Thank you for providing the full picture, Roland. This is probably the only place we'll see it though.

I wish CNN and MSNBC would have given Clinton half the attention you have given to this man. Work vs words. Race is really no longer an issue unless of course you try and make it one. Obama is the one who is divisive and he will loose if nominated.

To me Murtha's endorsement carries much more weight than the little looser with the bad wig from the state with a population of 120 on a good day. Yet you all but ignored it, the same way Nancy Pelosi did when she took impeachment "off the table". It seems to me CNN and the other news channels (Lou Dobbs excluded) have an agenda that is not in the best interest of this country or the people.

Thank you Roland,
For showing the Truth.

Nilla-
of course you would think that- Race i obviously an issue because NO media outlet has ignored it, every time Clinton or Obama try to move on what happens, they ask him a question about it, so he has to answer. I'm tired of both side say why don't you show clinton more or why don't you show obama more. and then when you get your wish. why is always bad coverage. Well you asked for it be it good or bad. so get off it. and i've watched Lou Dobbs and he is just as bad so don't even try think that he is better than anybody else, because on his show yesterday he talked about race too

Thanks, Roland. Perspective and context are so important. Lately news networks take small sound bites, play them over and over and over, but without the context it's impossible to know.

Another example is Mr. Obama's comment on the radio – if you listen to the whole conversation you can here him pause to come up with the adjective he wanted – he was looking for "ordinary" but instead come up with "typical". It's that simple.

I admire Mr. Obama's forthrightness and will be happy to give him my vote.

Roland,
I truly admire your quest for finding the truth. I have watched you over the past week and you have taken many pot shots about Barack and have stood your ground. It saddens me that many people are willing to criticize Barack about his church and his pastor, but there is most likely more to the story. I think you should look at some of his sermons that were not controversial and report on how they have uplifted his congregation. I don't agree with the divisive language Reverend Wright used, but I am open minded enough to let the story unfold to reveal the truth. I am certain that he must have preached good things throughout his career or that church would not have become as popular as it did.
I do believe the media should give this whole Reverend Wright story a rest. Everyone talks about negative campaigning from the candidates; well the media just keeps adding fuel to the fire. Good luck Roland on you quest for the truth.

42 year old white female
Upstate NY

Can I get an "Ahem"! Thanks for giving us the FULL story. Now let's report on this as strongly as the media did the original story. I was watching Newt Gingrich comment on the story and he used the "chickens come home to roost" line about 10 times. I'm sure he probably never looked at the content. Let's expose that nonsense.

Fantastic work!

Thanks Roland for laying it out for us. It seems no one else in the media actually took the time to watch the actual tape. They just took the excerpts and ran with it.

It helps understand more by knowing the full sermon but it doesn't excuse what he said.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

I challenge all the reporters at CNN to attend the white churches of those pastors who made racial remarks to see if their members left the church.

Thank you Roland for being the one voice of CNN that cares about the truth

Are you really still on that, Anderson? We're in a recession, we need to end the war, and this nonissue is what you want to waste the American people's time beating like a dead trojan horse?

Please, get back to meaningful issues, like health care or education or our TRILLION DOLLAR WAR.

nothing makes his statement acceptable, nothing

Thank you Roland for being the one voice of CNN that cares about the truth

Roland, Thank you thank you for being the voice of reason and balance in this upheaval.
My son goes to a church that follows Christ but has a doctrine we don't follow..but the love of Jesus is there and it shines through.
My son flourishes in that love and acceptance. That is what matters most..Barack found the love of Christ there.. and just because you stand in a garage it doesn't make you a car.. Barack doesn't have a racist, mean bone in his body.
Half truths, half heard, half explained ideas always bring hate and division. Today is good Friday.. Jesus was crucified because people only took snippets of his teachings and turned against him.
No I am NOT in any way way comparing Jesus and Barack far from it.. but please people LISTEN to the whole truth before you judge. Roland you cared enough and respect your job as a journalist to do that, it is rare in the media these days. You are a fine and just reporter, thanks.

Also, please note the generous, mild manner in which Barack is answereing back..now -that is the love and understanding we all need to show one another. I wish we could all answer back to verbal attacks with such class and grace.
Paula Diane
Canada

It's high time Pastor Wright comes out and explains himself to the media.Then and only then, we will have a clear picture of his crazy statements.

Our :30 second sound byte society has completely forgotten the lesson of "context" for all of our opinions.

Thank you for the reminder. I see you are NOT trying to excuse the man, but rather, illuminate the issue completely.

Why doesn't CNN prodcast the entire sermon or at least a larger portion that puts the sound bite in context. Just playing the sound bite does a disservice to all Americans and puts a black mark on CNN. Playing a sound bite out of context. So far out of context that it reverses the intent is something I'd expect out of Fox News, not CNN.

Roland,

The Media FAILED. Before CNN plasted the clips from Rev. Wright all over the news, they had a duty to also provide context. While it is great to see your one article, is it too little too late?

keep drinking the kool aid.

Obama wanted discussions on race, well.
hes getting what he wanted

Perfect! To the point and most of all the whole picture... not some selected part to provoke controversy! I was, am and will be Obama

Anderson,

I love you and your show. I watch you every night. But don't you think we as a nation need to move on to more pressing issues and leave Rev. Wright and his comments behind. Enough is enough! Please move on to real news!

Thank you!
Your #1 fan,
Alice

Thank you Roland for being the voice of CNN that cares about the truth.

It's amazing how Limbaugh, Hannity, Levin, and others have taken Rev. Wright's words out of context and used them to slam a man who has devoted his life to serving his fellow man. All the right-wing talk show hosts (and a large portion of the media) owe the reverend an apology.

And thank you, Roland, for searching for and finding the truth.

Beyond just the context of the sermon, why was this guy preaching on international relations, foreign affairs? Democrats (including myself at times) get so indignant about evangelicals using religion to get a political point across, yet when a liberal minister does it, we don't really care, unless the message is extreme or inflammitory, as in this case.

No doubt the Obama camp will have your check in the mail. It's laughable to see you on CNN defending Wright and Obama. Of course you found the sermon acceptable. You looked for material to support your thesis. If a white candidate had been linked to a white racist pastor would you go through the same mental acrobatics to excuse that pastor? Good luck convincing clear thinking Americans that Obama's links with the racist Wright are ok. By the way are you also going to analyze Obama's words when he said that all white Americans are racists as he did yesterday?

I wish that someone in the journalism field had, had the decency to show the full picure from the beginning, instead of opting to tarnish Senator Obama’s Campaign for TV ratings. I don’t want the media to alter the path of what may be a great and historic campiagn and the first great leader our country and has seen since JFK. Someone who speaks the truth even when it is ugly, and someone who treats us like adults and human beings not pawns in a political game.
OBAMA 08

Thank you for posting the actual partial transcript, rather than the selective snippets.

Could you possibly point out where we could also get full transcripts of what Rev. Wright has supposedly said?

I have been trying to look into what I now understand to be a particular style of preaching used by Rev. Wright in order to better understand the WHY, more so that the WHAT.

I would also like to thank you for your comments last night regarding the fact that CNN (or some similar institution) would do well to fully explore the reasons for these statements and report it, more so then the WHAT. Heaven forbid we should finally have a rational discussion about such things.

Words Matter! Isn't this what Barack says? Judgement matters. Isn't this what Barack says? He had the judgement (as a junior state senator) to oppose the war. Did he also oppose this racist maniac? No, he didn't and he'll lose because of this. You can't have it both ways. You lose Obama!

There is no point in slicing and dicing Wright's sermons...the damming fact is that he said "GOD DAMN AMERICA"

Thank you, Roland, for taking the time to explore Rev. Wright's words in greater depth. Unfortunately, I share Kathy from Andover's view that this is probably the only place we'll see this information. Given the media's propensity to criticize Obama for every little thing these days, I fear the truth may be buried.

Roland you are an Obama backer just like everyone else at CNN, what happened to objective!!!!!

I would hope that this story is on the evening new to set things right and perhaps undo some of the harm this story has brought upon Senator Obama.

I am curious. why is Rev. Wright statements making more of a big deal against Obama than Senator McCain relationship and statements from John Hague and Ron Parsely. Why isn't CNN doing an neutral comparison demonstrating that other canditates are facing the same issue and have done exactly what Obama did. Is that racist? Is that CNN supporting one candidate over the other.

Thank You Roland. Your quote on Edward Peck puts the Reverend's statement in context for sure. And the rest of his sermon seems quite normal with respect to a Minister addressing his congregation. I agree with his statements totally. Violence,begets Violence .............
And I truly believe America's Administration regardless of party, has to limit it's importance on Power and increase it's importance on National and Intenational unity if World Peace is ever to succeed.

I don't know where the other excerps of Rev. Wright's sermons came from but as you say, this doesn't clear up his other disturbing comments. And I for one, wish it did so America could get back on the important issues affecting Americans.

The other wish I have is that Obama would address his associations with Rezko and others who have donated to his campaign. If he would do so I"m sure it would give Americans more understanding of his background and dispell the feelings that there may be underlying factors they are not aware of. I'm sure by doing so, he would win the nomination. And I do believe he has a great deal to offer America as a Leader and could bring about a positive change.

Obama's speech on race was strictly to change the subject. He was rightly being criticized for his strong ties with Reverand Wright(even after he said he would fire Don Imus for his comments)...so he changed to the subject to talk about America and race...making obvious assertions like "slavery was bad" no kidding. He also lumped Geraldine Ferraro in with Wright...all Ferraro did was point out that Obama has received more buzz because he is 1/2 black. Which is true.

Thank you so much for looking at the context and the entire sermon. I really appreciate your dedication to the truth anderson Cooper and
Roland Martin. I think if more people took the time to read this that they would understand why Obama remained in the church even though he disagreed with some of Wright's controversial statements.

It's good to get the full context, thank you. But if what I read is correct, Mr. Wright obviously AGREES with the ambassadors words. The context doesn't justify a thing.

Do you really think he's telling the whole picture?

There is no context here, no expression, no tone in the voice to indicate emotional tone. Nothing.

I'm sure he's confirmed all your biases.

Of course, the statements them selves are rife with logical fallacies and half truths, but that's not the issue here.

Agreed, this is another non issue that the media is focused. So far both candidates have stood above the hate/fear monger the media has constantly bombarded them with and tried to stick to the issues that matter.

You mean to tell me that you can't pass judgment on the sermon from a 30 second youtube clip.....I've been duped!

