Obama and Wright's Background
Senator Barack Obama has skated through the campaign season largely unscathed and has been able to deflect most major criticisms with his strong speaking ability and quick wit.
Despite a solid stretch of controlling the media favorably, the Democratic presidential hopeful from Illinois has recently been bombarded by criticism because of a series comments made by his close friend and mentor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright who is the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Obama has been a self-proclaimed committed member of the church for nearly two decades and many times has praised Wright's character and emphasized the preacher's influence on his life. Barack even went so far as to name his 2006 book The Audacity of Hope after one of Wright's sermons.
Obama has been a self-proclaimed active and committed member of the church for nearly two decades and many times has praised Wright's character and emphasized the preacher's influence on his life. Wright's relationship with Obama is not only lengthy but also runs deep. The Chicago native pastor is said to have been the guiding force that led Obama to become a practicing Christian. He also married Barack and Michelle Obama and later baptised their daughters.
My Take on the Controversy
One of the most consistent criticisms of Barack's relationship with the pastor comes from Wright's support and praise of Louis Farrakhan, the racist leader of the Nation of Islam (and yes, Farrakhan is the textbook definition of a racist.)
Wright told Trumpet Newsmagazine in an interview that Farrakhan "truly epitomized greatness" and later is quoted in the article as describing Farrakhan as "one of the 20th and 21st century giants of the African American religious experience."
This is high praise for a man who called Judaism a "gutter religion" and has also said, "... they call me 'Hitler'. Well that's a good name. Hitler was a very great man. He wasn't great for me as a Black man but he was a great German and he rose Germany up from the ashes of her defeat."
For Wright and TUCC as a whole to support a man like Louis Farrakhan when they gave him a "Lifetime Achievement Award" speaks volumes about their mindset and raises troubling questions about their faith, and possibly of Barack Obama's faith as well.
While Obama sharply rejected and denounced Farrakhan's endorsement, it is hard to believe that he would stand by a leader such as Wright, who clearly established a position siding with Farrakhan, if he truly were offended by the leader's career of spreading hatred.
If I found out that my pastor was an ardent supporter of David Duke or any other leader that spreads hatred, he wouldn't be my pastor anymore nor would I consider him to be respectable on any level.
Another source of controversy came when the Reverend made comments effectively stating that U.S. policies of the past made America deserving of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
"We bombed Hiroshima and we bombed Nagasaki and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye," said Wright a short five days after the attacks of 9/11. "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is brought back right into our own front yards," he said.
Wright told Trumpet Newsmagazine in an interview that Farrakhan "truly epitomized greatness" and later is quoted in the article as describing Farrakhan as "one of the 20th and 21st century giants of the African American religious experience."Rev. Wright said in another sermon that voters would embrace Obama over Senator Hillary Clinton because Obama knew what it means to be a black man living in a society "controlled by rich white people. Hillary ain't never been called a n**ger! Hillary ain't had to work twice as hard just to get accepted by the rich white folk who run everything."
Wright's statements consistently are nothing short of ridiculous and should be attacked fiercely by Sen. Obama if he does not agree with them.
While nobody agrees with everything a leader they choose to follow says, it seems improbable that Obama does not at the very least understand and empathize with many of Wright's controversial statements.But even beyond Obama's pastor, anyone who takes the time to read the doctrinces and missions of his church as a whole should be disturbed.
Their so called "Black Value System" preached by the church has proven to be a major source of controversy and the first time the media criticized Obama's church on a wide scale.
While the Black Value System TUCC accpets includes such items as commitment to God, education, and self-discipline, it later goes on to refer to “our racist competitive society” and includes the disapproval of the pursuit of “middle-classness.” It defines “middle-classness” as a way for American society to “snare” blacks rather than “killing them off directly” or “placing them in concentration camps,” just as the country structures “an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.” Most controversial is the pledge to elect “all black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System.”
Outside of their value system, Trinity United Church of Christ states that their beliefs are the following:
We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian... Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land," the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.
While there is nothing wrong with pride in culture and heritage, TUCC goes a step too far and removes the inclusivity in which Christians supposedly believe. Every church I have personally been around has taught that race is not an issue and that Christianity is inherantly inclusive.
The fact of the matter is, TUCC goes against the most basic of Christian beliefs by excluding large masses of people from their mission. Beyond that, they seem to go against the larger organization they are a part of, the United Church of Christ. The motto for the United Church of Christ comes from John 17:21 and says, "That they may all be one." Clearly, TUCC's mission is exclusive in nature and does not unite the Chicago area as the church should intend to do.
