Blogcritics Comments on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Mon, 5 May 2008 13:31:14 EDT

To wit: "Those who were outraged by Wright's divisive and destructive comments that preyed on hate have been called racists by many. But, when Obama said he was "outraged" by the "divisive and destructive" comments that gave "comfort to those who prey on hate," he's called brave. For anyone believing this is about race for Wright's critics, think of disgraced professor Ward Churchill. He was fired for research misconduct from University of Colorado at Boulder and made famous for saying many of the same things as Wright. If any presidential candidate from either side -- white or black -- had been using Churchill as a "sounding board" for the last twenty years, we would rightly dismiss them." Couldn't have said it better myself. This is just a small bit of the article. The "Rationalize for Obama" movement should give this article a read with an open and honest mind.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Mon, 5 May 2008 13:31:00 EDT

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Mon, 5 May 2008 13:13:56 EDT

Interesting read on CNN today, which echos many of the inconsistent views held by the likes of Zedd and "his ilk" that I've outlined. Seems I'm not the only one making such faux pas, even the mainstream media seems (by the definition of some here) to be RACIST!!!! Glenn Beck: Obama's odd timing on Wright

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Mon, 5 May 2008 11:06:30 EDT

Zedd, "You REALLY don't get it. If someone tells me that I am waaaaaay of about interpreting their culture, using the words faux pas, I would be apt to pay attention just a little, however deflating that it may be. " Ever heard the old saying, "Consider the source?" Someone comes in here and suggests that I made a faux pas because I happened to be offended by Wright's comments and I should take note? Well guess what, I did, and the note I took was that this person was out of touch. Moreover, given Obama's own comments, it would seem that YOU are the one out of touch. Barack Obama claims that he is offended by what Wright said, and went on to say that "Rightly many Americans are offended" by the very comments that you are defending. So if I am guilty of this faux pas, then so is Obama as well as the majority of Americans who agree with me. Given that your views are out of line with Obama, I wonder whom you are voting for. Back here in reality land, I am guilty of nothing, and in fact you are guilty of trying to pose a double standard, one where Barack can be offended but where I cannot, one where a black man can make bogus comments about other races (a form of reverse racism) and it's OK but when a white jew complains, he is somehow being racist. "You lied about Wright saying that Judaism is a gutter religion. You simply lied. Are you feeling inferior right now? Seems as though you are reaching." I lied? I'd like you to prove that. No wait, don't bother. Since you already think my being offended by attacks on my religion is a faux pas, not really much interested in what you have to say. I stand by my article. In terms of claiming that I lied, however, I have to respond. I quoted Wright exactly from his comments at NPC. My rewind button on my DVR is tired from how many times it had to endure the Wright comments at the NPC. Claim I am lying all you like, but that would in fact be a lie. "Perhaps you are shallow or simply emotional and missed what was being said. You are fishing and none of what you presented as "evidence" represents anything of significance." I think racist comments by Wright, Obama's pastor of 20 years is significant to judging the candidate who is running for president. Just like it would be significant if a white candidate followed a White Supremist preacher for 20 years. That you don't is a faux pas in my opinion, although you may not have paid heed to that yet. The rest of America is. "You are simply shocked that he is not saying what he is supposed to say, which makes you very shallow, a mental light weight." Thanks for explaining to me how I feel about it. Actually, as someone who (as a Jew) has been on the recieving end of plenty of prejudice, I am not shocked. I am however, offended. Mental light weight? Name calling is the last refuge of a poor argument. "It is because of people like you that we have Bush in office and spin masters and pundits rule the day. You expect to be manipulated and see anyone who isn't lying to you as mean. How about we grow up and deal with the real world we live in dropping the cowboys and Indians/ good guys vs bad guys mentality that you were seemingly bred on. " Loll people like me eh? First, the reason Bush won a second term has a lot more to do with the flawed candidate the dems put forth in 2004. It seems perhaps that we are seeing history repeat itself, but as the old saying goes, those who are not educated in history are doomed to repeat it. I'd like to point out that Dems frequently chastize Bush for being an ally of the sauds, but then you claim that he (and his minions) see things in terms of right or wrong, cowboys or indians. Paradox, or just more inane disgruntled no sequiturs? Hmm, I don't have to wonder. What never ceases to amaze me is when Democrats claim that Republicans "want to be manipulated" or "are just repeating talking points." I am sure some Republicans are as you describe. But compare that to the Obama by any means Democratic party who is the biggest example of sheep politics that I've seen in my lifetime. As I mentioned in prior articles, at least on the major issues in the GOP there is a debate. No such debate exists on the left. Yet they frequently claim it is others and not they who are easily manipulated. Perhaps this is a form of projection? Zedd, you've exposed yourself as an ignorant, prejudice and hateful person. At least to me. I suspect others here already knew this. I'd also like to point out that in all of the 20 articles I've posted here on Blog Critics, the arguments posed by you, Cindy D and Pablo in this article are the most emotional, least intelligent, and meaningless arguments I have ever heard. Your whole point is that I shouldn't care about Wright, and I am racist for daring to actually understand the meaning behind what he said. Pretty flimsy reed if you ask me. One of the things I enjoy about BC is although we may not always agree, the conversation is at least enlightening for all involved. Not so here. Your obvious and unwavering support for Obama has clouded your ability to speak honestly about the article. You are practicing a sort of delusion, where you've settled on your candidate and nothing will sway you. And that's cool, you have a right to feel that way. But it's made for the most ignorant debate I've seen here. I'd advise all three of you to take a good hard look at your candidate, as well as the mirror.

