I’m pretty sure Barack’s minister won’t be anywhere on the ballot.  You morons should really decide which bold-faced lie you’re going to try and sell.  Are we supposed to believe he’s a racist Christian (an obvious contradiction in terms) or a Muslim?  He can hardly be both.  I myself grew up in a UCC congregation in Minnesota and I can assure all readers that it is mainstream Christian.  Liberal, yes, but mainstream.  
From the NY Times:    Trinity has 8,500 members today, making it the largest American congregation in the United Church of Christ, a mostly white denomination known for the independence of its congregations and its willingness to experiment with traditional Protestant theology.
Mr. Wright preached black liberation theology, which interprets the Bible as the story of the struggles of black people, who by virtue of their oppression are better able to understand Scripture than those who have suffered less. That message can sound different to white audiences, said Dwight Hopkins, a professor at University of Chicago Divinity School and a Trinity member. “Some white people hear it as racism in reverse,” Dr. Hopkins said, while blacks hear, “Yes, we are somebody, we’re also made in God’s image.”
From nonpartisan Factcheck.org at the University of Pennsylvania:    We turn first to the most recent of these Internet whispering campaigns: a widely forwarded e-mail that says Barack Obama’s church, the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, is anti-American, will only accept black parishioners and tilts toward Africa at the expense of the United States. The e-mail claims Obama is therefore "certainly a racist" and "desires to rule over America while his loyalty is totally vested in a Black Africa."

We've had scores of queries about the accuracy of this one. It's bunk. For one thing, the church welcomes whites, according to a University of Chicago professor of divinity who says he has attended. And while its controversial pastor is a fiery advocate for blacks and liberal causes and a fierce critic of anti-black discrimination, we've seen no evidence that he preaches hatred of or discrimination against whites.
From me:    Tell you what; how about we concede the racial and religious bigot demographic, and you contemptible vermin stop trying to infect the voting public with your disfiguring disease?  Sound like a deal?  This won’t be an issue in the general anyway, since McCain has more than enough trouble of his own to worry about when it comes to controversial ministers.

So Obama's former pastor and current spiritual advisor is a racist it seems...he hates white people and blame them for those 70% of black kids born out of wedlock and the fact that yessir arafatso was so misunderstood...oh yeah and its whiteys fault that 911 happened

Obama's deep connection with the Trinity United Church of Christ, should concern many voters...I highly suggest everyone check out its website and its Africa first, America dead last, manifesto.  While I am sure Obama does not strictly subscribe to that church's seemingly anti-American, Afro-militant sentiment, you can be sure it will be the subject of 527 political ads should he be the nominee. Just a word of caution Obama supporters should consider.  And just be clear about this, I am not suggesting he's like this, nor do I believe he is, but there are many dumb Americans in the midwest and south who will believe this, just like they believe the lies that he's muslim.

The Clinton campaign would like nothing better than to keep the spot light on race, religion, now the Jewish community....ANYTHING other than the real issues like the Economy, Health Care, her tax returns, where the money came for Bill's library, her earmarks, you get the picture. Barack needs to stick to the issues and make his way through PA and inspire people to actually THINK for a change.

cHECK THIS OUT... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DABB7gslebo

now we are going to bring the jews into play, why can't the press discuss why clinton won't release any documents about anything, discuss who the criminal elements of corporate america backing the good hillary are, race, gender, and religion should not be part of the political discussion

Chuck Todd - Yes you

Your bias to Republicans wanting a man who had a spiritual advisor talk about 9/11, say to be a president you have to understand what it feels like to be called the N-Word, name calling of the Clintons in his pulpit.  

Obama has heard this for 20 years.  Racism is taught and learned.  Prejudice is taught and learn.  All this new candidate has proven he is a blank sheet.

Democrats, you will loose to McCain if you choose this slick Salesman named Obama.  Don't be fooled by Chuck Todd and these slanted MsNBC First Read crap.  Publish this.

A wolf in sheep clothing is trying to deceive you.  Obama is FOUL.  I am a black woman, and a true christian who practices to acknowledge my adversaries and not spew this crazy mess of hatred as Rev. Wright has done.

