Washington File

One of the previous comments referred to John and Jane American as being stupid. The writer did not use the word but that is what he meant. Excuse me but we had a non-popular Prime Minister for 12 years who spoke either official language atrociously, filled his and his friends pockets, starved a military to the point of global embarrassment and when caught let his friends dangle and or be incarcerated. This man reigned for 12 years with never more than 43% of the popular vote. Those votes however came from somewhere and if any of those votes had done any thinking of their own besides what the media covered or buries as may be the case, provided to them in 30 second sound bites on the notoriously left leaning national network, we may have had a Prime Minister more representative of the whole country and not one for the whining part of our land.
Analyze the redundancy of the Canadian voter before you look elsewhere my friend.

Barrack Obama had no choice to cut Rev. Jeremiah Wright from his life....

Because otherwise he wouldn't be the presidential nominee of the United States of America

Yet another shining example of the overwhelming ignorance and laziness of Joe and Jane American.

Quite clearly, the average American voter cannot separate one person's thoughts, words and actions from another person's.

Mr. Obama's pastor says some controversial things (spiced up with several grains of TRUTH, incidentally). Since Joe and Jane American voter do not seem to have the mental capacity of a fruit fly, they automatically assume that whatever Obama's pastor says, Obama himself must believe, too....100 % and without question...just like he's some sort of well-educated, well-spoken, well-read, well-versed puppet.

But, lets' not blame Joe and Jane American voter. After all, they are simply being told what to think by the media. And, we all know that mainstream media is NOT in the business of INFORMING or EDUCATING Joe and Jane American, but to make sure advertising dollars and sales keep rolling in by ENTERTAINING Joe and Jane American, who, by the way, have the attention span of an infant.

YAY DEMOCRACY!! It ain't perfect, but it's the best we got!!

Bill Maher said the same [about the chickens coming home to roost] right after 9/11, his network quickly ushered him out of the limelight, eventually many agreed. The Dixie Chicks spoke out against Bush and were branded as unpatriotic, their CDs burned, today the vast majority of Americans have rejected Bush. Now Obama's former Pastor is repeating the uncomfortable truth about his country and is being cast as some kind of a whack-job to be marginalised, when will we learn?

Poutine on my Liberty Fries please...

I can't believe Wright would be STUPID enough to go public with the same comments again. It really doesn't matter whether you think he has a point or not. After the furor the sound bites from his sermons caused the first time you would expect him to be smart enough to keep his head down and his mouth shut.

It all makes me think Wright cares more about his image and his 15 minutes of fame than the very real chance a black man has to become President and give a huge boost to the image and standing of black Americans.

"Oh my God. If a white candidate made any vaguely-insensitive comments about blacks or other minorities, he or she would be TOAST!"

Maira,

Bush was re-elected because Karl Rove engineered ballot questions in key states designed to motivate the far-right to show up and vote. Those ballot issues were anti-gay marriage. I suspect you either agree with these viewpoints, or a simply ignorant of the issues involved. CLEARLY, espousing a scape-goating bigoted viewpoint as a 50-something priviliged white-male who has never accomplished anything without Daddy's help is a far less loaded issue than a black man speaking the truth and then having his comments taken out of context to create white fear of the ethnic candidate. The sad thing is that despite how obvious this is, there are still people like you who see nothing wrong with it. This has NOTHING to do with whether you agree with Wright or anything he has said. The issue is that no one is even arguing about the substance of his comments. The entire argument is about mis-used out of context statements clearly designed to smear. Despicable does not even begin to describe the people willing to accept this behavior in my opinion.

Aside from his ridiculous comments about the US government inventing AIDS to infect black men, and his unwavering support of the (actually) bigoted Louis Farrakhan, most of Wrights comments have been fairly mainstream, just shouted in a way that white folk are not used to. Certainly, the seedy sexual hatred professed by many evangelical Christians is far more terrifying. Racism has a lot to do with the media firestorm here. But that does not take into account, for politicians, blind patriotism is a must in America. Saying goddamn America, for any reason, and not condemning 9/11, is considered political heresy. It doesn’t matter that it is irrational, Americans are religiously patriotic and have a hard time with political self-criticism. Just look at the complaining about Obama not wearing a flag lapel pin, or what the Dixie Chicks went through for disliking George W Bush. Besides, how many Republican politicians were proud of their association with long-time senator Strom Thurmond? This man ran for president as a segregationist, and espoused endless hatred for black people. He was still in the senate in 2001. The hypocrisies are endless.

Our mothers all told us we are known by the company we keep.

Obama needed Wright to help launch his political career amongst blacks in Chicago who probably shared Wright's views. So he used Wright to help him early on in his career.

But those views don't go down well in white America. So he is now disowning Wright after saying last month he could no longer disown Wright then he could disown the black community.

Now Obama is paying the price. As he should.

He is now being exposed as a dunce (he didn't know those were Wright's views over the twenty years Wright was his pastor, mentor and sounding board) or a liar (he did know these were Wright's views and his denials now are simply incredible). Either way, it destroys his claim to be a different type of politican. He sounds like the usual sleazy kind we are all familiar with - who will say and do anything to get elected.

