Comments on: The politics of race and faith

By: Pat. Robinson(The Lifeteller)

Pat. Robinson(The Lifeteller) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:48:20 +0000

One Man
Obama is before his time there hasn’t been many who attract the masses as Obama does can you see it, hear it. he is here to teach us something, we don’t know how long he will be here or if he will get the presidency. All I know is that he is awakening us up from the darkness the 2000 vote put America in, he is awakening the young, the old, as he set a fire in America’s soul, he is here to show us what the black man should look like and be. The black man should stand tall, pants up, speak properly, not slang,
Obama is before his time, he is so eloquent with his words, see there was a man almost like Obama in in the 60s M.L.King and he marched, talked, brought black and white together , we all know who Obama reminds us of as he speaks , with that slightly southern , slightly proper way he has with his voice, I had the privilege of shaking his hand several times as the campaign moved through South Carolina, he stood inches from me as he leaned in and whispered thank you . It was as powerful at the time Milking marched down Penn. Ave. in 68, I was pregnant not showing , as my aunt took a bunch of us up into the monument to look down on history. I will never for get that, as well as this year in SC. When I stepped out into the voting arena. Yes I was one of those who never voted in my life because I always felt, what was the use, the white man will do what he wants anyway, I know this is how a lot of people felt, poor whites felt the rich whites would do what they wanted also, because when you are poor in some places you just well be black, see I’m 60 yrs old and this was how we of that generation was raised.
But today because of whites men like JFKennedy, Bobby Kennedy, LB Johnson, all those Jewish men and women who marched in places even blacks were scared to go. Because of those 3 men 2 white 1 black they burned in a car and buried, because of that few who heeded the call no matter what to speak, rally walk, and die , I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see the differences from yesterday to today, and it hurts that some of my sisters and brothers wont allow them selves to see. To see that freedom isn’t just a thought and when Obama becomes president if those who wont see don’t, they never will. All of this is a wake up call for the masses to let the old rule know , new is on the way. That this predicament this country is in needs a change, the story of Jesus tells us that one man can save this world, one man can change what we perceive as right, one man saved a world from sin and opened our eyes to freedom yes freedom, see there were powerful men ruling this earth back then too. Selfish men who didn’t care about anyone, but what they had and how they could hold on to it, one man Noah one man it might of took years to build the ark and even as they saw the ark they didn’t believe only until the water came did they believe by then it was to late. It took one man to stand out in front to get the masses together, sometimes we as a people are to stubborn, to smart for our own good, and it takes One man Daniel and the lion, one man Moses and the commandments, one man Martin L. King and freedom, one man Obama and the world.. By Patricia Robinson-3/30/08-6p

I once was a part of that community that never voted. The addicted community that sit back and watches others make the laws we break, today I’m sober and have voted for the 1st time, I thank the 2000 election for steaming the world so much even the junkies started to see it differently and take the time to get involved in this America, I ask please don’t let addiction keep you from voting and trying to do something about those things we only argue about when we are high, get up and register to vote, I did after 31yrs of addiction its never to late….
Patricia Robinson
843-
NMB, SC

By: A. Johnson

A. Johnson — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:24:50 +0000

I will just like to say that African Americans should boycott Fox News because they are a racist so called network. This is very obvious.

Each time that African Americans are asked to appear on Fox, then they should decline and say no thanks. If they appear thing the head two racist or hate mongers, Hannity and O’Reilly will only spin yourr comments into what they want people to hear.

Please think about a boycott of Fox News. There are power in numbers, because Dr. King did it with the bus boycott and the transit system suffered. We can do it regarding the Fox Network.

By: A. Johnson

A. Johnson — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:23:54 +0000

I believe that Larry Elder was responsible for getting the tape out regarding Rev. Wright. I also have no respect anymore for Larry Elder. I see that he dislikes Obama for no apparent reason. I was on with Hannity saying only ugly things about Obama. I will never watch or support anything that Larry Elder will ever do, whether TV or radio. I believe that he is also jealous of Obama.

You know, unfortunately, some African Americans are jealous of President Obama.

By: A. Johnson

A. Johnson — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:18:01 +0000

Roland,

I will just like to say that African Americans should boycott Fox News because they are a racist so called network. This is very obvious.

Please think about a boycott of Fox News. There are power in numbers, because Dr. King did it with the bus boycott and the transit system suffered. We can do it regarding the Fox Network.

