Political Punch

What happened to the good old Dems like Joe Lieberman? I can honestly say, he is the most honest of them all and the Democratic Party threw him to the dogs.
If we had someone like him running, at least we would have a choice. Frankly, Obama scared me from the start, and now the news media is finally delving into his past , and his association with Islam beliefs. Yes, I believe he was groomed for the presidency race. America, wake up.

People should pay attention to what Farrakhan said when he offered his thoughts regarding Obama, "Barack Obama has been very careful not to position himself as Reverend Jesse Jackson or Reverend Al Sharpton as a promoter of "The Black Cause." *He has been groomed, wisely so, to be seen more as a unifier, rather than one who speaks only for the hurt of Black people."

Think about it "groomed wisely"

How ashamed I am of this country to allow the news media do a caricure assasinaion of anyone with 15 to 30 second sound bite the stand smugly to demoralise another with their dirt. Then turn around and beleive that this diatribe goes on every sunday.
Shame on those who found a small ray of hope in Obamas words only to give it up due to some news media dirt mongering. Maybe they should dig up the dirt on Hillary Clintons tutalige under a communist proponet and see how these people with little sense like that! I'm an Independent and have not decide who to vote for but have enough sense to know when the news media picks side its obviouse and its time to turn the channel instead of being lead astray of my beliefs.
Mr Obama stood by his beliefs and I'm satisfied with his his convictions.

Wright and his replacement call themselves PROPHETS. They are not prophets in the mold of the ones in the Bible. The real prophets in the Bible ( Jonah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea) railed against sin and idolatry of those in their audience. They didn't preach about someone else's sin and try to make their audience feel better about themselves. An evidence that someone is a false teacher is when they call good evil and evil good. It's sad that the Holy Trinity Church of Christ feels such anger and resentment that they have fallen for entertainment instead of Christ.

I am a Christian that was originally brought up in the Jewish faith, and my first wife was Jewish.

One day we went with our neighbors who were of different denominations-one Catholic, the other Jewish, to Jewish services for an important Jewish holiday. In the middle of the sermon, the rabbi starts in with how intermarriage is destroying judaism and the jews in the USA. I simply walked out in the middle and would never set foot in such a congregation again. I am not the most religious person, but I like to go to Mass once a month or so, Catholic, Episcopal, no difference to me. It is the ideas that come from the pulpit, and the kind of people in that church that make it what it is.

I really like(d) Obama and contributed to his campaign long before he was popular. But I really have to wonder know-unfortunately, this is causing me very real anguish because the Obama 'before' was great-now, I don't know, honestly, I wish I did.

DON'T RUSH TO JUDGMENT!

As difficult as it may seem for some white and black Americans alike to digest the comments of Rev. Jeremiah Wright; We should consider the fact that he not only comes from a different generation than many of us but also from the civil rights and black nationalism eras.

His view of the U.S. Government possibly being responsible for the aids virus however, is not uncommon among non-mainstream progressive thinkers and is one of the several theories presented by some Professors, Scientist and at least one Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Edward Hooper, a former BBC correspondent, has advanced the so-called "contaminated polio vaccine" theory for the origins of HIV and AIDS, In his exhaustively researched book, The River.

In an interview by Time magazine with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and environmental activist Wangari Maathai, it was alleged that Maathai had said that "AIDS is a biological weapon manufactured by the developing world to wipe out the black race".

Jakob Segal, a biology professor at Humboldt University, proposes that HIV was engineered at a U.S. military laboratory at Fort Detrick, by splicing together two other viruses, Visna and HTLV-1. According to his theory, the new virus, created between 1977 and 1978, was tested on prison inmates who had volunteered for the experiment in exchange for early release. He further suggests that it was through these prisoners that the virus was spread to the population at large.

Dr. Alan Cantwell, author of AIDS and the Doctors of Death: An Inquiry into the Origin of the AIDS Epidemic and Queer Blood: The Secret AIDS Genocide Plot, says that HIV is a genetically modified organism developed by U.S. Government scientists, and that it was introduced into the population through Hepatitis B experiments performed on gay and bisexual men between 1978-1981 in major U.S. cities. Cantwell claims that these experiments were directed by Dr. Wolf Szmuness, and that there was an ongoing government cover-up of the origins of the AIDS epidemic. Similar theories have been advanced by Dr. Robert B. Strecker, Matilde Krim and by Milton William Cooper, author of Behold A Pale Horse.

Harvard-degreed independent investigator, Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz, author of Emerging Viruses: AIDS & Ebola. Nature, Accident or Intentional? and Death in the Air: Globalism, Terrorism and Toxic Warfare, has advanced the theory that the AIDS virus was engineered by such U.S. Government defense contractors as Litton Bionetics for the purposes of bio-warfare and "population control."

There are several theories as to the man-made origin of the aids virus including the 'Hunter' Theory, the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) theory, the Contaminated Needle Theory, the Colonialism Theory and the Conspiracy Theory. Dr. Wright just happens to buy into the Conspiracy Theory and thinks that the U.S. Government may be up to their old tricks like when they used black men as human laboratory animals during "The Tuskegee (syphilis) Experiment.

