Alright, America, it’s time to have a frank discussion regarding the current controversy surrounding Pastor Jeremiah Wright. For weeks now we’ve all seen the same video clips circulating the internet and the nightly news: Barack Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, comparing the United States to Al Qaeda and enthusiastically declaring, “God damn America!” These remarks are insulting and offensive; nevertheless, this story is past its shelf-life and it is time to move on.
When this news originally broke I, like most Americans, was curious to see how Senator Obama would handle the media firestorm. I speculated that Barack would play it safe; attempting to distance himself from Wright’s comments without doing anything to offend the African American community. Yet, I believe the Senator’s speech on race relations in America was remarkably fair and frank. Barack Obama unequivocally rejected Pastor Wright’s hateful sentiments; nevertheless, he simultaneously acknowledged the close relationship he and his family shared with clergyman, and refused to disavow that friendship.Perhaps my strong opinions on this issue are influenced by my own, personal experience. Many of my friends are individuals of strong opinion. Though some may find their candor offensive, I enjoy the opportunity to talk with people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds. On many occasions I have had passionate debates with these friends that turned into shouting matches - eventually followed by a hug and handshake and a few rounds of pool. If I were ever publicly called upon to comment on a strong, potentially offensive opinion expressed by a close friend I might choose, like Senator Obama, to rebuff that opinion. Nevertheless, I would never consider abandoning a close friendship because of a controversial statement.
Ultimately, I am satisfied by Senator Obama’s assertion that he does not share his former pastor’s offensive views. Given the absence of any clear evidence to the contrary (i.e. personal remarks made by the Senator himself) it is unfair to ascribe Pastor Wright’s inflammatory sermons with Obama’s personal beliefs. As far as I’m concerned, Barack’s recent comments regarding the attitudes of low-income workers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are far more troubling than anything Pastor Wright has said. It’s startling to see how long this story has dragged on; between this and the voracious infighting between the Democratic candidates, it’s hard to escape the feeling that some unknown force in the universe is guiding John McCain to the White House.
Speaking of Senator McCain, it’s telling that even he has taken the position that the Wright controversy has gone on long enough. It has been reported that the Arizona senator personally condemned an advertisement the North Carolina Republican Party decided to run which played up the Wright-Obama connection. Perhaps most disturbing to me is the reaction of those who, like me, are deeply offended by Jeremiah Wright’s statements; if we believe these remarks are damaging to American race relations why are we giving them a media platform and keeping them in the news? As someone who remains undecided in my support of a presidential candidate, I can say this: when I do go to vote in November my decision will have nothing to do with the rhetoric of Pastor Wright.
I’m interested in what you have to say about this article! Whether you agree or disagree, please feel free to leave a comment. If you are reading this article from the main page, you can get to the comments area by clicking on the “Comment” link seen below; otherwise, just type your comment in the box displayed below. You can also use any of the social networking links below to recommend this article to others. I look forward to hearing from you!
April 29th, 2008 at 3:02 am
[...] Strange Legacy wrote an interesting post today on Let’s Get Over Jeremiah WrightHere’s a quick excerpt Barack Obama unequivocally rejected Pastor Wright’s hateful sentiments;… It has been reported that the Arizona senator personally condemned an advertisement the North Carolina RNC decided to run which played up the Wright-Obama c onnection…. If I were ever publicly called upon to comment on a strong, potentially offensive opinion expressed by a close friend I might choose, like Senator Obama, t o rebuff that opinion….When this news originally broke I, like most Americans, was curious to see how Senator Obama would handle the media firestorm…. [...]
May 1st, 2008 at 11:31 am
[...] Let’s Get Over Jeremiah Wright [...]
May 8th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
[...] Let’s Get Over Jeremiah Wright [...]
May 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
[...] Let’s Get Over Jeremiah Wright [...]