By: Debra Ireland

Debra Ireland — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:10:23 +0000

Hi Roland,

First, I would like to say I love you on CNN. Below is an interesting article and I wonder why we have never heard this discussed on CNN or blogs about it all over the internet. I am a supported of Obama and I not at all surprised at the level the Clinton’s will stoop to get what they want. It’s not just Hillary that wants to be back in the White House; Bill wants to be there too. Have you ever seen the movie “Primary Colors”? When it was released it was said that the movie was about the Clintons. Cathy Bates I think it was spoke a line in that movie that makes me wonder if this could be what we are seeing happening. That line was regarding destroying the village to get what they want. Is the village the Democratic Party? Are the Clintons willing to destroy it to get what they want?? Are we going to let that happen??

Different Standards for Black and White Preachers
By Cenk Uygur, Huffington Post
Posted on March 19, 2008, Printed on March 20, 2008
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/different-standards-for-b_b_92337.html

Rudy Giuliani’s priest has been accused in grand jury proceedings of molesting several children and covering up the molestation of others. Giuliani would not disavow him on the campaign trail and still works with him.

Mitt Romney was part of a church that did not view black Americans as equals and actively discriminated against them. He stayed with that church all the way into his early thirties, until they were finally forced to change their policies to come into compliance with civil rights legislation. Romney never disavowed his church back then or now. He said he was proud of the faith of his fathers.

Jerry Falwell said America had 9/11 coming because we tolerated gays, feminists and liberals. It was our fault. Our chickens had come home to roost, if you will. John McCain proudly received his support and even spoke at his university’s commencement.

Reverend John Hagee has called the Catholic Church the “Great Whore.” He has said that the Anti-Christ will rise out of the European Union (of course, the Anti-Christ will also be Jewish). He has said all Muslims are trained to kill and will be part of the devil’s army when Armageddon comes (which he hopes is soon). John McCain continues to say he is proud of Reverend Hagee’s endorsement.

Reverend Rod Parsley believes America was founded to destroy Islam. Since this is such an outlandish claim, I have to add for the record, that he is not kidding. Reverend Parsley says Islam is an “anti-Christ religion” brought down from a “demon spirit.” Of course, we are in a war against all Muslims, including presumably Muslim-Americans. Buts since Parsley believes this is a Christian nation and that it should be run as a theocracy, he is not very concerned what Muslim-Americans think.

John McCain says Reverend Rod Par sley is his “spiritual guide.”

What separates all of these outrageous preachers from Barack Obama’s? You guessed it. They’re white and Reverend Jeremiah Wright is not. If it’s not racism that’s causing the disparity in media treatment of these preachers, then what is it?

I’m willing to listen to other possible explanations. And I am inclined to believe that the people these preachers go after are more important than the race of the preacher. It’s one thing to go after gays, liberals and Muslims – that seems to be perfectly acceptable in America – it’s another to accuse white folks of not living up to their ideals.

I think there is another factor at play as well. The m edia is deathly afraid of calling out preachers of any stripe for insane propaganda from the pulpits for fear that they will be labeled as anti-Christian. But criticism of Rev. Wright falls into their comfort zone. It’s easy to blame him for being anti-American because he criticizes American foreign and domestic policy.

If Rev. Wright had preached about discriminating against gay Americans or Muslims, there probably would not have been any outcry at all. That falls into the category of “respect their hateful opinions because they cloak themselves in the church.”

But one thing is indisputable – the enormous disparity in how the media has covered these white preachers as opposed to Rev. Wright. Have you ever even heard of Rod Parsley? As you can see from what I listed above, all of these white preachers have said and done the most outlandish and offensive things you can imagine – and hardly a peep.

If the disparity in coverage isn’t racist, then wha t is it?

By: Celina Bean

Celina Bean — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:31:07 +0000

Did anyone see Lanny Davis’s interview with Sean Hannity on Tuesday night. It was really disturbing. I lost all respect for Lanny. It was all of that same old stuff about Jeremiah Wright. The sad thing is that he looked just like some little slut. He was so transparent, that even Sean Hannity changed the subject and started asking him about Hillary and Bosnia. You know, I used to have a lot of respect for Lanny, but he has shown me a side of him that shows that he would stoop as low as necessary. All human beings with any kind of self respect should have a limit as to how far they will stoop, and believe me, Lanny has none. I’m not sure that the Hillary camp was not somehow responsible for getting that Jeremiah Wright tape out to the right people. It looks like they are willing to do anything to win. SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: rentamob

rentamob — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:54:54 +0000

Can Bill Clinton Vote?

