Jack and Jill Politics - Latest Comments in Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Ricky — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:53:57 -0000

Where do I begin?

As a child growing up in the middle-class neighborhood of Beverly Hills/Washington Heights in Chicago. A neighborhood that prides it self on community and property and who embraced their community. I am a 40 year old Black male from this neighborhood and I am grateful for all the Efforts that Rev. Wright and Rev. Dr. Johnnie Coleman gave to us. Rev. Wright was one of the first ministers to start the flight for us to visit Africa in an era from 1968 to present when our parents' were being able to enjoy the fight from the 1960's era. What Rev. Wright stated was taken out of content, just like the state Michelle Obama stated, too. Being an Black American and especially Chicago, we can relate to their statements when you have been beaten down and not given a fair chance in a language all our own. First and foremost, Mr. Obama.. a lot of us Black Chicagoans hadn't heard of him as well as he did some work with the Housing Project Groups in Altgeld garden Housing projects. Our Black forefathers, Mr. Wright and other Black Americans paved the way for Mr. Obama to be where he is now. Mr. Obama forefathers never shed Black Blood on this land..like our Black forefathers did and I believe Mr. Obama is more accepted because America doesn't feel threatened because his mother and grand parents' were directly traced to present White America genes. Mr. Obama should have stated (out of fairness), " Rev. Wright is my spiritual advisor and people have a right to their own viewpoints." Our community embraces Mr. Obama, a community that was already established before he entered Rev. Wright's Church, A community that migrated north "to the promised land" for better opportunity after years of being oppressed in the southern parts of the USA, a community that migrated via "Historic Pullman Porters", rode the back of the greyhound bus from the south and was only able to sit up front once they crossed the Mason/Dixon line in Cairo, Illinois. A community that wanted better for their children and worked hard to keep their lawns manicured and prove the whites wrong in Chicago about panic selling and 30, 40, 50 years later the community is still manicured and beautiful. Rev. Wright stated the truth because this land was built on free slave labor of our forefathers..not Obama's..maybe Michelle's. My question is..will Mr. Obama really do anything for we Black Americans in America? And, this is the first time that I will not be voting because birth candidates I am not satisfied. The only reason I can vote is because my forefathers made it possible for me to have this choice not Mr. Obama's

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Anonymous — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:06:00 -0000

Listen. I was a member of Trinity and any member, including Barack, who says they were shocked or that this was out of character for Pastor Wright either never went to service or only went when they had a guest speaker.

He's said a million times "you don't change who you are because of where you are." and "you knew who you were inviting when you invited me" so don't get surprised when I come with it.

What is unusual is Jeremiah's speaking to the press. In all my years of being a member, the only political statements I heard him make were in the pulpit. He was not on TV, in the Tribune or Sun Times,etc.

Oh and Brazier supporter, Trinity doesn't lock you in a room until you shout after you join the church. Brazier's a hack...give it up.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:35:00 -0000

Well like I always say "we're too old, too young, too black or too this or that!

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Marie — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:02:00 -0000

Every time this Jeremiah Wright question rears its ugly head, my sister and I can't help but shake our head at Michelle & Barack. You should have gone 10 blocks further to Apostolic Church of God folks.

Bishop Brazier would have never thrown you under the bus nor given you cause for concern politically.

Ironically, Bishop Brazier and Barack share a more similar world view than Rev. Wright.

As a WW2 veteran, Bishop is without question a patriot, as a member of the greatest generation. He never fails to mention, from the pulpit, despite all our governments failures, this is still the best country in the world. (Which is usually followed by a joke about how he would suit up again and go serve @ 85 if there was a CREDIBLE threat to our safety).

Besides that he would NEVER, EVER use such inflammatory language behind the pulpit or anywhere else.

His message is always about loving one another and forgiveness, no matter our differences or background. Respect is always shown.

And as a deeply moral person of conscious, he preached against the war in Iraq from jump. Making many of the same arguments as Barack regarding the invasion.

Such a shame - Bishop Brazier represents the best of the Black Church tradition a la MLK. Deeply spiritual, with a rational and historical analysis of scripture and how it can better our lives and sustain us. His is a message of unity along with Black self-development and our church does much of the same work in our community as Trinity.

As a member of ACOG who strives to walk the same path led by Bishop Brazier, I won't judge Rev. Wright's actions. I just wish we lived in a society where more Americans understood the word nuance. If they did this wouldn't be the controversy that it is nor would Barack's so called elitist comments about PA.

Sorry y'all if this comment is more in praise of my pastor above all else. With so many questionable preachers with agendas other than Christ behind the pulpit, I'm again reminded how fortunate we are at Apostolic.

A girl from Chicago -

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Nquest — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:52:00 -0000

Obama was told not to repeat his "bitter" comments but Obama insisted he was right... after he bowed at the altar.

