Obama is no fool. He's a Harvard Law Grad and a US Senator. He knows how things get done in America. They don't get done through Liberation Theology. Unfortunately, there are a lot of blackfolks in his local constituency who give lip service to the idea that things do get done that way. And so he's at the bourgie black church 'that cares'. It's a Talented Tenth requirement. You know it, I know it. But if Obama or any other Talented Tenth individual really thought that the Black Church was the answer, they wouldn't even bother with running for office. There would be a black owned and operated private solution, which is what plenty of folks want, both black and non-black. So he, and every other liberal who believes that a change in government is going to help blackfolks has to work the real politics of America while pretending to advocate in a 'grass roots' way on that Afrocentric tip.
So there's no controversy here. Wright is the emperor with no clothes. Actually, he's the second, the first being Tavis Smiley, also sacrificed to the pragmatics of chasing the *real* power. Wright and everybody else with no real power but lots of influence still has to maintain the radical rhetoric, but they expect that Barack will kick down some real mojo if and when he scores in the big game. So just like Tavis, Wright will sit down, shut up and behave and come back later looking for some patronage.
The historical role that black preachers play in black life has never and will never amount to real political power in the American system. It's not supposed to - there is a separation between Church and State. Obama knows this and so he will separate from Wright, because that's how things get done in America. The Black Church is not an avenue for political power or patronage, and everybody knew that from the first day any white politician came on Visitor Sunday to try and move the crowd. It wasn't real then and it isn't real now.
This is the consolation you should take: Barack is a real politician who knows how real power works. Wright is just another messenger of the gospel, maybe.
I'm gonna vote 4 Obama 4 the simple reason that Hillary and Mcain are not my cup of tea, and the fact that Nader has no chance, and him taking votes from Obama will likely help Mcain. Saying that, I couldn't agree with you more Marc. Obama should have defended his pastor more strongly. I understand why he had to do what he did, but whatever, that was not cool. Opportunistic to say the leats. Saying that, I dont see how any one could become president without being. But he can kill the koombayah act.
I love the USA and may God Bless all that is good in this country. God bless thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining seas. All too often, we the people seek to deflect any type of self criticism. We tend to side step issues that make us feel uncomfortable or question the integrity of our conscience, by looking past the message’s significance to focusing on the tone of the messenger. Our moral compass should never be so viciously challenged in way that exposes outright deficiencies and unfairness thriving in our American communities and the world at large. To be boldly dramatic and audaciously hopeful in a church on importantly dire issues facing our society is always better than riots and constant street protest. Although at times, the hyperbole in the pulpit may descend towards the precipice of hell, and that is an unfortunate distraction. The history of the African-American church is central to the black political struggles and successes experienced in America. The preeminent position occupied by the African-American church in the political aspirations of most black politicians is undeniable, for better or worse, preferably the better consequences keep on thriving.
What is a black man running for President to do? Although it is sad that Barack must distance himself from Rev. Wright, it must be done. There is something to be said about strategy and maneuvering when obstacles present themselves. This situation is another obstacle that must be overcome by Barack. He cannot be perceived to be"racist" or anti-american. White people cannot understand how someone could applaud the words of Rev. Wright and still have affection for this country. I found nothing wrong with what the Rev said but is fans the fears of Barack being a closeted black nationalist.
Maybe Rev. Wright understands that Barack must distance himself from him. They might have discussed it if they are as close as Barack claims. So lets not condemn Barack until we hear from the Rev. Maybe the Rev realizes that it is a means to an end.
Ditto my brother/sister Cobb...very well put! I truly understand the historical and nurturing role the black church has played in the development of the black community in this country. Having said that, I also believe that the church does a disservice to the community because it does not have the ability to bring about the necessary political change in this country...only our participation in the political process would do that. If we voted in the same numbers that we go to the sanctuary every Sunday, we'd be a political force to be reckoned with! Instead, we're still sitting in the pews waiting for our "pie in the sky". Obama is doing the right thing...he needs to distance himself from Rev Wright. I also think its a wonderful "strategy" for some of the black church to publicly attack Obama. I'd really like to believe that some of those men of faith who are attacking Barack know exactly what they are doing...stay tuned people. And people, for heaven's sake...this is NOT an attack on the black church (I grew up in it), its merely one man's opinion about where we are, and how we're NOT gonna get there. Look around people, its no coincidence that leaders in the white community tend to come out of the political world, while "our" so called national leaders always seem to come out of the religious community. And what's with this perceived jealousy directed at Obama by those very same black leaders?