By: Mike Warren

Mike Warren — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:49:36 +0000

TEXAS TO MOVE PRIMARY! John Edwards and Joe Biden should file suit against the DNC for the Michigan and Florida debacle if they allow new elections. Is the DNC clairvoyant enough to know that election votes in these two States would not have knocked out Clinton or Obama? I submit that this has been a very capricious election year and if the DNC can prove to be omniscient, any redo in Florida or Michigan is now unfair to each democratic candidate. A redo complicates the process and rules stop litigious activity. Convention credentials’ fight success for Clinton will only stimulate the Supreme Court to settle actions by Obama’s folks. The Supreme court process ending is well after the convention. I have suggested that Texas move the voting primary next time, if our delegates are strip from Texas, no worries, we have set precedence where DNC rules need not apply.

By: thenounproject

thenounproject — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:25:46 +0000

The first time I remember meeting Tavis Smiley was a few years ago at a White House conference aimed at getting the Black media more involved in the Clinton/Gore re-election campaign. The things I remember most about that day were the inspiring and enlightening words from the late Ron Brown. The Commerce Secretary asked the room full of members of the Black press to turn off their microphones and to put down their pens and pads. He said he wanted to take a moment to be “real with us.” Then he said, “Those Republicans are some mean sons of bitches.” When I later learned that Tavis was tight with Ron Brown, and Ron Brown was that “down,” I knew Tavis was my kind of journalist. After reading his book, Hard Left, I was even more sure.” Tom Joyner

With that being said, since we are on the subject of Bosnia and the year is 1996, can someone finally ask Hillary about the way that Ron Brown’s assassination was handled? This will shine more light on her foreign policy “experience” and her ability to handle crisis; i.e., why did President Clinton have the final say over his body being autopsied vs his family, why not a full investigation of the bullet hole in the head, the condition of the aircraft they were on, the mishandling of the wreckage and the survivors, the conflicting weather reports that supposedly caused the accident. Google is an amazing place, but people need it to be in the mainstream media again. Its all on file, bring it up, talk about it on your shows or CNN. Bill Clinton said himself, “if a candidate doesnt want to be beat up on, they shouldnt run for office.” Well, its time for Hillary chicken’s to come home and roost.

If y’all brothers really love what right and was so down for our brother Ron Brown, how can you silently sit by? Lets explore the facts (again), ask the real questions, and get to the real issue of character and trust so we can take the burden off the superdelegates and the DNC.

I’ll be listening out for your responses…

By: rentamob

rentamob — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:07:06 +0000

A wise old women once shared a thought with me about TV.

The Idiot Box, shows you a picture ,tells you what you see.

Thanks for the truth

Obama / Kaine in “08″

By: roz

roz — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:15:18 +0000

I am very pleased with you Roland! I listen to you and Ballantine all the time. I am so glad that you called in today to defend yourself. I think that you have done a wonderful job talking about the Wright issue, and exposing people to his true sermon. I am so glad that you are on cnn to expose people to both sides. Unfortunately, there are still so many people in denial about race and other issues americans are dealing with. Hopefully, you can expose more people to his true words. I never let anything that someone’s pastor say change my opinion of them, but I had a new respect for Wright after I had his sermon on Baisden’s show yesterday. I believe that the media is trying to destroy Obama, because they have not found anything else on him. It is unfortunate but it is true, because they have not exposed anybody’s else religious affiliations but his. It is my prayer that people can see thru what the media is trying to do. I hope that all of the radio personalities can come together and join people to speak out against what they are trying to do at FOX news with Hannity, etc. We need to e-mail, call their stations, write them, and let them know that we are not stupid and know exactly what they are trying to do. Obama did not say the words, his pastor did. I did not and do not agree with everything my pastor says or does in his life, and most people don’t. After all, isn’t Obama’s family there to worship God, not man!

By: jsg

jsg — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:49:57 +0000

I understand exactly what Rev Wright is about, he is telling the story of the people in his congregation, just as all across the U. S., white preachers/priests/rabbis tell the same story, with minor changes, soundlessly but understood. Aside from that discussion, though not theologically correct, never-the-less is one person’s opinion and I am not running for office.

Barack Obama did not throw Rev. Wright under the bus, but the Reverend did not like descriptions of “old uncles”, etc. He does not know when to shut up. Obviously. Is the Reverend too old to understand that this man, Sen. Obama who respects him so much, is worth more than all of his sermans and hopes and prayers? This man, the best to have come our way, this man who is in the running to be the leader of the free world, who as President, will allow remarks like the Reverend’s to be “out there”, because it is in the constitution, is being crucified by the Reverend? Do Something!!! Someone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sen. Obama – make a decision or explain the whole story to us. We are running interference under heavy and very real sniper fire!

