I like Reverend Wright! Don't you? w/poll

I do, I think the guy is hilarious.  I watched his speeches yesterday and I thought he was incredibly funny and entertaining, nothing controversial at all.

I don't know why everyone is freaking out about these speeches, but I suspect a number of these diaries are concern trolls trying to divide us or disillusion us.  Maybe it's even the Clinton strikers coming back as trolls.

But, I totally don't understand why anybody is offended by him or his very recent speeches.  I'm not offended at all by him.  In my opinion, with these speeches, Rev. Wright did exactly what he had Every right to do a month ago but didn't out of respect for Senator Obama.

More conspiracy theories below and detailed analysis of what makes Rev. Wright a total asset.

When Fox news started airing out of context clips of just a few soundbites from just a few of Rev. Wright's numerous sermons, they were trying to Swiftboat Obama, but not directly, by proxy, through Rev. Wright.  Obama ultimately deflected the attacks because guilt-by-association is retarded, everyone knows that.  And, he gave that race speech also, which was historic and, well, sort of changed my life, I don't know about you.

The real loser and victim in that situation was Rev. Wright and the members of his church and the Millions of other Americans who have very similar worship styles to Rev. Wright.

When Fox was in full swing with those soundbites I considered it all blatant racism.  Yeah, I didn't like that they were using a guilt-by-association attack on Obama, but even more than that I Hated the fact that here was this conventional news organization attempting to denigrate a huge section of our population, black people who go to churches like this Across the country.  

Everyone knows black preachers have their own certain style, that black churches have their own style just like Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian churches have their own styles of worship.  And, they all have a right to worship in whatever style they wish to, we all do, that's supposed to be one of the great things about this country.

Religious freedom is something we should all stand up for.  Rev. Wright has done a Lot of good in his life and I consider him a fellow christian, absolutely.  

In my opinion, what is un-American is attacking other people's religious beliefs and style of worship.

So, in short, Rev. Wright was sticking up for himself and all the other Americans that must've felt alienated by the gop attack on Black Churches and Black Preachers across the nation.  I say, good for him, and Thank you Rev. Wright for having the courage to come out and to stick up for yourself and everyone else that the GOP was trying to marginalize.

•  I like him.

  I'd also like him to get lost.

  These things are not mutually exclusive.

  by Fozzie Bear on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:28:43 AM PDT

  •  If we can tolerate the New York Times..

    then surely the republic is not threatened by Rev. Wright.

    by Barry Leonardini on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:30:56 AM PDT

  •  amen

    she said, with a sigh

    ...actually tho, it's the hand-wringing media I'd like to lose. It is the media (and teh'clinton) that has made Jeremiah Wright an "albatross".

    100%

    I for one, would love to see nearly so much scrutiny paid by the media to Hillary Clinton's religious affiliation with "The Fellowship" as there has been to Barack Obama's religious affiliation with Jeremiah Wright.

    http://www.motherjones.com/...

    by Sybil Liberty on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:35:38 AM PDT

  •  I think it's worth noting...

    that the person that organized that National Press Club event with the good Reverend Wright is an avid Clinton supporter.  Story here:
    http://www.nydailynews.com/...
    I made a comment yesterday in another diary about the possibility that Reverend Wright may be working with the Clintons.  Read the piece and you tell me.  

    by birds and bees on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:45:56 AM PDT

    •  interesting, huh?

      I read that this morning.

      Or he may just be a pawn for teh'clinton. (Wright)

      ...goddesses know, it wouldn't be the first time.

      by Sybil Liberty on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:52:05 AM PDT

  •  Rev. Wright is becoming the class clown, the

    schoolroom class jerk who will do anything to be the center of attention, the guy who puts a frog in the teacher's desk, etc.

    Wright is sick with envy and jealousy of Obama's celebrity.

    by BonzoDogBand on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:03:00 AM PDT

•  He's accurate on more than a few postions.