If Sen. John McCain's church claimed to be a "congregation which is Unashamedly White and Unapologetically Christian with a commitment to remain true to the mother land," how would black Americans and the media receive McCain. What if Sen. Clinton's church preached of a movement that would place "all white leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System?"
Obviously, they would not be received in the same manner that Obama was for months. If it were a white church making such provocative statements, they would be considered despicable racists.
By no means am I saying Obama believes every extreme statement made by Wright or even those of his church; I've never met the senator and have no way of telling first hand. It just seems strange that he would stay involved with a church and remain friends with a man who has made so many outrageous statements if he does not agree with the words on some level.
It is not unfair in any way to question whether or not Sen. Obama agrees with Wright's statements. He chose to associate himself with the Reverend and is now facing the consequences. Only time can tell whether Obama follows the same way of thinking of his pastor. I sincerely hope the senator proves to be lacking in judgement and not racist or separatist. It would be a major letdown to the many voters who are involved in the political process for the first time because of Obama.
Barack Obama's Response
Full-text and video of Sen. Obama's March 18 speech about race in America can be found in this Huffington Post article.
The opinions expressed in this article reflect only the sentiments of the author and do not represent the Tennessee Journalist as a whole.
Comments
jhm commented, on March 18, 2008 at 9:56 p.m.:
I look forward to your assessment of John McCain's welcoming of his endorsement by John Hagee, the preacher who has called the Catholic Church "The Great Whore," and said that Katrina was God's punishment of sinners in New Orleans. Or the endorsement by Rod Parsley, a spiritual advisor for McCain, who thinks that the United States was founded in part to destroy Islam.
If you've read or watched the speech (thanks for the link) I think you'll get some answers to your questions about whether Obama agrees with some of those statements and why. I'd like to see as thoughtful a response from the other two candidates to statements by their controversial supporters.
Politics Editor commented, on March 18, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.:
JHM,
An article about Sen. McCain's questionable supporters and sometimes controversial past is coming in the near future. Also, expect a similar story about Sen. Clinton.
The only reason this came first is because he addressed the issue head on today (which did help his case) and I feel that his relationship is closer and more questionable with Wright than is the case with McCain or Clinton's supporters. I watched the entirity of Obama's speech today and later read the transcript but still think that only time will prove his true intentions.
Thanks for the feedback and check back in the next couple of weeks for the articles.
Austin Baird
KYJurisDoctor commented, on March 18, 2008 at 10:55 p.m.:
"Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely - just as I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. ...
In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper."
That says it ALL, folks.
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/03/h...
Tony commented, on March 18, 2008 at 10:56 p.m.:
Obama is a con artist. This "church" he has attended for 20 years is nothing less than a black version of the kkk.
Any other politician wouldn't be able to get away with this association, and neither should he.
Geminate commented, on March 18, 2008 at 11:15 p.m.:
I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.
Sally Evans commented, on March 18, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.:
Barack Obama gave a very good speech....He had to gingerly slip around all of the ignorance and prejudice of this country. More than 2000 years ago, it was St.Paul who said, "THERE IS NONE GOOD, NO NOT ONE; EVERYONE HAS TURNED TO HIS OWN WAY" And don't forget our beautiful Jesus who said, "LET HE WHO HAS NOT SINNED CAST THE FIRST STONE" Because of Obama's unique background it is certain that he will become a unifying force in our country and indeed the world. This is mighty encouraging after the excessive lying and evil that has brought so much unhappiness to the majority of our country and the world.
Mike F. commented, on March 19, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.:
I am a new yorker. In this piece, a picture of the twin towers of light is used to score a cheap political point. Please refrain from abusing my city's tragedy for such facile political shots. Keep in mind, also, that nyc is a bastion not only of democrats but also of Obama supporters, and your ilk are generally not welcome there.
Politics Editor commented, on March 19, 2008 at 11:37 a.m.:
Mike,
It is not a cheap political shot, it is nothing more or less than a fact. Is it not true that Rev. Wright cast the blame of 9/11 towards the American people a short five days after the attacks? How do you insult me for using a picture yet look past the fact that Obama's greatest mentor made statements blaming America for the attacks that changed the course of history instead of the terrorists without batting an eye?
Please refrain from making statements with absolutely no factual backing. As I said in the article, I hope that Obama proves to not be a racist. It would be sorely disappointing to the many Americans that are interested in politics for the first time because of him. Every candidate left in this race has major questions to answer if they want to lead the country, this is just one of those questions. Instead of getting caught up in the senator's words and the emotion of his speeches, look at the facts of the situation.