The audacity of hope? I don't think so. It's more like the audacity of hype.

The political right has gotten away with murder in the last decade with their infatuation with the religious far right. The relationship between Christian Dominionists and the Bush administration has not a part of ANY mainstream media discussion. McCain went out and got the support of John Hagee, but he's not seen as a religious extremist. Could someone please tell me what gives with that and when that will become an issue? How about McCain getting the support of Bush? Shouldn't this be a kiss of death?

Anyway, a poll published on Salon.com indicates that the American people have greater concerns about McCain and Clinton than they do about Obama. Could it be that the average American has a better perspective on this issue than the pundocracy?

I have to say I agree with Nick from NYC -- Obama should be held accountable for his connection to Rev. Wright.

Under normal circumstances, I don't really care that much what religion politicans are practicing or who their faith leaders are. BUT when a politican goes on record as wanting to bring more of their religious values into the political arena, as Obama did numerous times prior to this controversy, that makes their religious views and the people they practice their religion with fair game for criticism.

State and church MUST be separate in order for democracy to prevail, something Obama doesn't seem to understand.

I've watched the clips of Rev. Wright. Regardless of their specific content, and whether they were or were not taken out of context, it strikes me we have a man who is enjoying the perimeter of the spotlight just a little too much. He also seems to suffer from that most perilous of afflictions: being surrounded by people who constantly tell you you're wonderful.

well, all these god-wallahs are alike in many respects; but really, what did Wright say? If I had been forced to sit at the back of a bus or dodge a bat-wielding state governor to get to school, or condemned to [many] years in prison for crack while the rich white celebrities get sent to 5-star rehab for a day or two for snorting the stuff, well, face it, the man has a point.

Chickens coming home to roost? Too damned right. When I first heard the date 9/11 I thought it might be disgruntled Chileans. Check it out.

In any case, how can someone be responsible for what someone else says, and what can you make of someone willing to repudiate a longstanding personal relationship over some political trivia. The whole game is a farce.

Cheers,
dba

Politically, I am a Green.

As far as I can see both Democrats and Republicans have absolutely zero interest in The People of the United States.

Why?

I am seeing the same political crap in a different election cycle. Elitists versus elitists.

Maybe it should be time to consider a parliamentary system for the U.S. where "ALL" elected officials from local, state and federal offices serve one term and one term only.

The "chickens come home.." comment referred to a statemnent made by someone else but the media continously ignores the context of the Reverend's words as contained in the bit on Youtube. The person who posted the contentious portions of the Reverend Wright's speeches on the web knew they (that person and the words) would cause a firestorm. k s has it right, there are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT issues at hand but the media keeps coming back to Rev. Wright, giving him a platform and fanning the flames.

"If these two men weren't black, it would be a non-issue."

Oh my God. If a white candidate made any vaguely-insensitive comments about blacks or other minorities, he or she would be TOAST!

Obama asked for a discussion on race. Careful what you wish for! Now the formerly hush-hush issue of black racism is front and center.

I really don't understand why everybody is assuming that this is such a huge disaster for Obama. Were they really expecting Wright to apologize for what he had previously said or that his views had somehow changed while he was keeping quiet? The only surprise here is that he couldn't keep his mouth shut for another few months, but this at least gives Obama an opportunity to completely break with the guy. I don't see how that's so terrible.

Too bad no one commenting on this has a clue what they are talking about. I've got news for most of you. He was not saying the U.S. deserved 911, he was pointing out that if the U.S. can justify using torture, suspending habeas corpus, invading nations without cause, then anyone else can do the same. The U.S. had the moral high-ground after 911. Anyone believe that is still the case? I'm a hawk, and a conservative, but this is nothing but racism disguised as righteous indignation. If any of you would listen to the ENTIRE statements he makes instead of the conveniently misinterpreted sound-bites you might see that. Disgusting. If these two men weren't black, it would be a non-issue.

The passage "God Damn America" was taken out of context. I'm not going to argue that Wright has numerous times crossed the line into questionable ideas, but he made a good point in the speech wherefrom that quote comes. The purpose of Obama's previous steadfastness, and his new stance of distancing himself from Wright appear to me to show that Obama, like anyone who actually thought about this enough to read the whole speech, knew that Wright hadn't made all that crazy of a remark.

The point is, too many people never bothered to read into it, just assumed it was black hate-speech and consequently assumed Obama shared similar ideas. Not the case. But now Obama has to cut his ties with Wright because too many people are misinformed. Thanks to the media, I guess, since its only, you know, their job to inform the public (accurately...).

Anyways, there's another article on CBC about what the actual message was, I recommend you read that.

Oh, and no one looked sideways at Hagee. Maybe review the post by k.s. in sydney.
And look up the story on that one too.

Of all the calamities to befall the would-be first African-American president, this is by far the worst. Tabloids couldn’t have come up with a better front page news story. It’s no secret that my (the black) race is divided on many issues, and I have to say, I am not surprised that it took a black man to strip another of the most important political position of our time. One, however, cannot help but wonder why Obama failed to execute the obvious political move, disassociating himself from the Reverend, before all of this damage was done.