  I'd rather have a one man rant than all the secretive lobbyists that operate in the U.S. today.

  by Barry Leonardini on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:29:26 AM PDT

•  tip jar

  by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:29:31 AM PDT

  •  I'm with you erin. He's a coolass dude.

    Anyone who has a problem with Reverend Jeremiah Wright has a problem with black people. Period. They can't look at his humanity and find any fault.  He's a warm, compassionate, intelligent, truthful, funny and in all ways admirable human being.  He has done absolutely nothing wrong and I defy anyone to prove that he has.

    And he served six years in the Marines.  How many years did Cheney serve?

    by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:00:56 AM PDT

•  I think Rev. Wright is a dick

  Jerry "Dick" Wright.

  by karpaty lviv on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:29:40 AM PDT

  •  but why?

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:31:34 AM PDT

    •  'cause he likes to jerk people around

      for his own sick pleasure. And then cream them. Pardon my language.

      by karpaty lviv on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:32:46 AM PDT

      •  Well, when he was born our goverment

        said he wasn't a human. I guess our government was right (snark).

        by Fools on the Hill on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:37:20 AM PDT

•  I sort of liked him before

  Monday, now I think he's a self absorbed prick. He has to know he might be sigularly responsable for stopping the first african american president from being elected. what a legacy! He should have shut the fuck up until November at which point he could have gone around explaining himsef all he wanted.

  by nevadadem on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:30:29 AM PDT

  •  no, this won't affect Obama negatively at All

    in my opinion

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:32:37 AM PDT

    •  I am sorry but you are

      being nieve. This is a problem that has to be addressed. It is not the end of the world, but you don't leave these things to fester, you have to act.

      by Something the Dog Said on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:36:02 AM PDT

      •  I'm not being Naive, I'm being rational

        and wuite frankly, I'm bored of these "WRIGHT WILL KILL US ALL" concern troll diaries, I just wanted to put a voice of objective reason out there for anyone else who shares my views.

        There is no problem, black people have a right to worship in their own style!  I feel very Very strongly about this.

        by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:42:54 AM PDT

        •  You miss the point

          Wright claims that the dust-up over his remarks is in fact an attack on the black church.  He's wrong.  The whole issue is about trying to prevent Obama from reaching the White House.  Nobody is trying to tell black folks how to worship; at least, nobody who isn't already up to some other even more egregious behaviour.

          by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:53:49 AM PDT

          •  Why do you hate black people? Tell the truth.

            How does Jeremiah Wright prevent Barack Obama from becoming president?  Is it because he's black?  Because there couldn't be any other reason.  He's a fine human being. In fact he's even an exemplary human being.  The fact that the media has portrayed him otherwise notwithstanding, what do YOU personally find so objectionable about him that would make the mere association with him make one ineligible for high office?

            by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:08:10 AM PDT

            •  That's a pretty serious accusation.

              You want to back that up with some proof?

              by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:28:46 PM PDT

  •  Same here.

    I defended him rabidly before that ,even before the race speech BO gave.
    I have visited TUCC and I have heard Wright in context and I didn't like the press conference not all of it but some of the provocateur answers he gave y'day one bit.

    by soms on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:33:55 AM PDT

•  good poll!

  I'd definitely put this diary in the top 10% of Reverend Wright-related diaries that I've seen on this site.  Of course I've only read a hundred or so, which is a pretty small subset of the total number posted in the past few days....  Anyway, I like what you've written here.

  by Duncan Idaho on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:31:43 AM PDT

  •  thank you!

    the last option on the poll got cut off, it was supposed to read:

    No, I'm closed minded and regularly put down all styles of worship that are different from mine. Everyone knows only (your religion here) are going to heaven! Not only do I look forward to my riches in heaven but I also look forward with glee to watching everyone else burn in hell!

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:37:46 AM PDT

  •  I didn't vote in the poll

    I don't like binary polls with the answers at the total extremes.

