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1)Obama refuses to speak to reporters/walks out of conferences. He is not a transparent politician.
2)He was involved with Tony Rezko, who was indicted for influence peddling and is a corrupting influence in Illinois politics. Tony Rezko got millions of dollars from the government to create affordable housing in Obama's district, now 11 of the buildings he was supposed to fix are boarded-up and are unlivable.
3)Obama supports nuclear power even though radioactive nuclear waste is a problem no country has solved, the added terrorist threat that nuclear power poses, and the history of accidents such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Obama supports nuclear power because he was bought off by the nuclear power utility industry. He has taken a lot of money from them.
4)Obama voted "present" hundreds of times instead of taking a stand because he did not want to offend contributors, like Robert Blackwell, who Obama helped obtain state grants for.
5)Obama chose as his mentor Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn, who are terrorists who detonated bombs on US territory and they helped him start his career.
6)Obama lied about filling out a questionnaire that details his stand on many important issues like abortion, the death penalty and gun control. It has his handwriting but he said a staffer filled it out. Obama also lied about the Kennedy family helping his father.
7)Obama also has acknowledged that he "voted by mistake" many times?!
8)Obama made a statement that said his grandmother is "a typical white person" who has a "reaction bred" into her when she sees someone she does not know.
9)Obama made a statement that small-town Americans are bitter and cling to guns, religion, and anti-trade sentiment.
10)Obama lies about the Clinton economic boom, if you go to FactCheck.org, you will see that Clinton is credited for passing the 1993 budget that helped create the boom of the 1990s.
Watch the videos here:
10 Reasons to Not Vote for Obama
Obama Supports Nuclear Power
Obama is a Phony
I don't have a problem with Wright, other than him acting the fool at the National Press Club.
I WILL vote for Obama.
I WILL NOT vote for Hillary.
As for "the waffle" I thought the reporter was rude to ask him a question while Obama was eating.
With all due respect Jill I totally disagree with your post. The last thing Obama should do is align himself with a white religious leader. And screw those polls. Polls are not conducted with impartiality. People need to vote their values and if they are so quick to be manipulated and let fear overrule common sense who's to say they were going to vote for Obama in the end anyway. People who get it have decided. People with questions can have them answered. Everything Rev Wright was true whether people [white, black or other] want to believe it or not. The US owes so much money to China and other foreign countries that if they called their markers we'd be toast. The Bush administration is funding covert military ops on Iran right now hoping it will escalate into something just in time for the general election. The US dollar is now worth less than the Canadian dollar. Yet Clinton News Network STILL wants to talk about Wright. Hello? This is the time we need to be using our highest critical thinking skills and get adequate and diverse sources of information from legitimate places, NOT THE CORPORATE MEDIA. Let's stop regurgitating the same talking points with an opinion slapped on top. Let's take control of our future - we can't control the outcome completely but let's break away from being reactive and start being proactive.
and, obama needs to let this whole preacher thing go, since the so called evangelicals aren't going to vote for hin no matter whose 'blessings' he gets.
The solution to the Wright problem is simple; Obama should've squashed it from the start. Had he made the speech he made last week in Philly (with probably a little less "anger"/confusion), 75% of the world wouldn't care at this point.
He tied Wright to the black community, which we now see-after Wright's performance at the NPC-was stupid. To clean it up, someone had to go under the bus.
I think-and correct me if I'm wrong-that you're suggesting Obama reach out to a Joel Osteen-type. That might be a safe move, but I'm not sure how effective it would be. Obama having a "come to Jesus" meeting with a white preacher WON'T go over to well in your local AME/Baptist/Pentacostal church, and MIGHT just be seen as another political trick (and to his credit or detriment-depending on your side of the line-he ain't good at those).
If he were to change churches now, it definitely would be perceived as a political move. His new pastor seems
fine. People will not be satisfied no matter what he does!
So in other words, a non-threatning pastor who continues to allow America to live in this racial utopia that it believes it currently lives in?
So I guess Blacks are no longer allowed to speak our mind when it comes to the ongoing racial problems that America has because it may threaten Obama's run for presidency. I most certainly hope that is not what you guys are suggesting here.