For forty years between 1932 and 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) conducted an experiment on 399 black men in the late stages of syphilis. These men, for the most part illiterate sharecroppers from one of the poorest counties in Alabama, were never told what disease they were suffering from or of its seriousness. Informed that they were being treated for “bad blood,”1 their doctors had no intention of curing them of syphilis at all. The data for the experiment was to be collected from autopsies of the men, and they were thus deliberately left to degenerate under the ravages of tertiary syphilis—which can include tumors, heart disease, paralysis, blindness, insanity, and death. “As I see it,” one of the doctors involved explained, “we have no further interest in these patients until they die.”

The United States government did something that was wrong—deeply, profoundly, morally wrong. It was an outrage to our commitment to integrity and equality for all our citizens. . . . clearly racist.
—President Clinton's apology for the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment to the eight remaining survivors, May 16, 1997.

Again I say don't be so quick to judgment, least we judge ourselves.

I hear no voice in the media as yet trying to bring about an understanding of the abyss between the citizenry of this 'United' states. Every understanding voice is shushed as in the past. It appears that there will be the need for this social gospel for decades to come.

We need to compare what Sen. Obama has said in the past with what he said today. There are several points that do not match. Obama's statement today did not satisfactorily address his relationship to Wright. Whatever his grandmother might have said, I doubt it could rise to the level of "God damn America" or "We asked for 9/11" as shouted from the pulpit by Rev. Wright. Nor can Grand-Ma's racist statements to a few people compare to the hundreds, possibly thousands of people over the years in Wright's congregation who were subjected to his racist/hateful sermons. In the background of those recordings were the loud "amens" of his congregation; apparently in support of Wright's ideology. While a member of that congregation Obama must have stood-up and cheered "Amen!" along with the rest of the congregation every week. It is a statistical marvel that over 20 years Obama has managed to never be present when any hateful/racist statements were made by Wright. Would Wright, with his strong unabashed "public" statements, not mention nor discuss any of them with Obama at the "personal" level, one-on-one? Obama likened Wright to be as close as a "family member." He can't have it both ways: Either he was "close" and so, had to have known of Wright's ideology, or their friendship was so "distant" that he could not have recognized Wright's ideology? It's difficult to fathom how he could have made Wright the "religious compass" of his campaign without knowing of Wright's statements. Most people change churches when the Pastor preaches the opposite of what they believe. Obama had to at some level agreed with the Pastor's vile ideology, AND accepted it--otherwise, such a hateful/racist person as Wright would have repulsed any true "non-racist" person. We need a more complete understanding of Obama's "real" core beliefs before we make him our President.

Rev. Wright aside for a moment, I think senator Obama delivered a great speech today. There were some great points made today where America *should* engage in dialogue on the issue of race rather than keep it pent up like it's taboo to discuss.

With that being said, going into this speech, Senator Obama needed to address a few things to overcome the credibility and judgment issues I have with him as a candidate.

He has based his campaign largely on a claim that he has superior judgment. He failed to justify why he had Rev. Wright be a part of his political campaign on the African American Religious Leadership Committee when he now admits:

"Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely"

Senator Obama knew early on that Rev. Wright would be a potential political liability and probably appropriately rescinded his invite to give the invocation at his presidential campaign announcement. I never heard in the speech why he felt that giving him a role, honorable or active, in his campaign was a good decision. To me, this relects poorly on his judgment and the way he has dealt with this specific issue does not bode well for his credibility.

Again, it was a good speech, but failed to answer some important questions for me. I still believe had he delivered this speech at the onset of his campaign, he could have arguably clinched this nomination. Delivering it now makes it appear more like a response to an flare up in his campaign (damage control) rather than Thought Leadership.

“The ministries developed under Dr. Wright’s ministerial tutelage for social justice: assisted living facilities for senior citizens, day care for children, pastoral care and counseling, health care, ministries for persons living with HIV/AIDS, hospice training, prison ministry, scholarships for thousands of students to attend historically black colleges, youth ministries, tutorial and computer programs, a church library, domestic violence programs and scholarships and fellowships for women and men attending seminary.”

Similar to Hamas, the virtuous Reverend Wright’s ministries and social causes are portrayed as human-loving groups whose goal is to help the meek, downtrodden and oppressed. In reality, it appears Wright and Hamas social programs have multiple agenda’s. Reality is what it is, but you draw your own conclusions.