I'm not concerned about the "9/11" sermon. I'm concerned by the obviously racist rhetoric in the other sermons. You can put those in whatever "context" you want. Racist is racist, and those sermons have been going on, with Obama in attendance, for many many years. For Obama to try and distance himself from those now is disingenous at best. How many people would listen to a racist pastor, and then try to explain it away by saying he only gives "spiritual guidance"? Absurd in the extreme.

Great article. We can get on the path to breaking down racial barriers and misunderstandings in this country by supporting RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM and denouncing or boycotting the irresponsible. Roland, you, my friend, continue to exemplify the responsible journalist. Thank you for being my voice. Keep it up!

I know you won't post this comment but here goes anyway. I am shocked that this article was included with CNN's good name. The article has the endorsement of legitimate newscasters and will be respected. You were not in the church when Wright delivered these speeches and you did not sit there when his aggressive and unpatriotic sermons were delivered. I hope you can look yourselves in the mirror tomorrow morning and I feel very sorry for you.

Roland, thanks for providing the context. It is clear from postings above that people who are pro HRC will not look understand. They and some of the media including CNN have played the tapes over and over to reduce this pastor to 3 mins...he has a lifetime of ideas and thoughts...not just three mins! And while the words are disturbing, it it no reflection on Sen. Obama. I have been around people I care about that have different views and often express in strong language....does not make me like them! People need to understand that professing patriotism does not make a patriot and using strong disturbibng language on a few occasions does not define one's whole life!

Do you remeber Pearl Harbor?

Thanks CNN for bending over backwards to give a full explanation about something that Obama felt uncomfortable with. Also thank you for giving him an hour with Anderson Cooper so he could faun all over Obama – at one point blushing. Not to mention the hour you gave to Obama on Larry King to talk, talk, talk....You are so in bed with Obama it sickens me .....I will be watching other networks to hear about the other candidates...there are other candidates by the way.

perfectly written. Honestly, I do not understand what is all the fuss about rev Wright. Tell me where exactly was he wrong when he said that our foreign policy causes or promotes terrorism? You do not have to be especially smart to conclude that if you stop and think and look at our 150 years of foreign policy that only created us more enemies. I am white, and I totally agree with rev Wright.
People who do not understand what he was talking about and found it offensive and anti-american, are living in lala land trying not to notice the truth.

I hope the whole story is now blasted on every news channel like the sound bites were!

Wright was right. He just used some words white America isn't found of. As a mainly white American I have to admit: I am getting tired of white America! Just knee jerk reactions and no attempt understand those they view as different from them. Thanks Roland for trying. But it's like trying to move a mountain.

Roland, thank you for this. Can you get that stone faced Anderson Cooper to stick it to FOX news over this.

CNN just followed the lead of FOX news without indipedent varification.

I think CNN should go after FOX for these lies.

Roland, I knew you were the man.
Great reporting also 'Fair & Balanced'.

God Bless

Roland,
Again, you have impressed with your journalism skills. You are the first to actually listen to the context of what appear to be radical "sound bites" and not radical sermons. Thanks again

I find it rather disturbing that people like Pat Robertson can blame 9/11 on "secular" Americans and still be an advisor to the president. But Obama is raked over the coals because of Wright's statements; which are honestly benign compared to some of the things that come from the religious right. Odd how right leaning, white preachers can "blame America first" but apparently left leaning, black preachers aren't afforded the same privilege.

Why is Obama getting 1 week of media attention from this? Why is CNN and MSNBC helping Obama repair this damage? Obama choose to continue to associate with his former pastor White. Obama likes the theology of White versus MLK.

You folks thrash Hillary all the time. CNN is biased. Fox requsted you to investigate White and all the Obama media ignored it.

Obama continues to use race to his benifit.

Great job, Roland! While those of us who pay attention to the world at large already knew his comment about our chickens coming home to roost on 9/11 was spot on, maybe the full text will enlighten those who think the US government is always pure in its motives and deeds.

Wow. I just read the statements and everything that he said was 100% TRUE. My people(blacks) are idiots. We truly have the power to influence this race. I hope once Obama bows out that we collectively hold the Clintons and the democratic party hostage. Without us(blacks) they are done. This is our final shot to get any of the so called help that we've craved for since we were "freed." Failure to do this will doom our people and relegate us to an unimportant, unrecognized future.

This man is a racist in the purist form. This fact is not open for debate.

Roland,

I am not a reporter with a responsibility to report the whole story but, even I know that the speech where the comment "God damn America" was made in 2007 (December, I think) as his last speech from the pulpit. Geez, I wonder why you missed that? You must have been busy trying to find speeches that did not offend.

I appreciate the racial discussion that Obama has want all Americans to begin to discuss.

When are you all in the media going to open up a discussion with the other 2 candidates for President? I would like to

1. know McCain & Clinton's thoughts on what they will do to help unite the races of the Country.

2. Do they think Wright spewed "hate" for 20 straight years?

3. Would they have left the church if they had not heard the sermons?

... If the media has the courage to discuss race with the other candidates, will they misspeak on a radio show? Will the media then take snippets of their remarks, like they do with Barack, and drown the air waves with McCain and/or Clinton's comments.

Please do not just limit this to only Obama, he did ask for ALL Americans to discuss race which does include the other 2 candidates, McCain and Clinton.

Roland,
You are a biased critic, so I and several people see you as the black Lou Dobbs. Unfortunately you have never impressed me as an objective journalist I do not understand how CNN can keep you on. I have heard you go on black radio shows and dogged out Hillary Clinton. I just wish you would in your own words, 'seek the truth, and not the partial truth.'

Goodluck.

carolflowery

Let me get this straight.

You have no problem with the person who origionally publicly made the staments.

You have no problem with the media who plasted a distored clip of Rev Wright's statements all over cabel news.

You ONLY have a problem with Rev Write quoted the statements to his congregation, in context????

Wow.

Roland,

You should be fired and I mean immediately, you cannot work for CNN if they claim to be the most fair and political reporting team. Underneath your name it should not say CNN Contributor....it should clearly say OBAMA LOVER..you have been rude when others are reporting...laughing and interupting others while they are speaking. If you are not careful I imagine your position will be eliminated in the near future....and shortly you will be teaming up with Dick Morris going around the country speaking to non existent venues. You are a disgrace to CNN and I believe your immediate supervisor will be telling you that shortly...enjoy your remaining days.

Thank you Roland, as I always felt that America needs to listen to the entire sermon and stop placing judgment. Obama is a man of God and should only be directed by God and not by people. When God tells him to leave his church, then I assume that he will do so. But until then, he needs to stay put. If people understood the Word of God then they would know what God says about obedience.

It seems that at every turn, people are scrutinizing everything word that Obama says, judging and hating on him. First he wasn't "Black" enough, then he didn't have enough experience, then his passport has been breached. WHAT'S NEXT??

Obama has poured out his heart and has explained everything. But people still not satisified. And that's why you shouldn't try to please people, but please God by your actions. As you will never be able to please ALL people.

"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"

LOOK IN THE MIRROR America. Your personal opinions are your's alone and you shouldn't force them on others. Stop being so double-minded and stand by your perspective candidate NO matters what's being said and/or portrayed by the media. The issues are what you should be looking at.

Mr. Martin,

I read the NY Times but am often dismayed to find their editorial bias in actual stories...however, they usually also print the full text of any important speech and I am able to judge for myself.

I appreciate your attempt here re Reverand Wright's sermons. I have found Sen Obama's full text "Race Speech" on the web and you challenge me to seek out more of Rev Wright's. Perhapps CNN could add a "full text" tab at the top of their home page?

Roland as always IF YOU ARE GOING TO TELL THE STORY THE TELL THE WHOLE STORY. Keep up the good work. I know where you stand that's on the TRUTH.

May God continue to Bless you as you continue to Bless us.

Excuse me, but "chickens coming home to roost" is what Malcolm X said when John Kennedy was assassinated. Trying to trace that comment to Peck is laughable. Don't try and make a silk purse out of this sow's ear.

Roland... Thanks for reporting the truth and fact finding news. Also, thanks Anderson Cooper( Kudos to CNN) .

Excellent, Roland Martin, but my question is, is this information going to be exposed on the the TV and not just a blog the way all the negative info has been. Will there be a special on clarifying Rev Wright's position? How's that for a programming suggestion?

Excuses,excuses,excuses.

That's why the American people and the people arround the word MUST not Judge any one because a short spot. Always Ask for the full story, text and even read about in different places and do some search.

That is the responsible way to get the full picture of every thing and get it right.

Thank you

What a pathetic attempt this was to stick up for a fellow racist and bigot. Has anyone ever read parts of Roland's book.
All he rants about is promoting black people. How about blacks doing something for themselves and quit complaining how they have no opportunities because of the white man?
Our jails are filled with black men who choose to do nothing productive with their lives.

How can Roland not know which speech the GD America hatred came from?

What a pathetic attempt at being a Christian.

Let's face it. If those comments had been made in other churches, the tax exempt status would be at risk. It amazes me how politicians do not distance themselves from these types until the heat is on. It leads one to believe that the move is for votes, not a real change of heart.

Thank you for the content. It is invaluable.
However, this does not absolve Obama from lieing. He has claimed all along that he is a different type of politician and that he wants to not be the black candidate. So he lies about hearing the sermons, then tries to use race to his advantage. Any time someone else brought up race, he cried racism. He did it to Biden, Bill Clinton and most recently, to Ferarro. If he truely wanted to have a "conversation" about race, he should have started earlier and not been so quick to put people down as being racist. A "conversation" implies a two way dialog. Why is it only he can speak?

This just endorses the fact that this man is STILL an idiot. He is still spewing misinformation, and quite frankly prejudiced words. Hatred begets hatred…he’s absolutely correct. His words will harvest what he has planted. Its a shame that the youth of his congregation looks to him for fellowship. *sniffles

This certainly does provide context for some of Rev. Wright's comments. However, this is not the speech that has stirred up the most controversy. Additionally, for someone who claims that Rev. Wright is not his political advisor, there certainly are striking similarities between the political rhetoric of both Obama and Rev. Wright.

He has some valid points. If he could remove the seething moral relativism perhaps he would be taken a bit more seriously. No one listens to Self-righteous indignation, least of all the people you are trying to convince that they are doing something wrong.

The man is a racist. And both Obama and his wife have been indocdrinated. She let it slip when she stated that she had never been proud of her country before, and Barack let it slip yesterday when being interviewed on a radio program he made a comment about a 'typical white person' being afraid of black Americans. They believe whites are evil, blacks are racially superior, and you can bet there will be U.S. peace keepers in Kenya if and when he takes office.