It was how he said it, not what he said. Some of what he said rings true, but this was not the correct
time for his actions. It is as though he is trying to sabotage Obama. He had a right to defend himself however he could have handled
this situation much better.
Plus, Obama didn't express his anger on how Wright said what he said, he expressed his anger on what Wright said. It's as if he doesn't believe that these issues among the races exist, and quite frankly, I cannot vote for somebody who is either that naive or that indifferent to the ongoing racial problems here in America.
Thus far, he's been incredibly patient and restrained, knowing that this kind of scrutiny wouldn't happen with a white candidate. But there's a fine line between maintaining a strategy of patience and restraint, and responding to massa's every whim. It's the latter that media and certain white voters will become accustomed to and demand more of.
And that point, he (and we) will have lost some much-needed respect.
One of the ongoing racial problems is there having never been an African American President. Blacks can speak their minds, they just shouldn't assume they speak for everyone; besides, who exactly are they speaking for, when 90% of blacks support Obama?? What they cannot do, is sabotage a black candidate.
I think sometimes we fail to see the forest for the trees. Encapsulated in Obama's run for Presidency, is the kernel of our hopes and dreams. If Wright jeopardizes that - regardless of his reasoning - African American's, Whites, Asians, Hispanics will not forgive him.
Um, that doesn't exist in Chicago.
Trinity UCC HAS a multi-racial congregation.
A more random thought that came to mind after those painful few days was this... I worked very closely with my pastor for a number of years; a gracious, practical, down to earth Black man... and one day in conversation about a young minister who had been caught in compromising circumstances... he shook his head and said "You know, the greatest threat to ministry is the three P's .... pride, power and p...." Ok, so he was gracious, practical, down to earth, and on occasion profane...but he was right. I think we saw the pride and the thirst for power played out over the last week, and it's saddening and sobering.
Black, Hispanic inner-city kids light up because of Obama's success. These kids are starting to think they can get into politics. There has been a massive shift in what they think is possible simply by what Obama is doing. Should one black preacher take that potential away? Who is Wright serving by doing this?
Wright's name will be dirt for generations to come if his actions hurt Obama.
Hate to be too literal, but Obama does have another pastor. Rev. Wright retired. Otis Moss III is now pastor at Trinity UCC.
I'm sure most of you know that, but I'm brining it up because I haven't seen that as part of the discussion either here or in the mainstream media.
Jeremiah Wright is no longer Barack Obama's pastor. That this never seems to get mentioned in any of the discussions surrounding this manufactured "controversy" makes me think that finding a new new pastor (that is, a third pastor, since Rev. Moss is his second) won't do him any good.
And what good is it to have a Black president who is too busy trying to transcend race and be race neutral that he sees any discussions on the issue as being "divisive and objectionable." A Black president who denies that there is still racial strife in this country, "There is no Black AMerica, there is no White America. Tell me how that is supposed to be beneficial to these inner-city school children who live under such terrible circumstances to have a Black president that cannot or will not see that there is a difference in the way that an average White child grows up/lives and an average Black child that grows up/lives in this country.
So again, in order for this "dream" to come true and for all racism/White supremacy to vanish then we as Black people must know our place and shut the heck up.
I have said this time and time again, if we look up to politicians and expect for them to improve our lives then we are in serious trouble.
He handled the situation that should have never been a situation but for the efforts of some bigots who knew full well what Wright was talking about just like they know what the economists are talking about.
HRC, her supporters and MSM are counting on the very racism that Wright discussed to raise it's ugly head and lead her to victory - but Reverend Wright is crazy. If Reverend Wright is crazy (and I strongly disagree with what he did), then Hillary and Bill Clinton and the anti-christ split in two with a demon filled posse to boot.
If I was Obama, I wouldn't leave the very church and people who were my community because a few white folks don't want to reminded about what they did even as they go to cast their votes with racist hate in their hearts endorsed by the Clintons and the DNC.
to be honest, in a few weeks, this will all be forgotten. better it comes out now then in november.
