"Clinton would have left Obama's church"

[GreenPartyVoter]

GREENSBURG, Pa. - Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday she would have left the church that Barack Obama attends if her minister had talked about America the way Obama's pastor has.

Clinton's comments to reporters marked a clear shift in her handling of the Obama church controversy, which she had generally avoided until now. Some Democrats see Obama's refusal to dissociate himself from the Chicago church and its recently retired minister, Jeremiah Wright, as his stickiest campaign challenge so far.

"I think that given all we have heard and seen, he would not have been my pastor," Clinton said at a news conference in Greensburg, Pa., after being asked if Obama should have left the church. She declined to say what Obama should have done, or whether the subject is now a legitimate topic for her appeals to Democratic superdelegates, the party leaders who will decide whether she or Obama will be the presidential nominee.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_el_pr/obama_pastor

[ThatBozGuy]

1. Yes they have definitley shown a lack of accepting diversity.

They would have a hard time fitting in among a UCC congregation because of their personal beliefs

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

59. does Clinton profess to be a Christian? If so, who would Jesus bomb?

I am skeptical that the Clintons have any sort of religious faith or if they
do, it doesn't affect their actions.

[DemzRock]

2. I'm not sure I would have even if I disagree with some of Wright's

rhetoric. And even though I support Hillary.

Oh, well.

[thunder rising]

9. I have to ask: Have you WATCHED the sermons or just speaking out of your a#$

[bluedawg12]

76. I watched his full G_d D_amn America speech and it was outrageous. n/t

[MercutioATC]

91. I saw the same speech, and it was controversial...but I agreed with most of it.

I'm not debating the political wisdom of having highly controversial people intimately involved in one's campaign.

I'm simply stating that, as a middle-class 40-year-old white guy, I agree with "god damn America" for most of the reasons he stated.

[thunder rising]

98. Wright is a vet, I'm a vet ... who the you? God DAMN America.

[Skip Intro]

3. I would have as well. nt

[SoonerPride]

5. For politcal expediency?

Surely you can't disagree with what he said.

[Skip Intro]

21. Can't disagree with what he said??? You kidding me?

I saw his racist tirade against Hillary, from the pulpit, damning her because she's white, making her out to be enemy number one of the AA community.

Did you?

Yeah, I would have gotten up and walked out right then.

No thanks, you can keep your racist preacher and his hatemongering. I want no part of it. Sad to see so many Obama supporters here embrace racist hatred in the name of politics.

[SoonerPride]

26. um, you thought that was racist? You need a dictionary.

really.

[Skip Intro]

29. If "fairy tale" was racist, this was a call to arms.

Your logic is twisted.

[SoonerPride]

32. And yet, they invited this maniac to sit next to Clinton at the White House.

hmmm.

The lady doth protest too mcuh.

[Skip Intro]

34. God, are you serious. Not the same at all, you well know that.

[SoonerPride]

35. Why not? They endorsed the man and sought him out. ASKED him to come.

He is neither alarming nor out of the mainstream in African Aemrican churches.

This is what goes on in black churches all across the land.

Deal with that.

[Skip Intro]

37. Will lose us the election if Obama is the nom.

Deal with that.

You can't be as pathetic as you sound. There's a big difference between a photo-op and a sermon demonizing Hillary becasue she is white.

[SoonerPride]

40. If Obama loses, then Clinton gets decimated by Mondale like numbers

Our only fighting chance is someone who offers real change, not more of the same.

There is a real contrast between Obama and McCain, not enough of one between Clitnon and McCain.

She is tainted by her war vote and Clinton name.

[Skip Intro]

43. Btw, if a photo-op is the same as endorsing, explain this:

[SoonerPride]

50. You're quite bad at this.

When Obama asks McCain to be his guest speaker, let me know.
When Obama offers him a Presidential commendation, let me know.

In fact, when Obama praises McCain while simultaneously denigrating Hillary, let me know.

[Skip Intro]

54. Well thanks for your critique. You have yet to comment on the hate-Hillary sermon.

Gonna?