Time, and only time, will tell what his values truly are. He doesn't have the extensive voting record or time in the public eye of McCain, Clinton or many of the other candidates that have dropped out of the race so there's no real way to measure if his words are empty or sincere.
Austin Baird
Comebackkid commented, on March 19, 2008 at 11:43 a.m.:
The comments in no way reflect the character and integrity that has been displayed by Sen Obama. My own pastor, has made comments before that I disagree with but I didn't leave my church because of it. If this be the case, no person would ever stay at one church, but would be running all over the place. This just shows the desperation of the republican party to try and discredit Sen Obama; they can't find anything wrong with him so they fabricate and play dirty politics trying to involve him with statements and problems of people whom he is acquainted. I have friends & associates as we all do that are not lilly white and perfect, as you seem to think everyone must be; but their views and opinions do not have an impact on me. If this were the case, we all would be living in a bubble. Is this the best republicans and others can do to try and discredit this man????
McCain and Clinton all have questionable associates, so let me read about them.
trb commented, on March 19, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.:
ComebackKid...I wouldn't leave a church if my pastor said something small I disagreed with but Wright has crossed the line numerous times. Wright is a racist and Obama should have cut ties with him and TUCC years ago. Its not desperation from Republicans its just reality and its worth talking about. NO candidate ever was perfect and nobody is magically going to fix america this time...get that through your head.
The key part of this story is what if it were McCain or Clinton's church? Really, do you think CNN would be standing by and sticking up for them? NO!! McCain and Clinton stories will come in time but this was happening yesterday so thats why everyone is talking about it.
sks1956 commented, on March 19, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.:
The media and the republicans are succeeding in what they set out to do ... defaming the potential democratic candidate for the 2008 election. Destroying the most viable candidate will assure the presidency for McCain, it's as simple as that. I sincerely hope all Americans who are smart enough to think for themselves and who are sick of the Republican Regime that is destroying this country will state focused on the facts, ignore the media hype, and help nominate the best democratic candidate. We need change ... not "McSame". !!!!
KYJurisDoctor commented, on March 19, 2008 at 12:33 p.m.:
Mr. Baird, your piece is well written and persuasive. But I must disagree with you.
If we have to believe EVERYTHING our Pastor says or leave the congregation, we'll all have to form our own churches!
As Obama said:
... I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. ...
I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.
What we ALL need is what Obama also said:
In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper.
God bless.
Jess commented, on March 20, 2008 at 1:58 a.m.:
I have lived in nine different cities over the years and because of this I have attended many different churches. The churches have been different denominations. I have never expected to agree with any individual on everything, not even my husband. My current church and pastor, in fact, I occasionally find myself in disagreement with. In the core of my soul, however, my conscience has a set of paramaters and I will not operate outside of them. For instance, if any of my many pastors said even once that Hitler was a great man I would be out the door because my conscience would demand it of me. The difference between Obama and me seems to be that I believe that all hatred and racism is wrong. Even Obama's wife, Michelle, last month stated that "for the first time she was proud of her country." Which mirrors the hate America speech that is taught by their pastor of 20 years. It is a shame that such an eloquent speaker took the opportunity of his speech to refer to Rev. Wright as just like family but painted his grandmother (not Wright) as a racist. His speech listed past wrongs but did nothing to speak to the future or of how to heal the racial divide.
I remember when Trent Lott was run out of his Senate Majority Leader position for merely stating "If the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years either." at Strom Thurman's birthday party. Whatever Mr. Lott's intention by this statement at the old man's party pales in comparison to "g___d__" America" and accusing America of inventing HIV. What if Mr. Lott had said Joe Lieberman practiced a gutter religion? Or would that be okay because its politically correct to say anything that you want about the Jewish?
Obama supporters excuse his policies, his associations and poor judgement at any cost but if he is the democratic nominee this tape of Jeremiah Wright will play over and over in the general electorate's subconscious (and probably in the 24/7 news cycle.) John McCain is not the conservative's favorite pick but when he stands next to Obama he is starting to shine and he hasn't even started to campaign.
VL commented, on March 20, 2008 at 5:14 p.m.:
The question for me is why didn't he quit the church? It is not like inheriting a relative that you are born with....this is a choice he consciously made...and contributed to...over 20 years. He is likely no more racist than anyone else...but I do think it calls into question his priorities and his judgment (the same judgment which he touts so frequently vis a vis his early opposition to the war).
