While I am empathic to many of the central tenets of black radicalism, I am not writing to you to excuse the specific comments made by Reverend Wright. As you may already know, Barack Obama has been scrutinized by the media because of his ties to Reverend Wright. Wright was a close religious adviser to the Obama family and preached regularly at Obama’s church. Recently, Wright called America the “USKKKA” and 9/11 “chickens coming home to roost” just after the attacks.
Obama has denounced these statements and claims. He was also not in Wright’s church when they were made. These comments were at least unnecessarily inflammatory and at worst, offensive. Comparing the United States to Al-Qaeda after 9/11 is simply gratuitous and hurtful to all races and political affiliations.
Regardless, I would think that our nation would be understanding enough to perceive the sentiment of one side from the collective experience of that side. After generations of discrimination, police brutality and general racism, can any of us not really expect that Blacks’ perceptions of America differ from that of Whites? Honestly people.
African-American resentment had been around long before Reverend Wright’s remarks. The reason this has received so much attention is not because there is any real evidence that Obama is somehow a secret black radical or harbors resentment against all white people—he is the first competitive and mainstream black presidential candidate. He never said anything that could in any way be construed as bigoted against white people. He has been explicitly inclusionary and campaigned to the whole country, not just the African-American community like many failed black candidates. It has actually been funny to watch fringe anti-Obama lunatics back pedal from the assertion that Obama is a Muslim or that he wasn’t “black” enough, instead labeling him a Christian racist.
The reason Wright’s controversial statements have received so much attention is partly because it is a juicy news story, partly because of some latent racism, but mostly because of the good old-fashioned cheap, mud-slinging political tactics. What do people expect Obama will do? Embezzle money to the New Black Panthers? Put Whites in concentration camps? Please.
Clinton, McCain, and the media should be ashamed of themselves for not quickly dismissing Wright’s comments as rubbish. By continuing to dwell on his comments, we are publicizing his demagogic preaching. Instead, as a nation, we must prove that 2008 is the year when we are capable of ignoring such incidents.
![Seniors Garrett Batt, Tom White, Emmanuel Nzaramba and Jack Calverley work together in preparation for the Spring Fling. “We decided to host this because March is kind of a slow month [in which] there’s not really that much happening, so I just thought it would be fun to put pep back into everyone so people could look forward to something this month,” senior Delcie Peter said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-20-at-10.28.14-PM-1200x832.png)
Cali. • Nov 4, 2008 at 12:34 PM
ya now that its a blac man being racial , (we) are suppose to look the other way . OnE NaTion UnDer God ….. Don’t like it , PEACE !!!!!!!!!
Asa Foster • May 5, 2008 at 5:46 AM
Andy Rakich for president
Anonymous • Apr 8, 2008 at 8:51 AM
Ahhh!, finally some intelligent debate. Thank you Allah 😉
First, this is a “political” campaign. Slinging mud is what happens in this process. It is true that Ohbama is hanging around with Wright, and he should be concerned. Like it or not, you are judged by others on who you associate with. Ohbama didn’t make the inflammatory statements, but he attends this “preacher’s” church. He also has referred to Wright as a friend and a family friend who baptized his children. Since this is the case, wouldn’t you think he was well aware of some of Wright’s views and extremes? Should Ohbama finds himself in the white house, it is not totally naïve to believe that these types of fringe or radical thinkers or supporters, black or white, will not weld some amount of influence or call in a favor for their past support. In the political arena, people exchange support for support all the time. So, it is conceivable, given enough pressure by individuals Ohbama could find himself in a position of compromise on some issue. Any president faces these choices.
Would you find it so appalling, if the information in the media was about Clinton, or McCain? Would you also challenge the media on their scrutiny then? Or would you be judging Clinton and McCain on their buddies and the dirty gossip thrown around. Obviously you like Ohbama, so let’s discount or discredit the information. But do you also thoroughly analyze from the other side? Do you look at associations of the other candidates with the same eyes? This is something to consider.
The reality is: candidates dig up dirt on each other. It’s what happens. Every individual has positives and negatives. So, does every candidate. When looking at one, you have to objectively look at their past experience, platform, along with ALL their associations good and bad. This goes for every candidate. None of them are without flaws and faults, but during a campaign those are scrutinized. Aren’t all the candidates under a micro-scope? Do you take a peek at it all or just when it is against Ohbama?
I don’t like any of the candidates for president. They all stink. That’s because the political “arena” is a cesspool. And come Election Day, don’t voters choose the least offensive?
Your points on collected racial experience, paranoia, and media exploitation are valid. And just maybe Ohbama didn’t get a fair break on this one. But hey that’s politics! Welcome to the big time.
Andy • Mar 31, 2008 at 7:02 AM
While I respect your opinion, I strongly disagree with it. I am a proud American, and I am hurt deeply when my nation is compared to a terrorist or racist organization. Your plea to listen to Wright’s comments just because Blacks have undergone horrible discrimination before the Civil Rights Movement seems without a base. And, also as someone who happens to support McCain, I resent being put into the “fringe anti-Obama lunatics” group. I don’t ask that people apologize for their beliefs, I only ask that they think before they speak.
Danya Gordin • Mar 31, 2008 at 5:01 AM
Ron Paul for president!