By: theresa grimsley

theresa grimsley — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:06:34 +0000

Hey Roland, I hope you get this, please please please continue to do the “RIGHT” thing and defend Obama. It’s so encouraging to know that there are people left that take the oath of journalism 101 serious. Looking at the whole context of matters and not video/audit snippets and/or 1/2 sentences from a Wright up. Also, how can we judge any minister from a few 10 second sound bites compared to thousands of sermons preached over 30 years. Isn’t there a picture out there of President Clinton and Rev Wright….why aren’t those being circulated. Did anyone else notice that when Sen. Clinton was giving her “what would I do” speech about Rev. Wright comments “she was actually reading notes”…She chose to bring that up. Is anyone looking into “who” is digging for information on Rev. Wright to bring Obama down…She’s fighting for the nominee by “any means necessary” what does that say about what she’ll do in the white house….If you can’t beat Obama on the issues, bow out and stop using Rev. Wright as an scapegoat to win….What’s going on with Texas Caucus results? If NAFTA is the cost of many people in Ohio and PA loosing jobs, forgive me but who signed NAFTA into play and who supported NAFTA verbally and in a book? Why do Ohio and PA look the other way on this…Why is the black vote being disrespect that we’re just voting for Obama cause we’re black….If we take away our vote, see who will coming crying back into our inner city neighborhood, colleges, churches and communities begging for our vote. I was a Huckabee supporter, because of moral values. I always believed that although healthcare, jobs, economy and education is huge in picking a president, I also believe that you can achieve what you set your mind to do and the only one that can hold you back is you. So i chose to vote based on moral issues, which he represented the most to me. It wasn’t about Obama’s “blackness”….but when he won Iowa and with only 4% of black votes, i felt embarrassed that white people believe in him more than we and that most of us were acting like crabs in a barrel with Obama instead of embracing the miracle that sat before us. I’m 37 and never have been excited about elections this early or the day of in November. We have Obama to thank for this HUGE ELECTION MANIA and NO ONE ELSE!…I dont know who they are polling, because I will not vote for MCCain if Sen Clinton gets the nominee, but I will stay home and that’s what I’m hearing from many others..

I continue to pray that if it’s meant to be that God sustain him through this difficult time. That he doesn’t back down or concede to the pressure of racism and less experience shouting. I also pray that he rise above the dirty politics that other’s throw out and he remain peaceful and stick to issues. and last I pray that he keeps God first in every thing he does.

By: hmb

hmb — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:17:48 +0000

Roland, I have great respect for you and the type of journalism you bring to the table – you’ve stood up to the best of them – Sean Hannity is just a scared whimp and may never debate you because he uses racist tactics and fear to hold on to his naive audience – he has no basis for most of his hatred and anger towards Senator Obama – he has played Rev. Wright’s tapes excessively – why is he not playing Hillary’s lies regarding her trip to Bosnia? The media is so unfair and bias and most of them are still not showing full clips of the coverage of Hillary’s trip just a few snippings of it – not like with Rev. Wright’s sound bytes – we have got to educate and empower our own selves about what’s really going on in the world we live in and stop allowing fake truths to be shoved down our throats – Roland, keep up the good work.

By: Greg Jones

Greg Jones — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:52:16 +0000

From Blacks4Barack….PLEASE SHARE !!!!!

WHOOPS ! Two MORE Hillary ‘Mis-statements’ !
People Starting To Question Hillary’s Sanity
1) Made Up Trip To Africa With Ambassador Wilson
2) Fake Account of ChelSea’s Actions on 9/11

Below are two seperate articles which either show a pattern of habitual deception or a case of senility on the part of Hillary Clinton…….and she wants to be President….ready on day one ? UNBELIEVABLE !

Clintons Fabricate Chelsea’s Actions On 9/11
Drudge Report Nov. 2001

Curious confusion swirls around former first daughter Chelsea Clinton’s upcoming essay for TALK magazine describing exactly where she was on Terror Day in New York City.
Breaking her media silence once and for all — Chelsea writes in great detail about her personal experience on the morning of September 11.
But, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned, her account now sharply conflicts with her mother’s version of Chelsea’s New York adventure.

Appearing on NBC’s DATELINE, Sen. Hillary Clinton told how daughter Chelsea cheated death on that fateful morning.
“She had gone on what she thought would be a great jog,” Hillary Clinton explained. “She was going down to Battery Park, she was going to go around the towers. She was going to get a cup of coffee and – that’s when the plane hit!”
Hillary’s dramatic story about her daughter’s close call with the Twin Towers became a media sensation.
“At that moment, she was not just a Senator, but a concerned parent,” TODAY show’s Katie Couric told viewers.