Hillary, you need to win.  This Obama should have been vetted a long time ago.  They fooled this man knowing his history is Anti-American, Destruction and Division.  

This is not what MLK supported.  How dare Obama state that Clinton was slighting MLK when this pastor and his camp slights her for the past year for even running for the Presidency.

Pennsylvania, it is time for you to send a HUGE sign to this Obama imposter, vote for the true American not a fake won dressed in sheep clothing.  It is not too late for the Democrats to undo this mistake in letting this poor excuse, unvetted, neophyte named Obama to even think he should be our nominee.

I am so disgraced.

Print this - Firstread!

If you have not you must read the article about Barack's mother.

It is truly a fascinating and moving story. Based on how friends and acquaintances described Barack's mother, and the life that she led, one can easily see where some of Barack's ability to accept and consider all people comes from. His mother was truly someone who believed in and lived a life of tolerance, and was an inspiration to Barack where she taught him that effort can and will get people where they wish to go in this life. She was very curious about life itself, how people lived and managed themselves in  this world, and was obviously a remarkable and highly intelligent lady. She died of ovarian cancer in her mid-fifties. For Barack, I wish she were alive today to see what her son has achieved.

More people, all voters, need to know more of Barack's life as a youngster and about his mother. I hope people will read this story.  

I think Jewish people (many of whom I count as friends) are like any other people in that they can be discerning and non-judgmental and open-minded.  I have every confidence that Obama can and will at least dialog with them on any concerns they raise.  I don't pretend all the issues they have (as I am not Jewish) but clearly they have issues of concern to them and they deserve to be addressed.  And I'm sure he will.

We need to move away, in general, from politics that divides.

I have been disheartened not at the media bring up the  former pastor's speeches (as I think they are news-worthy for review and comment) but at their insistance at bringing them up over and over and over.  That crosses over the line of covering the news into the "they're clearly inflammatory" area.  And it makes me wonder about media bias (the playing of them over and over).  Obama clearly has to answer for them (explaining that he doesn't support and that he wasn't influenced by the words in the speeches) and I think he will do so.

But any discussion of influences should also include the very informative NY Times article on a major influence in Obama's life, his mother.  I'm so glad you mentioned that...the article is extraordinarily informative on influence and it is absolutely worth a read by anyone seeking to understand what influences a candidate.  She sounds like a wonderful woman.

I also think we have seen and will continue to see all the candidates have to answer for remarks of "supporters" or previous people in their life.  All of us would do well to think of people in our lives and whether or not we agree with them all the time and how WE behave when they say things that make us cringe and whether those people influence us or whether these people help us sharpen our counterviews.

This morning I drove my child to school and as I do every morning now, I heard hardship stories about foreclosures, suicides, walking away from mortgages, people unable to pay for heat or spending every extra cent on gasoline.  That is what we should be talking about so much more that disavowing various supporters.

I hope at some point we focus on that.

Woman for Obama, 08!

<sigh>

The problem with the human condition remains--we are affraid of what we don't know.  And, for some, this sentiment has translated into their view of Barack Obama.  Though I have never met the man personally, let me tell you what I know.  He is not a Muslim (though there is nothing inherently wrong with being of that faith).  He is a Christian.  He is not anti-America.  He is a patriot.  (I mean, seriously...how many anti-Americans do you know who have run for President?)  He has intelligence and experience, but most importantly, character and integrity.

I have dreamt for a long time of having a President like Barack Obama--one I can respect and trust.  And, I will be so proud when he becomes our president.  I can imagine that our allies around the world and the people they govern will be equally proud, but also impressed, that Americans are finally able to rise above divides and fear to embrace ALL Americans.

Rick, KS (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 9:05 AM):

Rick, KS:

Get a life will you. To say that Obama is influenced or follows or believes everything his pastor may or may not believe is ludicrous. Quit the fear mongering BS will you. It's people like you that do damage to any attempt in this country for people to come together for the benefit of the whole. By responding so to this Minister, who is now retired, you show your own prejudice.  