    You could have at least included Pie.

    by Pangloss on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:42:22 AM PDT

    •  I would have but I knew that a lot of concern

      trolls might want to skew the polls

      I'm sorry, usually I feel the same way about polls, they have to cover all options, but the inspiration of the diary was all the concern trolls I've come across in the past few days and I didn't want to give them an easy out.

      In my opinion, there are really only two basic options, either you like Wright or respect him and his specific style of worship at least, or you think he's crazy and not a christian, a fanatic.

      by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:45:46 AM PDT

      •  OK, like and respect it is....

        with deep reservations.

        by Pangloss on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:51:41 AM PDT

      •  There are not only two options

        There are those of us who genuinely like Dr. Wright and what he has to say - but we are also realists who can see how his press tour is harming Obama among everyday (particularly low information) voters.  This is a reality; it DOES NOT mean that Dr. Wright is evil.  The world is painted in grays, and unfortunately, this issue is mired in such.  

        by canag on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:53:16 AM PDT

      •  Again, I must diagree.

        I don't have any opinion on his style of worship.  It's a non-issue with me.  I just think he's kind of a jerk.  It's got nothing to do with his beliefs.  It's his personality.

        by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:55:55 AM PDT

      •  Now we're talkin.

        Option a: respect.. as in 'let sleeping dogs lie'.

        Option b: fanatic.. as in 'religious obsession  

        Rev WRight seems to be a "b" type person to me.

        by AuntieM on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 03:33:47 PM PDT

    •  I didn't mean "good" in a statistical sense

      but in a humorous way--I thought the poll was clever and funny--obviously there's a wide and non-binary range of opinions among the thousands of kossacks who apparently think Wright is among the most important topics for diaries and comments.

      by Duncan Idaho on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:46:51 AM PDT

      •  I know, I know, I should've put more options

        but I was feeling kind of paranoid and didn't want to give concern trolls an out!

        by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:54:58 AM PDT

    •  I didn't vote in the poll II.

      Republican troll poll. Answer Yes/No

      1. Have you stopped beating your wife?

      2. Are you still beating your wife?  

      3. Are you going to stop beating your wife?

      4. Are you married?

      5. If #4 is no then, have you stopped beating

               your neighbors wife?

      Correct answer to all: Call my lawyer.

      My long winded way of saying there is no correct choice IMO.

      by AuntieM on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 03:12:21 PM PDT

•  And I'm glad you do.

  As an HRC supporter, I encourage you to embrace him, and promote him as the "real" voice of Obama, and, if possible, get Obama to say he stands behind him 100%.
  Unfortunately for ya', Axelrod is revving up the bus now, and Obama will be throwing Rev. Wright under it real real soon.

  by Barry in MIA on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:31:56 AM PDT

  •  I don't speak for Obama and neither does Wright

    unlike your candidate, there are no pollsters and handlers deciding what the core of Obama's message is, it's Obama himself, that's why you can't touch him!

    He floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee!

    Or you can call him the teflon candidate if you'd like.

    Just know he's rubber and you're glue . . . you know the rest!

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:35:04 AM PDT

    •  You're right - imagine my stupidity!

      Saying Obama would throw Wright under bus !!!!
      What a silly thing that was for me to say this morning!

      by Barry in MIA on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:24:23 PM PDT

•  The problem isn't that Dr. Wright isn't "right"

  it's that, for better or worse, he is harming Obama in a presidential election.  With regard to priorities, we will likely forget about Wright years down the line if Obama wins; but if he does not win, Wright will forever be remembered as killing his campaign (rightly or wrongly).

  by canag on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:35:48 AM PDT

  •  Wright isn't hurting Obama

    the MSM is swift-boating Obama.

    Wright is a decent guy that spent 40 years doing God's work.

    by Fools on the Hill on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:39:00 AM PDT

    •  exactly, all I'm saying is, who's going to throw

      the first stone?