But now, in her own words, Chelsea does not mention a jog. Does not mention her plans to go to Battery Park, around the towers — only to be stopped by a coffee break.
In fact, Chelsea writes that she was at her friend’s apartment on Park Avenue South — miles from Ground Zero — when she learned of the attacks!
“I stared senselessly at the television,” Chelsea writes.

***************************
Article #2

Hillary Recalls Trip To Africa With Ambassador Wilson That Didn’t Happen
Jake Trapper/ABC News
March 18, 2008

She visited more than 80 counties as First Lady, so it’s only natural that she’d confuse some facts here and there. Some of those facts have come under the microscope as of late — as with her sniper-threatened landing in Bosnia, which comedian Sinbad has questioned.
Today Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, at an event with former Ambassador Joe Wilson, said, “I’m delighted to be here with Ambassador Wilson. He and I did travel together to Africa and, sort of, paved the way for the president’s trip the following year, which was historic.”
That Africa trip was in March 1997.
Wilson didn’t start as Senior Director for African Affairs at the NSC until later that year.
Is it possible Clinton was confusing Wilson with Susan Rice, Wilson’s predecessor, who did go with her on that trip?
Rice says yes.
“Actually, Senator Clinton may not recall this, but Joe Wilson did not start at the NSC until some months after her trip to Africa in 1997,” Rice says in an email. “I was the senior NSC staffer who accompanied her on that trip.”
Not a big deal.
Except for two reasons.
1) Rice is a senior adviser to Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, and has been harshly critical of the way Clinton has described her foreign policy bona fides, saying the former First Lady has exaggerated them considerably. (Neutral arbiters, such as Factcheck.org, agree.)
2) In hyping her foreign policy experience, Clinton’s memories have run against those of other participants.

UPDATE: Let me make clear: the trip Hillary Clinton made which “paved the way” for Bill Clinton’s historic trip to Africa was in 1997. Bill Clinton’s historic trip was in 1998.

******************************
THIS IS SAD !
Visit: http://www.Blacks4Barack.org

By: MaL.

MaL. — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:04:56 +0000

I will advice Obama to avoid as much he cans some interviews or debates in the future. These people are not seeking the truth from him as it is supposed to be. They are setting him up in order to have something from him that they can use against him in the media. They will attack him for any thing. They attacked the best argument he made regarding his grand-mother which correctly justify that no one has to repudiate a closed one because of his view. Otherwise, we would repudiate our best friends, our siblings, our parents and grand parents, and other people that we love, which is unrealistic.
The strategy of this hateful machine was to destroy this “very good” argument and not to try to understand it. When Obama tried to respond to them the reason he used his grandma situation, they got some thing more to attack him. They will attack him for the action of his dog, for the school grade of his relative and friends, and for any stupid thing. They strategy is to stay in attack mode against him. In such case like in that Philadelphia Radio he could feel free to respond to them that: ” I chose my Grandma’s Example because I believe that it is a best one”, PERIODE. Obama knows his grandma better than those hateful people, and he has the right to use her case as an example.
Obama has to worry about talking to his voters, explaining to them how he will fix their concerns, telling them his plan to change the country, telling them how those people who has made their live so miserable have been using their power in the media to stop CHANGE. He has to have interview with serious journalists, such as Keith Olbermann and Christ Mathew of MSNBC, Larry King, and some other fair journalist. He has to avoid the crazy and hateful ones.
The world is watching us, and I am sure that they are very surprised and laughing to see that a presidential candidate has to be condemned in such magnitude for the behavior of his pastor. It would never have happened if Obama were not black.

By: Vivienne

Vivienne — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:26:32 +0000

Roland,

I think that you should interview Jane Fisler Hoffman. I think that in the media’s fever to get Barack Obama, they have unfairly characterized the people who belong to the United Church of Christ as being victims and racist. Everytime I see a black man or woman who is aparently one of these contributors to the various networks, they basically agree that this church is spewing hate. What a bunch of losers. I can’t stand it and I am frankly getting tired of writing and blogging in an effort to get someone to do something gutsy and fair. How about it. Can’t you contribute something? I think that everyone needs to walk this back. Barack Obama is potentially going to be the nominee of the Democratic Party and I don’t think that anyone is going to want to pick on Jeremiah Wright with Hagee and Parsley’s hanging around. Especially if you do your job contributing all of the hateful things that they have said over their pastoral lifetimes.

See this youtube posting:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-JNYmqkbMk

By: MaL.