What bothers me most about this is Obama's statement that in 20 years he never heard his pastor use such inflamitory language. Assuming he attended regularly, as he says, it doesn't ring true. This man married the Obama's & babtised their children. He is a close friend, as is Rezko -- which makes me question Obama's judgement for future cabinet appointments. I think Michelle is an excellent speaker & a very intelligent woman, but she has obviously been privi to some of these vitriolic sermons.
Obama was absent on controversial Senate votes -- like gun control, immigration, etc. -- votes that would give insight into his position on important issues.
He is a great orator, a very ambitionus politician, very intillegent & a charasmatic man, but -- as someone else mentioned -- the world had a similar man in 1933.
We now have a president whose lack of qualifications for the job put our country into a mess it will take years to get out of. America cannot stand another such mistake.
I am grateful for the close race which allows us Democrats time to gain insight into the character & qualifications of the candidate we will put before the public -- regardless of race or sex. The present controversy is a picnic compared to what our candidate will face against the Republicans.
The new media has an obligation to inform us in all matters -- good & bad -- pertaining to both candidates. We don't learn from listening only to those who agree with us -- no matter how smart they are. We learn from listening to opposing opinions. This is how we make intelligent choices. I think the media is doing an excellent job.

Christianity by definition is the desire and personal covenant to be a student, follower, and example (by choice of action) proponent of Jesus Christ's teachings. These include the 10 commandments; one of which states:" Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." This man is certainly human. Repentance is available to each who sin. Rev. Wrights' remarks are anything but Christian, and illuminate a sad moment in his personal walk with God and the Savior Jesus Christ.
For Obama to state after 20 years membership in this pastors' church that he does not condone or agree with his pastor's views is like Hillary stating that she didn't condone and had no knowledge of her husband Bill's infidelity.

If everything is all good with the Trinity United Church of Christ and as the church says "it is the fault of the press" then why has Obama scrapped Wright from his website and why has he distanced himself from him? If all is good shouldn't he be defending him? I read about the church on their site and I was beginning to defend them on these blogsites but now I'm beginning to wonder.....I am really questioning Obama's judgment because of this situation and if he is the democratic nominee I probably am not going to vote for him because for such an intelligent individual he had to have had some inkling that his pastor felt this way. Even if those comments were taken out of context I still find them extremely offensive to Americans.

Read on singleblackfemale has a lot of powerful words to say. She is insightful and speaks what most people know to be true and need to say and hear. It is not who Mr. Obama sleeps with or who pastors him. It is what does he stand for. He speaks of change and change is what we need. We need someone who will stand up for the rights of the American people who will not seek lobbyist to supplier our needs who can make a change in our our healthcare and who can reform our tax system. Who gives a damn who preaches him. Preaches are men before they are men of God. They are human just like you and I and they make mistakes like you and I. Not that I am condoning what he has said but not everything that is told to humankind is believed and if you are that nieve to believe that Mr. Obama believes every word that comes out of Dr. Wright's mouth, then you all deserve another 4 years with a republican who will kill your children at war and another democrate who will believes that this was all a dream for Mr. Obama in the first place. Don't get me wrong I think Hiliary too is a good candidate but give Barak a chance he can and will make a change.

Obamas "minister" is trash.

Trinity UCC's chickens...are coming home...to roost!

Let us not forget, that a constitutional democracy was abolished in 1933, by a charasmatic, orator with a hate filled agenda. Whom was freely and popularly elected! The agenda of the hate-monger is always peppered with truths!

I cannot believe the american people, black or white could vote for Obama. The american people are not stupid. Obama can say that he doesn't agree with what his pastor says but, if he is being truthful about being a devout christian and has been a member of this church for 20 years there is NO WAY he does not believe in the white racism that this church clearly represents. You do NOT go to a church and be a supporter for 20 years and say you don't agree with it's beliefs. I am really tired of hearing how it is okay for blacks to say these things in public becuse they are so oppressed...PLEASE!! We have National Negro College fund...but no White National College Fund, No Miss WHITE AMerica, and so on... If a white minister preached the same sermon and just changed the races it would become a national event and there would be yet another black holiday! Our country definately is ready for a change but NOT the kind of change Obama represents!!!

Then you must be a McCain supporter, because I certainly don't see any "integrity" in Hillary's using the race card. And when has she ever shown any exceptional evidence of good judgment? And what, if anything has she ever been an outstanding "leader" of? A tea party? She cries and wins New Hampshire. She whines and wins Ohio. Maybe she should just put out an ad of her crying and whining and we can go ahead and anoint her Queen.
If Obama is guilty by association, then it stands to reason that Hillary is guilty by association when it comes to her husband. I find it hard to believe that she didn't know about all of his extra-marital affairs through the years. What kind of "integrity and judgment" was involved there?
And will that be her foreign policy, to cry and whine if she can't get her way?
Give me a break!
I have nothing against a woman being President. But just about any other woman in America would be a better President than Hillary Clinton.
She wants it too badly, for all the wrong reasons.

With all due respect to my fellow Americans, I think you are alittle confused about Dr. Wright's so-called rhetoric for the following reasons.