I am watching MSNBC right now turn the Wright controversy into a storyline about "surrogates"- running through all the remarks by different campaign workers and surrogates over the months. That isn't Wright and you should stop trying to twist this story in Obama's favor. This is about Obama's beliefs as a future president. This is about how he is as a person. This goes to the heart of him. One's church is a part of one's beliefs. He needs to drop out of this church imemdiately if he is going to win. This is just flat wrong for a future president. No white man would be allowed to attend such a church and admire such a man and be elected. He can't just distance himself from the comments by calling him a crazy uncle. Does he or does he not believe the separatist views of this pastor? I am worried if he's president what his agenda is. I don't care how many cool, hip actors do ads for him. I don't need a cool, hip president. What I need is a president who represents me and from what I see, Obama does not. Wihet America won't stand for racism anymore than black america. And the GOP by the way, is going to go nuts over this stuff. This could cost him a general election. They don't need to swiftboat him--just run ads with Wright's sermons in them.

My uncle IS a preacher.  He HATES catholics, just b/c of their religion.
I love my uncle, b/c he is my uncle.
But I don't agree with some of his religious beliefs...
IF in a conversation with him, it comes up, I say I don't agree with him.  But I don't go around my family, or out in public reputiating him!
If we want a LEADER who can squelch Ameican hatred abroad, who can lead by example, then we need a LEADER who says.."I hear what you believe, and I don't agree with you, but we can move past that." or
"I respect you as a human being, but I don't agree with some of your beliefs, but I CAN move beyond that, and I believe you can too!"
American's have become so used to fear mongoring, hate speech, my way or the highway for the past 7+ years!  We need to see and move beyond this kind of speech and bullheadness!!
How has that TACTIC  worked for us America??  Look at the state of our nation.  
Economically.  
Foreign relations.  
National security.  
IF we don't CHANGE our ways, this pattern will continue, and we will be in worse shape than we are now!  We are in the midst of a recession, how far off is a REAL DEPRESSION, if we continue on this path??? Our economy is in the ditch.  how much higher can gas prices go...$5.00 gal.?? $7 or $8?  How many more jobs can we lose, when our own government gives a huge contract to a foreign nation?
Can KBR get bigger contracts, evading from paying taxes by using a tax shelter, and then send contaminated water to out troops that make them SICK?
AMERICAN SHOULD BE OUTRAGED BY THIS!!  
But we are stuck with cable news that thinks it's more important to talk about "gossip".
THESE ARE the THINGS WE as AMERICANS SHOULD BE CONSIDERING when we VOTE.
Not who a candidates preacher is, dem. or rep.!  
Not what a middle name is.
Not who is a "fighter".
Not who is "stood by her man".
ISSUES!!!!
ISSUES, that EFFECT OUR EVERY DAY LIVES!
Do we want more wiretapping without WARRANTS?
DO we want MORE Abramhoff scandals with politicians making millions?  
Do we want MORE OF THE SAME in Washington..or do we want the government to ANSWER TO THE PEOPLE AGAIN????
DO WE WANT OPEN DOORS in our government...
or CLOSED DOORS with SECRET VOTES??
Do we DEMAND CANDIDATES TO OPEN AND HONEST, to STOP the gossip mongoring, hate speech, and "playing the political game"??
Don't be fooled by smoke and mirrors VOTERS!
THINK...
THINK...
HOW IS YOUR LIFE TODAY?  
Can you keep paying higher bills for gas, electric, groceries, health care, and lose your job?
Can and will your child go to college?
Will your son or daughter have to go to WAR??
Is our Nation safe, with open borders?  How will/do terrorists come into the Nation?
With all these questions....
do you really care...if a preacher...says something we don't agree with, and the candidate has said he doesn't agree with all these statements?
Who beneftis by these kind of comments?
With the state of our nation...
do PERSONAL ATTACKS ON CANDIDATES...
DAY IN AND DAY OUT...
REALLY MATTER IN YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE?
Will this kind of talk put food on your table, pay for your day care, put gas in your tank to get to A job, or pay a medical bill??
CHANGE IN WASHINGTON...SCARES PEOPLE IN POWER!! THEY WILL LOSE THE EDGE, AND THE MONEY THEY ARE PAID FOR VOTES!!!
 Do YOU CARE TO HEAR GOSSIP, FEAR MONGORING, RACIAL AND/OR GENDER SLURS...
or HOW YOU WILL SURVIVE IF EVERYTHING STAYS THE SAME!!
THINK...
THINK...
WITH THE BRAIN GOD GAVE YOU...
DO YOU WANT TO HEAR GOSSIP, INNUENDO, AND HE SAID/SHE SAID...
OR DO YOU WANT TO HEAR ISSUES THAT EFFECT YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE..
and THAT OF ALL OF OUR CHILDREN???
MAYBE...
JUST MAYBE...
"THE PEOPLE" SHOULD MAKE OUR VOICES BY HEARD...
WITH A BOYCOTT OF NEWS OUTLETS THAT USE
"ATTACK MONGORS",
RACIAL BAITING,
GENDER BAITING,
FEAR BAITING....
THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUES FACING REAL AMERICANS...
EVERY DAY...
WHILE THEY ARE REALLY TRULY SUFFERING!!
hOW ABOUT VOTERS????