      It had better be an atheist!

      by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:40:16 AM PDT

    •  This has nothing to do with Wright being "right"

      as I said before.  It is the reality that he is now fuel for the fire, and he's been filling up the tank for a week now.  Dr. Wright IS a good guy, but he IS also hurting Obama, rightly or wrongly.

      by canag on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:41:19 AM PDT

•  PLEASE STOP talking about him

  it only feeds his ego and bank account and hurts the election
  he does not care about who wins this election
  he's made that clear
  he mocks everyone
  his priority is HIMSELF
  don't encourage him
  focus on the election
  he is trying to steel the attention from Obama and not helping the election

  by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:37:44 AM PDT

  •  but his priority is also his church and the

    people who worship like him.  

    I just wanted to put my 2 cents out there because I wanted to combat all the concern trolls that are going off the deep end trying to make something controversial out of nothing.

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:39:16 AM PDT

    •  you're only giving it more attention

      it's really the same thing
      to keep the topic alive
      it's a harmful DISTRACTION that robs Obama of his message
      please focus on the real issues and the election
      this is from someone who spent the last two days worried about this
      it's what they want
      please move on and put focus on the election

      by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:43:02 AM PDT

  •  this is just bs

    he's been making speeches and giving sermons long before Obama began his run for the presidency.  He didn't just appear out of thin air.  He is a wonderful man, fantastic pastor, and as he said on Nov. 5 and Jan. 31 he'll still be a pastor.

    by juslikagrzly on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:41:02 AM PDT

    •  he feels dissed

      and is answering to all without a care to how it effects the election
      I don't blame him, it's his life's work up for ridicule
      but, by talking about it we are taking attention away from Obama's message to the voters

      by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:45:30 AM PDT

      •  ok, but Millions of other Black Americans were

        ridiculed too.  If it was Lesbians or gays being openly and blatantly attacked and portrayed on MSM as fanatics because of their orientation, that would be unnaceptable, but black styles of worship are fair game?

        Either we're liberals or not, we stand up for all, or none, there's no middle ground.

        by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:51:39 AM PDT

        •  you are 100% right - his method is not helping

          Obama at all. It comes across as only self serving. That does not seem to be the way to go about it for anyone.

          by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:55:10 AM PDT

          •  Reverend Wright is not a member of the Obama

            campaign.  He's a private citizen that was attacked viciously.  Really viciously.  And for one reason, to scare bigoted white people.  You seem to be scared of him.

            I think Wright stepping forward into the light and defending his reputation is admirable.  Clearly you don't.  Is it because he's black?  Tell the truth.

            by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:14:09 AM PDT

        •  Your rhetorical style is divisive.

          You speak in terms of black & white, with no nuance or shades of gray.  That's how Republicans talk.

          by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:59:12 AM PDT

          •  In psychology this is called projection.

            Where's the shades of gray for Reverend Wright?  You've painted him.  Black.  Coal Black.  Black as night.  Black as the Ace of Spades.  And then you cry about divisive rhetoric?

            by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:16:05 AM PDT

            •  Not so.

              I think I referred to him as kind of a jerk.  That's about the extent of my description of him.  Now, if you want to equate "jerk" with "Black.  Coal Black.  Black as night.", then I'm not sure what that says about you, but it can't be good.

              by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:31:01 PM PDT

              •  YOU painted him. And you painted him black.

                Scary black.  The kind of black that bigoted white voters are afraid of.  He doesn't scare me.