This is all part of our social fabric. It is just now... again... being brought to the surface and needs to be talked through. Do we just sweep it under the rug and hope it will go away? God forbid!

so according to the logic of those that feel Obama supports the comments of Mr. Wright and should drop out of the race, then shouldn't it follow that Hillary supports marital infidelity, since she is still with Bill.... btw, good job Mr. Martin, this is the kind of reporting I wish we could see more of

I am disappointed with CNN for not doing this sooner. CNN just "went with the flow" of the other trashy news stations like FOX. I expected more from CNN. Finally, they are doing what they should have in the first place. Thanks Roland.

I wish the mainstream media would delve into the speeches made by Pat Robertson, John Hagee, and the like with the same fervor that they have devoted to Rev Wright. Talk about a double standard. If it is a white right wing minister, nothing is mentioned no matter how outrageous the comments , but a black minister...look out........

Sometimes "Truth is Bitter". Rev Wright was telling the truth. In this country there are whites as well as blacks playing this game. There is Prejudice & Malice on both sides. The master & slave mentality should go away. We are one America, one people working for the good of each other. This is Barrack, Hillary & Bill clinton. McCain ? may be. Bush, No.

When this story first broke and I heard what the Reverend actually said, I told my husband that the things he said were true. If anyone who has read history or knows anything about history can find lies in these statement I sure would like to hear from them. Reverend Wright has the right to voice these concerns. There may have been a better way to word his thoughts, however most of us in America still believe in free speech, even if our Government does not. We in white America may not like hearing what the Reverend had to say, but that does not mean that he should not have said what he said. I think this is a classic "Much Ado About Nothing". It is also probably politically motivated to cause Obama problems with his campaign for the presidency.

Some of the comments on this blog are ridiculous. Did you all read the the sermon? The man is not preaching racism or hatred. He specifically says "hatred begets hatred," a statement which would be anathema to preaching such hatred. Get a clue.

Reading the whole sermon makes my veiw of Rev Wright totally different. It is amazing how a snippit alters what he was really saying.

I can't believe that this author, who is an Obama supporter, is being flattered with thanks "for exposing the truth." What truth did he expose? Do your research people! The Reveren is un-American, racist, and has strong ties to Pharakaun. They gave him an award from their church. Look it up! I don't believe that Obama believes all the things that this man has preached, but I do believe that we have to look at it and that it has been acurately depicted. Don't be so blind!

Keep trying to make excuses for hate and you shall wallow in it for all your days.

I don't know what the big fuss is about this anyways. Everything Wright said in the transcript above is true. Those are the facts of the matter. no opinion about it. We took land from the indians, we enslaved black people, we killed tens of thousands in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

We have used our force do do horrible things for way too long. To label one thing patriotic and another Terroristic is just turning away from the truth. To see extremist terrorism for what it truly is, a reaction to political and military force, is to better understand the problem at hand.

Wright is not the only one saying it. Ron Paul, although not so inflammatory, thinks we should get out of Iraq and stay out of other peoples business.

It's easy to paint the picture of 9/11 through patriotic glasses, but you have to realize that your patriotism also supports the state sponsored murder of hundreds of INNOCENT people every day. People just like those in the twin towers. A true patriot is one who stands up in the face of tyranny. I think that in many ways, especially with our invasion of Iraq under false pretenses, U.S. military actions are tyrannical. To oppose those actions is far more patriotic than just hopping on the band wagon of "War on Terror" and "Democracy for those who don't want it".

The fact that Wright was quoting an ambassador is irrelevant. Peck is an idiotic "9/11 Truther". He thinks that the US government was behind the 9/11 attacks. That's OK and he's entitled to think that.

But it does make him an idiot and Wright is still a bigot.

if the context was so important, and diving into the truth was so important, why didn't the Reverend/Obama just defend the speeches with an explanation as this article did? why did he just resign from the campaign and run away

Thanks for doing the research, Roland, and not just basing your judgment on 10 second snippets. While I don't condone some of the things Wright says, if someone took the time to look at the totality of all his work and sermons, it probably would show how someone like Obama might feel compelled to love this man eventhough he may occasionally say some dumb stuff.

Just goes to show you that our Media chooses to skewer people without giving the full story.

That being said, I shudder to think ANY preacher spews hateful words from the pulpit. He may be right in his overall message, but he could have chosen his words more carefully and still made the same point.

In these last 8 months of the political season, everyone is quick to pounce on the skeletons coming out of the closets. It's going to be a bumpy ride so hang on.

Usually I don't agree with Mr. Martin but I too believe context is crucial. We as a country are guilty of Empire building – but want to crucify the prophets that expose the truth.

Too, we are OWNED by China – once we took out that loan to finance this war – America has sold its self into indentured servitude because of its lust, greed and hipocracy.

Roland,
Thanks for getting the complete story. I don't doubt pastors, clerics, & etc have made controversial remarks as well. I only hope your desire to find the truth transfers over to other reporters. Many people are quick to tear down someone without all the information, which is something we (black, white, green, yellow, brown) must stop! Unity is keeping. Lets not be afraid to discuss race or any other issue!

I do believe Pastor Wright should explain himself or is he hiding something more?

Thank you for bringing this to light and speaking the truth...
Play this on TV!!!

Nilla of course you think race is no longer an issue. You are not black or any minority in this country. As I am not white so I cant understand why whites think race does not exist. Its all relative and I respect you for that. I dont know what it is like to be white so I cant judge or say you are blind to the fact that racism does not exist but whites need to realize that black or any other minority do see racism in this world.

Until each of us can walk in the shoes of the other we need to respect and listen and garner some understanding for what the other thinks.

Re: carolflowery

"nothing makes this statement acceptable, nothing"

Who are you angry with, Rev. Wright for his conversation of the topic or Edward Peck for making the statement?

I actually think that Wright is more defensible because he goes on to say that we should remember to love our families, and think to cure ourselves before we go attack some one else.

That being said, without knowing the context of his other statements, I still disagree with his other comments....

You are so clearly in the tank for Obama, it isn't even journalism anymore. You might as well sign up officially for Barack's campaign.

Anderson: I guess anyone can blog on your site. And most likely if there are for Obama, If a white pastor had said that, oh boy!!!!

It is still a speech of hatred against the United States. Does Reverend Wright tell how we helped liberate the Jews, who were being killed by the thousands? Does he tell of the sailors who were sleeping in their bunks, and were ambushed at Pearl Harbor? Does he even talk about how the United States rallied against apartheid in South Africa? Or how America has taken in thousands of Emigrants from countries who hinder their religion or freedom of speech; freedoms’ I might add that give Wright that very pulpit to stand upon?

Give me a break! You’re just trying to placate him because he is black. If this had been a white guy, he would have already been made to apologies and step down: Wright looks Imus look like a Boy Scout. And Obama is just as bad for taking his kids into that type of church.

God bless u roland. i mean the Almighty God bless u for unravelling the truth. when u know the truth , definitely it will set u free. u have shown that manipulating the words of a servant of God will ultimately be exposed for what it is .it is written – i will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail. goes to show also the credentials of the press and the IQ of the american audience. must it always be about ratings. people like limbaugh and hannity needs to travel outside america and see the damage that has been wrought on the credibility of this country. and can someone tell me the definition of patriotism?

'The point that I have always made as a journalist is that our job is to seek the truth, and not the partial truth.'

going by your own words, will you find the truth about the Clintons & Peter Paul? how come you Anderson,Roland or the MSM is not talking about this though you claim to be 1st in news. where is the truth in this? it's all over Youtube. all you guys do is go on and on about Wright,Ferraro,Cunningham,etc. Are these preachers and politicians the ones we are trying to choose as POTUS? i believe vetting the candidates and their 'alleged frauds' shouldn't be only about Rezko and lobbyists. please go to Youtube for starters and then contact the California Judicial system.Man up to your standards,MSM

Mr. Martin,

Thank you for providing the context of the sermon. Other CNN contributors such as Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer and Campbell should have bothered to do the same thing instead of engaging in tabloid journalism and merely milking the story for everything they could get. Their bias against Sen. Obama has been obvious and threatens to undermine their credibility with viewers. Unfortunately, most of the media only has been interested in the inflammatory aspects of the sermon. Viewers like myself are responsible as well, because I never bothered to listen to the entire sermon either. It's interesting that Wright was quoting someone from the Reagan administration. I wonder if FOX News and all the other right-wingers will post that...

Reverse racism at it's most obvious or total ignorance in regards to Wright's "speeches"? I'm thinking a combination of the two. I'm so voting for Clinton...

I find it note worthy to mention that similiar remarks have been made by other individuals. One such person was a scholar and professor at the University of Colorado. Now because of his parallel comments regarding 9/11 he faced a 18 to 24 month trial by his peers and the media and finally fired from the University of Colorado even though he had tenure. I see no where in the news of any type of ramifications or protests being leveled at Mr. Wright and I have to wonder if there is not a double standard here and we simply don't want to address it.

Thank you for giving the context of the message the Clinton controlled media machine has been trying to deny us. People need to judge Obama on HIS words not his cousin, his uncle, his sister, his nephew or whoever. People are just looking for an excuse to be rasict. Let's move on America.

HATE! HATE! HATE! THERE – that's the REST of the story! And you're ALL KIDDING yourselves if you think any different!

Mike Bowers hit on the head. Context is what differentiates nonsense from truth. Whether you agree with the sermon's message or not, everyone deserves the truth. Shame on the media.

As an aside, if you do not think violence begets violence, then you are mistaken.

You are trying to justify your hate to Obama and look support for Hilary, even though you know she is not honest and is making dirt politics triying to twist the American future. We young people don't trust you anymore , you are part of the past which makes this nation to be hated all over the world. All the press paid by corporations to support their interest are so evident which make us sick.
Obama by far is the only honest and best prepared to asume the destiny of our nation , go and watch tje Tucker show , you will be pleased with the yellow reporters.

Why are you the ONLY journalist who did the research before ruining an accomplished and passionate reverand who has served his community so Godly? Why can no one else make the commitment to provide all the facts rather than chosen ones. To me, you are the only journalist (along with David Gergen and last night, Carl Bernstein)
who have shown true objectivity and yes, intelligence.

I emailed last week to thank you for your professional journalism.
I thank you today again as a fantastic journalist but even more so as a principaled man and patriot.