And what good is it to have a Black president who is too busy trying to transcend race and be race neutral that he sees any discussions on the issue as being "divisive and objectionable."
Obama has not said that discussion on race is divisive and objectionable. He has said essentially, that Rev. Wright's discussions are unhelpful and destructive. Obama himself gave a speech on race that outshone anything that Wright has done. Look at the response Obama's speech got compared to Wright's blustering. What's the point of talking if the people who need to hear, tune you out? Wright's audience is limited because of his combativeness. Wright's blustering serves only for African Americans to worry their wounds...rather than healing them. Obama seeks a much wider audience and healing.
A Black president who denies that there is still racial strife in this country, "There is no Black AMerica, there is no White America.
My contention is with the word "strife". What would you describe as strife? I can see that there is not complete reconciliation. But 2008 can't be compared the 1960's.
That last quote was a call to reconcile over what blacks and whites have in common. I don't think he was saying that's how things are right now.
Tell me how that is supposed to be beneficial to these inner-city school children who live under such terrible circumstances to have a Black president that cannot or will not see that there is a difference in the way that an average White child grows up/lives and an average Black child that grows up/lives in this country.
Barack has great policies on early childhood & college education, jobs and tax credits for the middle class. Religious leaders will continue to work in the community as they have been. That mental shift of seeing a black President is powerful in shaping what these kids see themselves achieving. It will do more than Rev. Wright has done in his 30 year legacy.
So again, in order for this "dream" to come true and for all racism/White supremacy to vanish then we as Black people must know our place and shut the heck up.
Does anyone really believe that racism will vanish. I think black leaders should know when to speak, and do so tactically.
I have said this time and time again, if we look up to politicians and expect for them to improve our lives then we are in serious trouble.
Barack is not just ANY politician, regardless of what Wright says.
When you're a member of a church, the pastor performs baptism's and marriages and funerals as a matter of routine. Trinity has 8,000 members!!! To suggest a baptism or marriage is some special relationship...a church member doesn't vette a pastor before a baptism or marriage. Marriages & baptisms are part of the routine service a church provides to it's members.
What about pedophile priests who performed mass? Should the people receiving mass have known their priests were molesting children? I think pedophilia is far more grievous than anything Wright said.
It's the three events, folks. I cannot and will not ignore it.
Moyers - he was his authentic self.
NAACP - he was his authentic self.
Neither of which did he clown and show his ass.
Press Club - Showed his ass and clowned.
Now.....if he could do it for the other two events, and stay true to himself...then please explain to me how I'm not supposed to believe that the National Press Club wasn't DONE ON PURPOSE.
They had no friggin' soundbites of him from Moyers or the NAACP. NONE. The ones they tried to push were pathetic.
Please stop pretending that the man didn't clown and show his ass on national television.
He stabbed Obama in the chest ON NATIONAL TELEVISION. He openly mocked him. What was Obama supposed to do?
What I disagreed with was his going from defending himself to outright showing his ass in public and trying to put Obama on front - it was not necessary!
I agree. I am voting for Obama because I think that he is the best candidate if we want to change the path that we are going in. I also am in favor of his policies. However i'm not all caught up in symbolism as some are. I guess that I am realistic.
I'm waiting also to hear what was so objectionable. I have been asking people and nobody could tell me?
What I found interesting is that I watched the full thing and stopped watching mainstream media for an entire week. I am boycotting them. Everyone seems to have interpreted his actions differently. I am trying to figure it out. I think some people are more upset about the way that he "conducted" himself during the Q&A.; However I do not agree with their assessment. I saw him as being defiant to the white corporate media on purpose as a way to let them know that he has little to no respect for him after what they had done. I'm telling you much of this is media created hype...thats why I refuse to watch.
Everyone-
Rev.Otis Moss III aka the Hip Hop Pastor is in agreeance with Wright. If they begin to throw his name out over and over again, then Obama will have to denounce and reject him too. That will make no sense. Leave that alone. It shocks me to date that nobody recognizes that he even appears in the soundbytes the media shows. He is brushing Wrights shoulders off. All they will have to do is repay it...hello? Then Obama is back on the defense.