                You've painted a sweet and loving human being into a symbol: the Mau Mau.  Anyone can be a jerk, only an angry black man can be the Mau Mau.  The man who stole the election from Barack Obama.  The man so odious, so repulsive that mere association with his Mau Mau ways will negate any good that Obama has in his soul.  Which is true, if you're a bigoted white voter.

                by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 02:14:10 PM PDT

                •  Okay,

                  I don't even know what the hell you're rambling on about now.  Good luck.  Nice tinfoil.    

                  by Slim Chance on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 03:59:50 PM PDT

            •  wow exactly what I was going to say

              but less eloquently!

              the whole reason why Wright is an issue in this campaign is because of the old divisive politics that try to divide us on wedge issues like race and religion, or in this case, race & religion, they must've thought it would be the trump card

              by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 01:59:15 PM PDT

  •  chimaeranyc

    this attack on Dr. Wright is grossly unfair and unwarranted. I can only assume you are a Republican troll, because this comment certainly does Obama more harm than good.

    by carolita on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57:37 AM PDT

•  Of all the things in the primary campaigns

  to take offense at, Rev. Wright isn't on my list.  I think he's engaging, funny and appropriately critical AND patriotic.

  by martydd on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:40:23 AM PDT

  •  me too

    is it hear! hear!  or here! here! :-)

    by juslikagrzly on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:41:42 AM PDT

    •  I second the motion

      by patarico adamasso on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:16:49 AM PDT

•  I like the truth....

  and in some very important ways, Rev. Wright speaks the truth about some extremely controversial issues that need to be aired. On the other hand, he is an agent of propogating b.s. conspiracy theories that do nothing but deflect personal responsibility and widen the chasm of race relations.

  Basically, he is only as likeable as the truth coming from his mouth. At this point, I can't decide if he does more harm than good to black Americans and to the national discussion of race.

  by Dillonfence on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:43:14 AM PDT

  •  he is certainly a voice, and if we allow sections

    of our society to marginalize others (white christians attempting to marginalize black christians in this case) there's no way we're going to have a dialogue that will inspire any change at all.

    We are going to have to hear it all, think about it all, be forced to open our minds

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:48:01 AM PDT

•  Wright has been unfairly caricatured

  Of that, there can be no doubt. I keep trying to figure out what it is I am supposed to be offended about, as opposed to those areas where I simply disagree.

  I do think "God damn America" is offensive (even in context). But I don't find it any more offensive than what people like Hagee, etc. say, and in some ways, less so.

  I find the idea that the Government is behind AIDS to be wrong headed and potentially damaging to fighting AIDS. But there are a lot HIV deniers out there and his church has done good work on this. Putting this into a frame of reference I would say I understand why he says it, but I stronlgy disagree.

  Ironically, the closest I came to being offended was by his essentializing views on race and learning styles. Putting those ideas into practice would in my opinion be destructive of education.

  Maybe my problem is I live in an Academic bubble and I hear all kinds of people saying all kinds of silly things all the time. Maybe my problem is I'm just too far left so the things that offend people with more middle of the road opinions don't offend me.

  Or maybe the media has created a caricature of Wright, demonized him and thus effectively insured that rather than discuss the pros and cons of what he says he is just dismissed.

  There's enough truth in what he says that it deserves to be discussed seriously.

  And that must be why I am a latte sippin', prius drivin, birkenstock wearin', aragula eatin', whole earth shoppin' kind of elitist.

  If I were a regular person I could probably find soemthing to be offended about and I'd be OK with routinely demonizing gays, lesbians and calling for hellfire and brimstone on New Orleans and calling the Catholoic Church the Great Whore.

  by Citizen Rat on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:46:25 AM PDT

•  Only those who disagree...

  ...with me are trolls...all others are saintly Kossaks.

  by pintel on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:49:25 AM PDT

  •  no, I don't really feel that way, but in my

    opinion there has been some kind of weird influx in trolls the past few days

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:52:28 AM PDT

    •  They're replicating...n/t

      by pintel on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:31:09 AM PDT

•  People get so caught up in Obama

  that they forget it is Dr. Wright that has been wronged. He is the one who has had his entire life and career smeared just because Obama chose to sit in the pew at his church. He is the one who honorably served his country, earned 5 graduate degrees, took a struggling urban church and turned it into a model of service to its community. Wright has seen his work denigrated, his views distorted and his life threatened.

