You may as well condemn the entire Black Community in America...

[Labors of Hercules]

If you keep trying to hold Barack Obama personally accountable for the way some preachers in the Black Community preach...

Because there AREN'T a lot of Black preachers who DON'T say some angry anti-establishment shit from time to time, and there AREN'T a lot of well-respected Black leaders who DON'T attend their churches.

I am as white a cracker as you are ever going to see, but even I know that condemning Obama because "his" preacher or some other Black preacher who endorsed him says some inflammatory stuff is just plain ignorant of the Black Community in America.

So if you want to change the way it IS, get your ass out from in front of your computer and go fight for the fairness and freedom that all people in this country deserve.

:rant:

[BzaDem]

1. I completely agree. My concern is that much of America does not agree.

I have vigorously defended Obama multiple times from people who have claimed that Obama agrees with Wright.

The problem is that much of America may not agree with my view, and that could cost us this election big.

[tishaLA]

2. As I said when this bullshit first broke

those who don't understand the jeremiad tradition in American culture are not going to get it--I don't think it has anything to do with race, necessarily, but with discomfort at the articulation of American declension. After all, the Puritans were among the most exuberant practitioners of the Jeremiad genre.

For the uninitiated:

The term jeremiad refers to a sermon or another work that accounts for the misfortunes of an era as a just penalty for great social and moral evils, but holds out hope for changes that will bring a happier future. It derives from the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, who in the seventh century B.C. attributed the calamities of Israel to its abandonment of the covenant with Jehovah and its return to pagan idolatry, denounced with "lurid and gloomy eloquence" its religious and moral iniquities, and called on the people to repent and reform in order that Jehovah might restore them to his favor and renew the ancient covenant. ...

According to Sacvan Bercovitch (The American Jeremiad) and Perry Miller (The New England Mind: From Colony to Province), the jeremiad could exhort to action and caution against headlong zeal. Although they created anxiety through a recitation of current woes, jeremiads also reassured listeners by evoking the spirit of a glorious past and suggesting that the same spirit, now slumbering but able to be awakened, existed in the present day. According to Miller, one technical problem is that the jeremiad "could make sense out of existence as long as adversity was to be overcome, but in the moment of victory it was confused" link

[yardwork]

5. My partner was telling me about this the other day.

She doesn't post on DU or any internet board and thinks they're all a waste of time. I tell her that I do it for entertainment. I was telling her about the Reverend Wright dust-up (which nobody outside readers of DU and watchers of Fox News seems to know about) and she said, "Oh that's just the jeremiad tradition - goes way back - you should spend time reading instead of wasting your time on those internet boards."

Color me ignorant. I majored in history and didn't know about it. I majored in African history and studied the transatlantic slave trade and didn't know about it.

[ellacott]

12. Thank you for the lesson today

Wasn't Jeremiah also called the weeping prophet?

[tishaLA]

19. Yup n/t

[yardwork]

3. This white person agrees with you.

I've been disappointed to learn that some of the folks who claimed they were ready for a black president obviously aren't ready for a black president.

[DangerDave921]

4. Objective

I'm trying to be very objective in this whole thing. But I can't help notice you are blatantly misstating facts. No one is trying to hold Obama accountable for what black preachers, as a whole, are saying. That's just incorrect. The is one very specific black preacher, whom Obama has referred to as his mentor. The guy who married Obama and baptized his kids. The guy to whom Obama has donated thousands of dollars. It is perfectly acceptable to ask if Obama shares the views that we've seen on tv from Wright.

There is nothing wrong with asking questions. Just be ready to listen to the answer. I'm sure you would feel differently if McCain's main minister for the past 20 years was caught on video espousing David Duke-like sentiments.

[stillcool]

9. I am disgusted....

that a life is judged by excerpts from a Sermon out of over 30 years of Sermons. It is vile what is being done to this man, and to Senator Obama's candidacy by those so eager to condemn.

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

[DangerDave921]

15. Whoa there

No one is saying the man hasn't accomplished good things. But that doesn't mean you get a pass when you say vitriolic and controversial things.

[stillcool]

30. It does if one refuses...

to examine the Sermon as a whole. It does if one refuses to accept some truths about our country. Do you believe that Reverend Wright has 'Gotten a Pass'? Do you think the members of his Church feel like he has 'Gotten a Pass'? Do you feel like the Black Population feels as though Reverend Wright has "Gotten a Pass'?

[DangerDave921]

33. No, he has not gotten pass

But the implication of your original "i am disgusted" post seemed to imply that Wright shouldn't have been questioned over what he said on the video clips. And my point was, no matter how much good he's done, he has to be asked about those clips.

Yes, I agree we should see the whole sermon.