First, we must understand that Dr Wright was talking to a specific body of people, which, at the time stated, were his parishioners. He was not speaking to a general body of people comprising multicultural experiences; he was not gloating about America’s hardships following 911; he was not "stumping" for political office, nor, a professed revolutionary advocating anarchy. Instead, like so many other African American ministers giving voice to the voiceless in the mainstream media, he was speaking to what most of us have always known and say to each other on many occasions of wrong doing from the sublime to the ridiculous: “What goes around comes around.” And this, I believe, is what the people were “jumping for joy about” as so many of you have sadly misunderstood. It was the empathy, not a hatred for America or white folks, flowing between a group of people who has suffered greatly amid the hypocrisy engendered by the founding fathers of this country. And, who, in many ways, are still feeling disenfranchised, remember Katrina?
Kindly remember that America also belongs to us, the African American, and we have the same right to criticize her when she is wrong and praise her when she is right, as do other Americans of international dissent. We also have the right to reclaim our history, also ignored in mainstream society, and be proud of our African heritage without being misjudged as hating America and white folks in particular. When I wear African attire or listen to African music, I am truly happy and enjoying the moment, thus hardly consumed with hatred for anyone. Must of us will fight for our homeland when attacked and have proved it by dying in its past wars; sadly, only to come home and face bigotry and hatefulness yet again. Still, historically, we African-Americans have continued to love American and hope for the best.
Suffice it to say only a fool would wish harm to his or her country, a place called home. Think about it.
Next, in my opinion, Rev. Wright, being a minister of God, was also speaking about the natural law of Cause and Effect (aka, Karma) which engenders all of creation. Most of us don’t give thought to such subliminal laws supporting our existence here on Earth, still they exist and we live on. Thus, it is encumbered upon all ministers of the gospel to teach this, and give examples from time to time no matter how uncomfortable it may be. For it is only by learning from our mistakes that we grow to appreciate this universal law and seek to follow it in all aspects of our lives. This, I believe, is what is truly behind the old adage: Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
Of course, I do understand the fear behind all of this, a fear born out of ignorance of God’s laws. If we truly understood His law, which only engenders love and prosperity, we would not fear the so-called wrath of God or His laws. My friends, God does not punish us, we do that to our selves thru ignorance of His laws of creation. God loves us and wants us to be happy and free. A short expedient to knowing this is to practice forgiveness whenever we feel fear or hatred in our hearts. For it is through forgiveness that we obtain real vision and finally understand what has been troubling us in all respects. And so we learn to lean not upon your own understandings but first seek the truth thru prayer and our willingness to forgive. Peace to all.

I want a president who has wise judgment and integrity. Sen. Obama's 20-year association with Rev. Wright, and his claim of ignorance of Rev. Wright's views show his serious lack of judgment to be the Commander-in-Chief. Rev. Wright's view is well known, to claim that he did not hear them is a betryal of his integrity.

Since my original posting was removed for some reason, I will say it again. The only reason we're hearing about this is because Hillary and her campaign have dug it up and given it to the media. It's just another part of her racial propaganda campaign against Obama. This woman will do anything to become president. Including taking money from criminals and lobbyists, staying with her cheating, lying husband to further her political ambitions, using race baiting and racial propaganda because she's behind in the primaries and tearing the democratic party apart in the process.
All because she can't stand to lose. Well, I've got news for Hillary. If she somehow cheats Obama out of the nomination, McCain will bury her in so much dirt from hers and Bill's past that she'll be gasping for air before the general election is halfway over. You will lose, Hillary!
You should concede the nomination to Obama now and stop your slime bucket excuse for a campaign and let us unite the Democratic party and get on with what really needs to be done: Electing Obama as our next President! Go Obama! Yes we can!

And by the way, not that it should matter, but I'm a 56 year old, blue collar white male. And I think Obama is exactly the man we need in the White House!

How many times have you heard, "Who is Obama"? Never heard of him. Well, only if you lived in his state. So now we are hearing about who he is, why not? Don't you want to know what his beliefs are, his moral fiber, his total embodied make up of what makes him who he is today? Okay, now we don't like what we are hearing about who he associates with, takes money from, & who his mentors are. We are getting to know the unknown & it tastes down right nasty. What is wrong with calling himself an American? Why is it Black American? He says he has no color barriers. But his language & religion says he does. Why aren't we all Americans. Oh, hi I am German, Swedish, Danish, Norweigan American. I don't have a pastor condeming other races, I have always been proud to be an American & I think I know who is Obama now. Thank God for that.

I LOVE America, and I love Dr. Wright and I support Obama. I am a Christian and I am African American and I understand the disappointment Dr. Wright feels, in his many years of pastoring a people who are in many ways are forgotten about. He states the obvious, God is no-more on America's side as He is on an Islamic countries. America, was founded on a superiority lie carried over from Europe. And we are still facing this complex. Not to say, some African Americans are not racist, but what I am saying, if God is to bless America, he has to apologize to many in this world for the dogmatism of arrogant America. So, I support Obama and I support Dr. Wrights, statement, "God damn America" for it's insistance on saying it is right and everyone else is wrong. The only person right is Jesus and we certainly don't see Him in the current administrations life, although they say they are Christians. Maybe Obama, can bring Jesus back to America!

