Attention is finally being paid to Jermiah Wright who has been the Pastor at the church Barack Obama and his family attend for the past twenty years.
ABC News has a story up today about Wright’s controversial to-say-the-least statements and their impact on the race for the White House:
Sen. Barack Obama’s pastor says blacks should not sing “God Bless America” but “God damn America.”
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s pastor for the last 20 years at the Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago’s south side, has a long history of what even Obama’s campaign aides concede is “inflammatory rhetoric,” including the assertion that the United States brought on the 9/11 attacks with its own “terrorism.”
In a campaign appearance earlier this month, Sen. Obama said, “I don’t think my church is actually particularly controversial.” He said Rev. Wright “is like an old uncle who says things I don’t always agree with,” telling a Jewish group that everyone has someone like that in their family.
Rev. Wright married Obama and his wife Michelle, baptized their two daughters and is credited by Obama for the title of his book, “The Audacity of Hope.”
An ABC News review of dozens of Rev. Wright’s sermons, offered for sale by the church, found repeated denunciations of the U.S. based on what he described as his reading of the Gospels and the treatment of black Americans.
For example, there’s what he said after 9/11:
In addition to damning America, he told his congregation on the Sunday after Sept. 11, 2001 that the United States had brought on al Qaeda’s attacks because of its own terrorism.
“We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye,” Rev. Wright said in a sermon on Sept. 16, 2001.
“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 now brought right back to our own front yards. America’s chickens are coming home to roost,” he told his congregation.
A Fox News report meanwhile looks at the close connections between the Trinity Church and Obama’s campaign and the problems that may cause the church:
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. preaches that he follows the righteous path, but when it comes to the federal tax law, his Trinity United Church of Christ may have crossed the line.
Although Wright delivered what was billed as his final sermon last month on his path to retirement, prior to his departure he delivered commentary from the pulpit now being scrutinized in which he praised Obama.
“There is a man here who can take this country in a new direction,” Wright said during his Jan. 13 sermon, according to recordings obtained by FOX News.
It was not the first time Wright appeared to endorse Obama, who was baptized at Trinity United, has been an active member of the church for two decades and receives spiritual mentorship from Wright.
The title of Obama’s second book, “The Audacity of Hope,” was taken from a sermon by Wright.
During a Christmas sermon, Wright tried to compare Obama’s upbringing to Jesus at the hands of the Romans.
But this seeming endorsement may cause a problem for the church with the IRS:
“It’s pretty clear an indirect endorsement of Barack Obama - that’s not something you’re supposed to do according to the tax code,” said Andrew Walsh, a professor at Trinity College who specializes in religion in politics.
The tax code bans churches from participating in or intervening in a political campaign. Violations can result in the loss of a church’s tax exempt status.
But, as Roger Simon points, out tax code violations are beside the point:
I’m not much for guilt-by-association, but when I saw the Reverend Jeremiah Wright on television last night (clip below), I realized that Barack Obama has to do a lot more than merely pay lip service to disassociating himself from “some of the comments” of his minister as if Wright were some errant family member. As we all know, we don’t choose our family, but Obama chose this racist demagogue as his pastor for decades. It’s not funny. Barack is running for President of the United States. As a former civil rights worker, I find it pretty appalling. Was this what we were fight for? Forget the primaries, in the general election this video is going to be all over the airwaves and the internet. It could do for Obama what Willie Horton did for Dukakis…. But unlike the Willie Horton ad, Obama will deserve this. Horton was a mistake by Dukakis that any of us could have made. Jeremiah Wright was Obama’s personal choice for years.
The scrutiny is beginning.
Here’s the video of the ABC Report:
And the Fox Report:
March 13th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Black people can make racist remarks or they can discriminate against other people based on race or religion, but you can’t unless you are black.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Yet another case of the media being pretty much useless. It’s yet another “find something that really doesn’t matter and try and make it matter.” It really doesn’t matter what his pastor does. He probably went to that church for a long time. I’m sure plenty of people have gone to a church with a pastor they don’t like, but they keep going because it’s the church they’ve always gone to.
