Could it be?
Is the mainstream media finally becoming interested in placing Wright's controversial sermons, and by extension, Trinity United Church of Christ, into some sort of fair context?
I was very pleasantly surprised to read this article"Obama Found a Home in his Church" published today by the AP, that finally attempts a balanced assessment of why Barack "stayed in that church for 20 years". This is a question that was asked of Barack yesterday in his interview with Chris Matthews. I winced when I heard it because it occurred to me that he's answered it so many times already, but until the media begins the process of putting Trinity into context, his answer would never make any sense. I am very encouraged by this AP article, and I hope other outlets will follow suit.
Some excerpts below the fold
As Barack said in "A More Perfect Union", if all he knew of Reverend Wright and Trinity was what most Americans knew of them, he would also be shocked by the idea that Barack Obama belonged to that church. But those controversial clips are not wholly representative of either Wright or the church and that's the angle that has been missing from the obsessive coverage of the cable news shows.
From the AP:
"Hope is what saves us," Wright said.
That message moved Obama to embrace Trinity United Church of Christ, along with its philosophy of translating faith into action. But it's a side of Wright that has been overshadowed by his inflammatory remarks about everything from race relations to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
The article goes on to talk about how a young Obama joined Trinity after being skeptical of religion for a long time, on the recommendation of friends. He found a home in a church that was a pillar of the community, that encouraged activism and grassroots organizing, and one that shaped some of the values that now define his incredibly successful campaign.
The church offers a long list of services — housing and employment programs, scholarships, a ministry to people with HIV/AIDS — that mesh well with Obama's political philosophy.
"It's his deep faith in God and his desire to be an agent of change in the world. That's kind of the Trinity mantra," said the Rev. Michael Pfleger, a priest at a South Side Roman Catholic church.
This is the central idea of the article: that if you look closer, being a member of Trinity isn't incongruous with Barack's expressed values.
As Jerry Kellman, Barack's long-time friend and former boss explains:
"When Barack joined the church, he wasn't giving his allegiance to Wright. He was joining a community,"
There is also the testimony of Jane Fissler-Hoffman who is a white minister at Trinity:
People familiar with Trinity compare its emphasis on African culture to the way some Catholic churches play up Irish or Italian roots. And they emphatically reject the accusations in widely circulated e-mails that the church is separatist or turns away white members.
"That's such a bunch of hooey," said Hoffman, who is white.
She tells the story of a group of young Germans visiting the church. Wright met with them before the service and prayed with them in German, she said. Later, he delivered part of his sermon in German and the choir sang in German.
"To me, it's a testimony that this is not a church that rejects people of other cultures and races," she said.
The whole article is well-worth a read. It's a very nuanced, thoughtful look at Trinity; probably the most comprehensive article on the topic that I have seen in the mainstream media. I really hope to see more of it and I am glad the AP (which is such a far-reaching news outlet) is the one to do it.
Also, as an aside. In case some of you missed Barack's really great interview with Chris Matthews. The whole thing is on Youtube:
UPDATE: Via Amazed, this really great article comparing Jeremiah Wright who served honorably as a US Marine, to...Dick Cheney who got five deferments! And they both happened in the same time-period. A very interesting angle: http://www.chicagotribune.com/...
And here's an excerpt:
While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President Dick Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections.
Who is the real patriot? The young man who interrupted his studies to serve his country for six years or our three political leaders who beat the system? Are the patriots the people who actually sacrifice something or those who merely talk about their love of the country?
Do you want everyone to know that Wright is more patriotic than Dick Cheney? Then Digg this article!