[SoonerPride]

56. It wasn't hate Hillary. It was defense of Obama. Nice spin, though.

Missed it by that much.

[Skip Intro]

61. Oh, ok. You're right. I didn't see what I saw, hear what I heard. If I could just turn my mind off,

I could really get behind you, the O, and this sweet man of God.

:eyes:

[SoonerPride]

65. Why do you even care, really?

Is this the most important issue of our time?

I mean, really?

Is it?

Even if I conceded to you and agreed 100% that Wright was despicable, then what?

So?

How bout healthcare, education, war?

Those matter a lot more than what some preacher said.

[Skip Intro]

68. Um, it happens to be the topic of the thread?

yeah, it is

[SoonerPride]

71. Nice dodge.

No, not really.

I'll take that as a forfeit.

Good day to you.

[Skip Intro]

79. Not a dodge, and good day to you too.

[polmaven]

106. Perhaps the word that

Senator Obama likes so much to use against Senator Clinton - Judgement.

This says a lot about that.

And, by the way, where is it that you saw that Rev. Wright was "sought out" and specifically invited personally by the President and First Lady? Where is it that you seem to have read that Rev. Wright spoke at the White House breakfast? If that is true, there must be, if not video, then at least a transcript, and that proof would have, by now, been all over the MSM, released by the Obama campaign, as proof that Rev. Wright was the Clinton's personal, on site pastor!

[mkultra]

85. i agree

and go sooners!

[TankLV]

47. I can't believe some idiots are STILL trying to defend that ASSHOLE preacher!!!

[Skip Intro]

52. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? But he's the great O's preacher. There's your explaination.

[MercutioATC]

92. What, specifically, from that particular sermon do you take issue with?

Again, I'm not arguing political advantage, I'm asking what in that sermon offended your personal sense of morals.

[pocoloco]

4. You bet !! She damn sure would have felt out of place!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ec_um8cts0

[goclark]

13. No she wouldn't ~ she has been in hundreds of Black Churches

and never questioned the sermons of the ministers -----

Don't forget,when Bill was having his "come to Jesus" moments and dark days during the Monica hearings, his/their Round The Clock Minister at the WH was non other than - Rev. Jesse Jackson.

[Skip Intro]

22. I think she might have felt out of place when Wright damned her for being white, made her out to be

a fucking enemy of the AA community.

I would have held the door for her and been right behind her.

Wtf is wrong with some of you people?

[goclark]

38. I would have held the door for you and for her

I don't use profanity, it isn't lady like.


PS/ Rev. Wright did nothing to make her an enemy of our African American community.

We voted for them in every election.

She was the one that showed us her true feelings, and she continues to let us know every day that she was only using us.

Rev. Wright!
Most African Americans had never heard of Rev. Wright.

But, we sure have heard of Hillary Clinton and we are shocked and disappointed in her put downs.

You have inspired me to donate again to Sen. Obama, this time I'm sending $100.

Thanks for inspiring me.

:bounce:

[Skip Intro]

57. Might as well, you seem to have donated your soul already.

[slinkerwink]

58. is that anyway to treat a loyal Democratic demographic?

You lose the African-American vote, you lose the election.

[tabasco]

6. But she's right at home in the fascist Church of the Holy Dollar

where they worship Mammon every Sunday.

[tekisui]

7. She would have left under sniper fire!

[Lucinda]

8. I would have too. I'm not a fan of ministers air-humping during sermons.

But to each their own....

[pocoloco]

17. He was showing how Bill was humping Monica's throat.

That would have been a little embarrassing for her.

[emilyg]

20. And the children in the congregation.

[davidinalameda]

81. that's not nice

funny as hell but still not nice

:rofl:

[NashVegas]

10. This Won't Play Well At All

In those little redneck towns whose sons and daughters come home from Iraq missing limbs, missing eyesight, missing their hearing, and sometimes missing their lives.

Those little towns that PA is full of.