I really don’t see this as a big deal. How about we focus on some issues?
March 13th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
You mean like how someone who has only been a Senator for 2 years is qualified to be President of the United States ?
March 14th, 2008 at 12:56 am
This is a letter I sent to the Obama camp today. I’m saddened by the whole thing.
SUBJECT: I feel betrayed and saddened
My name is Annette G.
I don’t expect this message to be read or a response. I know how things work. But I feel the need to tell my story.
I live in Idaho. I have been a strong supporter of Barack Obama for months now. I have donated money, volunteered in Obama campaign office here, and caucused for him. I’m also white. I stood in a room of 1000 other white people (where only 300 were expected), and voted for Obama…80% of us did. We voted for him because we believed. I’ve supported…called my friends and family….and helped several people join the campaign.
Now I hear the hateful and divisive words of Barack’s “spiritual leader”. I hear that those people that stood in the room and voted for him…are “rich white people - who run this country”. We didn’t know that’s who we were. We thought we were citizens of the United States, voting for a candidate that we believed in.
If I attended a “white” church where the leader stood at the pulpit and espoused -at the very least- contempt, for black people, I would be considered a racist, so would that leader. I’m not. But now I’m not convinced that Barack isn’t.
And the worst part for me…is that he doesn’t even own it. For 20 years he’s attended this church. He called his pastor his “spiritual leader”…and now…because of politics he wants to distance himself. How can he now?
I wanted Barack to be president, and now I feel that he is someone who seems to believe that because of the color of my skin I am a suppressor of black people, but would gladly take my time, my money and my vote. The hypocrisy is stunning.
Barack Obama inspired me to reengage in politics…care about what was happening, and get involved. Now he too has made me feel disenfranchised, and has quite possibly lost my vote. I hope that somehow this issue has been twisted…isn’t true…
I hope my mind is changed. I really do. But for now….in November, I will write in the name of someone with integrity, someone who doesn’t teach their children divisiveness through messages in a church, and then claim to be a uniter from a political soapbox.
Sincerely,
Annette G.
March 14th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Annette,
Your letter says it all, and very well, indeed. Thank you for speaking for thousands, if not millions, of white people who feel offended and used for a vote.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
You will notice how all these people are quick to point out the so-called black racist but are strangly silent when a black man gets dragged in the back of a pick up truck where was your out rage then. If you would listen to his speech with an open mind you would have found that he is stated things that have been stated by white senators, micheal moore etc yet I dont hear them being refered to as seperatist and hater of white people . The Rev. Wright stated that this country is ruled by “rich white men” not white men, not white women, not middle income white people he talking about the 1 percent in america that has over 75% of the wealth in America. And they are all rich white men. Who by the the way dont care about the rest of us. Pay attention America rasism is a scam to keep us fighting amongst ourselves will they laugh all the way to the bank. So who among U really beleives that the rich 1 percent cares about you and that our children not theirs are fight a worthy cause worth the sacrifice of thier blood. WE their to secure the riches way of life not ours .They are America they make the rules that we live by the polictains are in there pockets al of them. That what the rev means but you let the media feed you all this garbage about race.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Dear Annette G are you the rich 1 percent of our country that is selling out our country lock stock and barrel to the highest bidder. Leaving American jobless, homeless and scare.
They do it for profit not patriotism. Also Annette keep in mind that a person is truly responsible for his own actions not the actions of others. I am sure the Pastor in question doesnt only preach the wrongs of America. Please hear me he is preaching about the America that allows racism ,sexism,ageism and a 1000 other isms. You have people in this country who wom=nt allow you to pledge allegance to GOD and in the same breath say that you should pledge allegance to the flag. Your support have not gone un noticed and you made the right choice. Dont let the media lie to you.
