Youtube video of Barack Obama's pastor telling his congregation that they should not sing "God Bless America" but instead "God damn America," ABC News reported. I find the following video to be very shocking and wonder how Obama is going to distance himself now from the pastor he admires so much?
Do you feel that Obama's pastor is a liability in his quest for the presidency?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWvxTUy47Fk
[question posted by whiteheather39]responses and comments:
Actually, not too long ago and on two separate occasions, there were news reports (albeit not that many) that proved the CIA was bringing drugs into this country. There is also a woman who actually worked for HUD during one of these investigations and confirms the one report: http://www.dunwalke.com Coincidentally, the reporter who found this out is was murdered. I applaud this reverend for trying to "wake-up" his congregation, to see what is going on in this country; but I believe his wording leads one to believe he is attacking this country. For those that actually take the time to educate themselves and listen to alternate news sources (not the mainstream media that is bought and controlled); read the latest books (not fiction or Harry Potter) his remarks are closer to the truth than Bush's speeches to the nation. With the majority of American students graduating high-school with only a 6th grade reading level, with a 50% drop-out rate in some school districts, with the majority of the American population working most of the time just trying to keep up with the deflation of the American dollar and skyrocketing price increases, I'm not surprised so many Americans believe everything they are hearing on the news. [mizrae]
No, I do not approve of hate filled speeches. But I also believe Bush has been lying to us since he took office. I only ask that before jumping to the conclusion that Jesse Jackson or this minister are trying to keep their congregation "dumbed" down that one takes a look at the history of education in our country. I too felt I had received a great education, I went to a Catholic school and then public. I do not believe this started with Reagan only that Charlotte Iserbyt was employed in the department of education at that time. However, when I started investigating other sites after reading "The Dumbing Down of America" by Ms. Iserbyt (a free e-book) I found a video from a woman in Pennsylvania that was created in 1992. I then found another free down load from a man (I think his name is John Taylor Gatto) who was retired from teaching after 25 years. Then I found a video from a college graduate showing how the new math was being taught (NOT!) Perhaps in my exuberance to explain why these preachers are acting this way, I gave the impression I approved of their behavior. I DO NOT, nor anyone that promotes any type of intolerance (righteous or not) I just wanted to point out that their are inequalities in our government promoted public schools and that we all should take a closer look as to why they and not us are choosing the curriculum. I advocate all races receive the same education; not propaganda. In the last 15 years both whites and blacks are suffering now, not just the blacks. [mizrae]
What really scares me is how enamored the youth of America is with this man Obama. Obama and his wife believe this way, why would he distance himself from his pastor? This is one of his main defenses when people try to use the "m" word (Muslim). "I am a Christian, I am a member of a Christian church and have been all my adult life"! Only problem Senator Obama is the doctrine your "Christian" church teaches is anti-American! [rodney850]
yes, if this had been a pastor associated with Hillary it would be all over the news and newspapers. the media is so biased. they never should have endorsed him and then guess what it would be all over the news. I just went out and grabbed my newspaper, there is no story. I checked every section. this is rediculous. [asuniqueasyou]
Wow!! I had never seen or heard this. America is the KKA!! what the heck??? I am shocked. this is the pastor who has moled Obama and nurtured him over the years. He has nurtured him to believe that America is out to get blacks...OMG and they say this campaign isnt about race...whatever [asuniqueasyou]
This was said FIVE years ago. Why is this being brought up now I wonder? [dreamy1]
Like other Obama fans you ignore the fact that people choose their church, choose their pastor, and choose their friends. Obama still associates with him and even wanted Wright to introduce him when he made speeches. You compare it to classmates and coworkers but I don't choose my classmates or coworkers so nobody can judge me based on their behavior. [Taskr36]
wow well I didnt want obamaant way I do beleive that enough people see this he will be shot out of the saddle but then some black will stick thru thick and thin on this. Even ones born her and are AMERICANS! Not African Americans . they born here they are Americams and nothing else. I read some where that should the whit population if their great great grand aprents came across the big pond should be calld Englis Americans or Irish American Or GErman American dont make since to me that they are born here why they would want to tack on African American for the civil war was fough to set them free. and that also meant free from their own people from raiding and being sold to the slave traders! [Lakota12]
Dreamy. I just dont see where that rpeacher got off say this if ya dont like america go somewheres else just dont sing damn america instead of the words that is wrote for the song. to the other one cant see name noww, yup like you I Would have changed along time ago fo r I wouldnt go along with this [Lakota12]
Obama pastor is an Anti-American RACISIST. Yes Obama he is. He is not just some crazy uncle. What if the pastor of Clinton or McCain said the same thing. I believe that Obama agrees with his pastor. I have a pastor, I believe what he says. That is why he is my pastor. If I did not believe what he was saying I would just go find a new church. This is America, there is a church on every street. As far as I can see it, if Obama has been going to this Racist church for 20 years, got married in this Racist, had his children baptized in this racist church, gave 20,000 dollars last year to this racist church, maybe Obama is RACIST. [gewcew23]
