they leave their church because they did not agree with this directive? NO!! Were they taken to task by their employer/friends/political affiliates because they attended this “sermon”? NO!! Did they have to justify what this priest said? NO!! Ask yourself who is helped by this latest debacle? Hilary Clinton and her subversive tactics. How timely the comments of Geraldine Ferraro!!!!
I am a middle class, white, american woman and I support Barack Obama wholeheartedly. Rather than vote for yet another unscrupulous Clinton I would not vote at all.

I’d like to know if he ever gave a speech in his church like the one he gave us today? If not, why not? If he is the uniter he claims to be, isn’t his church a good place to start? My opinion.

I agree that the media has put their own spin on Pastor Wrights message and have tried to make the statements that were made by Wright, Obama’s statements. I pray that I am never held accountable for my mothers feelings and I pray that I am never held accountable for my Pastors statements because he has said many things that I do not agree with. I think Obama has put this issue to bed but the media is trying to keep it going at the expense of everyday americans like me who would really like to here about what the candidates will do for the economy, health care and the war.

Take Heart, Americans. I agree with Jim Wallis, and I am comforted that on mainstream media, someone with his opinions and insight will be on Anderson Cooper 360 tonight. I have supported Obama for two years now, and am excited with his success. I believe what Obama said this morning is from his heart and I hope we have listened and understood. I am in the process of changing to satellite TV so that I can get HD NET and Dan Rather’s unfiltered truths. There are American’s who know that the media is out of control and we are searching for the real news outside of the mainstream spin. Take heart America, there is yet, hope. White Female age-44 voter.

I listened carefully to Barack Obama’s speech this morning and I read the transcript. It has not changed my opinion about the implications of his relationship with Reverend Wright.

Obama did admit that he was less than honest when he claimed, as he did Friday during his interview with Anderson Cooper, that he had never heard or knew about Wright making any incendiary remarks. I think that this will cause many Independent undecided voters to suspect that he may be dishonest about other issues and make them reluctant to cast their vote for him.

I also found it quite surprising and a little disturbing that he is only now bringing up his White relatives and only to say that his White grandmother made the same type of racist remarks as Wright.

Mr. Wallis claims that the media is playing “carefully selected excerpts of the most potentially incendiary statements” from Wright’s sermons, but no one is preventing him or any Black organization from bringing forward other excerpts from Wright’s sermons that would refute or be in opposition to the inflammatory remarks that we have all heard.

Wallis also says that there is “a new generation of Black Americans who are now eager and ready to move beyond the frustration and anger to a new experience of opportunity and hope.” Does Mr. Wallis believe that this “new generation of Black Americans” may not be willing to “move beyond the frustration and anger” if Obama is not elected?

If this speech had been made six months ago it may have really meant something, but the fact that he gave it in an effort to save his political neck is troubling to say the least.

If Obama really meant all that he said about unifying the country and bringing the races together he would have confronted Wright at the time the incendiary statements where made or as soon as he learned about them, but he did not and the moment has passed.

Like Wright’s remarks and Obama’s speech, Mr. Wallis’ post is not about hope and unification, it is rooted in the anger and resentment of the past and seems designed mainly to point the finger at White America.

Although I do realize that Blacks, like so many other minorities, have a right to their anger and resentment, I believe that in the end this speech will only exacerbate the divide between the races.

@Dee: Nicely said.

Hi Anderson, first time blogger and I do very much enjoy your insight.

Heres mine,if the people in my beautiful country of the United States of America will only vote for someone out of fear,hatred and intolerance,then we do deserve war,world wide hatred and a faultering economy.

If the reason people decide they won’t vote for Mr Obama is one of those reason’s then we as a nation desevere what we belive in.

Let’s see what happens.

What about the white WOMAN, why is it always about the black man?

To those of you who switch from church to church trying to find a Pastor or a membership who will agree with you on every issue, I have some information and experience that will save you a lot of time, No One Will Ever Totally Agree With You on Everything. It gets even more complicated if you attend a multicultural Church. Remember you must first try to see through the eyes of someone else to know where they came from. I do not agree with the statements of Jeremiah Wright neither do I agree with a lot of the racist statements made to me by my White family members but I do understand that their experiences in this life have been different from mine. I don’t put them away or separate myself from them but I try to educate them.