Donna Brazile makes no sense. Obama would have lost his black support if he rejected Wright off the bat. Trust me!! Brazile knows that.
Also, why does everyone think Wright hates all non-blacks? Is stuck in the past? Divisive? Doesn't want change or hope? Wasn't it Wright that inspired Obama's view of hope and change?
Me:
I stand corrected, Obama hasn't said that any discussions on race is divisive and objectionable, just the discussions that can conjure up White resentment. That according to Obama is wrong despite however true the words may be. Why should we be expected to walk on eggshells when discussing these matters with Whites if they don't.
Truthseeker said: My contention is with the word "strife". What would you describe as strife? I can see that there is not complete reconciliation. But 2008 can't be compared the 1960's.
That last quote was a call to reconcile over what blacks and whites have in common. I don't think he was saying that's how things are right now.
ME:
When I see a disproportionate amount of Blacks in prison, failing out of school, losing their homes, dying, being victims of voter discrimination, infant mortality etc. and these numbers/disparities are only on the rise an in many respects worse than it was in the 60's then I believe my use of the term "raical strife" is appropriate. Unless Black people have some sort of inherent defect that other races do not have. Regarding what he truly meant with his "One America" comment you can take it however you want to but in my view we don't need a president who is spending too much time talking about ideals and spending too little time talking about present realities.
Truthseeker:
Barack has great policies on early childhood & college education, jobs and tax credits for the middle class. Religious leaders will continue to work in the community as they have been. That mental shift of seeing a black President is powerful in shaping what these kids see themselves achieving. It will do more than Rev. Wright has done in his 30 year legacy.
Me:
Well how about those who don't qualify as "middle class." How about those who have been disenfrachised because of what area they live in. Because those inner city children most likely will not be aided by those policies that are directed towards the middle class.
Truthseeker: Does anyone really believe that racism will vanish. I think black leaders should know when to speak, and do so tactically
Me:
So again I ask when is a good time to talk about these issues and how do we do so without offending Whites since we care so much about their feelings? It's just too bad that this "walking on eggshells" when discussing matters of race feeling isn't mutual
Truthseeker: Barack is not just ANY politician, regardless of what Wright says.
Me: What makes you believe that because as far as I can tell yes he is? You should have a healthy suspicison of all politicians, the history of this country and the actions of its politicians, especially we as Black folk warrants this.
In my opinion he was showing the media the same amount of respect that they have showed him, NONE!!! So if he wanted to treat them with disrespect then he had every right to do that becuase they don't deserve any.
Okay, one more question, how was he "putting Obama on front?"
Me:
Openly mocked him? Again can somebody provide me with examples.
Me:
That is the way I see it as well. I also have no problem with people voting for him if they feel they must (even though I'm not) just as long as they don't go in with blind faith thinking he can do no wrong and get caught up in the symbolism.
It's time to move on.
Fuck the media.
"rein in any deviants in his midst including michelle"
WTF?
Michelle IS AN ASSET.
So I guess you think he should get rid of his black wife?
-Bet you won't see any clips and sound bites on this, either.
I can only explain it to you with this comment from BlackinUSA over a FN's post:
"I'm going to talk like my grand momma did down on the E.S. of Maryland. "Who that little boy runnin fo' President...Byrack Obiama." Grand momma his name is Barack Obama! "Whatever the funny looking niggas name is he better git that Rev. off his ass cuz them white folks ain't gonna have it." Whatcha mean grand momma? "I knew 2 cents into his $4 speech Rev. Wright was only on TV get his 15mins. He ain't there to help no BARACK OBAMA or nobody else." But grand momma Obama has distance himself from Rev. Wright. "Well he ain't running fast enough and that preacher gonna ride along as far as he can. Mr. Baroma should leave his church goings be a private matter and let them newse folks dig up stuff all they want...you just keep you eyes on the prize." Grand momma his name is Barack Obama. "Humph! He still funny looking to me.""
Wright humiliated himself before the media he despises. He had the opportunity to rise and command their respect; but instead, he formed the ass. He's an educated man in his 60's and he acted a fool.
