Now for the downside of Obama's "More Perfect Union" speech:
He did not satisfactorily answer the questions about his knowledge and tacit approval of Jeremiah Wright's demonizing of America. At all.
I cannot believe that Barack sat for 20 years under that man's preaching and managed to always miss every declaration like the ones shown in the ubiquitous video clips. That is beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. Judging from the kind of response the congregation gave those comments, it is clear that they were used to and applauded such sentiments. I've been around enough preaching to know that Wright knew those statements would get a huge response. He had given them a taste of it in the past and they had enjoyed it. Many had probably approached him after the service to encourage him on that path.
In short, he felt safe making those remarks because there was a history of positive reception in that church. And for Obama to say he somehow missed out on every instance of such sentiment is just not credible.
Obama says he always dismissed it as mere eccentricity or residual bitterness. Now, those concepts (of themselves) are somewhat understandable. I've winced a few times as older pastors made comments they saw as harmless but would be perceived even among conservatives today as being unenlightened or insensitive at best. But those are usually offhand comments that aren't part of the message. One shrugs and moves on.
But, for example, if my pastor were to start saying - nay, screaming - that all married women who don't stay barefoot and pregnant are raging Jezebels, I would leave the church. That's the equivalent of what Wright has done.
I did not stand in the Military Entrance Processing Station in Nashville in June of 1983 and promise to support and defend the Constitution of the USKKK of A. I gladly protected Wright's freedom to say that. But I also expect our presidents, regardless of political stripe, to repudiate any sentiment that would undermine the belief that we are the still the best nation on the planet. If a man doesn't believe that in his gut, he cannot fight for it with all his might.
As the rest of Obama's speech pointed out accurately and eloquently, my country isn't perfect (nor is it above criticism) but it's light years ahead of where it was.
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3 comments:
Great post. You were right, I liked it. Michelle Obama herself has been known to criticize America.
She says, "Because sometimes it's easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your own ignorance... That's America."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtIHTFuMnWI
This from someone who sat in front of a preacher who spots racist, anti-American stuff.
I doubt most Americans in 2008 want to be called ignorant or hear someone imply that they are racist. Will Barrack disawow his wife's statements?
Well, many Americans are ignorant and racist. None of them believe it or want to hear it but they are. Michelle's dealt with them all her life.
She did say our stereotypes and misconceptions, which implies all parties have a problem with it. What's hard to understand is the declaration "That's America." Perhaps she meant "That's just life in America." It is to an extent. We're not all racists but everyone is prejudiced against "the other" on some level. It's human nature to be unsure about the different.
I don't mind criticism of our country's culture or its policies. It was heartily encouraged by our founders. In fact, many of them found people who were blindly patriotic contemptible. Many Christians have complained about the declining morality of our society and have declared us under God's judgement. It may be true! But they are criticizing the country as well.
I draw the line at outright hatred of America itself, though.
hey johnny, if our preacher stood up and said all women should be pregnant and barefoot, etc. I'd walk out with you. :)
This has been a troubling thing for me. As much as I'd like to like Obama, I cannot get past this stuff with Wright and wonder if it hints at things he might believe but has not made public and will one day influence how he leads. That scares me.
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