I am white. I'm sure I don't fully understand the black mind. We will never eliminate hate and prejudice from the hearts of all people. Sin is in our (black and white) DNA. ABC reported something they thought was newsworthy. I commend them for it. They weren't trashing the church or saying there's nothing good about Pastor Wright. And I must say a lot of blacks don't understand the white mind. If Pastor Wright thinks God should damn America (does he only mean white Americans?) for its sins, what does he suppose God should do about his own sins? Yes, white America has many flaws, but it also has much to commend itself. God will sort through all that. Black America also has many flaws, and much to commend itself. I think Pastor Wright's rhetoric divides more than it unites. I think his church's statement also divides. Please show some of the humilty Martin Luther King and Jesus displayed. Admit the mistake. It's only admitting you're human.

I recommend the "Reverend" and I use the term loosely, Wright go and talk to Dr. Tony Evans or any of the other true Evangelical Black Christian Leaders about where he stands and see if they don't refer to Matthew 18 for him. If you really want to know about black evangelical christians read Dr. Evans book, "Let's Get to Know Each Other: What White Christians Should Know about Black Christians" He is no better than the snake oil preachers who preach a prosperity gospel in contradiction to the Bible.

As a resident of Chicago and a member of
a large apostolic chruch on the south-
side, I have in the past attended chruches where white people and government
bashing seemed to apease the congregation. Because I did not need
this to make me feel better (but found
it rather demeaning);I continued to
search for a chruch where the gospel was being taught. God's Words are the most healing. I can understand why a young community organizer might affliate himself with Rev. Wright's type of ministry because there's where those most in need of the types of services and information he brings can be found.Please believe that when I sat
in on these ranting types of sermons I was not in agreement with the those hateful and distastful statements and
refused to add my "amen". However, some find these ministries provide a kind of bonding "cultural ceremony" that relieves the frustration of life and blames others for their status in life.

I am really amazed by all of the outrageaously ignorant people who live in this country. Most white people really do not understand what it is like to be black in america. Many prominent black americans who think they have crossed over into white acceptance are quickly reminded by white people that they are not one of them. Case in point, Tiger Woods wins his first Masters in Golf and they make racist comments about not having "chicken and collard greens" for the meal. Or Oprah Winfrey being denied entry in an upscale retail establishment because she's black, and being told they are "closed", only to later apoligize to her when they realized who they had just denied. Or Danny Glover having a hard time catching a taxi in Manhattan. Or the many investigative reports done by 20/20 that exposes redlining in the housing market, or disparate treatment between whites and blacks in hiring, retail establishments, etc. I have been followed while shopping in so-called, upscale establishments. I was a sophomore in college and when I wanted to switch my major from biology, yes, thats right, biology, to an economics major, the faculty advisor told me during our consultation that "most people like you do better with business majors". I was stunned to say the least. I insisted i wanted to be an economics major and after he, a white man, saw that I was not changing my mind, he relented. This happened at a private catholic college that I got accepted into based on my SAT's and my transcript. No affirmative action. I was a very smart advanced kid. I was accepted on my merits. So for all you white people out there who want to believe that america is so color blind, get real, we are not there yet. And for all those people out there who still think that black people should "get over" slavery, i would like those same people to tell the jews to "get over" the holocaust. We accept the jews views and outrage about the holocaust but if a black person speaks out against slavery, they are somehow a "radical" or a "black nationalist", well too bad, if the jews want us to "never forget" the holocaust, then i as a black female want america, to "never forget" slavery and the aftermath. Many people forget that after the holocaust, the jews left germany and europe. The established the state of Israel. Well, us black americans still lived here in america with our former enslavers. We still had to face over a century of disenfranchisement. And unfortunately, we still face it today. So if you do not support Obama, fine. But talk about the issues, not his pastor, or other non-important issues. I voted for Barack Obama because I would like to see him become president, not because he's black. And when Bill Clinton was running for president, I voted for him. I didn't know anything about him other than what the media put out there, but I wanted my vote to be for "change" and so I took a leap of faith and voted for Bill Clinton. Now because people are voting for Obama, it is a big deal. If Hillary is qualified to be president, than Barack Obama is certainly qualified, lest not forget who has been in office these last 8 years, Bush. Now if Bush can run the country, than I am more than satisfied that Obama could run the country. Find another topic to discuss. Get a life and stop worrying about candidates personal lives. When I needed a lung specialist last december, I could have cared less if he cheated on his wife, or if he had a so-called radical preacher, i wanted him to fix my lungs. I wanted a specialist who was the best at his craft. That is the point of electing a president. Not who he sleeps with or who pastors his church. If these are the issues that keep you up at night then you have a very petty dissatisfied life.

"In 1996, while running for re-election, Bill Clinton sent out a mass mailing to friends and prospective donors—including one to the Nation of Islam. In it, he invited Claudette Muhammad, who at the time was chief of protocol, to be on his steering committee. "It is my way of saying thank you for your past friendship and it is my way of asking you to join me in this new campaign," he wrote. Muhammad reprinted the letter in a memoir; a spokesman for Clinton declined to comment"

This was before 911 and Bill Clinton has nothing to do with what Barrack pastor said. He is not running for president so why should what he in 96 matter?