[stillcool]

34. I am disgusted...

Questioned is one thing, demonized is another. They who are so willing to denigrate another human being without any investigation are characteristic of who we are as a nation. There is always an 'evil' someone out to get us. The self-righteous arrogant ignorance that follows is stunning. Bombs away.

[Labors of Hercules]

14. No. This is spilling over to other preachers who endorse Obama...

It is just not bloody fair to force Obama to waste his time answering to every single Black Preacher who endorses him because MOST Black preachers rant against the white establishment from time to time.

[Catherina]

6. So true n/t

[Texas Hill Country]

7. THIS IS HIS PREACHER!!! but i do like your sentiment at the end.

[stillcool]

10. Who Is Reverend Wright?

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

[leftynyc]

35. You've posted this same tidbit

on just about every thread concerning Rev Wright and TWICE on this thread alone. Have you ever heard of spamming?

[Igel]

36. It's his equivalent of 'crazy uncle'.

One must assume that nobody who actually knew the esteemed Reverend Wright would ever debase himself and the reverend by calling him such a scurrilous name. To think, a man of his stature, a "crazy uncle".

[stillcool]

37. Think of it as my signature.

sorry you find it so offensive

[yardwork]

11. Poster's point is that many preachers use this technique - white and black.

Pat Robertson does the same thing when he talks about how New Orleans was damned because of gay people. How come people don't get all upset about that? Robertson has advised every Republican president in my lifetime.

[Bake]

17. People here DID get upset about Robertson.

And Robertson caught a lot of bad press about it. I'm not sure if he ever retracted those statements (as if you can un-ring a bell!), but he has pretty much been relegated to the loony bin of evangelicals, with far less influence than he had at one time.

Bake

[yardwork]

20. Media doesn't play Robertson clips 24/7. Obama is targeted far more than Republicans.

DUers go along for the ride.

[Texas Hill Country]

24. he has had to come out and apologize many times for his statements.

[suziedemocrat]

23. People DID get upset when Falwell said that on Pat Robertson's program and he had to apologize.

It was not accepted. http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/09/14/Falwell.apology/

It's a pity we only elect politicians who attend church, most pastor's are nutty. You can't defend the comments of either of these guys. Anyone who does is just hate filled - imo. Who goes to church to hear hate speech anyway?

[cooolandrew]

8. Which is what Barack's historic speech highlights. We got work to do we can we will.

[BigDDem]

13. "Ive gone to the same church for 20 years"

He's my "spiritual adviser"
"Mentor"
"Sounding board"
"Like family"

Oh wait, ignore all that.

:rofl:

[Labors of Hercules]

18. No, just ignore you...

You are obviously a white male who has never suffered because you are in a minority.

:shrug:

[BigDDem]

22. "You are obviously a white male ...."

"Typical white person"

Thanks for the lecture.
Try that with Average Joe Blow white voter and let me know
how that works out.

[Labors of Hercules]

40. "That you are what you are, do not blame me."

And it just so happens I am an average, hammer totin' Joe Blow.

[suziedemocrat]

27. It's sentiment like that that is hurting Obama. You're exposing some true ugliness.

[Labors of Hercules]

39. yes I am...

I believe ugliness should be exposed and dealt with reasonably.

[RedShoesBlueState]

31. And do you think you can win an election without white males?

I've no idea whether the poster is a white male, and what that really has to do with anything -- what I do know is that a response like yours isn't going to convince anybody to vote for your candidate, and most ESPECIALLY a certain segment of the white male population which is already leery of him. Stomping your foot and declaring "fine, we don't need your racist vote" will get you nowhere. You need their votes. How are you going to convince them?

[Labors of Hercules]

38. I have no interest in convincing anyone of anything.

All I'm saying is what people understand is relative to their experience... I can tell from his point of view that this OP was written by a white male who has not experienced being discriminated against because he is in a minority.

That's not an assumption. It's the truth.

[katmondoo]

16. Didn't Pat Robertson once say Bill Clinton

should be assassinated. This was years ago

[walldude]

26. No.. it was Hugo Chavez...

I don't think Robertson was ever stupid enough to advocate the assassination of a U.S. president. We only kill leaders of foreign countries..

[Fredda Weinberg]

21. Excuse me, but I got my ass moving years ago. That's why this whole

white guilt thing doesn't phase me. But if you want to excuse someone who blames the US government for inventing AIDS and thinks we bombed the Japanese w/o a second thought ... welcome to the loser's circle!

[RedShoesBlueState]

32. My thoughts exactly

While I think Rev. Wright's comments on race were hateful, I am much more bothered by his ridiculous assertion about AIDS. Surely this is something he would have discussed with someone in his congregation who is in government (Obama). How can Obama justify staying in the church of such a nutcase?

[knixphan]

25. Right on Herc

[slackmaster]

28. The entire Black Community kicked my dog

And I don't even have a dog.

[not_too_L8]

29. thanks...n/t