[VolcanoJen]

12. And using your same logic...

... I imagine Hillary's harrowing Snoopy/Red Baron story during The Great and Most Patriotic Battle of Tuzla won't sit well with those who sent their children off to clear and present danger, either.

[goclark]

11. Good! Make sure she doesn't come to my church!

And when is she going to leave "The Fellowship?"

Have you noticed that they were always smiling and singing at all the Black churches all over America?

Let's see how much she loves the Black churches now.
Where are all those Black"friends" that they kissed up to to get votes?

She would have been at Rev. Wright's church in a heart beat if they invited her. It has 8 thousand members which = 6 thousand votes to the Clinton's. They have no shame.

We are now seeing the real Hillary and the real Bill Clinton.

[LakeSamish706]

14. Its amazing how that can work in hind sight... I'm sure Obama might have...

as well if he knew that his Democratic opponent was going to call him on it again, way after the fact...

[Cha]

15. Obama wouldn't have lied

about being in Sniper Fire and would not be in the middle of SniperLiarGate as we type.

[NJmaverick]

16. but she wouldn't leave her cheating husband

interesting

[TankLV]

55. Get a fucking LIFE - you sound RIDICULOUS - just like a REPUKE...

but you try to DEFEND a fucking ASSHOLE preacher - nice...

[NJmaverick]

102. Way I see it her moral convictions seem to be rather fickle

She claims should would leave a minister that said offense comments, while she stayed with a husband who has repeatedly cheated on her. Sort of makes me wonder about her honesty. Maybe there were snipers involved?

[Frumious B]

18. Hillary should spend more time reading the statement from her former pastor.

http://www.foundryumc.org/pdfs/Statement%20concerning%20Rev.%20Jeremiah%20Wright.pdf

and she should spend less time watching Hannity.

[goclark]

42. Hillary's former pastor really admires Rev. Wright

Hillary better not go anywhere near that church again.

PS/ That was a beautifully written letter.

Thanks for sharing.

[ORDem]

19. Of course, she's suddenly talking about it now in a pathetic attempt to get her lies about Tuzla

off the front page. She is so transparently manipulative. I'm beginning to think she's as sociopathic as Bill.

:dem:

[Tribetime]

23. yes, she has good judgement , she voted for the war

[Skip Intro]

24. Here, watch the racist rev in action. Not one Obama supporter would have walked out on this shit?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cKFgbEF9LRc

[noel711]

25. How many of his whole sermons have you watched?

Or are you calling him 'racist' based on one
sliver of his sermons?

Find his collection of sermons, either taped
or transcribed; watch, listen or read them.

Then base your opinion on that.

Have you ever worshiped in an African American church?

have you ever been to Trinity UCC, Chicago?

[Skip Intro]

27. I saw this and it was fucking enough, thanks.

[SoonerPride]

30. Strangely, she sat next to Wright when they asked him to come to the White House

They certainly have no problem with him.

Why do you?

Because Hannity tells you to?

[Skip Intro]

31. Don't watch hannity. You trying to say something? Say it.

They had many preachers in attendance at that event. Not the same. Please.

[SoonerPride]

33. They endorsed Wright, and his "crazy" preacher talk for years.

He was their honored guest.

He has received THREE presidential commendations.

He's not a kook or a nut, but a very respected pastor of black liberation theology. Anyone who knows what goes on and what is said in black churches, which the Clintons most certainly do, would know it and be neither alarmed nor dismayed at the tenor or words of his sermons.

[Skip Intro]

36. You know

You can twist and turn and make all the excuses in the world, but it won't make that video disappear. It won't make it never have happened.

Talk about blind faith.

[Rosemary2205]

39. I have to ask you

Have you ever been to a predominantly black christian church?

[Skip Intro]

41. I don't see why that is relevant, but yes, I have.

And I didn't hear any preaching about it was God's will to hate white people, thanks.

Why do you ask?

[Rosemary2205]

46. curiosity mostly

because Rev Wright's style and general message is pretty standard fair in every church I have ever attended. -- He's a little more over the top than most, but certainly not out of the ordinary.