Our forefathers believed in the quote "seperation of church &state", not as a mena to keep the governmnet free from belief systems. All people have some belief system, even aetheists believe in nothing. the reasoning was that kings, governors, lords etc etc had polluted the church and used it as a political gain far too often in Europe. we are now faced wit hthe sad reality that the same thing has taken place in many churches in America. Too often people rally their church numbers together to support a politician. Jesus said "..my Fathers house shall be a house of prayer!" as he ran out those who were only at the temple for money. We in america have gone far astray from a personal relationship with God as out father. It is a sad tragedy that this pastor would succumb to politics and neglect the more importatn issue, and that is the Kingdom of Heaven. When Israel sought a king, God gave them a king and a warning in the book of Samuel. A king is a person who can only be a person. Church is for God. a house of prayer, a place were we can personally know God as Father. It is sad to see a pastor forget that.

to all the readers: Politics and religion don't mix and one will burn the other. and for pastor wright and his comments I would tell him stick to what you do best and leave politics to politicians and just serve god. Pastor Wright's comments are not acceptable by any means or shape, regardless of his achievements or how many years he served UCC; Just Serve God and spread the word of love and peace, the real message of Jesus Christ.

Barak is no JFK, MLK or anyone like that.

Words do matter and Rev Wrigt says it all.

Actions speak louder than words.

The act of Barak sitting and listening to Wright words for 20 years speak louder than any of Baraks boring speechs.

Baraks actions of 20 years speak directly to his judgement - he has poor judgement or is so unaware of what is going on around him that Rezko and Wright must have snowed him into thinking they were good people.

Barak - not ready for prime time president.

Michelle - not proud of America and yet she would be first lady? of a country she does not like?

Republicans - havinga field day with this one. Thanks Barak, there goes the election.

WOW- and you all talk about Rev. Wright being hateful- this has been some of the most hateful language I have heard in a while. You are basing your judgement on Barak based on something his pastor said -a 20 second sound bite(which Barak says he has denounced). The way some of the comments are saying- it sounds like everyone should be judged based on something one of their friends, family, co-worker or boss says. People need to listen to what the candidates say- not what others who might associate with them say. People are also judging Rev. Wright on one or two sermons and not a lifetime of change for the positive in so many people's lives. America- realize we live in a country that has some hateful people and that no matter who wins, there will still be some people who dislike, blacks, whites, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Gays, Women and the list goes on- but take a moment and think for your self and not get caught up in media negative hype.

"....Kennedy got through his guilty by association and so will Obama..."

Kennedy did have the pope or a catholic priest on his campaign staff. Rev Wright was part of Obama's campaign until he resigned 2 days ago!

Sue's comments are right on target. I too am a mother of 3 bi-racial children. For the past 30-plus years, we have attended predominately black churces as well as churches with a mixed congregation. There have been many exhillerating sermons given - but I have never heard hatred preached in this way in church. My son is an activist, and many of his views are critical of American politics and history. But there is a time and place for those criticisms. As Americans, we expect our President to be superior to the common man in intelligence, and above the fray in all social situations. Senator Obama was not a "member in passing" at this church. He has lived the most important events of his and his family's lives within the walls of this church - as a close friend of this pastor. For him to say he was "unaware" of the attitudes of the pastor is an insult to the intelligence all of the American people. After all of his eloquent speeches and "awareness", suddenly he has no knowledge of what was going on for the last 20 years? You can't hear this every Sunday and not agree with it. Like the other comments about the friend with a prostitite..is Obama claiming "some of his best friends are racist?" Anyone with the intelligence that Obama claims to have who didn't agree would have stood up to disagree, or taken their family to a new church. Shame on him, and shame on us if we don't wake up. Everything needs to be shouted out by us citizens here and now. We all know that if the criticism comes from Hillary Clinton or any of her campaign, they will be considered "racist" comments, yet when Obama's camp makes comments, they are "shedding the light". It is not shedding light on our children is not teaching them to hate in church. When I stand up and salute the flag, or say the pledge of allegiance, it is to show my pride in this country for all of the good things it represents. To me, America is not defined by the Bush/Cheyneys, Black Nationalism or any other group that does not represent liberty and justice for ALL. Are there events in our history that should have never happened? Absolutely. Are there things that need to be fixed? Positively. As resfreshing as it would be after the last 8 years, I am not willing to settle for a President merely because he is able to speak eloquently in public. Wright is no MLK, and Obama is no President. The chickens truly are coming home, and they have droppings on their feet.

theres hate...and now there is arrogant hate....and now support of that hate....find your way and be judged....

(

"...The church (Obama's) has successfully helped disadvantaged people in the community and elsewhere. Many would not be alive or living with dignity if not for the generous work of the church....."

So has Hezbollah in Lebanon, does that make them less radical?

Obama and his racist, anti-American preacher are no good for the U. S.

Rose M., please explain to me how it is that Sen. Obama's blessing of love will spread love and peace to the entire world when some of the people who have been around him for years -- in spite of being so close to him -- are still such hate-mongers? There is only one Messiah, and Sen. Obama is NOT he!

