Speech: Barack Obama

[RIP]

Barack Obama gave a speech this morning on race and politics in this country. (link below) It runs about 35 minutes. I have been a fan of Barack from the beginning when I lived in Chicago, but I also like Hillary. I voted for Hilary in the California primaries.

The speech Barack gave this morning was unbelievable. I wanted to post it here in the hopes that it will inspire conversation, but more importantly because it's a speech that everyone should listen to. (I'll let you research the back-story for context if you need it.)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html

[Driden]

Sure it was even his? I like this post


I appreciate Barack Obama's efforts and I think some headway was made in the sense that we see more of the person he is - and I do like him. However, I think he is still defending his minister of 20 years, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, whose remarks from the pulpit appeared racist, hateful, and anti-American, in my opinion. I think Senator Obama may be excusing these as rants from a man "speaking out against perceived injustice" or expressing "a view that sees White racism as endemic," but for Barack Obama to have remained a member of a church and for him to have allowed his children to attend the church to be fed this kind of "spiritual food" is unsavory, in my opinion. I think that this kind of divisiveness is one of the reasons that this country has not been able to heal the wounds of the past and that new wounds have been created - because hate is perpetuated in this manner and people consume it, digest it, and internalize it and it becomes a part of them. Racism is racism, hate is hate, and anti-American sentiment is Anti-American sentiment, regardless of where or who it is coming from.

I also thought Senator Obama contradicted himself a few times in this speech, one of them being with regard to his earlier statements that he was never present in church when such statements as we have seen on the news made by Jeremiah Wright from the pulpit were made. I found that very difficult to believe as did a lot of other people. Then, Barack Obama admitted that he had been present when the Reverend made "controversial" statements.

On the other hand, Senator Obama has spoken of Reverend Wright like he is an "uncle" to him, but the fact is that Wright is not his uncle.

Barack Obama has said he has gone to Jeremiah Wright for spiritual guidance for 20 years, that he considers Wright a "friend" and a "mentor," and that he has sought out Wright's counsel and guidance as has Obama's wife, Michelle.
I can say with a certainty that I would not have hesitated to leave my church if ever I heard such language as that Reverend Wright used on the videos we've seen on the news in the past few days. There is just no question about it. And, if a person is truly preaching and teaching the Word of God and the example of Jesus Christ, then how could such words come out of his mouth? And, how could any person listen to such words without effectively questioning them and leaving the church if they continued?

I do not believe that Reverend Wright's words was the Word of God. Rather, I think it was the spreading of hate, not the love of God...and perpetuating racism and anger, not the tolerance, acceptance, and peacefulness of God.
As for Obama's speech, as I said, I appreciate his efforts. I think it was needed. Hopefully, there will be some understanding that comes from it. But, I still find myself questioning Barack Obama's ability to represent all of the people of this country at this time in his still young political career. I still think he needs to gain more of the right kinds of experience to be an effective President and leader of the free world.

We are in need of vast experience honed over a period of time, diplomatic skills honed over a period of time, a sound plan for our economy, for repairing the broken relationships we have around the world, and for rebuilding our infrastructure in this country, a healthcare system that ensures that ALL people are covered for healthcare, and a solid and SAFE plan for getting out of Iraq such as that which Hillary Clinton is able to offer at this moment in time.

[badgonegood]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU

[reaperofthegrim]

There's nothing wrong with listening to someone you respect talk about controversial issues, and even ranting like a madman as long as you don't blindly follow them without making your own judgements. I have a friend that is more racist than David Duke, I also have a black friend that is fairly racist. Even though I've heard them both rant about "injustices" and being unfairly treated in one way or another, I'm not going to stop being around them because they don't share the same views as me. I've made up my mind on how I feel and they know that, therefore they don't mind sharing their views because they know I'm not ignorant and can see on both sides of the street.

Personally, I've found from life experiance that someone that has heard more than one side of a story and someone that hasen't been spoon-fed things they and their parents want to hear from childhood to be wiser and better at making decisions.