I just wondered "where you are coming from" is all.

[slinkerwink]

62. I have in D.C. The African American Catholic Chuch is very different

in its sermons and preaching style from the usual Catholic church I go to.

[SoonerPride]

45. I'm talking about the reality of black churches and Wright was a nationally reknowned pastor

He's not a kook or nut.

He represents mainstream black liberation theology.

This sidewshow is exactly the kind of nonsense the right wing wants us to focus on instead of the economy, war, healthcare, education.

It's time to stop playing their petty games and move on to real issues.

You know, ones that matter.

Aren't you tired of flag buring and gay marriage and now this Wright stuff dominating headlines when there are real important issues to worry about?

Stop being played like a fiddle.

WAKE UP!

[Skip Intro]

49. Who all but said blacks should hate Hillary because she is white.

The clip is above. Did you watch it?

[SoonerPride]

53. He didn't say that. But you keep gettign distracted. Hannity thanks you.

Keep your eye on the ball.

Wright is not a major issue of our time.

[Skip Intro]

67. Ah, the classic fallback of Obama supporters, call non-Obots repukes.

You should get a bonus.

[SoonerPride]

69. All I said was WHY DO YOU CARE???

You make Hannity and Rush and all those other morans happy by being caught up in a NON-ISSUE.

In case you haven't noticed, there is a war on. 4,000 men and women have died in that nonsense.

We've got a failing economy, a screwed up envirnoment, our healthcare system blows and our education system is a tattered shambles.

But you care about what some preacher said once, several years ago?

WHY!!!???

What is werong with you?

[Skip Intro]

78. I don't base my opinions on whether hannity of rushbo will like it or not. I hope you don't.

And I don't think its a non-issue. I think it's something that may well win the presidency for mccain, should Obama be the nom. Not necessarily the Hillary-hate sermon, but the "God Damn America" sermon.

Am I not entitled to my own views?

You seemed eager to defend and argue the point upthread, now it's a non-issue?

Yeah, the country's in deep trouble, but as I said, this is the topic of the thread.

Before asking what is wrong with anyone else, I'd take a good look in the mirror if I were you.

[KAZ]

60. I'm sick of dealing with the racist wing of the party.

Watch this. :FUCK YOU:

[Skip Intro]

64. Back at you, drone.

[george_maniakes]

you realize of course clinton is opening herself up to criticism from catholics...

in that catholics follow a man who is against abortion, gays, and oh so much more (not to mention the way they handled pedophiles).

[bluedawg12]

73. That's why she's a Methodist. n/t

[TankLV]

63. Yeah - we should all "sit down and shut up", right?!?!

FUCK YOU1

We will NEVER accept his PANDERING to GAY BIGOTS and all the rest - GET A FUCKING CLUE!!!

[tabasco]

84. Nope. Not me. I'm white.

I'm not afraid to hear the truth.

It's actually quite refreshing.

[hfojvt]

96. you call that racist?

Just because he said Hillary's not black?

Although with his story of the cab, I cannot help remembering the scene in Tootsie where Dustin Hoffman is trying to hail a cab and they don't stop until he lowers his voice.

[crankychatter]

99. It's a wonderful church

I am deeply changed

I think I'll go to their service every sunday

I must be unamerican eh?

where have I heard that kind of CRAP before?

[trayfoot]

28. I would have left the church........

as I did when my Methodist minister decided he needed to tell the congregation how to vote regarding abortion. I was brought up in the church - from an infant. It was a hard decision for me to make, but I decided then (and I am even MORE convinced now) that politics have NO BUSINESS in churches!!!! Not one - not EVER! I understand Obama's discussion of the Wright situation - and I do NOT criticize him for his decisions. I can only speak for myself - my minister was not that close to my family - certainly did not marry me, nor did he baptize my children. I can see the issue from both sides - but NEITHER side makes sense! Religion should have NOTHING to do with politics - and should not be brought up by the media! And, let's face it......if the media did not hype this shit, we would not be arguing about it!