God Bless you and yours and may GOd save this country
March 14th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
These are all intesting perspectives. I think that overall, we are giving his pastor to much credit, that he could influence him that much…
When I read Obama’s book regarding his ‘faith’ chapter, it’s more important to me to know that he was brought up with all forms of religion (his mother had him understand all the celebrations from Chinese New Year to Christmas). I was also raised that way, and I think what it teaches you is to take things with a grain of salt, and not adopt all things ‘fanatically’.
Also, he outlines very clearly his discussions regarding race. These issues have not gone away and when we address economic issues, many of these things will help all races. He describes experiences on both sides of the fence, the whites who have stood up to racism and the those truly racist. It seems to be a very honest reflection of his experience and so far in his political results, he doesn’t lean towards a ‘hate white’ behavior (Annette seems to have been very easily offended and hopefully she will post the response that the Obama camp provides - or maybe Obama, himself.)
I truly believe he will still make a very, very good president. We need one who taught constitutional law!!! And the message to the world will be IMMEDIATE, just because of the color of his skin. We need america to reflect us…our diversity. And he lived, truly lived outside of america, which I also think is critical for an effective international leader. I lived overseas and always hated how people thought because they visited japan for 3 weeks that they knew anything. We are very, very blessed to have this rich experience and perspective that he brings into our politics. Most ‘white’ americans didn’t get to the ranks in the same path and I think it affects how they make DECISIONS. Which is what we are really voting for. A person that we hope, when the time comes, they are filled with the characteristics we want them to have to make a good decision, a decision that was well thought out.
He may go to his pastor for advice during the ‘history changing decision’, but I think we would be naive to think that’s the only person he would go to, and that it would carry the most weight. And maybe, the pastor has some good advice!?
March 14th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Ron,
The problem with your assumption about me, is that:
1. You just decided who I am, without knowing anything about me. You just judged me based on the fact that I’m white. Isn’t that what racism is? Isn’t that what we fight against?
2. What you don’t know is that I’m NOT rich, nor have I sold out. What I speak against, is preaching hatred from a pulpit, and those that come to hear it - calling it religion.
This is exactly why I wrote my letter. Having someone tell you who you are, based on the color of your skin…is racism. It’s not acceptable from anyone - white, black or purple.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
P.S. If you read my letter, I also state that I hope to be proven wrong. I’ve been a HUGE supporter of Obama. Not sure how that’s selling out…enlighten me.
March 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Anette the piece I wrote did not to say you are a rascist, note I said are you the 1 percent of america that controlls more than 75 percent of America. You know the people responsible for sending american jobs over seas and sending our soldiers overseas to protect their profits not our country. I never called you a racist. I dont belive you are, I was responding to Pete. And he is a racist and Barack didnt make him that way. What I said to you Had your name in it. I apologize for any misunderstanding and as I said before GOD Bless YOU.
March 15th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Secondly all you have seen a clips compilation of many speeches note the diffrent clothes the Rev. Wright has on You make also note Micheal Moore has said pretty much the same thing as the Rev. I watched the whole speech or sermon or what ever it was. HE said God Damn an America that would treat its own citezen as second class. That includes you also. Remember the glass ceiling. God Damna n America that allows drugs in this country and unfairly target some in the name of a war on drugs. He dint just say Damn America. He doesnt like some of our rasist policies toward other countries. Note we were at war with Germany and Japan yet we only drooped the bomb on the japenese think about it. We didnt round up German Americans we and I say we rounded up Japanese American not he also used the word we in his speech bause he as a former Marine helped carry out some of policies the dirrence is when he supported this country he came home to JIm Crow laws and wasnt reconized as a man or a citizen. Barack knows these things yet he is saying there from a different time he doesnt see the world from the same lense as his Pastor. Do you dont every thing your Pastor tells you to do. Go out this fridat and you see many Christain out partying doing the exact opposite of what their
Pastor preached in some instances you may see the Pastor. Much LOve to you Annette and God Bless.