Obama has taken so many humiliating jabs, but he doesn't take the bait, he maintains his composure and always manages to rise above it and command respect.
Wright stood up to the media. Did he show his "clown ass" when they questioned his patriotism and he asked if chicken hawk, shoot your pal in the face Dick had served? How exactly did Wright show his "clown ass" at the NPR. He answered the questions, he didn't bow and scrape. He was invited to speak before the NAACP. The media covered it so they could get some soundbites. He was invited to speak before the NPC, the media couldn't stand hearing the truth because they would RATHER believe the lies. Was he showing his "clown ass" when he asked if the young lady had she heard the whole speech? Reverend Wright told the TRUTH. The media can't handle the truth.
The problem with the NPC isn't what he said, it's how he said it. And my question to those who keeps saying he "clowned" is how was he supposed to say it?
@Rikya
How do you know those other events he was being his "authentic" self. He was just as "authentic" at NPC. Essentially he gave the media hs ass to kiss.
Rightfully so...
This goes back to being "Acceptably Black." Black folks can speak in even measured tones, with the right amount of humility when they speak to white folk...that's okay.
But if you're arrogant, smug, defiant and dismissive...then that is clowning.
What?
Clowning is Flavor Flav or New York. Or any number of rappers. NOT what Wright did at the NPC.
I laughed for quite awhile when I read that over at Field Negro, and I laughed again today, because it was on spot.
Our charismatic is not a man who has never made a mistake. He's still a man, and a decent one at that.
I would like Billary to be held accountable for at least 25% of her fuckups (and you say that here?). Her sniper fire lie alone, would have benched any other candidate, white or black. Her membership in the Hitlerian Fellowship should be equal fodder. But it isn't.
Bless all of you who refuse to ignore your (Richard Pryor's joke) lying eyes and ears.
Wright humiliated himself before the media he despises. He had the opportunity to rise and command their respect; but instead, he formed the ass. He's an educated man in his 60's and he acted a fool.
Me:
If I do have a criticism of Wright it is that he did go before the media in the first place. I wouldn't have went before these distorters. But that is just me and I am not saying that Wright was right or wrong for the course of action that he took. Having said that these people would not have respected him even if he gave the most dignified speech in the world and stifled himself to take into consideration White peoples "precious" feelings when it comes to having race discussions. Even though they don't do the same. Like I said before those lepers don't deserve respect and commanding it from them is meaningless and a waste of time.
Truthseeker:
Wright used the mantle of Christ as a cover for his own ego. In that sense, he is more vile than any politician.
Me: Strong Words for a man you don't even know.
I know that this will be hard for you to comprehend, but this site is for INTELLIGENT African-Americans to share their diverse thoughts on issues that impact the lives of citizens in our community. As a result, many of us have actually taken the time to read, dissect, and discern the difference between idiotic gibberish and thoughtful comments meant to evoke meaningful conversations.
Your list of reasons not to vote or even like Obama are yours which you are entitled to as the same as my reasons when I tell you that you folks who continue to monitor this site trying to infiltrate your talking points, half-truths, and misdirections designed to confuse these posters never works. We have heard it all before, including appeals for us to vote on Wednesdays, that we will be arrested if we haven't paid our child support, you get the picture. Your propoganda falls into the category of idiocy that only defines a person who imminently believes himself/herself so superior to whom he is speaking that for one moment in time someone would actually believe what you are posting.
Go back, try again, Le, your superior intellect dealing with us less intelligent Black folks apparently isn't working, try another tact, maybe using your superior intellect on someone who truly needs it--George Bush or presumably could it be, Hillary Clinton?
After all, we are so easily led that somehow, we would get the impression that you don't like Obama, we be crazy like that.
HIV is a RETROVIRUS. It was not created by human beings, and it is not new to humankind.
Other than that, he didn't say anything outrageous to my ears from the pulpit.
But how he SHOWED HIS NATURAL ASS in Washington, D.C. even turned his defenders into critics.
We have gone over this and over this and over this with folks who want to defend Wright and can't see the forest for the trees and I just don't have the energy and I immediately thought of Granny - she kept it real.
tlw, Wright reiterated the myth that the government created HIV.