  Dr. Wright has every right to defend himself. The fact that he does so with dignity and humor while trying to insulate Obama as best he can deserves respect, not opprobrium from progressives. I think his "throwing Obama under the bus" was really a way of trying to help Obama by putting some space between them.

  But I am very glad Dr. Wright is speaking out. If he just rolled over and played dead it would send the message that the behavior of the rightwingers is OK. It isn't. It is amazing that the "liberals" and "progressives" who think he should just slink quietly away and let his entire ministry be destroyed are some of the same people who wanted Kerry to fight back, who want Obama to fight back. In their rush to promote and protect Obama, they can find nothing but antipathy for the man he claims as his spiritual mentor.

  The difference, to me, is that Kerry and Obama and other politicians chose to get into the fray knowing they would likely be smeared unfairly by the wingers. Dr. Wright, on the other hand, did not seek out national exposure. He was dragged into this only because he could be used to hurt Obama, without any regard for the damage it might do to him as well.

  Dr. Wright stands to lose everything he has worked his entire life to build. The progressive community should be standing behind Dr. Wright. If the best we can do to support someone who has, by all accounts, devoted his entire life to creating opportunities for all disadvantaged people is wish he would go away, then we are not much better that those who would destroy him to achieve a political advantage and we don't deserve the name "progressive."

  by carolita on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:53:09 AM PDT

  •  yes! very well written, exactly what I wanted to

    say, thank you!

    by cellopaddy on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:58:28 AM PDT

  •  why do so many see this as a snub at Obama then?

    The fact that he does so with dignity and humor while trying to insulate Obama as best he can deserves respect, not opprobrium from progressives. I think his "throwing Obama under the bus" was really a way of trying to help Obama by putting some space between them

    There was a lot in what he said that has been read as mocking Obama and not helping him at all

    by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:59:08 AM PDT

    •  Some people see what they want to see

      and interpret it in whatever way fits their agenda. Some people only see what Faux and CNN put out. Some people just believe what they are told without exploring things further and finding out for themselves.

      I have not only listened to the entire text of a number Dr. Wright's sermons and interviews (not just one from 20 years ago), I have also read what those who have known him for decades have to say about him and his ministry. Non-politicians, who know him and don't have a stake in the upcoming election or a reason to want to smear Dr. Wright (and, by extension, Obama) are very positive about him. His sermons prove him to be an intelligent, thoughtful person who lives his faith. Some people don't respect that, but I do.

      by carolita on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:20:18 PM PDT

  •  I think this is the BEST time

    No better time than the present to talk about this and get it out of the way. Is this going to keep Obama from the nomination? I don't think so. I really think by him going out and getting this out of the way the public has time to digest it and move on. The GOP is going to use anything and everything they can to try and make people uneasy about Obama. But now the networks know that people are very upset for only using sound bites and they all showed his entire message in full context, which should be the norm.

    Less opinion. More substance. PLEASE!

    by Matt from Iraq on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:03:28 AM PDT

  •  exactly!

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:14:27 AM PDT

•  the audacity of Wright

  I've been waiting for Reverend Wright's response, knowing that he would reappear! He's had months now to decide exactly what he wants to say and for what reason. I must admit, I'm a little bit disappointed in him, it's almost as if he wants to sabotage Obama, how very sad! It does bring to question, in my mind, how is it that Obama chose him as his spiritual advisor, not because of his fiery speeches, but because after 30 years at the pulpit, where's his compassion. We've heard his fire and brimstone, I wanted to hear about his hope, not his intellectual knowledge but his knowledge about compassion, for those that would try and tear him down.
  I was never raised as a Christian, so I have very little knowledge about the church, but can look from the outside in and ask questions. I've watched all these ministers throughout the years have their problems. Just because you're a minister doesn't mean you're necessarily spiritual, compassionate. I went to Rome and read "The Agony and the Ecstasy", wondered when the Popes became spiritual, not just political? I've asked about all the various denominations of Christianity, why in this day and age, they all just can't get along? I know African Americans from Mississippi, who tell me that the church is a social place in the south, because I've asked, how could the church condone racism, segregation. I knew a white man from Louisiana who as a child asked if we're all God's children, why do the blacks have to sit in separate sections? He said that was when he no longer could believe in Christianity, having lived in the south during the 60's! We definitely have alot of explaining to do in this country. I was hoping Reverend Wright would have taken this time to administer to us, this flock of sheep led by the sound bites of the main stream media, to this predominately Christian nation, what we can do to come together. I was hoping that with compassion he would talk about the pain, use the Civil Rights Movement as a metaphor for what is happening today, how hard change is, that the powers that be don't want change, didn't want it then, don't want it now. The difference between then and now, now it's not about color, we're all set to become slaves of the corporate conglomerate.