MaL. — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:18:22 +0000

It seems like the Gospel of Jesus-Christ is in peril, and pastors around the country should stand up in order to teach Christians and protect the Gospel. What Jesus-Christ calls in the Bible, “The tongue of the snake”, is poisoning the faith of Christians.
The Devil, through the media, is asking people to control their pastors and leave the church anytime the pastor says something they do not like. Thus, pastors and preachers have to preach what members and the media want to hear, but not what God wants them to tell his people.
These spokespeople of Satan want Obama to leave the House of God just because the pastor said something that they did not like. This is purely the voice of Satan himself who want to have Christians out the house of God.
Obama or any other Christian would not go away from the house of Jesus-Christ because of any message from the pastor. It would be a serious offense to our God to leave his church as a revolt against his minister. Nobody knows if the message is from God Himself. Let’s not forgot that Jesus-Christ, in the Bible, has used tough and harsh language to condemn wrongdoing of people and countries. If we read, in the Bible, the messages of preachers and prophets from God against their countries, we will notice that those messages were not necessary what kings and people wanted to hear.
A Christian would not expect a pastor to be as patriotic as a politician. The pastor is “patriotic for the Kingdom of God”, but not really for his country.
God bless Obama for standing against the temptation from the Devil through his ambassadors in the media. He needs God’s blessing in order to lead this country to the new and right direction.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:58:40 +0000

I am constantly surprise that people would think Obama’s character is link to Pastor Wright. They are two individuals.
If you have a friend who cheats, does that make you a cheater? If you have a friend who is a horrible father, does that say you too are a horrible father? If you…if you…if you. No, it does not. The fact that Obama has not distance himself from Pastor Wright, shows that he’s commited in the friendship to the end – good or bad. It shows great character that one would not abandon one’s friend in their time of needs, but it is then that they need you most.
It is not when your friend win you votes that you cling onto them, it is when they have fallen and you say, “I’m here for you.”
That is a true mark of a Christian.

By: Jack Livigni

Jack Livigni — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:04:46 +0000

Thank you Roland for your contributions in the media and for your blog. You clearly appreciate the facts and not the spin.

Thanks for bringing Reverand Wright’s actual comments to people. Clearly, Wright’s criticisms are based for the most part on facts. The problem is that God doesn’t judge people and nations as statistics but as individuals. God was willing to spare Sodom if Lot found but a few souls that were worthy. When we talk about “the Country” or “the Government” in the terms Wright did a confusion arises because when assigning culpability or damnation God always speaks in terms of individuals, not groups. God doesn’t damn the government, he damns individuals that do bad things. In the same way, God doesn’t bless America, he only blesses individual Americans that deserve his mericful blessings because they seek him. In essence, I think his preaching was not well thought out. I thank you, however, for giving us all a better view of what could otherwise be a somewhat “foreign” religious experience.

I also think Obama should not repudiate the man at all. We go to Church to worship God, not men. Church goers and preachers are the same in God’s eyes. We are all fallible. If Obama found Christ through his Church then God had a reason to put him there – he learned there. Why should he feel compelled to leave? Because of the weakness of a preacher at one point in time? We go to Church not only to be edified but also because we are called to make a difference in the Church’s midst. The head is not better than the foot or arm.

By: yvette

yvette — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:52:32 +0000

I am wondering if Senator Obama is guilty by association Pastor Jeriamiah Wright or is he guilty as an individual? I f he is guilty by association, then he prejudged by stereotyping to which African Americans usually fall prey.
If he is guilty as an individual, then we have to investigate the actual words that have come from the mouth of Senator Obama.
TO RANDY:
The willingness to come together as one united nation of diverse people does not start with Senator Obama. It comes from within each American and a socially educated America, and an America who cares deeply about the issue. However, Senator Obama is as inspirational as he is influential in delivering this movement. I have heard the pundits on CNN, MSNBC, & FNN ask this question: “Is America ready for an African American President? . This is quite appalling and is a question that no one should answer because it defaces the capabilities of Senator Obama and any other African American, while it continues to uphold so-called white supremacy, not racism.
Roland:
In terms of faith and spirituality, I wish and I quote from the bible…..”All people ,all nations and all languages, peace be multiplied”.( old testament) . Because America is ethnically diverse in nationalities,and languages, this should be a part of a national efforts to respect and to be included in all aspects of our educational, professional, and spiritual curricula.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:36:55 +0000

I totally agree with what you said in this column. I am a white, slightly less-than-middle-class mother in my thirties, and I have had these same thoughts since the whole pastoral ridiculousness began.

Good words!