It sure took him a long enough time to say that. His pastor has been making these statements for many years. [Taskr36]
There is something about Obama that I don't like, I can't put my finger on it but something about him and this takes the cake!... I'm leaning more towards McCain because he was a pow and so he knows how hard military life is and would be more sympathetic towards the remaining pow's still out there and would maybe try harder to get them home. [CatsandDogs]
I have to agree as I feel there is something about Obama that just does not run true. It is something that just keeps nudging at a gut feeling I have. I have 2 bi-racial great grandchildren so believe me it is not because he is black. [whiteheather39]
Holy mackerel what the hell. Now he says the pastor is his mentor and every thing and now his mentor turns out to be a bad guy. What i say is he should not distance himself from his mentor, he should actually bring the facts to the earth. Whatever whichever president i hope they take care of the people of america and make it a safer place to live rather then worrying after eight. [choudhary03]
Unfortunately whiteheather Rev. Wright will probably be a liablility to Obama's campaign and it is a shame. I could understand if these words were coming out of Obama's mouth but they're not. Just as Geraldine Ferraro's words did not come out of Hillary's mouth. I think what is being lost in all of this is that 1) this clip was from 2003, and 2) there is a divide between white and black America. I do not view Rev. Wright as a rascist so much as I do a realist. His congregation is predominately from the South Side of Chicago, and I can guarantee you that no white person would drive through that neighborhood at night without their doors locked and windows up, if they dared to go there at all. Not because all balck people are bad, but because there is still that fear in our nation. The man preaches what he sees and knows. And last time I checked we still have freedom of speech. I happen to agree with him that America's actions did fuel the attacks on 9/11 like we are the Chinese or something. And I also agree with him that white America still plays a part in keeping a black man down. I'm curious as to why so much scrutiny into Obama's church, why not Hillary's and Mc Cains? [soccermom]
I live in Northern Illinois, about an hour North of Chicago. I too am a business woman, and have worked my butt off to get where I am, however, this was not a sexist conversation, it was about racism. I'm glad that you live in an area where skin color is not an issue, and I am raising my kids much in the same way as you are, only it gets increasingly difficult for them when they are getting discriminated against for being white. I don't fault the kids who are doing this, I fault the environment they grow up because racism is taught, not caught. Like I said as unique, it's great you live in such an area. However, I don't think that it is representative of the majority of the nation, otherwise (like I said before) this issue would be getting laughed at instead of being the top story. [soccermom]
He is a liability. Pastors are supposed to preach God and the gospel of Jesus Christ not say how bad Americans are because they bombed Nakasaki and Hiroshima (*would they have wanted the Japanese to rule here. That would have happened IF those cities had not been bombed. You think white people are racists, well the Japanese are more racist then they, but of course, they are Asians so I guess that is all right.) As for blaming the white government for what is wrong with the black community and the situations of African Americans, many people from Europe were descended from slaves, what happened was that they gradually raised themselves up. I am not an American and I would never vote for someone based on race and never for someone who listened to someone who damned the country he lived in. [suspenseful]
The pastor is definitely a liability, but most voters are too ignorant to learn about that. Some of his supporters are so fanatical that they don't even care if he goes to a racist church. Obama will not distance himself from this man. His campaign advisers have already told him he should, but he won't. All he'll say is that he doesn't agree with everything his pastor says. [Taskr36]
Not only his pastor but his wife. Michelle Obama has not been seen much of since her infamous lines "she is proud of the U.S.for the first time in my adult life. [whiteheather39]
No matter how many ills there may be in America, I feel this is going too far. I went to watch the video but it has been removed... this is an indication that this Pastor does go too far. Obama could be in a very a surprise if he keeps this up. I did watch the cat video further below... the cat who wanted to get inside for food. It's very funny. [jennybianca]
I was really shocked at the video being removed from youtube. What happened to freedom of speech. [whiteheather39]
I get irritated every time Senator Obama's faith is brought into question. First there was a big ruckus about him being a muslim, which he isn't, and it shouldn't matter anyway. I found some of the things this preacher says distasteful, but also some were right in my opinion. I don't think it's radical to ouse the Bible as a force for social change. People have been doing that since the days of abolition. I wonder if the reason this man who retired is being targeted is because Senator Obama goes to his church. No one condemns the other, in my opinion much more crazy ministers of the world that go around saying much worse things. Look at Fred Phelps, that crazy guy from Kansas who says all gay people are going to hell. Why is no one filiming him and videotaping him for mainsteam television [cripfemme]
It's not his faith in God that is in question, although I would wonder about that, too. His faith has no bearing on his campaign, nor should it. But his racist views do. Using religion for social change is great, but that does not seem to be this church's only interest. How do you know about Fred Phelps? Because it was on TV and in print news, right? So you answered your own question. And by the way, the news media did not film Dr. Wright's rants. The church did. It just found it's way to mainstream TV, and rightfully so if one of his 20 year members is running for public office. Just my opinions. [CherylsPearls]