This justification of national hatred and racism makes me want to puke. If a white man had made the same statements and said the words "black people" like it was a cursed word. The world would be turned upside down. Their is a double standard in this country. Slavery was abolished a long time ago, and let me say thousands of "White people" died to bring about its end. I love my country and have traveled abroad. No where in this world do people both black and white have it better. Blacks can spew hatred for whites and no one seems to care, but let a white person even disagree with a black person and he is racist. I am against hatred from any venue and want more than anything to see my people, the american people come together as a whole and be united in the common goal to live by the golden rule, to do unto others as youd have done to you.

I am sitting here in tears. I am so angry that CNN joined in witch hunt on Jeremiah Wright, and in the process damaged Barack Obama's campaign.

But I am extremely thankful to Roland for providing this context.

CNN ought to be ashamed, along with Fox and MsNBC for manipulating the American people by dispersing decontextualized information.

I hope Anderson Cooper and others will really consider the kind of impact they are having on regular people's lives,

CNN has a lot to repent for.

Undo the damage you've done CNN.

Thanks for the digging into the story. I'm glad to see that you have presented the other side of the story. Too bad others can't see pass this issue. Just wish that those who continue talk about what the pastor preached about would put their passion and efforts towards issue that matter like the economy and getting our troops home.

Outrageous damage control.
Good luck.

There are a series of racist comments.....what about the white man inventing HIV to kill blacks??? It's not about one sound byte, there are many. It's a sad day when a man of God stoops to this level and stirs hatred in others instead of love.

This opened my eyes. To me, the sermon sounded like it came from a true American. An American who talked about America as his "front yard" but had the decency to talk openly when he sees his country's misdeeds. As Americans, we all need to protest when the country does things that are objectionable.

To Cheryl from Upstate, NY, I couldn't agree with you more, the media needs to stop with the repeated sound bites from the rev, and let the whole story be told. Let's not kill the opportunity for this country to for once, have a truly inspirational person lead up....Please

It doesn't matter which sermon he said these things in. It just disgusts me that he even said these things in the first place. He is an American, and a religious leader, and he still said "God damn America" in his church in a serious way, and that's just wrong. Members of his church say his sermons are like this all the time, but Obama says he never heard anything like that... BS! Oprah quit that church because of Wright, Obama should have too.

CNN you used to be my favorite news channel since day one, but i am beginning to spend more time watching other channels since i feel you are bias. You should report the news and that's it not push something down our throats.

Roland please...spare me...well since you are on the explaining committee u have alot of work to do about the other sound bites. It is too many red flags about Obama and these flags are not popping up for nothing. I believe the American people are smarter than that and they can see thru this. Although there may be dislikes toward Hillary she still loves America and in my eyes she is the best candidate for all Americans..

Have any of you ever see Roland? He's black and he supports blacks no matter what they do; right or wrong he comes up with excuses for them. That's all I've seen throughout this whole campaign is the blacks supporting the blacks.

You are unbelievable in trying to justify his statements. I will be curious to see how you try to justify Wright's unjustifiable relationship with Farakan.

Here are a couple more of Wright's quotes for you to give a "fully story" on.

"The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color"

"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

I wish that every reporter, every news outlet, did as you do. I am very impressed that the unbiased truth can be found here..... This is what true reporting is about.

No political agenda... No spinning of facts... Just the story and its real answers.

Before reading this, the only news I had heard on it was the reports that LEAD everyone to believe it is all fact.

I am impressed.

Good morning Roland Martin!

You state that you believe in truth and also reporting impartially. I had been following your appearance on CNN. You are never partial when comes to Hillary Clinton.
You defended your color all the time even if they were wrong!
It is sad that you dare say you are 100 percent impartial with all your appearances on CNN about Hillary Clinton. Did you ever have a bad word about Obama even if he is lying about his NAFTAGATE?
I hope you will do the same with John if ever Obama is the nominated and contest John!
We shall see!
You know deep in your heart there is no racism against the Black or else you won't be on TV. Sad that you still live in the past and still bear grudges against the innocent white. Can you not forgive and forget! Were you living then, during the darkest period of American history! Where did you get all these sufferings from? Who showed you how to suffer regarding this sad stories of the past?
Thank you!

With reference to Rev. Wright's remarks about (South Africa and) Palestine, I keep wondering why voices like that of Jimmy Carter aren't heard on CNN and other mainstream media. His book _Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid_ describes the situation in the OCCUPIED territories. Someone does have to speak up against oppression, whatever form it takes, and it is the media's responsibility to air the views of those who speak out against it. Do I even bother to ask why we never hear Noam Chomsky's voice on mainstream media? May I refer readers to his book "What we say goes"?
I appreciate Roland's efforts at putting context aroung the Rev. Wright's remarks. Please do more such.
Thank you.

not only did the Clintons invite Rev Wright to the white house for a prayer breakfast, the reports are that for over thirty years he was not viewed as a fringe preacher. His church does have some white members, they often have white visitors, and the hierarchy of the United Church of Christ is predominately white. Don't you think if his usual sermons were like those few now appearing all over the newscasts others would have noticed all these years? The truth is, Sen Obama spoke the truth – he did not hear those specific sermons personally, when he did learn of them at the beginning of the campaign the Reverend was already in the process of retiring, and he denounced those awful sermons. I am white and I am ashamed of everyone who continues to ignore the facts in favor of this mindless mudslingging. Lets get to the real issues – the economy, war, healthcare – and lets do it as one American people, as Obama suggests.

Its just amazing how the media justifys staining a persons life just off of some sound bytes that has not been truely researched. I appreciate you going that extra mile like Barack Obama's race speech to dig into a situation more to expose the big picture. I honestly do not believe that a religious officiant should bring their own polititcal views into church sermons, but examples can be made in correlation to the scriptures. Why? Because are passion begins to come out and once its unleashed then who knows whats going to come out of our mouths.

Roland,
This should be featured on CNN perhaps in the "situation room". Many Americans do not utilize computers as often as younger people do. It will help most individuals understand that there was another side to this story.
Esther
NJ

thanks for the real picture Roland. I've always enjoyed your commentary and now i know I will continue to. love the parts about declaring war on healthcare, aids, education, etc. and that we found $40 billion to thorw at rebuiling. that's funny. we always whip up all this cash from somewhere in a pinch but it's never there for education, aids, healthcare.

Thanks for the excellent work Roland! I am not at all surprised at what you found it confirmed my intial feeling about the entire non-subject. The only thing I found interesting about this entire episode of media mayhem is that no one ever took the time to apply the simple logic that Obama has continually proven himself to be an intelligent man, so therefore if he knew that this was lurking in the shadows why would he run at all ?? Because he KNEW it shouldnt matter in light of the other issues we face.
On a personal note I know I would be branded an unpatrotic pinko because as a white middle class man I agreed with the Rev, Wright even OUT of context. We the United States of America find ourselves in the place we do now because in general we live in a state of denial, and hide from the truths that the Rev. Wright presented.
Case in point? Nilla's comment that race does not matter unless it is made to matter. I would hazard a guess that she has never been with a black or latino friend in a store made to produce double the ID I had to use a credit card ....

Hi Roland,

I've never sent you one of my comments before but felt compelled to do so this time. I really appreciate your efforts to get to the real facts and statements in this controversy. This mess actually brings to light the real level of racism, both covert and overt, that exists in our country. Black americans as a group understand the pain of undercover bigotry better than white americans, in general. The point I want to make is that what Rev. Wright said was RIGHT & WRIGHT. America has killed many innocent people in our "defense" of human rights across the globe. Many people in our country have deeply imbedded racial bias that is so buried in their subconscious psyche that they are not even aware of it. The point is that if a white leader of notoriety had uttered the same words as Rev. Wright, the country would have collectively said- "Wow, he has some great points. Maybe we really need to look at the negative impact our country has had on less powerful countries and move in a more positive direction." But, if a black man says it, watch out. Your efforts to bring out the truth will start the introspection needed in our country.
Mahalo,
James

I don't have a problem with most of what Rev. Wright said, but I do have a problem with his analogy of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as acts of terrorism. These events are taken out of context and have nothing to do with the point he was trying to make.

At that time, this country was embroiled in a long, drawn out war against facism. We were fighting a war on two fronts and with the win in Europe, America was facing a ruthless enemy who vowed to die before surrender. The kamakazis of that day were the predessors of today's suicide bombers but instead of dying for religious ideology, they were dying for imperialism.

Then came the development of the hydrogen bomb. After the bombing of Hiroshima, the US demanded the unconditional surrender of Japan, which they stubbornly refused. It was only after we bombed Nagasaki did Japan finally agree to surrender. Had it not been for the development of this weapon of mass destruction, the US would have lost thousands more lives fighting a war in which Japan's defeat was inevitable.

We didn't merit the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor but our resolve ended one of the bloodiest parts of our country's history, so NO, Rev. Wright, you are wrong to use these events at the end of WWII in an analogy of terrorism.

Oh please, this man is a hatemonger who continues to divide the country rather than pull it together. He continues to blame the "oppressive white class" and play the victim card.

The man is a divider, Obama claims to be a "uniter." Well then why did he donate thousands to this man's church? You're telling me in 20 years of having this guy as his "mentor" he didn't know the man's true views.

This is just another attempt by CNN and the rest of the liberal media to justify hate coming from their side and protect their boy Obama.

I don't see how this style of speech helps mankind solve problems. It's sad to watch a Pastor yelling sermons with this type of content. Jesus taught love. Thy will be done. Not our will.

Thank you Roland for seeking the truth, but there is a segment of our society that still don't want to hear it.

Most media are still still talking about when Americans have moved on. I guess it's about ratings and being divisive.

I used to watch Lou Dobbs until he became upset with something Obama said about immigration. I understand Mr. Dobb's passion for immigration and I have the same passion, but Lou is holding a grudge about the comment. I have never heard Lou Dobbs request an apology from anyone else who misconstrued his comments (and there are many). And Lou, like other white journalist, have lived in a shell all their lives and do not understand any experience except their own. I was surprised to hear Lou's disregard for Mr. Obama. Thank you, Lou, for showing who you really are, and rest assured, I will not view your show ever again.

In watching your commentary, Roland, you are very level-headed and will speak the truth, no matter who it may hurt. I applaud you for being an objective journalist.

I think it is interesting how some of the media is covering up the hatred that is more than obvious from Rev. Jeremiah Wright sermons.
To blame it on Edward Peck, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, is weak.
Sorry, I am not buying it.