HIV is a RETROVIRUS. It was not created by human beings, and it is not new to humankind.
Me: Yes I know about HIV being a retrovirus and all and regardless of whether or not it was made by man I do know that it affects Black people at disproportinate numbers than other people so before we try to discard this issue we should at least examine this further, especially given our history.
Craig Hickman: But how he SHOWED HIS NATURAL ASS in Washington, D.C. even turned his defenders into critics
Me: Again I ask what did he specifically SAY in order for Obama to call a press conference and denounce the man for SAYING things that were divisive and objectionable?
Rikyrah
We have gone over this and over this and over this with folks who want to defend Wright and can't see the forest for the trees and I just don't have the energy and I immediately thought of Granny - she kept it real.
You have said absolutely nothing as to why Obama had to denounce him for SAYING divisive and objectionable things which is why Obama denounced him. I am still waiting for an answer. Just he acted a fool. You have not once told me what he SAID that was so objectionable.
Oh, and just as long as Granny doesn't keep it real around White folks then it is cool otherwise it is "divisive" and "objectionable."
Therefore, if HIV were used by the government to dispose of unwanted citizens, then gay men and heroin addicts must be at the top of that list.
If Wright had preached about the government's non-response to the epidemic, that would be one thing.
What purpose does it serve to tell a predominantly Black congregation that the government is intentionally trying to kill you with a devastating disease?
I know all about Tuskegee Experiment and medical apartheid, so I understand the paranoia. It doesn't come out of nowhere.
But Wright is intelligent, educated, knows how to do research.
Speaking truth to power doesn't mean reinforcing fear.
As for the press conference: it wasn't so much what he said, it was how he said it. Wright also attacked Obama's integrity in open court. Obama never attacked Wright's integrity.
But since you are asking (fair) questions, accept fair answers and simply agree to disagree with them if you must.
Links:
*http//www.boydgraves.com
**www.boydgraves.com/news/061303.pdf
***http://www.boydgraves.com/class/download.html
****http://patft.uspto.gov/
© Copyright: Ian Gurney May 2003
hat tip focused purpose blog
Besides, the gov't HAS conducted all sorts of testing without the knowledge or permission of people. A lot has been declassified while a lot has not. Rev. Wright was correct in his assessments and I always deferred to his knowledge because I figured he had plenty of access to documentation the average citizen would not know about as a veteran. I think some would not want to listen who know better while others don't want to hear from a Black man, while others just don't want to believe it's possible. Look how easily people fell for the WMD in Iraq/Operation Freedom/Mission Accomplished spiel?
Obama needs to say that He's the one running for POTUS and not Dr. Wright.
Wright can't stop foreclosing of homes in this tanking economy.
Wright can't stop the flow of jobs leaving this country under NAFTA, CAFTA and any-other-AFTA.
Wright can't stop the Iraq war and bring the troops home.
For the first time in a long time, Donna Brazile has gone back to making sense. Hallelujah for that. She is absolutely right in that Obama had the opportunity to address this way back; in fact, when he announced he was running (and interrupted Tavis Smiley's Negro Super Bowl to make the announcement and C-Span did the cutaway to cover it), the fact that he "disinvited" Dr. Wright to be in attendance should have facilitated the question about his Pastor's absence, or at the very least, a discussion of why he was beginning to distance himself then.
He was stuck like Chuck then and NOW.
He can't govern the country in this manner - smoozing until backed into a corner. Y'all know what "everyone" else will say about that, and if he doesn't want FAKE News to be even more WATBs about this, further denouncing isn't going to cut it; all it does is hand down more ammunition for them to keep shooting at him.
Rikyrah
We have gone over this and over this and over this with folks who want to defend Wright and can't see the forest for the trees and I just don't have the energy and I immediately thought of Granny - she kept it real.
Granny kept it real like Black folks who base their lives on what white folks think and feel. Granny, is seeking white folks approval..whereas Wright was not. Granny thinks it is okay to throw other Black folks under the bus when it is politically expedient to so so...Black folks feelings don't matter (does anyone here not think that Wright didn't feel "stabbed in the chest")only White folks feelings (and perceptions do).