Plain and simple…..Obama is Presidential. He stood and delivered today when he spoke and called us all to attention…he spoke the truth, hard as it may be to accept…regardless of the cost to his campaign. He has challenged us back to the issues. He is the real deal….as I heard someone say on Air America today, “It’s 3 A.M. - the phone is ringing….and he answered it.”

As for the mess that Obama’s pastor has created….Clearly we cant unring that bell….we can’t deny it happened and it isn’t the last time someone’s words will inflame someone someplace. But like John Edwards has said, “Who is talking about this mess gonna buy health care for?”

I found Barack’s comments about his pastor and religious experience comfortably realistic. I grew up in a Catholic church, predominantly white, that routinely preaches doctrine which suppresses women and some minority groups. Yet, so many stay with it, based on some comfort or history or family custom. I have heard many relatives make racist comments throughout my 38 year history…in fact…I can recall some comments of my own that may have been racist or insensitive. Am I to denounce my family or even myself? Am I to walk away from any relationship that may be 80% alright but 20% troublesome? I would like to hear what the conservatives have to say about that.

Why, just why if we hear the exact Hate Comments from Muslim countries and mosques, we ‘re happy to condemn them as a “terrorist” and their actions as Evil. But when we hear the same hate comments from Obama’s pastor, we call them as a “Nature”?

In the 60’s some were concerned about John Kennedy membership in the Catholic church, Mr. Kennedy gave a speech saying that the constitution not the church would rule in his presidency. Controversy ended. He was elected president.
Just last year.some were concerned about Governor Romney’s membership in the Mormon church, Mr. Romney gave a speech saying that the constitution not the church would rule in his presidency. Controversy ended.
Some of the same “conservatives” who are now attacking Barack Obama supported Governor Romney after he did this. Curiously, in this race to destroy Barack Obama, no one has asked him that question. Why? And if he answered as Kennedy and Romney did, why wouldn’t that be enough?
As a child of a white mother who is greatly revered by the black community no one seems to mention that Mr. Obama’s very life transcends certain racial issues.

Andersen,
How is it possible for Obama to dare to say, that he disagrfees with what Rev. Wright said and stands for, when up until just several days ago, Rev. Wright was an advisor to Obama’s campaign. First Obama said (on your show) in church when Rev. Wright made this tyoe of sermon and then today he said “Of Course I was!!” He can’t have it both ways - but most of the media is allowing him too!!
This is not an issue of race. It is an issue of judgment. Barack has come up short in this area by not immediately disassociating himself and leaving the church the first time he heard the type of comments Rev. Wright preached. If a radical Iman in the middle east who preaches hatred of the US should be condemn, any preacher/reverand/rabbi/iman etc. in this country should be condemned for doing the same.

Let’s move past this issue. Obama is running for President not his pastor.

If Obama was to react emotionally (as people are urging him to do) by disavowing his Pastor etc. I would be more afraid of Obama as a candidate. Do you think the President of the United States have not heard language like this from other countries and Polictal heads of state? If he stormed out of a church would we expect him to storm out of a politcal meeting with heads of state? Would we expect him to nuke countries that don’t like us? NO! We would want him not to show his hand. Believe me I am sure heads of state could shock us on what they have heard other countries say about the United States some of that is why we are in Iraq today. Maybe if our leaders had not stormed out the door we wouldn’t be in Iraq. If cooler heads had prevailed we might have figured out a better solution. The Cowboys days are over. We need to treat ALL people with dignity. Obama08!!!

Good evening Anderson
Sen Obama’s speech was good and powerful. However, the Sen should not point the finger back to the voters. Voter’s personal view on race is NOT the focusing point on this election. It’s Sen Obama’s view that people should look at:

It is Sen Obama’s choice to be the member of that church for 20 years. He shares his values and faiths with the Rev. and other members. That should reflects him.

Reality Check: Clinton began this race in the lead. We all know that when you are on top there is nowhere to go but down. While the media was assasinating her character as every chance, (usually using her husband’s record), Obama was rolling across the country wooing everyone. BUT. Suddenly, somewhere, someone in the media said “african american vote” out loud. The race has not been the same since.