March 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Obama is lying..proof will soon be seen that he was at these advents and did he tell Pastor Wright he disagreed with him..I bet not… This explains Michelle’s racist remarks as she was talking only to black americans… Every member of that church who stays 20 odd years or more is hooked on this guy’s rhetoric and believes it including Obama and his wife…. This scares the hell out of me> People please wake up and realize what Obama truly stands for and it is not anything good for people who are not black!
March 15th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Sorry Anette I never called you a racist you just stated dont believe the hype I know ypur not the top 1% REV. Wright was speaking of Pete was the one that is a racist I believe that a man should be considered for his own works and not the works of his mentors. Besides the said Dawn America that disenfranchise that’s the code he used rich white people he is speaking of the top 1% that control the rest of our ability to make a living as before GOD Bless you.
March 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Carol Ard has you listened to the whole speeches in their entirety I bet the answer is no. The pastor doesnt hate America he’s a former marine he loves America. What he is staying is that America doesnt love him. Can you seriusly say that America love him. Remember even Martin Luther King was called unpatrotic for pointing out the wrong of american society. If you were an alholic would you try to solve your addiction by denying the problem ? No you would not. So how can rasism in America be addressed without it being spoken about. Also I have taken the liberty of viewing the whole sermon. And guess what he never said he hated America not once. Also he never said blacks are superior to whites so I dont understand why the media is saying that. Now if you believe America’s foreign policies have always been fair then I wont convince you otherwise. But if you know how some of our policies have be unfair to other countires then you know what the pastor was talking about. Question did we not put Khadafie in power. Didnt America put Chavez in power, Didnt we put Noreaga in power. How about Saddaam Hussien or Fidel Catro .Lastly didnt we put Bin Laden in power. So why wouldnt we bear any responsibilty when the mad men that we support. Turn around and do to us the same things that they do overseas to us (chickens coming home to roost) Thats not rasicm thats logic. If we continue these policies(supporting terrorist Bin Laden was a known terrorist when we supported him ) we put ourselves in danger. Pointing that fact out doesnt make you racist or a hater of America. That makes you a lover of America as it is “profeesed” truth justice a equality for all not just the rich and powerful which quite frankly happen to be white men is it a lie is it racist. Please note that the same REv. states in another speech if America doesnt learn to live together as a nation we will die together as a nation thats not hate that love. To try and
forcece the land to be all it can be. God Bless America may it stand forever one nation under god indivisable withe liberty and justice for all people Amen.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Carol Ard is absolutely correct!!! Obama is definitely lying and I hope that what this represents about the true nature of this man hits home with millions of Americans immediately. You do not attend a church for 20+ years and not know what is going on - whether you are in attendance or not. What a absolute fraud!!!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I agree with you Annette. One other thing… lets reverse this and say the same was being said in a white Church with every thing reversed… interesting hu and just a note…if I was there.. I’d walk out rather than listen to such talk…
By the way I was also for Obama…but I’ll have to see now… not sure what I am hearing and seeing from him anymore. I was hoping that Obama was going to be good for all colors and bring change to our country that is so badly needed. Oh by the way… not rich here either and I don’t care about skin color.. its more about the person than color.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
One final note. When I was 4 years old, a neighborhood playmate used the “n” word. I didn’t know what it was, and asked my mother. She explained the word and why NO ONE should EVER use it. She also told me that I should stop someone and correct them if they used it in my presence…that if I let it happen without doing something, it was as bad as if I said it myself. That’s how I was taught to play. That’s how I still play. I want a leader - black, white, purple or orange to play by that basic human principle. And that’s all I have to say about that.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:36 am
[...] are we supposed to believe that, notwithstanding the fact that the video clips that he refers to have been available since at least March 13th, and were played continuously on all three 24 hour news channels repeatedly both before and after [...]
June 1st, 2008 at 7:48 am
[...] Wright from the public by dropping his appearance from the campaign kickoff. In March, when Wright’s invective-filled, partially insane, rants became public, he said that he could no more renounce Wright than he could renounce he own Grandmother — [...]