Like Tlw said..Obama didn't denounce Wrights BEHAVIOUR he denounced what he SAID. That's two different issue.
Ms. Martin
Seeing the forest for the trees is knowing that a man who is willing to throw his pastor under the bus, a man who married him and baptized his kids, who he claims bought him to Christ and was like a father to him...is capable of throwing ANYONE under the bus..i.e. getting in office and not addressing issues that seem "too Black" because he doesn't want to be seen as the "Black" candidate so he can get a second term.
The HIV thing was pretty embarrassing from a man who should know better. All he could offer as evidence when asked about it, was a single book. That's like saying you believe in woodland creatures and offering Enid Blyton as evidence.
He mocked the Kennedy's. He knows they endorsed Barack. he could have found a better way to state his point about language. In fact, his point was lost in the tomfoolery. You don't hear anyone analyzing the wisdom of his speech like they did about Barack's race speech. All I hear is sadness at his betrayal.
He was rude to the young woman asking the questions. Is that any way for a distinguished older man to treat a young woman?
What was up with the "talk about my Mama" stuff? Craig may be right about the bipolar disorder. Either that, or Wright was showing off. He went from calm and sedate on Moyers to manic and out of control at the Press Club.
that said, michelle is angry and it shows. her first time proud quote was one of the first of the swiftboats. i am just saying lets not give them any more ammunition. what gets me about wright is not what he said but why was he saying it right now in this way. so i can imagine that michelle is seriously pissed but she would do well to realise they are just waiting to jump all over her for not smiling just so.
You don't have to base your life on it, but you might want to give some consideration to your campaign for the POTUS.
Now, that's all I have.
I guess I misunderstood you. I'm sensitive about Michelle, I think she is judged harshly. Look at what Bill Clinton is getting away with "the Bubba campaign" do you honestly think Michelle could do any identity based campaigning as TLW and the crew would suggest and not be ripped for it.
I agree that Barack SEEMS to get backed into things. It would be comforting to see him take more proactive steps.
If that is all you can come up with as to why he had to call a press conference and denounce his pastor, then he is even worse than I thought. People have said even worse things about him his own wife and Rev. Wright before Wright finally went on the offensive and he couldn't be moved to say or do anything. All the race-baiting that was occuring didn't move him to respond or the straight up insults to Black people. Not a word, Not a single fricking word. But when Rev. Wright "insults" the sensibilities of "Mainstream America" he called a press conference and stated that HIS actions were Divisive, objectionable, destructive, pick any other negative adjective and that is what he used to describe Wrights words. But the previous actions are okay and just politics as usual. I am starting to see a pattern develop and it ain't good for Black folks.
You don't have to base your life on it, but you might want to give some consideration to your campaign for the POTUS.
Now, that's all I have.
Me: If becoming president means I have to become a chump, wimp and a coward and not speak the truth and throw old friends who do speak the truth into an endless abyss, then I say to hell with that because my soul and dignity is NOT for sale just to make White folks feel comfortable. Wish I could say the same for Obama, and many people on this board who co-sign these actions and are willing to vote for somebody who feels this way.
I really believe he thought addressing Wright in the book would test the waters for public opinion and thhought if someone was going to bring it up they would have done it early on to dispose of him.
I don't honestly think he or anyone else thought that he would actually make it this far.
What do you think?
If Barack took your advice, he would lose for sure. Is that what you want? This is not a vanity campaign. This is not his opportunity to prove how racist America is so he can return to the pulpit and rail about it. Barack is not a loser, he is playing to win!
People say rotten things all the time, we don't go off and retaliate. Barack is not like Conyers' wife, who's become a laughing stock and object of derision to a much less accomplished reporter, not to mention the 8th grader.
These people can talk, but they can't physically hurt Barack or his family, why should he destroy his entire career. He is stronger for not always taking the bait.
SURELY be better than Hillary or
McCain. Just how much of a discussion do you think
either of them will actually have on
race. WE are ALSO holding him to
a double standard.