I can believe CNN has also joined this pastors massages when the UK politicians are discussing issues the US is descussing pastor of Obama I was not suprised abuotthe FOX news channel for them whatever Bush does is the best .Also the very thing thatthe pastor preached what is been done to Obama can we discuss policies

Did any of you see the coverage of the New York Gov. being sworn in, on CNN? He was introducing all the prominent N.Y. politicians and when he was getting ready to introduce Hillary Clinton they cut away. How can CNN say they are not bias. I call them and complained.

Barack Obama, Change You Can Trust

Change You Can Trust Is Exploding In Barack Obama’s Campaign.

Change You Can Trust Has Forced The Republican Fox TV Station, (First

Cousins Of Bush) To Try And Put Barack Obama’s Campaign To Shame.

The Republican Fox TV Station, (First Cousins Of Bush) Is Spinning

Highlighted Attacks On Barack Obama Because They Are Aware

That All Bush’s Wrongs Will Be Reversed Also Exposed To Right, Once

Barack Obama Is The 2008 President Of This United States Of America.

Barack Obama, Change You Can Trust.

The Republican Fox TV Station, (First Cousins Of Bush) Are Also Attempting

With This Strategic Spin To Cast Shadows On The Fact That With All The Now

Seated And Indicted White House Administration’s Corruption President Bush

Has Boastfully And Finally Endorsed John McCain; The Main Presidential Candidate

Who Can Only Offer This Country Much More Of A Compromised, Recessionized,

Tore-up Same.

Barack Obama, Change You Can Trust.

Incidentally, Though Some Churches Speak From The Pulpit Politically During These

Times, These Churches Don’t Speak, Voice Or Vote For The People. Some Churches

Ain’t Really Spoke For The People Since Faith Base Contributions And Public Political

Attention Got Bush Elected, Corruptly Twice. The Faith Base Stuff Has Strategically

As Planned Clouded Some Church Pulpits Hearts, Judgment And Predestined

Purposes. Now That Some Churches Has Gotten Paid And Rich They Wanna

Holla, “Where Is The Separation Between Church And State?” Ain’t None,

As My Book Millennium Christian Experience Reads,

“This Is One Nation Under God.”

P.S. Pastor Wright, I really feel said what was in his heart at that time and I also feel that's his own business and personal opinion which can't be taken away from his by critizing him nor imposed upon anyone else simply because they are a black American Christian tryna make a change that we all can trust.

The words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr to the effect that men should be judged, not by the color of their skins but the content of their character, was God-inspired and not racially motivated as some spiritually "sick" people out there would want to think. If God wanted just one race on earth, He should have made it all white or all black or another color for that matter. And don;t forget, you can't play the piano on all-white or all-black keys; you need both black & white. That ought to be the beauty of this immigrant nation. It ought to be the greatness of the United States. It's high time we all accepted the fact that God populated His world, including the US, with all colors and races. Failure to accept this fact abnegates God's own plan for the world in general and the US in particular. The USA is sick and needs healing, from the White House and more so, to the Church House. We must break away from the vestiges of history, no matter how horrible they were, and reach out to the beauty of destiny - what MLK himself called the "brotherhood of all men." This is not about Obama or Clinton, but it is about God, the Creator of the ends of earth. As a black man myself, who has allowed the love and touch of Jesus to heal him, I think IT IS TIME FOR OUR PEOPLE, indeed, ALL PEOPLES, in this country to receive the HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS and keep the past where it belongs. It is time to FORGIVE and let's stop thinking and talking about the past. The only "HOPE" for America is JESUS! IT IS GOD WE NEED, not POLITICS! Let everyman, everywoman be a liar, but let God be true!

If Barack Obama wasn't running for president, NOBODY would have cared what his preacher said. It is just fascinating to me what people pick and choose to discuss. Most importantly, no one believed that he would even be in the race and now that he is and handily, at that, the desparate political machine and racist america that cannot conceive the notion of a black president is in panic, chaos and mayhem mode. It is all utter and complete nonsense. Those who support Obama will, regardless of what is printed or said about him in the media. And, those who all of a sudden decided that "I changed my mind about Obama after hearing...." were never committed to support him in the first place. And, for those who say Obama has no credibility. Get real. So, the alternative does? If so, we ARE in trouble.

barack HUSSEIN obama's political career is over/done/finished/finito..... hasta la vista baby.......!

what i can't figure out is how did this empty suit managed to even get into the senate??? hmmmmmm... that is rhetorical, and hindsight, since the likes of oprah, farakan, pastor wright, rezko, and other cronies monies poured into his senate and presidential campaign, go figure!

pffffffft!