[stillcool]

48. What do you know about the Church?

Or the man? Do you judge a human being and a life by a few hand picked excerpts that are chosen to provoke outrage? Do you care to know anything about a human being before 'you' judge his life? Do you always demonize, demoralize, and viciously attack another human being on so little knowledge? How do you measure your own life? By excerpts taken out of an hour of your life? When your 67 years old?

Born on September 22, 1941, in Philadelphia
Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is one of the most widely acclaimed black preachers in the United States. Combining social concern, spiritual growth, and political activism, Wright, who preaches in a black traditional style, brings a message of hope, redemption, and renewal. In 1972 he became pastor of a small United Church of Christ congregation in the inner city of Chicago. After over 30 years in the pulpit, his congregation has grown to 10,000 and is the largest United Church of Christ congregation in the United States.
In 1959 Wright enrolled at Virginia Union University, in Richmond, where he remained until 1961. That year he left school to join the military. He served in the Second Marine Division of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1963, achieving the rank of private first class. In 1963 he graduated as valedictorian from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and from 1964 to 1967, he served as a cardio pulmonary technician at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.
During 1965 and 1966, he was awarded with three Presidential Commendations from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

After his discharge from the military, Wright continued his education. He enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1967, and was awarded a bachelor's degree in 1968 and a master's degree in 1969. He then entered the University of Chicago Divinity School, receiving a master of arts degree in 1975. He ended his formal education in 1990 when he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in black sacred music from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
----------------------------------------------
When Wright joined the staff of Trinity United Church of Christ as senior pastor, the inner city church boasted just 87 active members, most of whom came from the neighborhood surrounding the church. Wright embraced his new congregation took up the phrase coined by his predecessor Rev. Dr. Reuben Sheares, "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian." Within months the church had adopted the phrase as its motto and vision. Under Wright's leadership, fueled by his passion, and motivated by his preaching, the congregation began to grow by leaps and bounds. By 2004 there were over 10,000 members, with
people coming from across the metro area. The congregation, which proudly notes its diverse socio-economic mix, dedicated a new 2,700 worship center in 1997.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wright has authored several books, including Africans Who Shaped Our Faith, Good News! Sermons of Hope for Today's Families, and What Makes You So Strong? Sermons of Joy and Strength from Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. According to Cleophus J. LaRue in The Heart of Black Preaching, in his title sermon of What Makes You So Strong, Wright "demonstrates the power of the mighty sovereign at work in the lives of black people in twentieth century America. This sermon focuses on the root of black strength and survivability. Wright makes it clear throughout the sermon that the source of all strength, and especially black strength, is none other than the Spirit of God." As in his preaching, in his writing Wright focuses on the
dual issues of corporate concern and spiritual sustenance. His latest publication, What Can Happen When We Pray: A Daily Devotional, was published in 2002.
In recognition of his contributions, Wright has been awarded seven honorary doctoral degrees. He has also served on a number of boards and commissions, including serving on the board of trustees for Virginia Union University and Chicago Theological Seminary. He continues to be a highly sought after preacher,
teacher, and lecturer.

http://www.dogonvillage.com/blogs/african_american/archives/140

[TankLV]

66. and he's STILL and ASSHOLE...can't believe you're STILL trying to defend this ASSHOLE...

[jonestonesusa]

74. Even John McCain and Mike Huckabee are more thoughtful

on the subject of Wright than Hillary Clinton and many other so-called Democrats.

Here's what Huckabee said:
And one other thing I think we’ve gotta remember. As easy as it is for those of us who are white, to look back and say “That’s a terrible statement!”…I grew up in a very segregated south. And I think that you have to cut some slack — and I’m gonna be probably the only Conservative in America who’s gonna say something like this, but I’m just tellin’ you — we’ve gotta cut some slack to people who grew up being called names, being told “you have to sit in the balcony when you go to the movie. You have to go to the back door to go into the restaurant. And you can’t sit out there with everyone else. There’s a separate waiting room in the doctor’s office. Here’s where you sit on the bus…” And you know what? Sometimes people do have a chip on their shoulder and resentment. And you have to just say, I probably would too. I probably would too. In fact, I may have had more of a chip on my shoulder had it been me.