So why did Obama have to denounce Wright and nobody else? He is quick to denounce Wright for "insulting White sensibilities" but not anyone else who insults not only his family and his former friend, but the Black community as a whole with the race-baiting. That isn't subject to condemnation but Wright's comments are? Seems to me Obama is playing favorites.
Peace!!!
Colored people are not supposed to "sass" white people.
Colored people, especially colored men, are not supposed to disrespect Missy.
Colored people are supposed to bow and scrape and say Yassir Massa and Nossa Massa.
Colored people are not supposed to stand together, there are the Field Negroes and the House Negros and never the two shall meet.
To coin a phrase from my other favorite AA Blog, The Field Negroe, Reverend Wright is a Field Negroe. Reverend Wright is a grown a$$ man. If Barack Obama doesn't watch it, he's going to be a Lawn Jockey.
If the media and the Clinton's can make Obama denounce his PASTOR whats' to keep them from making him denounce black folks????? This is setting whats known as a "precedent". Next he is going to have to denounce Michelle or his mother in law, or his brother in law. It's a slippery slope.
composure in the face of hate...think jackie robinson. think mlk....and bill HAS seriously damaged his reputation. people see him as a huge ass. my wife speculates on his mental health every time he is on the t.v. he looks more and more like an evil w.c. fields. and he is all out of next acts to repair the damage.
i like michelle too, but i really, really want to win. i'm not saying sell out. i'm saying no more unforced errors.
Because those things are said of Obama by his opponents within the context of a political campaign. The person who called him a boy had to apologize. Barack was not competing with Wright...or so he thought. Wright injected himself into the campaign and Obama had to eject him.
We put up with things all the time in order to achieve a greater end. Obama's been getting death threats, compared to that, these things are petty.
Could be... I think he is being wisely restrained; however, there is still room for a little boldness.
It was right on the money. It is a major problem I have with Obama. I especially do NOT like the way he did not come to Michelle's defense. It sets a tone that Black women aren't worth fighting for. I believe he has let some things go that he should have taken a stand for. Axelrod even said something about Michelle giving some of the campaign staff heartburn. WTF was that all about! I think he'd be more compromising in ways that would turn off Black voters if not for Michelle and some of his staff. I guess he really believes in the reconciliation aspects of racial harmony because he was raised by white people and being considered talented and attractive allows for more positive experiences. He does not react well to people being openly hostile to him, he retreats and gets intellectual. He did repudiate Rev Wright but I could see the pained expression on his face. I don't think he wanted to do it where as the Clintons would have done it immediately. I think as the years of political life wear on him he'll learn to toughen up a bit more - I hope!
"......there is still room for a little boldness."
I agree, I've been waiting on him to take a really tough stand with HRC that would be viewed on the national level.
They're are trying to emasculate him now that the public has said they're tired of hearing about Wright and I don't know that I could ignore that were if I were him.
Michelle is not under attack. Barack's bid for the Presidency is under attack via Michelle.
Axelrod said Michelle gives them heartburn with her frankness and humour. Clearly, this is within the context of a campaign where everything you say is scrutinized. It's not an insult. It just means they're nervous about her outspokenness. What should Barack do, tell them off to defend his woman? I'll bet he's nervous too.
Barack cannot satisfy all our needs. He cannot be the defender of black women, the hope of the Black church, champion of black masculinity and race czar.
I don't know if Barack will survive our neediness.
my theory is that barack had a talk with him behind the scenes that included mention of the secret service and threatening violence towards candidates and their families. in exchange for the apology the campaign remained silent and the secret service did not pursue the matter. just a theory
Thanks for the response. I don't think the things said of Michelle are indicative of devaluing black women. I think it is to challenge Barack's candidacy where Michelle is simply a conduit to attack him.
If Andyfrombrooklyn is correct, then I think that was the way to handle it. Really, had Barack responded directly I can imaging what that conversation would have been like. Barack would have ended up the loser no doubt. I don't think Barack to rise to the bait of every low-life, self-serving tv host.
Lou Dobbs tries to bait Obama also, by demanding an apology. The worst thing is for Obama to publicly acknowledge them and help their ratings, which is what they want.