The Clinton campaign would like nothing better than to keep the spot light on race, religion, now the Jewish community....ANYTHING other than the real issues like the Economy, Health Care, her tax returns, where the money came for Bill's library, her earmarks, you get the picture. Barack needs to stick to the issues and make his way through PA and inspire people to actually THINK for a change.
Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 9:13 AM)

------------
And others who also think Clinton is behind putting this in the news,  you are so naive, you can even see past your own nose. First, this is old news, and has been known for some time.  It is merely the MEdia, putting this out big time, now that Obama is leading in national polls.  Haven't you learned this yet?  When Clinton was ahead in the polls and considered the eventual nominee, she was blasted, constantly, by the media.  Now that its Obama's turn because he's the front runner, should not be surprising.  It's just amazing that no matter what is said about Obama in the media, if it is anything less than flattering, the Obamabots immediately cite either the race card or blame Clinton, or both.  

The Rev J Wright regularly preaches this stuff at his church.  Senator Obama has attended this church for the last 20 years.  He calles Rev Wright his spiritual advisor and mentor.  Imagine this to be Senator Clinton attending a church for 20 years where the minister preaches the same thing, but in reverse.  This is racism.  This is hate mongering.  This is attacking America from within.  Is this really the man we want for President?  Sorry, not me.  There is no way Senator Obama can "distance" himself from the man who has been his mentor and spiritual advisor for 20 years!  How do you undo 20 years of belief overnight?  Wake up America.

It seems that that various factions are pushing an agenda of guilt by association regarding Rev. Wright.

1. If you are a Christian, does that make you responsible for every atrocity or crime against humanity ever committed under the name of Christ?

2. If you are a Catholic, does that make you responsible for child molestation, duplicity in the activities of the Nazis in WWII, having a shared belief that a woman’s right to choose equates murder?

3. If you are a fundamentalist, does it follow that you support the Bible replacing the Constitution of the United States?

Does everybody really want to go down this path? What purpose does it serve? Senator Obama has repeatedly spoken publicly about his position on this issue. It does no good to perpetuate this filth and ignorance any further.

“Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” John 8:7

Folks will take whatever they want from watching Jeremiah Wright.  Let's look at the facts, though.  Senator Obama has stated that Wright has been a "mentor" for the last 20 years.  Assuming there's been a sermon every week in that time, there's been over 1000 sermons.  We're looking at 2 of those sermons...0.2% folks...most statisticians would hardly call that a representative sample.

Keep in mind that Wright is no longer leading that church and that he does not currently play a prominent role in the Obama campaign.

Until someone shows me Senator Obama in the congregation "amening" and "hallelujahing" Wright on in these sermons, I'm not overly concerned about them.

coninPA (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 9:43 AM)

-----
Yes, by posting in all CAPS, you show us you can't be taken seriously...it's like you are just standing on a street corner screaming that the end is near.

The only race involved in this election is us, the human race!!  