By: Khummit Hatshepsitu

Khummit Hatshepsitu — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:57:47 +0000

Randy,
Obama never did inject race into this it was the Hillary camp. This mess was started by Hillary’s campaign manager this has her fingerprints all over it. They could not win with honesty and integrity so they do what they know best steal, kill and try to destroy. See I see Hillary and her whole crew as demonic complications. She has everyone thinking Obama is not who he says he is because of his church. Does she even go to church? She has everyone thinking he is the reason that Michigan will not be represented when all that mess began with the politicians from Michigan & Florida who said f– you to the DNC and had their primaries earlier than they were supposed too. Hillary like the other candidates agreed not to campaign in those states. they were asked not to even put their names on the ballots. These states politicians knew they would be the ones disenfranchising their constituents but they said f–you to them anyway. Obama and Edwards respected the rules and did not campaign in those states. Hillary went rogue and now because she is down in the polls, she knows she is not going to win the nomination so her attitude is if I can’t have the nomination that Black man will not have it either so she has sown serious hatred by whites for Obama and she is campaigning outwardly for John McCain. and you think race should not be explored think again stupid because this crazy B has just scorched earth and the DNC and you missed it!

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:30:59 +0000

In my experience my communities have always been coming together. I am friends, acquaitance, and co-worker, with those around me due to accepting them as an individual regardless of race history. This works vice-versa. I have never had to question anyone, nor has anyone else had the need to question me about treating them in any particular way due to race. There are rare exceptions to this.

This should be something that we should not have to explore and certainly should not be used as a tool for Obama to launch himself into a presidency. The media and Obama should equally be held responsible and shamed for twisting it in so many different ways.

Conflict due to race is based on individual experience at the most basic level. For that reason there is no way that Obama, his followers, or you are going to ultimately resolve this issue. I am not a defeatist, but a realist, history gives you plenty of examples in failure to bridge cultural and racial gaps. These situations usually result in assimilation of culture and I seriously doubt whites, blacks, asians, or hispanics will agree to that.

By: The Blacksmith

The Blacksmith — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:23:55 +0000

I wanted to add to my last comments that; when Obama made his speech in response to the pastor’s comments in the pulpit, he answered all the questions that were raised at the time. Like he said, we can keep doing that; running soundbytes of the pastor and Ferro; because he understood that the media would do just that, fueled by their own prejudices. The Jeremiah Wright story should have been put to bed already. If they want to question the Senator on “how will he try to balance the disproportion ant number of black men in prison, or fix affirmative action so that qualified whites aren’t disqualified based on their race, or discrimination in schools or employment, that would be fine”. If you want to know who’s conspiring with the special interest in the media, look to whomever makes the decision to continue to run the Pastor Jeremiah’s soundbytes and/or, report the story days after the Senator addressed the concerns. Whoever they are; should look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves, really why they continue report this story. Sometimes they already have and has come to terms with who they are. Lou Dobbs, and defiantly the guy who wrote “Stupid Black Men” should ask their self that question. Not because of the book, but because he continues to deny his black experience, therefore he always supports the view of white America regardless if it’s justified or not. I don’t care to know his name because he doesn’t deserve any more exposure than he’s getting already. His views are inflammatory and only meant to cause continued division among the races.

By: Got oil?

Got oil? — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:56:41 +0000

For most people Faith is really FAKE! They say one thing with their mouths, another with their hearts and something totally different with their actions. Conservatives seem to be the new order KKK. They are double-tongued devils spitting out the kinds of racism that has this country all twisted. Their targets – ignorant and or uneducated white people who haven’t been taught the truth about America – their ancestors were the first slaves in this country.

By: The Blacksmith

The Blacksmith — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:27:38 +0000

Roland heres the thing, never mind what he said, people say a lot of outlandish things, the question should be what are his actions based on his feelings. What has Pastor Wright done that proves he’s unpatriotic? From my understanding the man has served this country as a Marine and fought in Vietnam despite his view of the government. His patriotism is not questionable. Honestly veterans have earned the right to curse this country for it’s lack of respect they get for putting their lives on the line. Race is just another reason to support their view. I’m sure there are many veterans that have spoken the words “got damn America”! I think it’s justified. I also think the reason the media is bringing up Pastor Wright in specific is the very reason Obama had to make that speech. It’s alright for the media to cover the race issue, but the continued soundbytes of the pastor is fueled by prejudice and special interest.

By: Shelia Johnson

Shelia Johnson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:57:23 +0000

Since Obama’s speech I have began a personal assessment; asking myself questions (writing the questions and the answers down on paper) like how do I really feel about white people, what are my honest opinions regarding inter-racial dating/marriages, what causes me to feel the way I do about illegal immigration (hispanics in particular),etc…Let me just say, it ain’t pretty at all. My next step is take one prejudice at a time and work through it until I can rid my soul of all that unnessary junk.