Supposedly, as a white man, (according to Obama), I have no idea what it is to suffer racism. I don’t remember him there the day I was told there were no more grants for me to go to college because 60% were set aside for “other than white.” I certainly don’t remember him there when I was stationed in Korea and hated by many I met. I don’t remember him there when I was told I didn’t make the military promotion cut because I wasn’t black or latino. Trust me, Mr. Obama, if you were a lower middle class white man for the last 40 years, you certainly know what racism is all about. Of course, we didn’t call it racism, we called it Affirmative Action. Oh.. I suffered, trust me I suffered.

I voted for you in my state primary, and now, after seeing the truths about you surfacing, I wish I had my vote back.

Let me get this straight -

Rev. Wright utters the divisive comments, but white America is divisive for not understanding his methodology and goodness.

Rev. Wright utters the racist comments, but white Americans are the rasists for not understanding the “black experience.”

Oh, I got it — black is always right and white is always wrong!

That’s a good trick, and it’s nice to see the MSM is playing along.

I think Mr. Wallis’ blog is right on and absolutely correct! The struggle in the Black community for 400+ years has always been held together by the church. From messages to slaves in rhymes to discussing political topics and of course Jesus. I do not attend any religious place as I believe that religion has been a major problem in using people as sheep and for wars and control.

We must understand that the African-American experience is very different than the Caucasion one and that is fact. Jeremiah Wright served his Country - THIS COUNTRY- couragously and dutiful. He has a right to voice his concerns from the pulpit and the truth is if you are not Black or have been in another’s shoes you can’t know what they are feeling.

I never disagreed with Wright. I believe in Obama and am more determined to help him to become president because he was honest but sadly put in the hotseat due to the MSM spreading these snippets of sermons rather than looking at the Pastor’s 30 year career. I walked with Dr. King- I know the struggles and I don’t think that White America feels or knows what it is to be BLACK!

The MSM is beating this like a dead horse and I think it’s disgraceful.
Focus on more important things rather than the negative same old good ole boys bias.

OBAMA ALL THE WAY! I am proud to be a 60 yr. old white woman with bi-racial children and grandkids that feels and understands what Pastor Wright was saying. It takes one hellava courageous young man to get up and challenge all Americans to take a look at the reality of our country take a step forward.
Peace!

I wonder how many people, who are judging Barak Obama about his pastor’s horrible statements, have belonged to and have attended (on a regular basis), a church for more than 10 years . I have attended the same church, every Sunday, for 33 years and I have to tell you that you become a family and leaving your family and/or losing your family can be extremely painful and difficult. 7 years ago the Priest at my church told my Mother and a small group of individuals, that they had blood on their hands because they voted for the Democratic Party. That they also would have to Answer to God for the choices they had made about who they supported politically. My Mother was upset by his comments and didn’t know if she could continue to vote for the candidate that she felt would best represent and help the United States, she told me that perhaps she should just stop voting. Now did we agree with our Priest’s statement? No, because you should not vote for only one issue it should be the whole picture. Did we leave our church and church family? No. Instead when something was said by our Priest that we didn’t agree with we withheld our contributions and I personally confronted our Priest about what he said to my Mother. Did this change anything? Yes, slightly in that he thought about his words before giving his political view to a group of people. My point is that Barak Obama selected the road that was more difficult. He told us the truth about how he feels and what he sees. That is a risk most people aren’t willing to take, especially those running for political office. Barak Obama showed us that he is a man who can be trusted and who will do what is right, not what is easy.

Its ironic that the issue that has hurt Obama’s campaign the worst didn’t come from the Clinton camp but came from within his own ranks. I am so tired of the “race issue” from whites and from blacks. As an American we all have issues that this country is going to have to respond to in the next 4 to 8 years - Obama said he stood for change but he doesn’t tell us the specifics of change so how can we know where he is going? And with his pastor’s speech behind him how can we be comfortable in not hearing the specifics? Right now OBama is asking us to buy a pig in a poke - I like to know what I’m paying for and voting for. So please Mr. Obama sit down with us and go through your plan step by step. Until you do I can only assume you don’t have one.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