Sam commented, on March 20, 2008 at 11:26 p.m.:
Oh Mike F., I thought that the democrat's were "open minded." I thought that liberal's welcomed all view points - I guess not. By the way, what is the 'ilk' that isn't welcome? Are southerners welcome in NYC? What about people from Tennessee? Or were you just excluding journalists or maybe just TNJN journalists? Or is there a more widespread ban on Republicans in the state? Or has the state legislature passed a law saying that if you are pro life you'd better not go through either? And by the way Mike, on whose authority are you rebuking all those who may disagree with you from the fine 'democratic bastion' of NYC. Anyone who ever thought conservatives were closed minded let me introduce you to Mike F.
Comebackkid commented, on March 21, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.:
Jess...what you don't understand is the "hate" was taught over 200+ years ago when the caucasian race decided they were superior to everyone on God's great earth; murdered and mutilated innocent men, women & children because of greed and hatred. This "racism" was not initiated by Rev Wright, but he obviously knows the pain of it, as most african americans do and always will......
I am not trying to start a racism debate, but caucasian people will never understand the meaning of the word "racism".
TRB.....You are right,no candidate is perfect; no person
on this earth is perfect, not even you....but I still say this is a "desperation move" from the powers that be. I believe in focusing on the "CANDIDATES ISSUES" in moving this country forward and not this BS political rhetoric they are trying to use. I could care less about what his pastor said because he IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.
I am quite sure you have associates or friends who have made racially charged remarks...now what did you do with them? You have probably made them yourself. Did you stop all association with them? I don't think so....Now get that through your head.......
Comebackkid commented, on March 21, 2008 at 1:40 p.m.:
Oh by the way, if you find any racial remarks actually made by Senator Obama,and not another person he is acquainted with, please post it on this site.
Until then, focus on the issues of the candidates and not the silly, adolescent schemes which has nothing to do with becoming president of the US.
Yeah, I know the response may be, "this is what everyone is talking about". My point exactly, because it is not worth talking about. I want to know the candidates positions on stopping this Bush initiated war that is causing so many deaths of our sons and daughters. This is a REAL ISSUE, not racial remarks.
trb commented, on March 22, 2008 at 11:24 a.m.:
This is a REAL ISSUE, get over yourself. Would you say "It's no big deal, let's just move on and forget about it" if McCain's pastor blamed America's problems on the blacks and hispanics? Or what if Clinton's pastor and close mentor said that the attacks of 9/11 were the fault of Americans? Oh, I forgot, Obama is black so that makes it completely different and apparently not worth talking about.
And there's eight months until the general elections....the questions of war, healthcare, abortion, social security, etc. will all be answered.
volunteer commented, on March 23, 2008 at 6:57 a.m.:
Many of the comments above seem to make excuses for Obama and his minister.
These are the same types that would condemm a white politician who was so close to a minister who spewed such hatred
The types that encourage separatism
Jess commented, on March 24, 2008 at 12:06 a.m.:
Hate doesn't have to be taught it has been with us since the beginning. The Christ that Rev. Wright/Obama claims to believe in does not preach hate. So explain to me comebackkid why are you making excuses for hate? Do you think that Hitler was a great man like Rev. Wright does? Wright spews hatred against the Jews and they as a race were not responsible for slavery. It seems to me that Wright/Obama have a lot of grudges against a lot of other people. You say that "caucasian people will never understand the meaning of the word "racism"". Racism is hatred pure and simple and you can excuse it if you want to indulge yourself in it and wallow in it. If you want to step out of the hate speech and see that you, your parents or grand parents were never slaves and me, my parents or grandparents were never slave owners we have no reason hate each other.
It is my guess that you are also educated, work hard and love your family. We have that in common. You have no reason to hate me because you do not know me. You say that you aren't trying to start a racism debate but come on, what else is there at Rev. Wright's church? Hate is wrong in any form we find it.
Comebackkid commented, on March 24, 2008 at 1:27 p.m.:
trb and Jess....NO, THIS REV WRIGHT FOOLISHNESS IS "NOT" A REAL ISSUE, AND I STILL CONTEND THAT IT IS NOT....it would not make a difference to me what McCain's pastor said because my point is, this is all political rhetoric and mudslinging...NO MORE, NO LESS. But since you brought it up, if McCain's pastor is blaming African Americans and Hispanics for America's problems with racial hatred, we all would know that he is certainly mentally challenged, being that we know who caused this problem.....
I AM NOT MAKING EXCUSES, YOU ALL CAN'T SEEM TO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEADS, THERE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO MAKE.