Since Obama’s speech I and my secretary who happens to be a 49yr old white woman have indulged in some very thought provoking conversations. She has been very frank with me about her fears as it relates to black people. She shared with me who and how the seed of fear was planted and how she has allowed it to grow. During these conversations we’ve both shed some tears; its not easy hearing and then trying to understand why someone feels the way they do. But, it is something that we all must do…I am so proud of Barack Obama and his courage is humbling. I am glad he challenged each of us on the issue of race; its long over due!

Let me also say this, Roland keep being the voice of truth in your industry!

By: armod

armod — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:01:02 +0000

Roland

You are amazing on CNN thank God for your participation. When it comes to Sen. Obama it’s amazing how folk don’t want to be honest about race in America. Many families have folk in their families that have racial issues, however, they don’t disconnect and say I won’t have anything to do with that family member any more. Christians do the opposite. Talk to the person, even if they don’t change provide support, pray, and follow God’s teachings love thy neighbor. We don’t throw them under the bus. It’s amazing that these So Called Christians just don’t get it. That means America has even more serious issues when folk only apply the Bible when it suits them. There will be many surprises when the good Lord calls many home. Unless changes are made of course.

By: shawn hall

shawn hall — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:57:11 +0000

Roland:
Since you are on CCN all the time and you have earned credibility on both sides of the races, let me ask you this question? I wonder why the news media won’t touch McCain’s Pastor problems with Rod parsley and John Hagee? I smell cover up! This is like a modern day lynching and the entire world is watching but we excuse white men who say whatever they want and associate with whom they want, yet vilify black men for speaking their minds? This is why the country is divided. Keith Olberman brought it up on 3/13 and he’s the only one who has had the guts to talk about it. Check it out on you tube and see for yourselves. the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PQb-d6nQg8 he’s been on his show a few times talking about yet mainstream media looks the other way? I have yet to see the story break on regular cnn, fox news or any of the networks.

Wright is from another era and his experiences are shaped by that. How is it un American to say that your foreign policies have come back to bite you in the butt? The American Militia in Texas hates the government but because they are white, we leave them alone (with the exception of Waco). Racism is real and so was the Trail of Tears and the Tuskegee Experiment but if you are Indian or Black, those incidents which those communities have embedded in their minds don’t matter or they didn’t happen? No. What about James Byrd being dragged to death in Texas in 2001? All of that happened at the hands of white men and is not a lie or conspiracy theory but no one can say it? Why is that? Are only white men able to speak their minds without repercussions or incidents? NO! After all this is America. What makes America is not wearing the dang flag or being proud to be American, even when America lynched black men and women freely, denied blacks the right to vote, hosed them in Alabama, denied them access to schools with whites, repeatedly refused Haitians seeking refuge but not Bosnians, this is THAT America. So yes, be proud in all of your misdeeds as well America and those that are so proud while being unapologetic about your acts and you send the message of hypocrisy; exactly what Obama is being accused of. Somehow though, for him and his “spiritual guide”, this is “different.” WHY?

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:46:35 +0000

Hi Roland,

I just saw you on Anderson 360 and I really appreciate your perspective. However, there’s been a glaring omission in all of this discourse on race: race is an 18th century social construct. It was born, ironically, when this nation was born. In the 21st century, we now know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is no scientific basis for the concept of race. In fact, “race” was created by 18th century social scientists to promote “white” superiority and to rationalize the enslavement of Africans and genocidal acts against Native Americans. We are still clinging to this anachronistic concept. Let’s begin to talk about why we need to replace the word race with ethnicity, eliminate “black” and “white”, and denounce and repudiate the ugly side of the mindset of our founding fathers who were slave owners and who certainly secretly believed this fallacious concept of “race”.

Keep fighting.

Best regards,

Cassandra Wilson

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:28:50 +0000

Roland,
first let me say that you have represented the Obma campaign extremely well especially during this very contreversal issue of race relations. I believe that at this point in time that Senator Obma should seek move or focus the conversation and campaign on the issues that affects every household today regardless of party and belief. Those issues are the economy, increasing gas prices, health care, education, unemployment, etc.

Please understand that while the subject of race is an important subject, it is not one that we will be able to solve during this presidential election. let’s face that fact right now. Let’s face the fact that there will be those that will chose to focus on those things in order keep us devided rather than proposing solutions for uniting all of america. Thus, Senator Obma should seek, with a quickness, to acknowledge these issues as being more of a long term discussion. While it is worthy of debate, it will during this very highly charged polictical climate only distract us from the task of electing a president that will not only focus on race but in the near term seek to find real solutions for
unemployment, better education, better health care, lower gas prices, and higher wages for our middle and lower class americans.