It is too bad this speech was motivated from politics and not principle. Its too bad the Reverend feels a “need” to preach as he does. Its too bad this democratic primary season isn’t about issues facing ALL Americans (those of us that had to check “other” for the vast majority of our lives and didn’t exist as white OR black OR hispanic OR Asian) and not just those black Americans that somehow feel they are the only people that have a stake in this election. There seems to have been exposed, finally, the previously underlying attitude that ALL Americans, except black Americans, somehow owe this election to Obama because he is black. At least that is the face that has become visible in the blogoshpere. The Reverend’s remarks pulled this to the forefront. This forced Obama to step up and answer this underlying hatred SOME black Americans have for ALL other people of this country, INCLUDNG those that have woked to correct the very social injustice experienced by blacks and other minorities. There has been, for weeks in the blogosphere, the aggressive attitude of hatred, threats ( I actially read assassination threats to Clinton on one blog…later removed) , accusations of racism and general nastiness towards any person that dared to question anything Obama said. Coupled with Obama’s beloved Reverend’s remarks and Michelle Obama’s admission of not being proud her entire adult life until now opens a window to something quite differnt that what has been presented to the American people in the candidate Barack Obama. He is NOT who he has been claiming to be. Not unusual for a politician EXCEPT, if your message is that if change, you are outright, a liar. So, we are now to deciding which liar has the best plan for moving this country forward. It is quite obviously , from these events, not Barack Obama.

No sooner should Barack Obama have to apologize to white America for his “blackness” , than should black America still await an apology for their historical setbacks. If there is one thing evident about blacks, it is that they have the capacity to be resilient as seen in the empowering role models of Carl Brashear, “The Little Rock 9″, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Olaudah Equiano. What blacks need to do is let go of the mentality that whatever they do, they will be haulted by a repressive white society, it is simply not true. Black’s reality is so negative because of their perception that they won’t be anything more than what they are given. The only way we will heal these racial wounds is by acknowledging who we are, acknowledging that we are in control of our destiny and no one else, it is then that our commonness will erode these racial divides and unity will prevail.

90% whites vote for hillary thats ras=cism
90% blacks vote for obama thats not how is that
for a double standard that is why he talked to his own only

The Washington Times front page article (3-18-08) states that “Mr. Cawley (Bucks County, Pa. commissioner) a Republican, and other suburban leaders from both parties praised Mr. Obama for severing ties to the pastor, who was removed Saturday from the campaign’s African American Religious Leadership Committee.” Barack Obama has done all he can do at this point to “condemn the rhetoric” and sever ties with his former pastor, without condemning Pastor Wright as a human. I hope Obama continues this open and courageous and intelligent dialogue about race relations he has started. I have not heard any CNN commentator mention the fact that Obama has severed his campaign’s ties with Pastor Wright. This is an important fact and should be pointed out .

As an African American woman I found Mr. Obama’s speech to be accurate. I too have listened to firery sermons in church and may not have always agreed with the pastor but because of my connection to the pastor and the people in the congregation I stayed. Above all I was there to be spiritually charged, give praise and lift up my Savior Jesus Christ. Not to lift up the man who after all is flesh as the bible stattes “The flesh is weak.”

Just as those who are of the Catholic faith have known for years that their priest were molesting their children. Many times the church just moved the problem from parish to parish yet many have stayed even after the cloak was pulled off. Therefore, they must have received something more from their worship then the sins of their priest.

Mr. Obama challenges us to take a look in our own closets and pull out the racially motivated thoughts and comments that keep the divisive spirit alive. Once the dialogue starts we have to keep it alive as that is the only way we are truly going to be able to move forward and deal with the issues that could free us all to live in a better America.

The line that brought tears to my eyes is when he talked about his white grandmother who loved him for everything and yet was fearful of a black man seen on the street, and her confession made him “cringe.”

A child who was caught in this imperfect world. A child who felt pain from both sides.

I LIKE THE SPEECH THAT SENATOR OBAMA GAVE TODAY HOWEVER —— 5 DAYS AGO HE DENIED EVER HEARING ANY OF REVEREND WRIGHTS RACIST RAMBLINGS, TODAY IT IS A DIFFERENT STORY —- HE NOW ADMITS BEING PRESENT, CONTRADICTS HIMSELF, AND IN THE PROCESS DISAPPOINTS MANY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED!