Roland,
You are a good and honest man. I applaud you,

How obvious can it be!? And how "STUPID" can we be as human beings!? The policy of America has NOT been for the good of righteousness in any shape or form. This has gone on since slavery and persist to this day. WE poison our children with misinformation about history, religion, politics, diet and health. We "LET" innocent American people suffer and die in poverty. We reward the sinister and evil people who profit from harmful and deadly product manufacturing.
We sell more weapons of mass destruction than ANY country in the world. We have killed and murdered thousands of people in the name of democracy and justified those deaths as protecting the national security. We have allowed our government to kill, murder and plot against the people of the United Sates without recoarse or punishment. We perpetuate racism by FEAR of solidarity and unity of the people of this country. We the people have allowed criminal to infest of cities and children and arm them crazed on drugs. We the people have allowed this! Everyday George Bush and his administration sit in office there are thousands more people who are assured the United States has no good intentions for the rest of the people and countries of the world because the government of the United States, at this point, has NO good intentions for the people of the United States other than to victimize them and profit for their suffer.
The truth is a horrible medicine for a liar!

Ok, I really appreciate you puttingup this story, but, its not the whole sermon AND I would like to know the context of which one would say "God damn America!" Maybe we are reaping what we sew? How many did Gaddafi kill when we decided to attack? They reaped what they sewed. I believe America wants a better world, but people hate our prosperity and free living ideals. Why cant you get that? Get a top secret clearance and then we will talk.

I am glad you made this your concern as a reporter, to take time out and listen to the whole sermon. Obama is the one! God Bless him and his campagin staff in JESUS NAME. Now, lets win this election for the people.

Thank you Roland. It's nice to have someone tell the whole story. If the media is going to help shape what happens in an election, we need to hear the whole truth and not just sound bites.

Stop praising Roland. As an American I want full disclosure. Lets see what explanation Roland can come up with the sermons where he damned America and made those pornographic body movements at the pulpit. Looking forward for a full analyses of those sermons.

CNN/ Obam Cable News. No matter how you justify this matter, We heard and watched the videos and the racial/unamerican ranting of this pastor which Obama listened for 20 years. I would appreciate if you can have Obama discussed this issue with Lou Dobbs as he is the only moderator at CNN who still have integrity and objectivity left on him.

By the way, can you also report that he said in the radio yesterday that "white people are typically racist". Please

Thank you for posting that section of Rev. Wright’s sermon in its entirety. After reading it, I am now more convinced than even that this man is an unhinged, radical left wing, blame America, terrorist appeasing lunatic. And that Mr. Obama, after listening to 20 years of this caustic spew doesn’t even deserve to be a Senator, much less President. Please do make sure it gets better visibility so other voting Americans can make this determination as well.

Why don't you just put your real jersey on. You are Obama supporter and you are not a journalist at all. The way that you do your so called comments are totally bias and i don"t know why CNN is having you so often in the program. Please show us that you are not a racist if you can...

Personally I think this speech being presented is a great help. I see absolutely nothing that was said offensive. He merely stated the truth and I'm sure many of those present gave some serious thought to the countries conduct in the past. America who claims to be the worlds superpower should not punish self criticism but should welcome it. It brings about changes in policies and rethinks the moral stance that affects billions of people throughout the world. When your actions affect the lives of the rest of the world then I certainly think that criticism is important. Let there be more of it and a more responsible foreign policy so that the world looks to the US as the example it should be.

Bravo! to the reporting. I am impressed, first time on cnn.

Thank you so much Roland. A wise man told me once, context, context, context. He was so right, I'm sick and tired of all the half truths we here from the news media. Job well done.

You have GOT to be kidding, Mr, Martin. Are you actually equivocating the unbelieveably racist, hateful messages that Rev. Wright has been ranting for years?

Can you possibly envision yourself writing a similar article about a non-African American who made similar "sermons".

This is proof positive that people can rationalize absolutely anything.

I understand that you are trying to get the truth out there and that's great, but hasn't this story been beaten to death? It's time to move on.

Rock on Roland! I am so happy to see someone actually looking for the truth! Why haven't I seen this reported on major network national news??

Thank you for putting the facts straight......Rev. Wright spoke the absolute truth...
Signed...
White middle ages baby boomer....

Thank you, Roland and 360 for having the journalistic integrity to tell us about the whole context. I wish all the cable news outlets who have been playing this 30-second sound byte out of its context over and over again would do the same. Perhaps then, although we might still not agree with the pastor, at least our analysis and our reactions would be so much more rational than what we've been left with by the prejudicial treatment which has damaged so many.

This is not the full picture. If you want to see the other sermons, they are all over the news (including on CNN), including the 'God Damn America' sermon.

Whether or not he clearly and directly states a message of hate / discrimination, the underlying theme is not exactly positive. The effect of his sermons is to polarize his church, with him as leader, thus creating the cult of personality he needs to maintain his own lifestyle. Joy.

Gee wouldn't it be wonderful if Hillary Clinton or John Edwards would have had the number of surrogates sitting in the national media that Mr Obama has.

Roland as a minister, please explain to me what effect some of the attacking, angry, and haterful language that Rev Wright uses may have long term on young children.

I have sat in Black Baptist churches many times here in Texas. I think it is a disservice to the Black congregations and church members all over the country to try and have America believe that Rev Wright is representative of them.

I think it is an abberration and contradiction for people to try and explain the very words and ideas that Obama has said he disagrees with and denounces.

You can't have it both ways either he's preaching hate and Obama disagrees with it or It's acceptable in a Black church and White America just doesn't "get it".

Thank you Mr. R. Martin.

Rev. Wright was dead on in his speech.

President Bush missed an opportunity after 9/11 that comes once in a millennium. He could have put his faith into action. He could have chosen the path of peace, of forgiving your enemies, of not throwing the first stone, of preparing the fatted calf. Given how much the world and the American people backed him, he could have taken that path. He could have tried to further God's plan as explained to us in word and deed by Jesus Christ.

Instead, he chose the human path. One of revenge, war, doing to the evil doers what they had coming to them. The path brought into Christianity by the Romans, the barbarians, and by my ancestors, the Vikings.

My greatest fury with George W. Bush is that he missed that opportunity. It may have been true that God wanted him to be president, precisely because of that millennial moment. Unfortunately, when the time came, the courage of his convictions failed him.

Thanks for the complete story. I still support Obama, but if anyone wants an education on his pastor's ideology, go read some James Cone, whose philosophy (black liberation theology) is repeatedly referenced by Rev. Wright. It's as delusional as it is racist.

More and more with all the coverage Cooper and CNN gives Obama I think they are trying to twist the coverage to help this guy get elected. CNN and Cooper you are just as bad if not worse than Fox News. I assume you feel that is balanced politics.

We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans

-

Lies! Support for Israel is not bad. They were almost exterminated by the Nazis . Anti-Semites!

And if you recall the USA banned diamonds from South Africa.

Reverand Wright was courageous and expressed what Bush and Cheney want to marginalize, that there was a reason for terrorism on our soil that needs to be publicly recognized and apologized for. While making apology for the USA covert and overt terrorism perpetrated around the globe as well as within our own border, make one for the terrorism against, and the genocide of, the red race - the original people on this land. For Senator Obama was mistaken when he spoke in his recent address on race that our original sin was black slavery. Not true. The original sin in this nation's history was and still is practiced today - the American Holocaust from 1492 to the Present of the red race (and resources we claim as our own). I hope you have the courage to breech this subject which is not what most including Barack Obama understand but what we do need to think about because it is the truth.

Roland, thanks for providing us with the context. That makes so much of difference. It's doesn't excuse the man necessarily, but it helps me understand what he was trying to say even though I don't agree with it. I can't tell you how many times I've been reading an article I find particularly informative and well written and I get to the bottom and find out it was written by Roland S. Martin. Keep up the good work.

Over the last few weeks, and especially in the past week, I have seen Roland go to battle for the truth – what Pastor Wright really said, how Barack is the once in a lifetime unifier and how we must overcome racial tensions and stereotypes.
I want to commend you, Roland! You have challenged other experts on Lou Dobb's program (and Lou himself at times) in the face of much adversity and you have had more success on Campbell's program and Cooper's program. Well done for speaking the truth! I am a Canadian observer of the current democratic political situation in America and I believe the honesty, intergity and wisdom in Americans will shine through – in no small part due to the contribution and fair reporting of folks like you! Keep up the good work as the "voice of reason".

I watched last night as David Gergen, Anderson Cooper, Roland Martin, and Carl Bernstein discussed Obama's recent comment about his grandmother. It was a proud moment for CNN. If Obama's speech helped to raise the level of discourse for the remainder of the campaign at your network, that, I believe, is a great start for doing the same throughout the country. CNN has made an important decision to return to its days of real news and intelligent discussions. There are plenty of tabloid outlets for insignificant sensation.

I am beyond pleased to see that someone in the MSM is digging deeper into Rev. Wright's sermons. I watched a few today of those that were taken out of context, and I feel horribly that this man has become vilified and hated over 30-second sound bites taken out of context. He isn't anti-American. He isn't anti-white. He may be anti-Bush. He may have problems with this current administration. And he certainly has reason to be angry.

But we shouldn't be blaming him for things he isn't.

Maybe the MSM should compare his sermons with words out of people like Falwell and Robertson and Phelps and so who truly preaches about hate.

I do not recall any outrage directed at Ambassador Peck or, indirectly at President Reagan for his stark comments. If Barack Obama or any candidate referenced the Peck comments without full attribution to the ambassador, they would be ruined. With attribution, they would be ruined. With the reference back to President Reagan, they would be ruined. President Reagan would have supported the ambassador, much as Senator Obama has supported the Reverend while denouncing his truly objectionable comments. I was raised in a large Irish household. The heroes in my life, my father, grandfather, uncles, great uncles were all good men who, at the same time, used every racial and ethnic insult imaginable. I loved them and love them still, but their language was and is reprehensible. We must heal and unite as one America.

Roland,

You are correct, everthing said by Rev. Wright should be reviewed in the full context of each respective speech. Thanks for setting forth what he said. I disagree with your limited and one-sided opinion of what you think his thesis was. You left out the most important one.

The Rev was clearly saying the US government is and has acted as a terrorist and he specifically enumerates the examples. Granted the US has not always done good things i.e. the American Indian and slavery. This Country has always tried to do the right thing and while not perfect we are better than any other country. But to bring up terrorism in the view of the nuke attacks on Japan during WWII. Come on. Yes innocent people were killed but how many lives on both sides were saved by forcing Japan to a prompt surrender? A mainland attack and resistance like we saw on several of the islands would have guaranteed total destruction of Japan and led to millions more deaths and casualties.