KnightVision said:
"I'd really like to believe that some of those men of faith who are attacking Barack know exactly what they are doing...stay tuned people."
I think you might be right about this. The manufactured controversy over Obama not attending the SoTBU and now this thing with Wright, really serve to cement BHO's status as a post-racial candidate.
Render unto Caesar what's his and unto God what's His!
Can't fault Barack for objecting to some of what the pastor or anybody said, for none of us is infallible, nary a one.
Also, one jodges a person by the deeds done, not just, words.
I just saw Marc on CNN and I had to come register here just to get a question in.
Why is it that Black Americans always seem to make this bad for us blacks who are not American (by birth?)
A lot of the disrespect black people meet throughout the world can be tied to your behaviour and attitude at home. What is this problem why Black Americans are so led by emotions and not being strategic? You have hollywood, yet you do not learn.
Obama tried to be strategic, he understood the minefield that he was playing on. Jerimiah Wright, like the typical black American (I made it so I don't give a damn) could not see beyond his emotions, not look how they took the candidate off message.
Now I saw Marc on CNN, trying to destroy the man.
I will ask the question that every black outside of this country continues to ask:
Where is your pride? Where does your self interest lies if it doesn't lie with you?
As a Christian, I waa stunned and appalled by some of Wright's rhetoric. I think Obama took the correct route in focusing on the Chrurch's core Christian principles. Love, family, and commuity aren't just core white values they are core Christian values.
I hope that the focus on these values lies with Obama's loyalties to the Christian faith and not one man, Jeremiah Wright.
Marc, I think Obama's speech today gave you all the thoughts you need to understand greatness.
What we are seeing here is the beginning of an era where people of all races, ethnicities and nationalities can reflect on what is the "common" American experience and the "uncommon" American experience.
Again Obama has proven himself to be the type of leader that you only get once every generation. He has tackled probably the most difficult and most decisive issue in America in a way that leaves no one feeling completely justified in their beliefs. Instead msot listeners would walk away questioning how their history with the country affects their mindset, and if that mindset adds to the greater good.
Obama's message is about opening up your hearts and minds, understanding where your neighbor is coming from, and building a country that can give us all what we need.
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Tavis...oh excuse me. I mean Mark. Do all your columns on Barack Obama have some type of blackometer to measure his blackness. The points you mentioned in your article on how Sen. Obama needed to handle the Rev. Wright controversy would have been politically unwise and immediately caused further damage to his campaign. He's running for the President of the United States, but you want him to act like he's running as an Alderman in the 3rd Ward of Chicago's south side.
OBAMA LIED TO US ON FRIDAY SAYING HE WASNT THERE FOR WRIGHTS HATEFUL SPEECHES. TUESDAY HE SAID HE WAS. I'LL NEVER BELIEVE HIM AGAIN. CLINTON OR MCCAIN, NOT OBAMA 2008.
Barack Obama, on "Good Morning America" this morning in an interview with Terry Moran was asked if he was an American first or black first – his response was that he was an American first. Barack is confused. In my community we know that we are born black – our nationality, being American, is secondary to our race. I have heard this throughout my military career that our racial background should be secondary to the flag, the Army (we are all green here), America first, color second and it allows left a sour taste in my mouth. Patriotism has nothing to do my comments, maybe it does; I am a very patriotic black American. I swore to defend America and its values against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in a moment was willing to sacrifice my life in pursuit of freedom for all Americans and with the understanding my brothers in arms (white, brown, red, yellow and black) that we racial, ethnic heritages was indelible, our Americanism was a value that accepted. When you say, American first is akin to believing that the “melting pot” was true for all Americans, but in reality the pot melted on Black America.
Just for the record, I thought Mr. Obama's perceptions of white and black America were right on. I have wanted Mr. Obama (or someone in his campaign) to open the discussion about race and the effect that our race or ethnicity has on our perceptions. Not because he is a black candidate or had a duty to due so, but because our electorate has been utterly captivated by him. This captivation is due, in part, because he is a multi-ethnic and multi-racial citizen who showed in his speech yesterday why he has the self-described legitimately to do so.