I at first defended this church but the more I hear about it, I really have to wonder why Obama still subscribes to it. I mean, I would not be a part of a church unless I agreed with and respected the words the pastor was preaching. What would be the point? I do think that even if Obama were to speak out now against this pastor's words one would have to question whether he was doing it simply to save his campaign. It certainly is not helping him. [sid556]
I hope his pastor's outrageous and racist comments hurt Obama. I mean, so many people jumped on his bandwagon without knowing who he was. I think finally we are finding out. I knew about Dr. Wright's rantings and Trinity United Church of Christ's doctrines a year ago. It was on the internet news at that time. Oprah goes to that church, too. Read their own site's "Black Value System" on the internet. The address is www.tucc. org/black_value_system.html . You cannot tell me that anyone could go to this church for 20 years and not be a racist. No way. Who would go to a church for 20 years that they didn't agree with? Certainly not me. I've thought for years that Oprah was racist. Since I found out the crap she listens to in church, I know she is. And Obama would have to be included, too. The farther you dig, the more you find out Obama is NOT what he pretends to be. I just hope it all comes out before the election. [CherylsPearls]
and I third that. I hope that this really sends a message to voters. do you really want this man who supports hate for America as if looking through teh lens of a digital camcorder to be the leader of our great nation? Come on pennsylvania, come on north carolina, come on south dakota and Montana, lets get this right and get Hillary the nomination!! [asuniqueasyou]
It is amazing what the media will do to tarnish someones image especially if they are running for President. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't hold myself responsible for my friends opinions or beliefs. Toleration of varied beliefs and ideas is what this country is founded upon. Nobody can be responsible for another persons beliefs, we are not God incarnate. However we are responsible for our own thoughts and beliefs and if we fail to be true to ourselves then we have failed everything. Obama's friends is entitled to his own beliefs and those that wish to paint Obama with the same brush are of course free to do so as narrow minded individuals will. [sumofalltears]
not narrow minded sumofalltears. Accurate is more like it. Anyone who congregates, worships, financially contributes, praises, uplifts, names a book after his sermon is more than just an acquaintance of such beliefs. Obama was married there, his kids baptized there, and he has worshipped there for 20 years. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck..it is probably a duck. Obama is full of crap to say that he has never in 20 years heard this man say these negative things about our great country. I stand proud as an American and even when my country's leaders make mistakes about how they handle the country, I dont mouth off at how my country has failed me. I live in a great nation with freedoms that many dont enjoy. this is so much more than guilt by association. Obama himself has proclaimed Wright to be his moral leader...wow what is moral about this man...nothing!! [asuniqueasyou]
Hi Honey I'm not voting for him he scares me Something is not right about him oxxoxoxoxo [raydene]
Obama is part of that racism remark. He condone such action or rhetoric of his trusted pastor friend.Americans should wake up and not be overwhelmed by Obama's popularity.Obama will shame the US the moment he become President. [nomadicasian]
Hey whiteheather39, dont shove dangerous words into Obama's mouth, he did not say that, his paster did! I know there are people who want to turn hot air into a political capital-those that want to fix oObama with words from the so called "Pastor he admires" are focusing on trivia-get Obama down on substance for goodness sake-the Pastor did his job in the church-he has his freedom of speech, that is not to be used to condemn his entire congregation from a not so well thought out view raised in a Church which poor Obama happened to be a humble flock! [academic2]
I must be living in a shell--- this is the first I have heard of this. Yes he needs to distance himself from this Pastor. You know as well as I do-- that when you run for office (any kind of office)-- people dig up all kinds of information about you. I am NOT an Obama supporter. I hope that he is NOT the democratic candidate running for President. I'm not a huge Hillary fan either... but I would rather she be in over him. There are too many unanswered about Obama... and I don't care for him! [KrisNY]
Thank you for making feel more in tune with politics. Before I read this discussion- I thought I was doing a good job keeping up on the candidates. [KrisNY]
Wow I just went in to watch this video and you tube deleted it. they said it was against their beliefs or something like that ... It must of been a real great video [KKKBsmom]
Here is another link to the same speech. (The must have missed this one!lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzhl-endvco [whiteheather39]
I'm still trying to understand how or why he could even "admire" such a man in the first place. Why would you want your children around such a racist? I don't think many people get the definition of racism. I believe most people think racist is only whites against blacks. Just like with womens rights, it seems as if our country is having a hard time finding a middle ground. It's as if now it's shifted to the other extreme which I feel is also starting to happen with racism. Elect Obama and we may start to see more of it. [WhatsHerName]
Youtube deleted the video, I was wanting to see it too. Darn.... [Polly1]
I just spotted a new link for a video in response 21, thanks, I did go and watch it. It really makes you think. You have to becareful who you hang out with, it can come back on you and bite you in the butt. [Polly1]