His preacher sounds like any leftist black or white big whoop

A man (or woman) is judged by the company they keep. Barack Obama will be no different. Obama has associated himself with people that certainly have a dim view of the United States, its people, its history, its traditions, and its culture. I would expect that deep down, Obama holds some/many of the same views of his associates.

OBAMA DOES HAVE TO EXPLAIN HIS PASTOR AND HIS CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE HIGH LIGHTED THE NEGATIVE AND NOT THE POSITIVE OF HIS CHURCH.THAT SAID.LET ME POINT OUT THAT RONALD REAGAN SAID IF YOU ARE WITH 80% OF TIME WERE OK.OBAMA CHURCH DOES SO MANY GOOD THING TO LIFT BLACK PEOPLE UP AND TO PROUD OF THERE HERITAGE.IF YOU LOOK AT ALL SERMONS THAT ARE GIVEN  ACROSS AMERICA I SURE MOST AMERICANS WOULD BE SUPRISED. THE MORMON CHURCH HAS PROBLEMS WITH WOMEN AND BLACKS.THE MUSLIM CHURCHS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A HOST OF THINGS.YOU LOOK ACROSS THE SOUTH YOU SEE MANY PROBLEMS WITH WHAT THEY PREACH. YOU LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS THAT ALL THAT HAVE COME UP WITH ALL THE CANDIDATES AND CHURCHS OBAMAS CHURCH IS NOT A ISOLATED MATTER.AMERICANS LIKE PEOPLE TO FIT INTO A CERTAIN MOLD IN THERE MINDS.OBAMA DOES NOT NOT FIT ANY INTO ANY MOLD.THAT IS WHY I A 51 YEAR WHITE WOMAN SUPPORT OBAMA.I LIKE HIM AND ADMIRE HIM!

It is unfortunate that the media is making an issue of the pastor.  It took awhile for me to really think about why this was being re-released now - the PA primary is way to far away.  Aw! Yes! Those county and state conventions - Like in Iowa where delegates are chosen - sure enough that is today.

Boy! is everyone being played like a fiddle or is that a violin.  Everything is done for a reason - and not the obvious one.

Just to FYI.--

"Over 100 years, I think the gradual erosion of the consensus that’s held our country together is probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings." –Pat Robertson

I would warn Orlando that you're right in the way of some serious hurricanes, and I don't think I'd be waving those flags in God's face if I were you, This is not a message of hate -- this is a message of redemption. But a condition like this will bring about the destruction of your nation. It'll bring about terrorist bombs; it'll bring earthquakes, tornadoes, and possibly a meteor." –Pat Robertson

Like all idolatries, democratism substitutes a false god for the real, a love of process for a love of country.
-- Pat Buchanan

OBAMA DOES HAVE TO EXPLAIN HIS PASTOR AND HIS CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE HIGH LIGHTED THE NEGATIVE AND NOT THE POSITIVE OF HIS CHURCH.THAT SAID.LET ME POINT OUT THAT RONALD REAGAN SAID IF YOU ARE WITH 80% OF TIME WERE OK.OBAMA CHURCH DOES SO MANY GOOD THING TO LIFT BLACK PEOPLE UP AND TO BE PROUD OF THERE HERITAGE.IF YOU LOOK AT ALL SERMONS THAT ARE GIVEN  ACROSS AMERICA I SURE MOST AMERICANS WOULD BE SUPRISED. THE MORMON CHURCH HAS PROBLEMS WITH WOMEN AND BLACKS.THE MUSLIM CHURCHS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A HOST OF THINGS.YOU LOOK ACROSS THE SOUTH YOU SEE MANY PROBLEMS WITH WHAT THEY PREACH. YOU LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS THAT ALL THAT HAVE COME UP WITH ALL THE CANDIDATES AND CHURCHS OBAMAS CHURCH IS NOT A ISOLATED MATTER.AMERICANS LIKE PEOPLE TO FIT INTO A CERTAIN MOLD IN THERE MINDS.OBAMA DOES NOT NOT FIT ANY INTO ANY MOLD.THAT IS WHY I A 51 YEAR WHITE WOMAN SUPPORT OBAMA.I LIKE HIM AND ADMIRE HIM!

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