And here's McCain, defending Obama on the Sean Hannity Show:

MCCAIN: I think that when people support you, it doesn't mean that you support everything they say. Obviously, those words and those statements are statements that none of us would associate ourselves with, and I don't believe that Sen. Obama would support any of those, as well.

HANNITY: He's been — but he's been going to the church for 20 years. His pastor — the church gave a lifetime achievement award to one of the biggest racists and anti-Semites in the country, Louis Farrakhan. Would you go to a church that — where your pastor supported Louis Farrakhan?

MCCAIN: Obviously, that would not be my choice. But I do know Sen. Obama. He does not share those views.

So the two major Republican candidates, with everything to gain by criticizing Obama on this issue, do not support the criticism _out of principle_. Funny, we Democrats have principles too, don't we?

[SoonerPride]

77. We do, but Hillary doesn't.

She tossed them aside in a desperate attempt to "win."

[tabasco]

86. You sound like more of an asshole than Wright.

I'm usually pretty good at this too.

[stillcool]

87. why wouldn't I?

I took a little bit of time to learn something about him. I don't like condemnation prior to investigation. Did you know that profanity is the tool of ignorance?

[TexasLady]

70. you are right about the media

though they argue, it's their JOB

Ive seen a few surprise anchors, pundits, etc..speak up against their networks, and that's always refreshing..unusual but refreshing!

Even Fox..although with time, the employees there will be towing the line or lose jobs..Katrina proved that one..

And what the hell kind of network thinks Ollie North is worthy of his war stories crap? Uninformed, finger in the ears dittoheaded warmongering Repukes, that's who.

[TankLV]

44. At least SHE doesn't PANDER to the BIGOTS like OBAMA does!

Good for her!

Now THAT's PRESIDENTIAL...

I am so sick and tired and ASTOUNDEd at all the IDIOTS trying to DEFEND that ASSHOLE preacher!!!

There is NO excuse for it...

[BeyondGeography]

51. Wright stood with Bill during his hour of need in 1998, which makes Hillary JUDAS

Right, Carville?

[bluedawg12]

75. No it makes "Judas" a metaphor. D'oh! n/t

[bluedawg12]

72. Wright supporters post the Reverands other speeches

I'd rather see that than Obama's IRS returns-which mean zip.

Give us a link to the Rev's 30 years of speeches so we can evaluate them.

[BeyondGeography]

80. We're supposed to spoon-feed you?

Find them and read them yourself, fool.

[stillcool]

88. go look on youtube..

you don't even have to read.

[boppers]

89. They have a whole youtube channel.

Watch these two first:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RvMbeVQj6Lw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QOdlnzkeoyQ

Here's their channel:
http://youtube.com/user/TRINITYCHGO

[dana_b]

82. damn- I wish this crap would stop.

our economy is taking a dump, people losing their homes- jobs, etc, there's 5 years of a horrendous war and it looks like another one is coming soon - but they're still fighting over her recollections or his pastor? really unimportant issues in the grand scheme, don't you think?

[crankychatter]

100. they can't LET it stop because they've got NOTHIN'

zip

[ObamaNationYes]

83. And, I would have "left" Bill! n/t

[Beregond2]

90. HRC

What a disgusting sleaze Hillary has become. She isn't even trying to hide her cheap ploys anymore. She is so over. I'll be surprised if she even manages to hang on to her Senate seat.

[Maribelle]

105. She was asked a question by a review board.

[ShortnFiery]

93. I wonder what the 8400 member congregation of Trinity Church of Christ of Chicago thinks

of Hilly throwing their ENTIRE CHURCH "under the bus?"

Obama stated clearly that Rev. Wright retired a year ago and that he had not hear "the loop" of Rev. Wright's speech in person. But that don't matter, HRC would be done with ALL OF THEM.

It's been said numerous times by Hill and Bill's former friends and associates that HRC is the MOST Self-Righteous people they have ever met.