Why did Obama remain a member of this hateful church for two decades? Clearly, it helped him win votes in Chicago's Black neighborhoods. Hate speech plays less well on the national scene, fauning media notwithstanding.

Sad, really. I guess we're reminded that racists comes in all colours.

Frank

Obama has paid a very high price with rural American voters because of Wright's rantings.Perhaps Obama can learn a valuable lesson from this and can move on.It's okay to be loyal and supportive to church friends but it is not right to be stupid or indifferent about their views.I hope voters can move on to the real issues at stake in this election and vote Obama...... Go Obama Go

I saw Bill Moyer's interview with Wright on PBS this past Sunday. There is nothing wrong with Wright. In fact, he's telling the truth. The problem is, the truth he's telling is inconvenient to the establishment. The broad media has rebranded Wright as some monster, which he is not. The result is that the media has put fear into the minds of the public. But who's the real monster?

please...Vegan Ninja...grow up...your cynicism is juvenile and uninformed...Universal Medical Care in the U.S. is a tired, old, middle of the road idea? (see the Clinton campaign)...no, your rants against politicians are tired and old...and helpful to no one...

Henry,

I think you hit the nail on the head. To say Obama is out of touch with his voters is like saying Don Cherry is out of touch with hockey.

As Henry David Thoreau once said "The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend.” It is obvious that Rev. Wright was never Obama's friend. I'm sure Obama is terribly disappointed and saddened by the untimely rhetoric from Rev. Wright. He was never Obama’s friend – he WAS his pastor. Even the Clinton’s went to the Reverend during their marital crisis years ago for counseling.

What is the Reverend thinking? That his harmful words against the current administration won’t be spun as a threat to the Republican Party? Obama scares the Republicans because they know he CAN become the next President. They’re grasping onto this because they know they can beat Hillary and they can’t easily beat Obama.

For the media to tie Obama to the Reverend – well, they’re trying to make news – which is exactly what the US media is best known for: making huge stories out of personal issues with the hope by spinning it for their own purposes (ratings).

This is very disappointing for the Obama campaign for three reasons:
1. The Republicans who won’t let this die.
2. Hillary is nervous to draw more attention to it because it could back-fire on the entire Democratic campaign.
3. The US media LOVES it.

Excellent observations by KS of Sydney.

This is a storm born of vanity as well as injustice. Rev. Wright is retiring this year; this is his chance to take centre stage and he relishes it. Unfortunately his vanity has torpedoed Obama's campaign -- which has a great chance to address the injustices Rev. Wright speaks of. He may have damaged that campaign mortally.

For all of this post National Press Club commentary, I wish there were more note taken of Rev.Wright's hour with Bill Moyers on PBS which revealed a more admirable man than the soundbites suggest.

One of Wright's in return has been stellar, though -- "I spent six years in the military -- how many did Cheney?"

To paraphrase Claude Rains in Casablanca; "Obama is shocked, SHOCKED, to discover this pastor of twenty years is a bigot, liar and hates whites!" But where was that great judgement he brags about?

What the rev said wasn't that bad, esp compared to the evil spouted by tv evangelists, esp in the land of free speech. What is sad is that these candidates won't take a real stand on anything other than the middle of the road status quo, no platform other than mushy neutralities and empty slogans, never any real change. That's because the real agenda is already well in place, as set by the US corporate/military establishment, just like the rev says.

The press must take some responsibility for giving so much attention to the obvious self-interest of Rev.Wright. Surely this is not in the best interests of their country to concentrate on this man's opinions. Mr.Obama has already rejected what Rev.Wright has said as not acceptable.

Excuse me, but there is nothing wrong with holding Obama guilty by association. His connection to a racist (so-called "Black liberation") church and bigoted pastor is by no means remote: he's been a member of the church for over 20 years. Furthermore, Mr. Wright was a close spiritual adviser in his political career and personal life (baptising his children, officiating his marriage).

At a recent press conference, Mr. Wright was cheered by members of the NAACP for insisting that whites are too analytical and "left-brained", while blacks are more creative and "right-brained". He then used this logic to reenforce a few racial stereotypes.

Can you imagine the reaction if a white preacher made similarly racist comments? Would the media be falling over itself to explain the nuances of the Black Church?

There's a lesson here: the laws of political correctness must be followed by visible minorities as well.

Mr. Champ,

It really is unfair to see how heavily Sen. Obama has been criticized with this horrendous guilt-by-association.

The prominent american religious leader John Hagee who has supported John McCain, has said such terrible things like that "New Orleans had reached such a level of sin..."[that Katrina was God's way of punishing the sinners]

I think it really goes to show how addicted the press is to ratings; in a year when people are starving around the world, America is bankrupt and our Planet is approaching a Climactic precipice...

The biggest liability for a promising leader is not what he has done or said...but what a friend of his has?....

As Neil Young has said...

"America is Beautiful, but it has an ugly side."