IMO, Rev. Wright more than earned his right for an error. Obama has used up a lot of the extended credit he's been given.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Nquest — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:48:00 -0000

... He needs to STFU claiming to be "insulted."

Almost everyday in this campaign he's been charged by the media with having a political reason for the decisions he has made up to and including his speech on race in Philadelphia and now he acts all brand new when Rev. Wright says the same thing that's taken for granted as acceptable discourse.

I believe there is a fault line where there is this fundamental disagreement between Obama and Rev. Wright, philosophically/ideologically but "vision of America" LIE gets put to rest here: Obama's supposed issue was Wright's outdated view of America. This is the same Rev. Wright who said "governments change."

So Obama can't seem to speak honestly about Rev. Wright in context and it's about the easiest political pandering there is. It's always open season on Black folk and no matter how Rev. Wright gave him the self-fulfilling prophecy and perfect opportunity to be that "crazy uncle" (remember that shit? talk about insults)... Obama has crossed over the line with me with his fundamental disrespect to Black folks humanity in the face of the age old "responsible Negro leader" test-game White America loves to play.

Rev. Wright could clown on his critics (and even, in the end, clown himself) because he was free to do so. Obama is a "bound" man. The problem is he's bound to a sorry narrative that's as played out as he willingly tried to frame the frustrations and anger of Rev. Wright and "the men and women of Rev. Wright's generation."

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

TruthSeeker — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:44:00 -0000

jelana,

Yes! ..Moyers was probably trying to protect Wright from himself.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Craig Hickman — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:37:00 -0000

Lots of pastors don't believe the maxim that less is more.

Wright is in love with his own voice and he simply doesn't know when to shut up.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Nquest — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:35:00 -0000

Until Barack Obama has the "steel" to hold a press conference and play billy-bad with the people who demonized Michelle Obama.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

jelana — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:48:00 -0000

The fact that Bill Moyers edited some of his (Wright's) comments from his telecast should have given him a big hint that he should not repeat them!

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

jelana — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:21:00 -0000

This was my 1st time seeing the Q & A. I understand completely why Obama had to cut the cord. Rev Wright completely played the fool and he HAD to know better. It was appalling and unprofessional. If he felt angry and needed to get back at the MSM, this was definitely not the time or the way to go about it. He had some good points which should have been stated in a dignified manner but instead he acted like one of the corner boys. I only hope this does
not damage Obama with Christians, who may only see the soundbites, and resent Obama for throwing over his pastor.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Craig Hickman — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:21:00 -0000

Preach, walking on air, preach.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:27:00 -0000

Why should Obama have to "distance himself" from his pastor and his church? Obama has turned into an appeasor. He is trying to appease the right wing bigots who would rather run thru hell with a pair of gasoline drawers on than vote for him. Rev. Reverend is a grown ass man. he can say and act anyway he wants to act. Why should his actions be a reflection on Obama? Rev. Wright didn't lie us into a war. Rev. Wright didn't out an undercover CIA agent. Rev. Wright isn't spying on Americans. Rev. Wright doesn't have governemt contracts. Rev. Wright doesen't own Blackwater. Rev. Wright didn't appoint Brownie to head FEMA. Rev. Wright didn't raid the surplus to give his rich cronies a tax cut. Rev. Wright didn't appoint Roberts and Alieto to the Supreme Court. Rev. Wright didn't fire U.S. Attorneys for political gain. Rev. Wright isn't responsible for the mortage crisis. Reverend WRight isn't responsible for the food crisis. Rev. Wright isn't responsible for sending our troops to Iraq without an exit plan. Rev. Wright is not the bad guy.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Nuff Said — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:21:00 -0000

Anonymous - please You are not fooling anyone. Clearly you are attempting to stir the pot. You clearly don't understand how things work.

Is it me???? Anybody??? Anybody???

Read the posts from Anonymous on the recent blogs. Wolf in sheeps clothing.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Walking on Air — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:00:00 -0000

Like Kevin I'm Chinese-American and am hesitant to weigh in on this issue. At the end of the day I think the battle is as Obama identified on Super Tuesday: not between black and white, but between the past and the future. Many of those on power owe their power to the way things are, not as they could be.

Here's something I just wrote in response to this turn of events:

---

"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. "

...

"Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

"And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

"But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."

-- Genesis 19:17, 24-26 (KJV)

If the Obama campaign entails a fairy tale, then my own bit of magical thinking involves the conviction that if we could only collectively suspend our disbelief for just long enough, if we can just have faith that something new can transcend what was, then we can cross the chasm that divides our nation. But like all magical thinking, there's also a catch: to walk on thin air we must, all of us, believe it together. Open our eyes, and the magic breaks. The hopes that buoy us halfway across proves more fatal than staying exactly where we are.