The Rev clearly does not like US government. or policy. That should be pointed out instead of the suger coating you try to put on it.

I would expect this from you!!! What is sad, is how can anyone really support this guy? I dont get it, he listened to this guy shoot down and lie and cheat about americans and then he preaches to all of us that he is the best man to bring americans together. What a crock of sh–t!!! Then again, not to many do at this point anyway. I really dont know how he could resepectively take the nomination if he was to get it. Knowing he got it on hidden secrets. To me and many others i spoke to, would feel ashamed to take that honor knowing he had lied to everyone about uniting everyone, when all he really has on his agenda is to prove to the African Americans that he is the first black president and he will make sure they are all taken care of. For Gods sake, look whats happening? He is bombing out and the unfortunate part is, its going to be a struggle for Hillary, and whats worse,not only did he cost the democrats the election, McCain will now be the next president!!! Thanks Obama!! Lets hope Hillary can still go the length. im sure, we havent heard the last of Obamas secrets....

Though I am not a supporter in any way, the fact that when George W. Bush was asked how he came upon the decisions he did after the 9/11 attacks, he stated that he referred back to his spiritual upbringing. This upbrining was greatly influenced by his spiritual leaders that spoke to him for years upon years. What bothers me the most about what has come to light about this spiritual leader is the hatred of not one but several of his speeches towards several aspects of our community and culture. It would be hard for me to imagine that when dire times occured, these messages of hatred wouldn't be reflected in his ministries revelations, including that of Obama who has been apart of his congregation for over 20 years. How can he not say that within those 20 years of sermons, these points and issues from the reverenc won't truly affect him in troubled times... in which our country is already in.

I have really appreciated your input and insight into our world.
Your voice is unique, smart, thoughtful and wise. Keep going.
Keep them honest, for real.

Kind Regards,
Tita

Hey Roland. Just the fact that you took the time to provide the content of the full sermon speaks largly to the fact that you see the need to provide everyone with the FULL STORY and not a partial story which CNN and every other network has been doing. It's been pretty pathetic that the media has blown this totally out of proportion for their own benefit. So please pass on to your CNN folks that Americans for the most part are a whole lot more intelligent that what they give us credit to be and that our support of Obama is unwavered. We see the difference between he and the rest of Washington, including Clinton in particular who will stop at nothing for POWER. We've got his back. He's a good man and we need him.

Mr. Martin, thank you for providing the context of remarks that have been viewed as utterly reprehensible. Just as CNN along with other media outlets provided the sound bites that have re-focused the campaign of the best Presidential candidate in the race, this should be aired. The media should be more responsible, just as the candidate speeches are aired in entirety so as not to be misinterpreted/misrepresented, this should be aired as well. This story has distorted Americas view of the Reverend Wright and it may just be unjustified. That is also reprehensible.

I am so glad that you are able and willing to find context to Wright's speech! I wish that everyone of us would do that with all issues, and that the media (all of them including CNN) would just check all the sources before broadcasting these clips over, and over, and over again, which not only hurt Obama, but also create hate, and even more divide in race relations in America. It is time for all of us to move on. Let's concentrate on what each candidate's important issues and make our wise decisions about our future president. This country has so much at stake that it can't be distracted.

I wonder if in fact he did say GD America now. Did someone splice together those statements? How much alteration has occurred with those?

As for the Clinton people, CNN has frequently requested access or information or time with the idea of fairness and equal access (it is a federal law remember). Her campaign has turned the press down and refused access when they cannot control what is said, asked or how it is reported.

First, I dont remember asking this CNN contributor/commentator to be the "truth teller." The problem in our country is the lack of discernment on the part of people in the pew. Folks are willing to accept carte blanche what they hear each Sunday from the pulpt. This is why men like Jeremiah Wright and others are able to get away with unleashing truths which are no where found in our Bible. They have made the pulpit a place for to talk about politics and social issues. If you understand the place of the New Testament chuch –and by the way our Lord Jesus does not parse that into churches of Black or white. Jeremiah Wright is doing what many mainline churches do and that it to preach a social gospel. Oh, dont' get me wrong you find Christ talking about feeding the poor, taking care of the sick etc...But, a thorough survey of the NT epistles finds that the church is called to be the pillar and suppport of the Truth. What truth is that? The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the pure unadulterated Gospel which says "All have sinned." That's the bad news. However, the good news is God provided a way to ransom people from their sins thru the death of his Son. Perhaps, someone could post a few clips of the Reverend Wright talking to his folks about repentance of sin and the hope found in the person of Jesus Christ!!! That, my friends is the "Power of God." Romans 1. Thanks for reading.

this is t ypical sterotype when it comes to racism.. seemed to me african men can say anything against the the other races without being scrutinized.. one should asked the question where is the judgements of obama while he sat in that church for 20 years? where is his conscious when his preacher gave some anti americans and hatred rhetoric? americans should wake up and denounce these rhetoric and stay away from fake preacher obama..

I wish CNN had done this a week ago.

He was actually quoting Malcolm X's "Chickens coming home to roost" speech.

Democrats UNITE!!! We are being swiftboated by the Republican media.

I went and istened to many, many sermons of Rev. Wrights this past weekend and they are all about the Bible and Jesus. The media has this wrong!

This may be true of this speech but as we all know this is not the only speech he has given. I find it very curious that Roland would choose this speech to analyze and not another, more controversial one. I have seen several of his speeches in the last 2 weeks and Rev. Wright does make "difficult to hear" points that are right on but.... he also says things like "God Damn America" and many more horrifying statements that disgusted me. Let's be real this is article is "truth" for this speech how about an article on all his speeches. I am sure you will not have any problem finding them... they're everywhere.

Here's to looking at words in the context they were meant. Something the media should do more often and not just when it suits a higher purpose.
Look, I don't understand why people cannot accept the fact that the only time race is an issue is when dealing with the "human" race. Ask any genetisist and they will tell you that not only are there no genetic markers for race but the fact is that every human on this planet can be genetically traced back to two original humans from eastern africa. Yes, like it or not, we are one, big, happy family.
If one takes the time to study those of great wisdom in our history you will see that same message comes through regardless of the religious, political or cultural trappings surrounding it. That message is "Love each other and love your god." And if you don't have a god then simply refer to the former.
Learn from your history and you will come to realize that the power of the human race is only limited by our inability to work in harmony with other humans. True power comes from what you do in cooperation and not in competition.

Roland, you can nix words, play with them, try and sum them up the way you want them heard but it does not and you do not speak for Rev. Wright or Barack Obama.

I live in this country (America) and I do not get to say everything I want, it's called restraint. There is no way that you can make this right and no everyone does not need to visit Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, no, everyone does not sit through or spend years at a church and expose their family to through sermons like this. The only people who do are those who agree with the message. Others know how to discern and leave.

Stop trying to sell this as the way African American churches and ministers conduct services. The message from Rev. Wright was not a Christian message.

You want to know when we will move forward as African Americans. When we stop having commentators such as you make excuses for what is wrong for personal gain. Slavery and Black History in America is not up for sell, it's not a marketing tool to use every time one of us is caught in something or somewhere we should not be.

Stop getting angry and over talking other commentators about this issue.

Leave it alone....you're only making things worse.

Another example of liberal media trying to sweep something like this under the rug. If Wright were associated with a Republican, I doubt the author would be so willing to "seek the truth".

Thanks Roland,

Let the truth be told.

You really think that the more complete version makes Wright look better? I think it makes him look worse. Have we all forgotten the shock that this country felt in the aftermath of 9/11? For this clown to recite a litany of our misdeeds in that atmosphere, only a few days after the event, is a clear indication that he despises this country..........his congregation should have walked out but instead they stood and applauded. What would Barack have done had been there?

would someone give this to Joe Scarborough (MSNBC) so he can – get over it.

If the general population is going to accept the media's use snippets and sound bites that totally distort the context of larger words and works, then we should also expect that clarifications such as this are broadcast as well. While not condoning his choice of words, this puts Rev Wright's comments into a totally different light ~ and if we were perfectly honest and not swayed by the political mode of the day, how many Americans of ANY color would have to admit to having shared the same thoughts as expressed here? We may not have used the same wording, we may have expressed our concern in less vitriolic terms, and we may only have shared our thoughts within the "safety" of close family and friends. My family has served proudly and militarily through each generation since the American Revolution, and in spite of being "old and white", these sentiments have emerged more than once in conversation. Concern over the arrogance of American policy worldwide is well-warranted ~ we are a great and wonderful country, but our leadership has become self-serving and many of us have become complacent. We need to work harder to turn the tide of sentiment against us ~acting "indignant" and pointing fingers is not the way to do it!

Nothing, nothing justifies Rev. Wright's incendiary comments. CNN should just come out and endores Obama and stop the charade that you are an "independent" minded organization.

I support Obama for President. That said, I have a hard time imagining Rev. Wright as Obama's Billy Graham with easy access to the White House. Obama should distance himself even further from this man, perhaps by doing something that highlights his current pastor who I hope is not a loose cannon. Those clips of Wright have hurt Obama and the Swift Boat machine will use them to great effect should Barack overcome Hillary.

Thank you for finally looking at the whole picture. I am a white female, 43 who instantly understood there must be some context to this. It is very sad that we are still living with prejudice and the worst assumptions – with the help of the media and soundbites this has changed the conversation to one man and one or two lines of literally thousands of sermons.

Don't forget this pastor, served as a Marine in the US military,has a distinguished following in a 90% white UCC church around the country.

I have a great idea, how about getting some context and background BEFORE you report a story. But no, that would have kept CNN from running the money clips for a week and a half, and trying to damage a flawed, yes, but also decent man who has served and spoken out for the poor for decades.

My contempt for the 24 hour news media could not possibly be greater.

Give me a break – hatred and reverse racism was speered, yet we're to worried about slaying their great black hope. Mrs Obama is evidence of the hatred most blacks feel toward whites yet slavery around the world exists and not one black person stands up against it because there is no affirmative action.

Look at how rich blacks perform – rappers and sports stars leave the mothers of their children and go off and find more woman to screw. Black woman should be in arms yet they are too poor to fight back.

1 week later: Context. Nice to suddenly get it now.

I heard this minister say" It is not God Bless America, It is God Damn
America." Also I can not believe this is the first sermon that has been
so radical. There are race issues on both sides. However with this
person being Obama's minister, he could do better with an enemy.
Are we to believe that this has been his minister for a number of years
and he supported a church connected with this person? He spews
vulgarity and racism at an alter and should be excommnicated.