  I listened with baited breathe the other night, hoping against hope that he wouldn't say anything too controversial, feed into the expectations. I sighed a sigh of relief when it was over, listening to the vultures pick apart his speech to find something to use to widen the racial gap. Then yesterday, his speech to the press club, his posturing, his posing, his sounding more political than pastoral. I had to ask, was he angry with Obama for putting him in the spotlight, or was he angry that Obama as a politician was revered more then he was as a pastor? I do think that having listened to the Dalai Lama speak in Seattle the week before at a conference about compassion, I didn't hear any compassion for the position that Obama was in. Is he angry that Obama raised by a white mother is set to become the first African American president? I as a woman don't feel that Hillary represents truly the first viable woman candidate, being she got there because of her husband! So sad, after waiting to hear what he had to say, to hope against hope that he would elevate the conversation, that he would help not hinder Obama's campaign, he diminished my hope. He fed right into the political rhetoric of the main stream media, gave them their sound bites, I heard Andrea Mitchell go on and on about the white vote, so instead of red states, blues states, we're now red states, blue states, white vote, African American vote, sad. Instead of coming together, we're splitting apart further.

  by Nicoletta on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:55:00 AM PDT

  •  i agree

    he had all of us listening and i think he squandered that on his personal fellings

    by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:04:39 AM PDT

•  You don't have enough choices in your poll

  I don't like Reverend Wright because he is trying to destroy Obama. But I am open-minded in that I can see that some things he says are true. It's rarely all or nothing.

  by linnie on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:55:13 AM PDT

  •  I know I'm really sorry, I definately would've

    put one in there, but I was feeling kind of paranoid and I didn't want to give any concern trolls a way out.

    I'm sorry though, it's definately not a respectable scientific poll of any sort!

    by erin r on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:05:12 AM PDT

•  Whats with the "with us or against us" Bush poll?

  by notquitedelilah on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:55:42 AM PDT

•  So I just watched his entire 40 minute speech

  and I watch his entire hour-long interview on Bill Moyers. Bottom line: The more I watch him the more I like him. He is a brilliant man, and the fact is, weather he speaks or not, this is one of the only attack points the GOP has in this election and they won't let it go away. Most news stations showed his speech in its entirety, and the main points I think should be emphasized from his weekend message are:

  Man's evil is God's good--by the goof bags that are trying to smear him, they are actually bringing light to a deeper subject through Obama's speech or his.

  There is absolutely no miscommunication on the part of those trying to smear him--they executed their specific sound-bite message perfectly.

  We all are different, and it takes something like this for us to realize it before we can put down our defenses and actually fix the real problems.

  Change is coming, I can feel it.

  by Matt from Iraq on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:56:17 AM PDT

•  I like Rev. Wright too

  Do I agree with everything he says? No. But on the whole I think he's a good guy, he's smart, funny, and I think you could learn a thing or two going to his church.