Mr. Obama spoke eloquently and I believe from his heart today. He did not say obviously what many wanted to hear. Hindsight is foresight and no doubt he would like to have done things differently. The fact of the matter is we are Americans and because of the democratic nation founded by our forefathers, (none men of color I might add). Initially everyone wasn’t allowed to vote, just a little oversight I’m sure. But now everyone can and should we have no excuse, and if our candidate doesn’t win hey it’s the democratic process as we have it. We should vote for the person that fulfills the requirements we as individuals decide upon for President. Race, religion, gender, or size realistically should not enterinto the equation. But who are we fooling? For many Americans, the “best” candidate looks only one way - you get to choose. I pray the we do our very best, to think on who is the best and then vote for the “best”. This nation is besieged with serious problems; War, distressed economy, struggling schools, lack of health insurance for far too many, inflated pharmacy prices, housing slump, mortgage catastrophe, and the list goes on. Someone in the White House needs to get a handle on this - how in the world could we let race decide who will lead us in building this nation into the nation it deserves to be!

I don’t see this as an issue about race; this is more about honesty, judgment and his attempt to present himself as a change agent.

Dishonest: Americans are not this gullible; to think that he had never heard these comments before as he attended the church for over 20 years is really hard to believe. He is simply lying!

Judgment: If this is an example of whom he chooses to align himself with and ultimately defend, I would definitely question his judgment.

Change Agent: None existent, it’s the same old lies just nicely packaged and polished.

In reality, it’s the same old politics, and lets not be blinded by well sculptured words. He still has not addressed the real issues nor how he will put this country back on track!

Jim Wallis’ article articulates perfectly what is happening in the race issue today. The fact that Obama has to “explain” to , or in someway “pacify” a large fraction of White America clearlhy shows how race is still a huge issue today. As a black american woman, I wonder why white is right? Why do they have the last word on what is acceptable? This is a country of many ethnicities, and I believe our Constution grants us all the right to a equal voice and vote as to what is right. Look people, white people cheat, lie, bleed, hurt, love, cry and so does every other race, WE ARE ALL EQUAL. Barack Obama’s speech was beautiful and it gave me hope as to what could be. Great job Obama, you have my vote

For those who blame Obama for keeping going to his church, what do you want him to do? Go to another black church? Or a white church that his wife and children have no connection with? You can make your decision to leave your church, but should not judge your peer who agreed with you but never left your church.

Obama no doubt gave a brilliant speech, but like many pointed out the speech won’t put out all the controversies especially among the less educated blue-collar folks. I think that the media can play a big role in relaying his messages in a productive way to the mass. Instead of keeping playing those controversial clips of sermons, the media can and should “take a side” for a greater cause - unite the nation and move it forward.

Obama did exactly what a christain should have done, he did not forsake a friend.

I wept when I heard the speech–so clear and brave, with such an expansive spirit for his pastor, family, church, community, and the country. I’m not surprised that some people can’t hear what he’s saying. We don’t have a political tradition for the likes of him–rather than duck, dissemble, distract he just addressed the issue.

Why do we not ask similar questions of the other candidates? Why is how he talks about race the issue? Why doesn’t anyone call McCain or Clinton to task for the lack of diversity in their support? Or for the divisiveness of their supporters, including conservative pastors?

I don’t expect Obama to denounce his pastor but after all the comments were being made could he not have just found another church that did not preach hate? If Obama gets to the White House will he invite this man to the white house for dinner?

I hope everyone in the media and the general public got a good education today! Obama gave one of the most important speeches in modern history about race…… He made my 74 year old white grand ma cry today with that speech. She just saw the speech and said she hasn’t felt this much hope for our country since world war 2 ended…
She is the reason im writing this Blog entry.

Today Obama decided to be white.

Obama shouldn’t be penalized for what his pastor says. There are many things, I am sure, that people don’t agree with that their pastors might say over the pulpit, but you don’t jump up and leave the church. Evidently you don’t know anything about the Word of God.

“Christians are in a state of covenant with the Lord. One way that supreme covenant finds expression is through the “mini” covenant of their relations and duties to Christ’s local church. Bcause Christians are in covenant with Christ, they are to be in covenant with a local church. hey are not “married” to the local church, but they are to be in a state of formal covenant with it. This “mini” covenant (an extension of our covenant with Christ) carries privileges and responsibilities, and is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, it is designed as a covenant of blessing and should be viewed with profound gratitude by the believer.

Contrary to what some say, there are sound biblical reasons for leaving one local church to attend another, but the reasons for departure must derive from sound biblical reasons, not personal whims and preferences. Biblically leaving a local church involves transferring covenant duties and privileges from one local body to another. It does not involve breaking a covenant.”