Rationally, of course, I don't quite believe this story. All politics are in the system, and all our politicians merely players. But I also believe in mankind's occasional capacity to transcend itself and its own institutions. I've always considered JFK a rather bad President by the merits, and yet his overall power to inspire was clearly greater than the sum of his policies and actions.

Presented with the opportunity to move forward and leave behind our place of damnation, how many of us would nonetheless do as Lot's wife did -- whether out of fear, doubt, perhaps even mere nostalgia? How many would look back?

This Presidential campaign isn't a battle between black and white: it is, as Obama himself observed, about the past versus the future. And the forces of the past -- whether in the guise of Hillary Clinton or Jeremiah Wright -- keep shouting, "Look back! Look back! You are doomed by the weight of the heavy hand of history."

Perhaps we are. But I will keep walking this chasm, my wide-open eyes firmly forward.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

evita — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:48:00 -0000

There are a number of ways one can go about explaining your points that affirm an individual's right to find offense in what you said. I have no idea what it feels like to be vilified in the ways that Rev Wright have, but Obama did not do that to him. The media did. I can understand why Rev Wright wanted to explain himself to the country in defense of his religious heritage and personal congregation.

In no way was this about bringing a country together- to explore our differences. Rev Wright for is not a politician and right about now he seems like an apathetic citizen as well. He has hurt the American's public to understand Obama's position -on anything- because of Wright's narcissistic antics on the stage. He could have said his peace and let it go, but he didn't.

He made light of the seriousness of the issues by throwing up Q symbols and being dismissive of the reporter's questions. Some of them were stupid, so in that he allowed himself to be unprofessional.

I really wonder how the history books will speak of the fall of a great campaign. Obama should have distanced himself from Wright and I'm glad he did. I only wish added to a CONSTRUCTIVE discussion on the Black Church's social gospel.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Phia — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:05:00 -0000

not delusional...you echoed my earlier sentiments. Your friends/family wouldn't bring those "controversial" viewpoints into your workplace and cost you your career because they know the damage it would cause. Sadly, this is exactly what Rev. Wright is (knowingly) doing to Barack. I'm going to check in with some TUCC members here in the Chi

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Baltogeek — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:58:00 -0000

Ms. Martin, I noticed.

For me that silence on the real danger their bigoted religious zealotry represents deserves more attention than this crap.

Hey everybody how about we turn this around to something that will actually be useful.

Instead of ranting about Wright and Obama we start a real campaign to hold the media and the right accountable for their support of the religious nuts who have destroyed this country.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Not Delusional — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:55:00 -0000

If my friends from undergrad got together with drinks and discussed our careers as black professionals, racism, working with our white business associtaes, American politics, and foreign policy, the conversation would be very deep, somewhat derisive of American actions (if not worse), and would sound fine to most Black folk--educated or not. BUT WOULD I WANT THAT CONVERSATION PLAYED TO MY WHITE PARTNERS AT MY LAW FIRM??? HELL NO!! Would I want my white neighbors to hear it.. NO!!! My majority white country club?? HELL NO!! My point is that Blacks don't understand that their are conversations that we can have in our private space that we SHOULD NOT and CANNOT have in front of the rest of society. Jeremiah Wright just put that closed Black conversation in front of all of America, and IT IS DISGUSTING TO THEM!!! Not only White folk, AFRICANS, CARRIBEANS, LATINOS, ASIANS, INDIANS, etc..

AMERICANS DON'T WANT TO HEAR NEGROES WINE ABOUT THEIR ISSUES!! THEY HAVE NO TOLERANCE FOR IT AND WE ARE IGNORANT FOR EVEN BEING UPSET THAT FOLK DON'T CARE!!

Negroes in this country TRULY OVERESTIMATE the importance of their "story" to the Majority of Americans--of all colors. No body wants to hear it, yet we want everyone to think that its the most important thing in the world.

Frankly, Pat Buchanon should have got up during the Jeremiah Wright questions and said N##%GA you and your people only make up 12% of this population... Your opinion REALLY ISN'T THAT RELEVANT. It would make more sense for us to be worried about latinos than you people...AND ON SHEER CYNICAL POLITICS HE WOULD BE WRIGHT.

Negroes overestimate their importance, get furious when they find out the world doesn't care and don't realizie that trying to MAKE THEM VALUE US IS NOT THE GOAL..THE GOAL FOR US TO LEARN HOW TO VALUE OURSELVES!!!

Obama is a politician NOT JESUS CHRIST!!!

Rikyrah: JEREMIAH WRIGHT DID NOT DAMAGE BLACK AMERICA BY GOING AFTER OBAMA!! OBAMA IS NOT THE EMBODYMENT OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY!!