Roland,
You said
"I am also listening to the other sermons delivered by Rev. Wright that have been the subject of controversy.

And let me be clear: Where I believe he was wrong and not justified in what he said based upon the facts, I will say so."

I hope that is true, even when the context doesn't support Obama or the Rev. Also, quoting somebody does not disavow a person from the content and intent of the quoted material, unless they clearly state they disagree with it. Rev Wright and Amabassodr Peck both meant the inent of those words, and both are wrong.

Honest reporting is all I ask and what the country needs. Thanks!

Thank you for diving into the immediate context of Revered Wright's Speech concerning 9/11. I believe, however, the context to this whole issue is much larger, is about religion more than race, and the judgment of the American people about this story will develop over many years and from a true understanding of many points of view.

There is much truth in the greater issue at hand. I am less interested in looking at it racially. It deserves to elicit conversation that critiques the way our government, media and Western ideologies are not always open to alternative perspectives, especially those emanating from various global religions. It would be interesting to hear what someone like Ex Prime Minister Tony Blair thinks about this whole topic. He will be teaching on the subject at Yale starting next year.

As Yale President Richard C. Levin stated: “The appointment of Mr. Blair provides a tremendous opportunity for our students and our community. As the world continues to become increasingly inter-dependent, it is essential that we explore how religious values can be channeled toward reconciliation rather than polarization. Mr. Blair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in these areas and is especially qualified to bring his perspective to bear. We are honored that he is planning to join the Yale community.”

I hope that the dialogue resulting from the speech of Reverend Wright will channel better understandings and reconciliation between different perspectives. I applaud Senator Obama for not closing the door on his connections to Wright. I see Wright's speech and the general reaction to it as expressed in the media and election polls BOTH examples of the polarization expressed in President Levin's statement.

As for my opinion with respect to whom I believe this country needs as President: Hillary Clinton, without a doubt. Saying that, I believe Obama’s inexperience would do harm if he were to hold this position after this election. While we need him as a public leader, but we need him to not be President even more. And if to say such a thing is construed by some as racially biased, such a conclusion, I believe, has nothing to do with the Reverend Wright.

Anderson,

After reporting on this storyevery single night for a week now, why is this finally coming out. Now that everyone's attention is shifted to Passportgate, this will most likely not get much air time. After assassinating Rev. Wright's characterr for a week now, it is time for the media to come clean and appologize for reporting this story without checking the sermon out first. It was always there for you to listen to. Why has it taken you this long to finally listen to it. As I recall, you missed a day or two having a minor procedure, why didn't you listen to the sermon then?

This kind of irresponsible journalism as harmed the campaign of Barack Obama. Now that it turns out that these "inflamatory" comments were made by a white republican, let's go after all those consrvatives that are calling for Rev. Wright's head on a platter. This also makes me wonder what the context of the "God damn America" comments were. Can they also be traced to another white Republican?

I agree with you Larry.
CNN distort reality to help Hillary. It's a Shame.
I switch to MSNBC which was more objective in their reports, but for my surprise the reason because I didn't want to watch CNN that was Tucker (Who pay more Money- Tucker) was also invited to give his hatred opinions in most of MSNBC shows. Tucker go home you are the worst.
America hate you!

The minister's statements are correct. Sorry folks.

Thanks Roland. Now the responsible thing for CNN, since they have also been an accomplice in playing these soundbites over and over to play the entire sermon over and over. Maybe we can learn where Barack learned that we must try to treat other right. Rev. Wright did not say Blacks must treat Blacks right, but WE must treat each other right. How ironic the Ambassador was on FOX news and Rev. Wright was quoting him. I don't hear FOX playing the ambassador's quotes. I feel that someone should find the file and insist that FOX play it over and over.

r

This just proves again that news organizations and politicians are only interested in the sensational to put forward their agenda. They take some words or statements out of context and then spin it for their own good. We need a law that no one can report or distribute a part of a speech but must distribute the whole thing. Too often people are willing to look at a part and take someones word that it represents the whole. If Clinton and McCain were real leaders they would have come forward and asked their supporters to look at the whole sermon and not just a sound bite. Everyone says what a great nation we are, but when you see the things that are done in the name of news and politicians, our greatness is significantly diminished to the state of a dictatorship. We pride ourselves on free speech and openness, but we never require require the truth or the complete story. By demeaning others we demean ourselves and our values.

Thank you for this piece. It's so important to know the whole story. But, as with Obama's speech on race, I worry that readers – who have been spoon-fed on sound bites – won't bother to go to any depth or understand context and complexity. Woe to anyone who seeks public office these days. If you don't know how to manipulate the media, like the Clintons do, you can be in big trouble, simply for being an intelligent person or uttering a nuanced statement.

Thank you for the whole story. I have one question:

Where was all the outrage when Robertson, Fallwell, and Buchanan claimed 9-11 (and Katrina) were caused by abortion, gays, and our other sinful acts? Where was the demand on Bush & Co to denounce their statements then?

Where is the outrage on McCain chasing down the approval of Hagee and the other outrageous right wing extremists?

Apparently, the only time "America deserved it" is when we aren't blaming heterosexual, male, white, middle class america.

Thank you, I hope more people will read this and learn to find facts instead of false information and rumors. Keep giving folks the whole report, if they have a fair mind of their own most should be able to make a fair and honest judgement .

Roland,

Would you do the same fact checking when the issues relate to Hillary? There are a lot of things said about her noone on this network borders to go loking for facts.

Thank you Roland.

People why must everything be black and white. You love Obama/Hillary or you hate them. Where is the civility? Where is the love?
Can you not read this and stand back and place these words into context? Are you hearts so hard that you no longer feel the pain of others?
Seriously, if you are of the faith that you claim, then how should you behave on this matter?
Seriously, on this day or all days....

Might better pull up ALL of his speaches on you tube or something Roland. He DOES say God damn America. This preacher is a preacher of HATE, and all I can say is thank GOD white preachers aren't preaching this kind of madness otherwise we would ALL be going backwards instead of forward in this country. The black community must also contribute to the end of racism and take responsibility for their actions and community and only then will racism truly end. Stop blaming other people for your problems.

Thank you so much Roland for your quest for the unadulterated truth! Your work is to be commended. If all journalist took this view in their career, there wouldn't even be a need for you to have to clarify Rev. Wright's words on that day. It is a shame that the people in our "well-educated" society are so easily led in this direction or that direction due to sound bytes and inflammatory comments made by journalists who obviously have an agenda! It is a shame that we can't trust the majority of American media to give us the truth about what is happening across the nation. So again I thank you Roland for your dedication to the truth and remembering why you became a journalist in the first place.

Everyone seems to be missing the point on Sen Obama and the reason Sen Obama gave the speech on race. The vase majority of Americans had never heard of the Rev. Wright until someone broadcast some of his sermons on the Internet and TV. All of a sudden he became a significant person assoicated with Sen Obama, in a very negative way. Sen. Obama had to do some quick damage control and came out and made his speech on race relations. It was a very good speech, but it was a political speech made because of political necessity to keep his candidancy from going down the tubes. If Sen. Obama was so concerned with race relations he should have made this speech 3 months ago, not out of political necessity this week. If Rev. Wright's sermons had never been exposed would Sen. Obama have made that speech this week? I very seriously doubt if he would have. Obama is a very smart and skilled politican who has a way with words and makes outstanding speeches, but you must remember he is still a politican trying to obtain the highest office in this land. Maybe I'm a little cyncial of his words but then again I am just "your typical white person".

Thank you for taking the time to consider the this issue in context.

Ok.. now try and explain away the sermon where he says Whites engineered AIDS to do away with the blacks. I just cannot wait to hear that one.

Might better pull up ALL of his speaches on you tube or something Roland. He does say God damn America. This preacher is a preacher of hate, and all I can say is thank God white preachers aren’t preaching this kind of madness otherwise we would all be going backwards instead of forward in this country. The black community must also contribute to the end of racism and take responsibility for their actions and community and only then will racism truly end. Stop blaming other people for your problems.

Thank you. I've been looking for just such a summary of this speech. I had a feeling the context explained things...and it does.

Nice to see main stream media do something right sometimes.

Thank you Roland. If only America as a whole adopted your attitude and your quest for the TRUTH. I do have one question. Why is it that no one has adressed Rev Wrights' statements about real annd authentic FACTS about America's History. We may not like to hear it but it is about time we aknowledge the fact. America has indeed destroyed many innocent familes through the centuries. Slavery did happen, segragation did happen, Japanese concentration camps did happen, the conquest of the West that destroyed Native Americans did happen. Does it make America less of the wonderful and amazing country that it is? No it doesn't. America is still a great country. It can even be greater if it can move past this "historical amnesia".
Let's give Obama a chance and stop the attcaks on his character. He represent the true essence of what America is about: Hope, Opportunity, and the quest for a better life. God Bless America, and God Bless the rest of the World. God bless Rev. Wright, the Obamo family, the Clintons, and the McCains. PEACE.

Mr Martin.

Great points in your article. Well stated!!! Thank you!

Rich

Mr. Martin,
The solidarity of african-american support for Mr. Obama seems to contradict his message of unity that transcend race. Maybe we all should try to bring out the problems within our own race with the same passion we point out the problems of other "typical race".

Bravo Mr. Martin!
Please continue this full-picture, fact-specific journalism! The country needs to have more information resources like that provided by your enlightened article.

As for his use of a racial slur during a sermon, I agree it was a poor choice. A man in his position should be discouraging the use of this slur, not propagating it. Many people marched, had fire hoses turned on them, had dogs turned loose on them, endured beatings and humiliation, and died. And yet a this generation of African Americans shows their respect for the sacrifices these people made by teaching a new generation (blacks AND whites) that it's okay to say it. This word is NOT a term of affection or endearment, but a word of hate and menance. It is time to erase the stain of this word from our vocabulary.

Question for Anderson and Roland: Anderson specifically asked Barak if he had heard Reverend Wright's statements, and even followed up by questioning whether it was credible that he only became aware in the past year. On Tuesday Barak basically admitted he hadn't been completely truthful in his previous response.

Please note there is already a circulating video of the two responses that doesn't look good on the question of credibility. Do I believe Barak shares the Reverend's views? No, and I'm still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Do I believe Barak prevaricated at the crucial moment when his campaign was in mortal danger? Yes! Does this go to the character question? Perhaps!

What is unacceptable is lack of specific follow up by Anderson for Barak to reconcile the two conflicting responses to his original question.