The fact is this: Honorable men can disagree and still be friends. Honorable men can disagree and still work through problems

You must be in obedience to God and when the Holy Spirit tells you to leave, then that’s when you leave and not just because you may disagree with what’s said. That’s the problem now, too many church hoppers, to many ego’s. Go to the Word of God and see what He has to say.

I am not religious…I do not adhere to nor do I attend any traditional church. I am, by choice, spiritual….I believe in a Higher Power, a Universal “One”….and that God is in everyone and everything.

I never hear about other people who describe themselves in this way.

I have always found it a total turn off to hear a minister raise his voice, shouting and eliciting shouts of enthusiasm from his congregation - in almost a fanatical way - when expounding upon his beliefs or words from the Bible. Some call this “charismatic”….and many are caught up in this religious fervor.

I was frankly, disturbed by Rev. Wright’s tirade. However, as a Democrat and a free-thinking, open-minded person, I now understand better where the Reverand was coming from.

I admire Barack Obama’s speech, not dis-owning a man whom he calls friend and advisoir, but taking a stand against what the Reverand said.

It profoundly points out the reality of the racial divide, and I applaud
Barack for his forthrightness.

All we have to do is open our minds and accept all people, regardless of race or religion….for after all, we are all connected….we are all One.

I am white and I was moved to tears by Obama’s speech today, as I was listening to one of his previous speeches. Of course I can not help but notice that he is black, but that does not matter to me. What matters is that I feel that he is basically an honest, decent human being that is trying to move this country forward. If we all want to be honest, I’m sure that most Americans would admit that they have friends or family members that have made racist comments. That does not mean that we agree with them, or feel that it is necessary to bannish them from our lives. The media needs to let this go, or at least be fair and start airing clips of all the Clinton scandals. We need to have the courage to give Obama a chance. He is open, honest and intelligent and I believe he will surround himself with a staff that will have experience in the areas that he may be weak.

I have been a life long democrate. i am sad to say today im now going indepentent over all this race stuff. yes I am white, 35, middle class working family man. today i no longer feel the democratic party shares my views , for years the party has been heading away from the center more to the left of my views and the countrys. it’s no longer the party of hope you cant share your views becuase if you do and someone doesnt like them you are brand as a racist. I just can bring myself to vote for a man that goes to a church that spreads hate. Obama wife made a statement weeks ago about how she’s never beeen proud of her country till now. I did get it till now those were words of racist feeling that she holds in her. just like this man obama call his uncle. so now if i cant vote for hillary i must look to some one else not obama never obama i cant over look the facts obama isnt looking out for me. fair well to the democrate party hello independent vote

I think that Mr. Obama displayed a thoughtful, insightful, and depthful and personal understanding of our racial past, and present, and hopefully the future. Those who have doubted his Christian faith, should see that he embodies loving the sinner, not the sin. It seems that there are so many people who can only see the world in black and white (literally and figuratively), good and evil. They are far more comfortable with demonizing and rejecting others. Mr. Obama clearly is a very different man from his minister. He could do a Hillary, reject and polarize anyone who could effect his poll numbers, but Mr. Obama will not do that. He is able to appreciate what this man has done to build his community and lift people up in loving ways. Mr. Wright may be stuck in not being able to see how things have changed in the country - embodied by Mr. Obama, but hopefully Mr. Obama’s vision, his solutions to problems in our country ,and with the world, will heal the heart of his minister…….as well as others who are stuck in hate for people of different color, sexual orientation, or religious difference..

I agree with the pastor!!!
This country was built on lies, murder, and the backs of slave labor!
We have slaughtered women and children in the name of Freedom and God…. We committed genocide on the Native americans and oppressed a whole race of people and then the media wonders why people of color still have anger! There are still people alive who were in Alabama when the civil right marches were going on.
Have we forgotten about the dog’s, Rocks and fire hoses!!
Have we forgot Katrina????

Summer at least you have a job. does barrack know what it is like to not have college backing because of his skin color? Nooooooo, barrack dont know.There is a thing calll reverse discrimmination. un like you summer i am alot older and i didnt have a united white college fund….. oh yah i didnt understand a word he said,Had to watch it twice..