As an African American, living in the skin that I'm in for 43 years, I can tell you that such talk happens in black churches across America. It's basis is from a history and culture that is uniques to that community of people. Did Rev. Wright speak anything that was not true as it pertains to America in that... you reap what you sow! Which tends to happen to us all. To say that such talk doesn't happen in black churches across America is totally untrue because pastors speak on issues of the time and how those issues fit and connect with the community in a scriptural text. I do agree that Rev. Wright was a bit radical and could have found a more eloquent way to convey his thoughts and not say what what was said in such an offensive and mean spirited way. We all, both black and whites, need to stop turning a blind eye to the racism that exist in this country. To some degree, we all have our prejudices against other cultures and races but it is most prevalent amongst and between the African Americans and Caucasians. The media just fuels it by distorting the stories, showing the portion that could be made controversial, so the two races can stay at odds with one another. In 2008, I still live in a country where blacks are discriminated against in subliminal ways. At the forefront we have such things as the disparity in sentencing... 50 grams of crack (black) vs. 500 grams of cocaine (white)which is the main ingredient to making crack, a 100 to 1 disparity; Sub-prime lending; non-hire for jobs due to past felony charges and the list goes on and on. Regardless rather whites want to acknowledge it, it is a reality and it is the way of this world. The American way is to "divide and conquer". It is at the advantage of whites to keep the strife between blacks and whites. Its a booming business and it keeps profit high. Why would anyone watch a series of video taped sermons to pick out 1 from the sunday after 9/11, over five years ago. It was aired to do exactly what it's doing... divide. But I have some news for you... The earth is the Lords and they that dwell therein. If it's in God's plan... not Rev. Wright, John Hagee, President Bush, Hillary Clinton or anybody else... for Barack Obama to be President... guess what... no demon in hell will be able to stop it. Whatever the outcome, it will happen because it was predestined to happen.

I love Hillary Clinton ..I think she's great and will make an awesome female president.!!!

Response to Spock: I agree with you. Martin Luther King would be rolling over in his grave if he knew his good name was being used for such spewing of hate!

Obamas staff reported that Obama was in Miami campaigning the afternoon of the most egregious speech by Wright. Later they reported he was in Chicago in the Am near the Trinity Church but not at the event and later in the day in Florida. I thought Obama pledged not to campaign in Florida. Someone needs to get the facts straight before reporting.

Barack Obama is going to change Washington and bring us all together! Oh really????

All the pieces are falling into place...

Barack Obama is the number one liberal in the Senate, decided to run for President after only 18 months in Senate, financially backed by George Soros and Moveon.org - the Hate America First crowd, Obama doesn't always feel the need to to put his hand over his chest at the anthem or the pledge, doesn't feel need to wear flag pin (ok but why question someone patriotism who WANTS to wear one?), pledges to eliminate us arsenal of nuclear weapons with includes balistic missles we have to protect our country from outside and now inside, an anti-white hating preacher has been his "mentor", has married him, baptised his children and has been his pastor for nearly twenty years and never new Reverand Wright preached such vial against whites and jews??? Come on!

Michelle Obama - first time proud of America, Barack only candidate who understands the American people, anti-white thesis at Princeton, complains paying school loans, her arrogance that she understands the middle class as she lives in a 1.65 million dollar mansion that includes a sweetheart deal from a Chicagon felon with Syrian ties!! Come on!

The media hasn't reported because they also are anti-America and are socialists. Can you imagine if any Republican candidate had Reverand Wright as their mentor!! Oh wait how about the media's fasination with Mitt Romney being Mormon.

Don't be fooled voters!!!!

Thanks for your excellent reporting, Mr. Tapper.

I watch only ABC news anymore. And for good reason.

Kudos to you, sir!

Wright is no King! He is the anti-King.

Who cares how many minutes are spoken over a period of time. It is painfully clear of this persons choice to speak as a racially divided indivudual that is condemening an entire race. How is what he is saying any different from other prejudice people? Do you honestly believe that the honorable Dr. martin Luther King Jr. meant for onbly white people to stop being prejudice or ALL people.

Anyone in our society can say what they want, they just have to understand that there are also consequences to what you say. Anyone can belong to nay church they want, but what that church stands for better be what you believe. The pastor is the leader of this congregation and this congregation is supportive of what he says. If they are not then members should be pushing for a pastorial change which they did not.

A 'church' that promotes hate and racism. A member of that congregation running America? Lets move ahead not backwards!

Lets all kiss and make up! "IN YOUR DREAMS" OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was totally shocked and blown away by what Obama's church is preaching. To watch those videos taken inside and of their sermons, to see the church members clapping and cheering, well ... it's just shocking - totally shocking!

...please be more informed, for your own good....
don't blog if you don't know what is happening...try abc news; cnn; c-span; maybe even the newspaper there is a novel idea..., read?

Obama was raised by and from his American white mother but was not spared from racism. He joined a church whose pastor has racial views which are now in controversey. Despite the aforementioned experiences his campaign has still sought to be inclusive of all Americans. How many of us having being exposede to these forces would do the same?

After enumerating the burdens of Blacks in America, Martin Luther King would plead God help America. Obama? He appears to just want to ignor the issues because addressing them in a substantive way might jeopardize realizng his personal ambitions. Ignoring difficult issues that strike close to home is not a quality of leadership but a trait of the crass politician.