HE SHOWED US ALL TODAY AS I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN: He's just a POLITICIAN. A good one...which makes him the BEST SCUMBAG IN TOWN... Since we know. ALL POLITICIANS ARE SCUMBAGS!!

Now people are gonna be like... No but he's different....BULLSHIT!!

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

TruthSeeker — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:50:00 -0000

That idiot McCain was on TV telling people to watch their diet and walk an hour a day. I guess that's his brilliant health care plan.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

B-Serious — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:37:00 -0000

Hey Jack and rikyrah,

I sent you an email. Let me know what you think.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:36:00 -0000

OMG!!!!!!!!

Wright is WRONG! He seems to be on some type of ...uuhm I can't put it into words but it doesn't seem very Godly to be all about SELF! I mean don't get me wrong, I had no problem with him taking up for himself but ...what happened???? He seemed so arrogant, so cocky, so full of himself, so.... Again, he was Ok to a certain point and the whole Obama is a "politician" comment had to be said to hurt Obama. For God's sake, the man is too smart to have "misspoken" or have spoken that loosely. Uh I just don't get it! JEALOUSY????

Against Race Politics

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Ms.Martin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:31:00 -0000

Hillary's judgment is questionable.

She's willing to take us to another war (Iran) while our citizens are crippled with gas prices, food prices, foreclosures and a national health care crisis.

Nobody is talking about that but the Republicans. They are praising Hillary for her strength and willingness to take on their causes.

Has anyone noticed this during all the hoopla about Wright?

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Shakes her head and walks away — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:31:00 -0000

Rev Wright didn't say anything new or original. He isn't saying anything that we haven't heard before.

So why is Obama appalled today. Is it because Wright's statements are lies or are those truths that make white people uncomfortable.

what pisses me off is that the black people who are screaming for Rev. Wright's pair are the same one will say out the sides of their mouths that Obama has to say what he needs to say to win. He's a politician.

How many times has that been said on this board?

Are you how pissed because Wright actually uttered that to MSM.

WTF?

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

Kevin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:31:00 -0000

I'm not black, Chinese-American, but I support Barack Obama. In my perspective Wright did Obama a great disservice. His interview on Bill Moyers' show was a good chance to defend himself against the MSM and he did. But he claimed that he said what he said, God D*** American and all that jazz, because he is a pastor. He also said that Barack was only a politician, posturing himself to get voted. Yes he is a politician, but Barack doesn't need to pander he can run on his own beliefs which I think fall in line with a lot of America. In fact, almost all of Obama’s message is that he is a new kind of politician one that doesn’t pander, one who speaks the truth when universal deceit is the status quo. For Wright to come out and say that, oh yeah all of that, Barack’s just kidding, he’s an old time politician, that is an egregious strike against Barack.

Furthermore, Wright can not act so undoubtedly clownish. He himself has said that the MSM is after their sound bites, yet he keeps giving them sound bites. We live in a culture where most people for the simple reason of survival do not have time to research what the MSM says. All they have to go on is the MSM, that’s more a social commentary than anything else, but the point is Wright should know better. For example, his use of the heralded “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” portion of JFK’s speech is cut down, so all you see is him looking like he is mocking JFK. Wright focused on JFK’s unique New England accent, he asked what “eeeeesk” meant and how do you spell it. Wright’s entire point there was the language is treated differently when spoken by whites or blacks. But will the majority of the populace do this research? Doubtful. All the people will see is reverse racism or some other BS the MSM is going to pull out of their asses.

I just can not for the life of me understand why Wright would act a fool at this time. In a time when history can be made for either women or minorities, specifically African Americans, he should be praising Obama, not himself. He can praise himself all he wants in his book, hell, that’s what it’s for. It is as if Wright can only see a foot in front of him and all he sees are pages for his book. I say that because the more outrageous he is the more the MSM has to work with and the more the MSM go after him the more he can denounce them in his book.

Wright isn’t all wrong. He speaks the truth that a lot of America doesn’t approve. But he includes ridiculous statements with the truth. Yes, I know America is a racist country, but I do not think it is near the levels that Wright would have folks believe. It’s this duplicitous message that he spreads that is harmful. Yes the Tuskegee Experiment was an atrocity on the level of Unit 731, wikipedia it, but to say something so blatantly false, AIDs was created by the government, is just foolhardy and vitriolic. Wright’s church also does massive humanitarian work around Chicago, that is why, I believe Barack joined and stayed at his church because while there were negative aspects they were greatly outshined by the good the church did. The MSM won’t latch on to the good parts of his sermon and his service, that isn’t their motive nor the narrative they wish to write.

That’s the end of my rant, got to go to dining hall for dinner. To summarize this thing, Wright should focus on the positives and stop giving the MSM the sound bites they crave.