What the media did not show about WrightFollow

That's what the fuss is all about!?

First time I actually bother listening to the sermon in question and I have to admit; the man's got a point.

So was Hitler. Now, before I am smacked w/ the "racist" stick or the "conservative" club, let me just say this. I AM AN OBAMA supporter. AND, I agree that the media needs to report on the sermon in it's entirety. However, the comments about 911 sited in this video were only a few of SEVERAL disturbing statements Wright has made from the pulpit.

I watched the Senator's speech in Philly and I really want to believe that he was not influenced by Wright's venom during the 20+ years he has been attending his sermons. I am POSITIVE that Reverend Wright has had a positive influence in regard to the VAST majority of his services (faith in God, family and culture). So, how can we NOT at least entertain the idea, however disturbing that it may be, that Obama has been NEGATIVELY influenced by the obvious hurtful content of some of the reverend's sermons.

I also have to question Obama's comparison of his white grandmother with Reverend Wright's views. He said that he could no more disown Wright than he could his grandmother for making some hurtful statements about young black men and other "cringe" inducing comments. Now, I may be over-simplifying this a bit, but I haven't heard about Obama's grandma getting in front of a room full of religious followers and whipping them up into a froth with explosive and derogatory claims and language. It's very much a case of "apples and oranges".

I used the example of Hitler for a reason. We all know that he was a raving sociopath. But, he was also an accomplished orator. He interspersed his hateful rhetoric with rousing calls for nationalistic pride and self reliance for the German people. He focused his speeches toward lower and middle class Germans who were still feeling the sting and stigma resulting from Germany's humiliating defeat in WWI. In other words, Hitler had an "audience" that was hurting, disenfranchised and searching for retribution for wrongs (real or perceived) committed against them. This is, to a definite lesser degree, similar to Reverend Wright's comments being aimed at the African-American populace.

An extreme example; yes. But it does help illustrate my point. Simply put, no matter how eloquent or accomplished a speaker, politician or religious leader may be, it does not excuse him/her from using their talent to espouse hateful and disturbing rhetoric. Also, it shouldn't matter what one's personal experiences are, no matter how painful or intense. These past experiences are something that need to be drawn upon to develop one's character. But, again, they should not be used as an EXCUSE for spreading such bile and border-line insane statements.

I am still an Obama supporter, but I truly have to do some more research on my own before I can re-establish the FULL confidence I had in the Senator before this situation arose.

Take care, everyone.

Okaaay....?

Try to post an intelligent argument and one of "those guys" show up. Brilliant response, by the way.

I also note that you have 19,000+ posts so it would appear that your apparent "occupation" is to troll these forums and post "insightful" comments on any and all topics. Nice.

So, before we get into a "post volley" of insults and counter-insults, just let me throw in the proverbial towel now and cede to your obvious greater intellect. You win. I just wanted to get my opinion out there.

Good luck.

Edited, Mar 21st 2008 4:10pm by lovablebrute

You compared a minister (who, by the way, had a valid point of view) with Hitler. And THEN expected not to be called on it.

You really, really lose.

First, I DID expect to be called on it. If everyone had the same opinions then this wouldn't be a FORUM. It would be a CULT. I would just hope that the responses would be a little more thoughtful and interesting than being called a moron. That's all.

Secondly, so what if he's a minister? He's still a man with all the requisite frailty and shortcomings. And I THOUGHT I made it clear in my post, but evidently I need to further explain: I cited Hitler's documented talents as a public speaker to demonstrate that an obvious talent in oration does not equal being a positive influence. That was my argument. Take it how you want though.

Well, he's not completely wrong.

I saw a bit on the Daily Show about conservative ministers (Jerry Falwell and another guy) basically saying that the fault for 9-11 could be laid at the feet of the gays and lesbians and secularists. Perhaps it isn't as shocking as a scary black man shouting "God DAMN America!" but the sentiment would appear to be the same. I don't think you can say that Rev. Wright is in the same ballpark as Hitler or even Mr. Farrakhan when it comes to racist remarks.

But what do I know, I'm white and nerdy...

Sigh. For the record, I TRULY think that Falwell was a loon and the world is probably a lot better off without him. That said, I'm NOT comparing Wright to Hitler and Farrahkahn and their views of racism.

Anyway, I was comparing their mutual ability to reach an audience with their obvious incredible oratory abilities and charisma. AND I asked a very simple question: Should we NOT question if someone is using said ability to espouse potentially hurtful or hateful speech? Frankly, I don't care if it is anti simitic, anti black, anti white or anti Norwegian! "Hate Speech" is "Hate Speech". Period.

Edited, Mar 21st 2008 5:10pm by lovablebrute

Is this inane ***** not subordinate to Godwin's by NOW!?
SHUT THE HELL UP

If I was black I would spit in the face of every white man I SAW until the day I DIED.
Good thing I'm only like 1/8th Native..

GOLLY, YOU TOO.

No, I don't think you have the same context in Obama's (actually not even his, but Wright's) case as you have in Hitler's or even Farrakhan's. Call me crazy, but one sermon doesn't equate with years' and decades' worth.

Do you really not think that Wright had some valid points? I understand you're just Socky McTroll, here, but humor me.

That's the point: It IS Senator Obama's case. He has stated that this man has had a profound influence on his life over the last two decades or so. THAT'S the context. Additionally, by trying to twist the meaning of my post to "Ooooo!!! Wright is JUST LIKE Hitler!!! Whoa is us!! (Which is BULL), you're only showing that you don't have a valid response to what I'm trying to say.

Also, it's not "one sermon". I've watched the DVDs that his church has sold and I have done my research. And NO, I'm not talking about the chuckleheads at Fox News or Youtube! He's made some pretty disturbing statements over the years that would, I assume, concern any AMERICAN CITIZEN with more than two brain cells in their head.



"Socky McTroll". Yet another ZINGER!! Yes, I do think that Reverend Wright makes some good points. But do those excuse the fallacy and destructive nature of his OTHER POINTS? I don't know. I'm just a troll after all. Maybe after another few THOUSAND posts, I'll be all growed up like you!

So you avoided answering the question. Do you not think Rev. Wright had a valid point to make?

Uh....



Jut pointing that out. Don't get mad at me!!