DEAL WITH THE "REAL" AND I STATE AGAIN "REAL" ISSUES OF THIS CAMPAIGN. You all are stressing over what a person who has NOTHING to do with being President has said, but I haven't seen any of your comments on this UNJUST IRAQ WAR AND THE DEATHS OF SO MANY PEOPLE, BILLIONS SPENT EACH MONTH ON THIS BUSH FIASCO, H0MELESS PEOPLE, PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES AT RECORD NUMBERS, OSAMA BIN LADEN (WHERE THE HELL IS HE????) Crime, No Health Care, I could go on and on with the "REAL" issues. But you choose to waste time whining over statements. You all need to get over yourselves.....
Jess commented, on March 25, 2008 at 9:57 a.m.:
First, it surprises me that you don't think racism is a real issue.
Obama, unlike you, is running for president and he does need to answer the question of whether he thinks Hitler was a great man. If he agrees with the statement "g__d America" then people need to know, but he wouldn't likely be elected to lead that country. He need to address each offensive statement and accept or reject it. This time he needs to leave his grandmother out of the debate.
You say we are whining but it is your candidate that says "words matter." If McCain's or Clinton's pastor/friend of 20 years stated that they thought that the Ku Klux Klan was a great organization and they would not come out and reject that thought, rebuke them and cut all ties with them it is my guess that you would be "whining over statements" too. But I wouldn't tell you to get over yourself. I would condemn them in the same way I am calling for Obama to do. When Geraldine Ferraro stated that the only reason that people were voting for Obama was because of his race Clinton was quick out of the gate to reject the statement and apologize for it even though she had not said it. Ferraro was gone after that. (Clinton is the last person on earth I would vote for so I find it ironic that I am defending her.) Racism is hatred and I do not want any racist in the White House.
The reason that people are talking about Wright's comments is because the title of the article we are reading is "Racially Charged Comments Plague Obama's Campaign." If you want the news cycle to go to other issues (and I believe we all do) then maybe your candidate should stay off the radio and refrain from calling his grandmother a "typical white woman". That would be helpful. Let McCain call Maxine Waters a "typical black woman" and then we would see if race was a real issue?
Comebackkid commented, on March 25, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.:
You still don't get it do you???? Obama HAS NOT made any racial statements and never said that he condoned Hitler. He did come out and say that he does not disagree w/Rev Wright's statements. Now, what else do you want him to do? None of us can be condemned for our friends or associates verbage or we all would be alone. You say to distance himself; why should he? I have friends who have made racial statements, as you most certainly have also, but I am not going to stop being their friend. That being the case he would be a hypocrite as you seem to be. Furthermore, that is HIS GRANDMOTHER, NOT YOURS, so he has the right to speak about her. He was honestly describing her as he knew her to be..she was a "typical white woman"...what he said was she would be afraid for a black man to approach her and also that he had heard her make racial statements. She sounds like a typical white woman to me, because I know of a few that have these same sentiments; probably even you. At least he is not being hypocrital like so many other politicians. He is being forthright and straightforward about the racial issue. Have you not been listening to the major news streams, and listening to the comments of the so called political experts? Their comments are that Obama is the "ONLY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN HISTORY TO REALLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. Do you know why? Because he is the ONLY one who has experienced it? And by the way, HE SHOULD NOT "STAY OFF THE RADIO", as you put it; this foolishness started when someone could not find a blemish on him and could not do any better than to dig and find comments made by a Pastor. So he definitely has the right to rebutt this nonsense, as anyone would defend themselves. I still have not seen your comments on the REAL ISSUES; it is obvious you don't have any, or might it be you just want to create controversy like the rest of the idiots to slam this decent man, because of maybe his race????????
Now, I am finished with this because you seem to be a fool.....
Jess commented, on March 25, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.:
He brushed past the statements and generalized. He said that he did not agree with all of Rev. Wright's statements. He said that he did not hear the statements. Then he said he was there for some of them. He said he could no more disown him than he could disown his grandmother. Fine, I don't want him to. Let him have Rev. Wright over for dinner and they can discuss politics until dawn but that doesn't mean that he is fit to be president of all the people. And as for his dear old granny he can say anything he likes but the fact that he would be willing to throw her under the bus the way he did in front of the world shows me that he is not the "decent man" you want to believe he is. You infer that I am a racist but you still have not denounced Hitler. I did not say that Obama said these things or that he agrees with them. I'll say it again real slow: HE SHOULD LIST ALL THE OFFENSIVE STATEMENTS INDIVIDUALLY AND SPECIFICALLY AND EITHER AGREE WITH THEM OR DENOUNCE THEM. You're right about one thing though. He should get out and talk because the more he talks the more shallow he looks and the more poor judgment he shows. Blind loyalty makes you the fool.