I did not understand why he remained unwilling to weigh in on the subject, especially after his opponents opened the door on the issue. Instead, Ms. Clinton was accused of belittling Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement by her comment that LBJ, our 36th President, exercised presidential leadership when he signed the Civil Rights Act. Ms. Ferraro’s was called a racist for her comments Mr. Obama may have achieved an advantage in this race due to the fact that he was black. Finally, ex-President Clinton was accused of "race baiting" before, after, and during the South Carolina primaries.
In playing the race card in these instances, Mr. Obama showed a complete unwillingness to look at any of those statements within the context they were given. Of course, this was all before Mr. Obama’s pastor, Mr. Wright, was revealed to be unpatriotic and possibly racist, the former being more unforgivable and intolerable to the American public. Now, Mr. Obama urges us to consider Mr. Wright’s statements under the “totality of the circumstances” (here my legal training is revealed) under which Mr. Wright spoke.
I can agree with Mr. Wright that American's foreign policy may have led to a feeling of resentment for those abroad who have felt wronged by America. What I cannot reconcile is that Mr. Obama totally blasted Ms. Clinton’s remarks, and those of the her campaign, without giving the same consideration to the context under which they were speaking. He has used race a sword to rile the rage among blacks and/or guilt among whites in reaction to his opponent's comments, but now seeks to use race as a shield to explain the comments made by his own supporter.
Mr. Obama now asks us to understand the man who made racially insensitive comments, but fails to acknowledge that it was his own unwillingness to show the same understanding that has put him in this position. I would have loved if Mr. Obama had given his “race” speech when he claimed others were race baiting or being racist. At this point, I am only left with the feeling that he is playing on my emotions.
I guess should not feel any differently, because, of course, he is a politician like the rest of them. This is not the first time Mr. Obama has employed a double standard. He has blamed Ms. Clinton for her failure to acknowledge or apologize to the American people for her vote to authorize the use of force in Iraq. Mr. Obama wants us to believe that he would have simply voted “No” to invade Iraq, even though the vast majority of Americans were in support of the war at the time. However, Mr. Obama has voted to economically continue the war, a vote that has allowed the continued use of force in Iraq. His vote, when it actually counted, was no different from Ms. Clinton’s vote. Even now, Mr. Obama has not abandoned his vote to fund the war even as he argues Ms. Clinton should have abandoned her vote to begin the war.
I choose to fault neither Ms. Clinton nor Mr. Obama for their votes. Maybe this is where the divide lies between supporters for Ms. Clinton and Mr. Obama.
SRS
No fumble, witness striking speech last night. I am humbled by his willingness to disclose as much as he did and it such a thoughtful way.
You are ridiculous and sound completely stupid. I as an African American Christian was proud of Obama for not throwing Reverend Wright under the bus. You are pathetic and leaders with street creed fell the same way.
The trouble is that wright deserves to be "thrown under the bridge". There is no amount of "mendacious twisting" that could be imagined that could have turn those words more toxic than they already were. The whining about how Wright's words have been taken out of context, reminds me of the rationalization the Trent Lott gave in defense of his comments praising Thurmond! As an African-American, I am embarassed by the poisonous defenses given by some blacks in general and Obama supporters in particular. Rationalizing a continued support of wright sounds a lot like Reagans policy of constructive engagement towards South Africa during the heydays of aparthied. The comment that many black feel that way and that the stain of racism justifies the ability to hold and express these outrageous and incidiary views sounds like the arguements that Southern politicians used when people pointed out that some of their supporters burned crosses at night.
We African-Americans have a way to go on our journy towards full inclusion into mainstream American opportunities. However, in 2008, we can't expect to maintain the moral high ground, be moral scolds AND reserve the right to make homophobic, anti-Semitic, nihilistic/anti-American comments too! We have acheived one step to equality, African-Americans are now taken seriously enough that people pay attention to the pronouncements of our "leaders" and take them at face value. We don't get a mulligan any more.
BTW, jazz4now, I would always say American first and black second. If you think that Wright should be forgiven full support despite his incediary comments, then why couldn't you give the same courtesy to your country?