Neither CNN nor the rest of the media is doing Barak or the Democrats a favor in not properly vetting these issues. You can bet the swift boaters will have these issues gift wrapped for them, and the kind of Independents and independent-minded viewers desperately needed for a November victory will trust their own "lyin" eyes and ears when voting.

Thank you CNN and Roland for being honest about the context of Rev. Wrights speech. I am amazed in this day and age the mainstream media can literally falsify a story and run it as fact with no safeguards or accountability. This has happened to Rev Wright and affected Barack Obama's reputation. Absolutley no credibility and accountability to this whole news story that has been played over and over; and is still being played out especially by Fox News (Hannity and Colmbs) and Msnbc(morning Joe} It is disgraceful that we can't even get real, honest, researched news. For Rev. Wright to be one of 100 ministers in our nation invited to the white house by Bill Clinton who had "sinned", shows this man is well known in the ministry circles and respected.

I want to thank Roland Martin and I plan to tell my friends and family to also read the full context of Rev. Wright's sermon. I had no doubt there was more to the sermon than those snippets aired endlessly. It is beyond time to put this issue to rest. This is an attempt to take the focus off what we should be talking about like the economy, health care, war in Iraq and outsourcing of jobs. Once again thank you Roland.

Like most people there are things about myself that I would change if I could. Two things that I would definitely not change are my skin color, or the era that I now live in. I am not a celebrity or some young politician in the making. I am a soon to be 25 year old African American male from Detroit, Michigan, currently residing in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. I have seen my hometown crumble before my eyes under the strain of flawed free trade policies, and corporate greed. Both of which have crippled the ability of American workers to earn decent employment opportunities. I have also seen billions of dollars wasted by an administration that cares less about people, and more about oil profits and the opportunity to rule the world with its iron fist of democracy. This is my America and I am proud to be American, but not proud of the way America conducts itself. It is foolish if we believe that the rest of the world loves us as much as we love ourselves. In my opinion, Jeremiah Wright is not racist at all, or just another old man bitter at the United States for its past indiscretions. He simply told the truth about how this country really operates. To the black community, this is no secret even to a young man such as myself. Barack Obama did what he had to do in this tough situation. If he bowed to conservatives and disrespected Rev. Wright, he risked alienating his black base. On the other side, if he agreed with the controversial statements, he risked losing the support of many whites in this country that have supported him up until this point. He played it of well by condemning the statements by Wright and at the same time not condemning the individual. In the same manner as the Louis Farrakhan situation last month, Barack took a solid hit on the chin from both his critics and the media. Most blacks in America understand that he has rules to follow in order to be able to play ball. I hope that both ministers Farrakhan and Wright understand that it is nothing personal against them, just the cost of doing business when running for President. I for one just hope he keeps his focus on the prize ahead and slides home safely with victories in August and more importantly November 2008.

Thank You for telling the whole truth. It is so sad that the media can distort and play something over and over that is so off kilter in truth, just for the purpose of hurting a candidate. I challenge the main stream media to pick up on this story and tell the countrty the whole truth about Rev Wright.

Good Job Roland! Finally someone to speak the truth in the MEDIA!!

The right wing media is making this guy out to be an America hater but that's what the right wing media does best....scares! I'm laughing at the fact that the loud mouths at Fox news are acting like this is the first time they've heard a black person upset with our government....wake up Fox and smell the governments corruption!

The preacher wasn't that far off base with me and I'm a 38 year old white guy.

I have stopped watching CNN becasue they have been so negative toward Obama. It's okay for jounalist to report news and have different opinons however, I believe Campbell Brown has made me even more uncomfortable in the way she has detorted the truth. In her efforts to keep the ratings going up. I am a African American and I have love for all races however, CNN has gotten a lot of support from the black community mainly because of you and John (with that map:>). Seems like CNN has taken the same road as FOX news. Thank you so much for putting the truth out there. Let's see how much coverage it gets. Thank you for the truth. Be blessed

great job roland....

now why dont you go and dig up the context of Geraldine Ferraro's remarks... and the context of Bill Clinton's 'fairy-tale' remarks and the context of Hillary's LBJ remarks...

Seems to me like you were not so eager to do the "journalists job to seek the truth, and not the partial truth" around those comments...

And that makes me question your motives for your extreme deligence in this case however 'noble' you try to make it seem ....

Count me as one mature white male who isn't afraid of black men, and who will gladly cast his vote for Obama.

Why are there so many who feel it is unpatriotic to question whether our nation's actions may have led to some of our nation's troubles? I can't believe that any intelligent American honestly feels America is ALWAYS right, no matter what. That isn't a rationale claim for any individual human being on Earth, or for any nation made up of human beings.

Talk about delusional and racist, read the Dakes bible(written by a white pastor) and millions of whites have these bibles. The Dakes bible condones racism and you wonder why the church condoned slavery. Quit acting innocent in the complicity of race, racism and discrimination in this country. Or better yet, you might be in denial. I believe Pastor Wright's sermon was right on point. The US cannot terrorize innocent people and countries and expect no retaliation.
Who are you? Do you actually live in America?

Roland:

Thank you for bringing context to what many are extorting to support their political agenda. You are one of the few courageous voices. I respect your willingness to speak the truth!

Rogers
San Diego

Finally,an actual example of invesagative journalism.

Thank you.

ps they should start calling you anti-american any second or an apologist so get ready.

Roland, I appreciate you on CNN. Some can get so far away from finding the facts that they just spin anything including Lou Dobbs. I wish that this story in detail would get as much time as the sermon clips have gotten so that the people can see the truth to what was being said and not just a mess of different sermons and running them together to look like one message. By the way I enjoyed your conversation with Carl Berstien and David Gergin.

You stated that Wright didnt say "God DAMN America"
in THIS speech........Better look at the other "sermon".
Its there

Thank you for doing this. I, too, listened to two sermons, the "chickens" sermon and the "GD America" sermon. While the statements taken alone are upsetting, when in the context of his sermon, they make a lot of sense. They are intense, but the sermons he was giving were intense. He was trying to make a point, not comfort people. Sometimes making people open their eyes means taking them out of their comfort zone.

Did you notice in the sermon you talked about that he said "We" when referring to the atrocities that America has committed? "We." No one in that church, and certainly Jeremiah Wright, thinks of America as the "other." We are all in this together now. And we better learn to treat each other right.

I'm sure the families of the victims of 9/11 sympathize with the good pastor....not!

Thanks for putting his words into perspective. Doesn't change much. The words are still extremely one-sided. Unfortunately, as with many charismatic and dishonest leaders, he's only telling half of the story.

For example: "we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye." This is one statement (of the many) that is false. While I detest that our nation felt compelled to drop two bombs on Japan to end the war, the ambassador and the pastor should have looked back at history for the context of our actions.

The war department's clear estimate was that the Allies would have taken more than a million casualties in winning the war over Japan. After ample opportunity to surrender (not in the Japanese military policy), we dropped the first bomb. We continued to warn Japan that we had a second device and would use it if they did not surrender. Still, our enemy would not surrender. Again, I believe I would not have supported those actions had I been there, but I believe the history helps us to better understand the context under which the decisions were made.

CNN, in your efforts to tell the whole truth, don't forget to look at both sides of the issue.

Remember when the nation saw a man in L.A. get beaten by 4 police officers while 4 to 6 stood by, and the conclusion was we didnt really see the whole event.....that he was a threat and the video was out of context.........Americans are now know when something is out of context ( like Reverend Wrights statements) if it works for the L.A.P.D why iwould it not for the pastors remarks?

Thank you Roland Martin for your insight and the valuable information. I have been searching and requesting on various blogs that the COMPLETE sermon be shown or transcripted. We can not judge 30+ years of any life in a 90 second video clip. We were unfairly criticizing Senator Obama without seeing the COMPLETE picture. Even fmr Republican Presidential candidate, Gov. Huckabee DEFENDED Rev. Wright and said it was unfair to criticize him without seeing the complete sermon and that his words (or more to the point his fiery delivery of those words) was being taken out of context. Gov. Huckabee also defended Senator Obama saying it was unfair to blame the Senator for someone elses comments.

But sadly this is the blatant lack of common sense prevailing in most media outlets. When you have manipulators and professionals of misdirection and misinterpretation like FOX NEWS running 90 seconds of yelling ALL DAY AND NIGHT. Where did the common sense in this country go? Where did logic and reason in this country disappear to?

Thank you again.

Shame on you for attempting to smooth over and 'explain away' the pure hatred of the words 'God Damn America'. What is shocking to me is that evidently this hate spewing is common in black churches. Their children are listening and so this hatred is continued. Some have tried to name white ministers who have said unacceptable things but I'll bet one would be hard pressed to find them saying anything that compares to hate mongering words of Obama's minister.

Bottom line...Hate begets hate and the deliverance of it from God's pulpit is the ultimate transgression. In the end, this Pastor , you, and I willhave to answer to a higher being. At that time, all truths will come out, and no media outlet will be there to protect. Please away with all the yellow journalism.

At this point, Sen. Obama is un-electable. His comment yesterday about All White's being typical just further lends to his true character when impromptu.

There is nothing wrong with what he said. Look at Nagasaki, how many people died there? There s nothing wrong wityh him or Obama

Thank you. This just shows how dangerous the media can really be and how taking words OUT OF CONTEXT can do so much damage. This should be told more than on this blog, though.

If this is true why didn't CNN look into it before? I do not feel that it is as simple as this, other wise it would not have gotten so out of hand as it has. Why hadn't the other news stations check into this, or had they ? Perhaps after studying the facts they have realized the truth about the Reverend going to far in his sermons. I am surprised that such lessons are being taught in a church, the church should represent love and peace for everyone. I still have strong concerns over this whole situation.

belive in or not but there is something realy missing with most of american ppls . who cares ? about pastor or mastor ? the realy problems in usa ? bring us togethers i means this is 2008 you remember ? so do not let your chance gos away about the color black white green yelow we r all 1 ! maccain our hero obama our hope to bring us togethers we can tell our enemys we r back again usa ! clintons thanx for the passet but this you got no messages for us in this comp so we love u but we r ready for a somethings new for usa thanx usa one love

. . .Thank you Roland and Anderson Cooper. I always thought that you were two of the most fair commentators on Cnn. There is too much at
stake in this country to let the untruth and inuendo cheat us out of a great
leader. I think that the news media has a responsibility , with all of their influence, to inform the public with accuracy and fact. To do otherwise
would be to give in to tabloid journalism. CNN has more class than that.