  The problem isn't Wright, the problem is that the media has painted him in a certain light to suggest that he's un-American, or racist, or just plain crazy, which is the furthest thing from the truth. So generally speaking whether you like the guy, you should have no problem with Obama attending his church

  But because the media is incapable of painting an accurate picture of the guy, everybody is mad at him and wants him to go away. I wrote about this here.

  by CalexanderJ on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:59:10 AM PDT

  •  Political Reality

    maybe sad, but it's reality.  I too think Dr. Wright is incredibly insightful, intelligent, and thought provoking.  But he should also take a look at the big picture, his press tour is doing harm to Obama.  Everybody is hanging on his every word right now.  He will have his chance at redemption in November.  And what better redemption is there than having his perishioner, Barack Obama, elected to the presidency!

    by canag on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:15:07 AM PDT

•  Rev. wright calls it as he sees it and

  the VRWC cannot and will not deal with that.  He has the same First Amendment rights as thee and me.  More power to him for telling the truth about his and my country.  He is a patriot, not a nationalist, like the people who are "dissing" him for their own vile purposes.

  by oibme on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:06:06 AM PDT

•  I'm just going to put it out there

  If you are as tired of the media and this sound bite culture they force on us, I think you should tell them--all of them. I wrote a diary just today that has emails and weblinks to virtually all of the MSM and major newspapers in every state and media market. The more we speak out and tell the media we won't stand for this crap, the better the chances are they will change.

  Do Something

  by Matt from Iraq on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:10:11 AM PDT

•  to me he threw out the baby with the bathwater

  We are in the middle ofan election cycle-he knows that. I still think it was selfish and self serving.
  I still think it is a slap in the face to Obama
  He knows what he is doing
  It is his life and I don't know anything of his struggles
  I think he was not caring about how this would effect the elction
  united we are stronger than divided
  I can't see him having a role in advising Obama if he reaches the white house after this
  to me he threw out the baby with the bathwater

  by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:10:58 AM PDT

•   A 'big press conference' on Wright

  From Ben Smith at politico.com:

  Obama was asked about Rev. Jeremiah Wright just now by a woman in Winston-Salem who tells the audience to watch his PBS interview, which will quell their concerns.

  "I’m going to be having a big press conference afterward to talk about this," he responded, then referred back to a story the woman told about a mother having to borrow money to get to work.

  "This is diverting attention from the first story that you told," Obama said.

  http://www.politico.com/...

  by chimaeranyc on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:15:13 AM PDT

•  Ya know guys,

  only in the good ol'USA would such a mountain be made out of the mole hill of what a candidates' pastor (priest/rabbi/coven-leader/whatever) babbles on about from a pulpit.
  I think it's a sign of our national immaturity.

  by Lepanto on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:16:34 AM PDT

•  The Right and Left Ache to Shush the Man

  When the truth starts to seep through the shutters,
  we all want to put a curtain over them.  

  Yeah, sure, I like the Truth. As a matter of fact, I LOVE the Truth. But not now, its inconvenient. Come back later, when the grown ups have finished this little election.

  Even if our Obama loses, it is much better if Wright is muzzled. You'll understand when you're a little older, dear.

  Y'all sound like a 1956 church picnic.

  Me, I don't understand it, but I prefer the Truth be told than winning ALL of  the elections. We won Congress in 2006, and what did we get for it ?  Worse war, worse economy, worse corruption. We ran for change, with a wink and a smile, and played musical chairs in the Senate and House, and we have just done business as usual.

  Want change ? Want something different ?

  Don't run with a wink and smile.
  Tell the truth.
  Always.
  Seek it out.

  First comes Wright.

  And when we genteel white folk are no longer running for the shotgun behind the door, we'll be ready for a little more truth.

  The truth is addictive, even when it is unsettling. And we're approaching a time when  we can seek out Wright, and unheard men and women whose stories are going to provoke us even more. A Christian might see this as Pentecostal. A Humanist might recognize that you can't put the light back into it's lamp.

  But it is the process of healing, of creation, and reconcilliation. It's what we SAY we want.

  Brother Wright is the making of Barack Obama.

  by slowheels on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 11:34:43 AM PDT