She's proving it today and will do more damage to the GOOD PEOPLE of the Trinity Church of Christ tomorrow during her soft-ball interview with Greta (On the Record - FOX).

[BenDavid]

94. obama is a hypocrite. Yep, when Imus said those awful words

obama did not want to take into consideration all the good work Imus had done at the Imus ranch for kids with cancer. Obama wanted Imus to be gone. No second chance......but when it came to the pastor and all the hate, vile and bile he preached against everything WhITE, obama wants you to take into consideration the man's(wright) life's work.....Very damn different when it was Imus.....

obama reminds me of the peckerheads we had in the south that played the race bait game and the race card at every chance they could and obama and his surrogate court played it well in South Carolina and blamed it on Hillary and Bill....well of course the whoremedia went along with it, and now obama has the whoremedia over a barrell because he has them so afraid if they dig too deep obama and his folks will scream, RACIST, RACIST, RACIST.......

[Beacool]

95. Interesting how so many here support Wright.

I wonder how you would have felt if McCain or Hillary attended a church for 20 years where a white pastor had started spewing racist remarks against Obama during a Christmas sermon, of all days, the way Wrigth did against Hillary. A pastor who repeatedly said G-D America. Would you all have been so forgiving? I sincerely doubt it.

Oh, the hypocrisy..........

[jonestonesusa]

107. Prejudicial choice of words

First of all, to use the word "spew" is prejudicial, shutting down all attention to what in fact Wright said.

Secondly, it's certainly your right to oppose what Wright said. However, the impression you have been given of Wright is based on an extremely small sample of his sermons. Little emphasis in the media has been given to his service as a Marine and a Christian activist in his community. He has built a significant inner city ministry from the ground up, giving generously to service projects domestically and abroad. How many of us are doing that level of effective community service in our own work? Instead of standing in judgment of others, we ought to be striving to be more active and effective in our own communities. Plus, where's our intellectual curiosity - I've read entire books by or about a number of people I do not admire, including Ronald Reagan, Pat Buchanan, and George Will (Statecraft as Soulcraft...ewwww!). Are you really contented to base a strong judgment on knowing so little about the person you're judging?

Thus, I challenge the validity of using a tiny clip of Wright's speech, taken out of context, as a way of understanding his work or his person. We can play the "what if" game all we want, but I also challenge the appropriateness of deciding for other people (Obama in this case) who should be their ministers. And I say that understanding fully that you or anyone else can choose not to vote for Obama because Rev. Wright said "God damn America." Follow your own logic and happily vote for another candidate who you think can help the country more, and if you care to, give us reasonable arguments to support your chosen candidate.

On the other hand, if you prefer just to call people hypocrites, that's your right too, for whatever good it does for you and for the rest of us. The fact is, though, that Rev. Wright is essentially on the same side as most progressives when it comes to his basic political stances (this is why he was also photographed with the Clintons). I hope that the Democratic party still shares the goals of equity and community development among African Americans that have been impacted by the 300-year history of legal racism in the U.S. and its consequences, but not all African Americans are as patient as Barack Obama about the slow pace of real change in the United States. Some of us see our communities in crisis and get angry about it. Some of us look at the history of slavery and Jim Crow and call out the hypocrisy, to borrow your word, of the Democratic party at times when it wants black votes but couldn't care less about the real state of black communities.

And if we don't challenge ourselves to look more thoughtfully at a media-generated controversy such as the Rev. Wright issue, the mass media will have us all voting for John McCain pretty soon.

[titopuenteooo]

97. Obama gave $27,500 to the Trinity Church

According to newly released documents. That's a lot of money for an America-hating church.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9214.html

[susankh4]

101. Good for her!

And I'll say the same!

If I heard any of the BS spewn from this man's mouth I'd have walked out. Pronto.

In fact, I left the church of my upbringing for less.

[DemGa]

103. Smart move -- most Americans would agree -- NT

[Maribelle]

104. Excellent response on Hillary's part.

She truly has the upper hand in this.