Comment by Pablo on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Fri, 2 May 2008 03:10:15 EDT

and an obnoxious yawn for obnoxious

Comment by Zedd on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:00:19 EDT

Obnoxious, You REALLY don't get it. If someone tells me that I am waaaaaay of about interpreting their culture, using the words faux pas, I would be apt to pay attention just a little, however deflating that it may be. You lied about Wright saying that Judaism is a gutter religion. You simply lied. Are you feeling inferior right now? Seems as though you are reaching. Now... Do you know what Zionism says? Do you think that it is right for anyone to be given land because of their religion???? Perhaps faux pas is the wrong phrase after all. Kook, may be better. That is simply nutty. David Koresh and all of the wacky types all think that they are chosen and that they have a piece of land that is owed them (oldest scam or delusion). Farrakhan IS a significant figure and when he speaks people listen. Is that not true? Perhaps you are shallow or simply emotional and missed what was being said. You are fishing and none of what you presented as "evidence" represents anything of significance. Your emotional stance is what is thought to be dumb about Americans. You are stuck is "supposed to be land" a Hollywood rendition of real life. People are much more nuanced than a script. Smarten up and think. Ponder on why would this individual say XY or Z? You are simply shocked that he is not saying what he is supposed to say, which makes you very shallow, a mental light weight. It is because of people like you that we have Bush in office and spin masters and pundits rule the day. You expect to be manipulated and see anyone who isn't lying to you as mean. How about we grow up and deal with the real world we live in dropping the cowboys and Indians/ good guys vs bad guys mentality that you were seemingly bred on.

Comment by bliffle on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:05:03 EDT

If people were to be judged by the company they keep (or kept) we would all be consigned to the madhouse for the wretched assemblage of commies, comsymps, fascists and neocons that we mingle with on this very blog. Don't be dumb.

Comment by Dan Miller on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:07:37 EDT

Christopher Rose commented yesterday, All religions are gutter religions as they are based on lies, albeit possibly well intentioned lies. Religion is the enemy of humanity. Amen, bro. If I am ever elected God, I shall have a very difficult time deciding which to do away with first, cancer or religion. Having experienced and recovered from both, my guess is that religion is the worse. Dan

Comment by Doug Hunter on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:21:10 EDT

Dr, I took the same quiz ands was surprised to find I was moderately libertarian (which I knew) but scored dead center on the right/left scale (I'd consider myself pretty far right). Very interesting.

Comment by Ruvy on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:26:57 EDT

Thanks for the kind words, OA. Seriously, if you want to really understand reality here in my neck of the woods, you need to get on a plane and take a look. I'd be more than happy to sit and treat you to a cup of coffee and a bagel and lox sandwich at Holy Bagel in downtown J-lem. And also to show you that yes, you can really see the Mediterranean from here in Ma'alé Levon�. By the way, I still am a syndicalist socialist, just as I was 35 years ago. Syndicalist socialism is what built this country. Done right, it could restore the country's economy, and wean it off of America and Europe. I have to disagree with your last point Ruvy. Of the three candidates that we have to choose from, one actually is an honorable man in my opinion. I wasn't talking about the presidential candidates, I was talking about that bigoted black prick that Zedd seems to understand so well, Reverend Wrong, and all the bigoted black pricks of the cloth (even if it is just a breechcloth) who hold views like him. It's not so much a faux pas to be offended by the asshole. It's just not worth your time. Would you be offended by someone you knew to be a moral midget just because somebody handed him a soapbox and a bullhorn? Or would you be like me, and just have contempt for the SOB?

Comment by Dr Dreadful on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:18:40 EDT

Thanks, Obnox. Not a Democrat, though. Not sure I would be even if I were eligible to vote. I took this quiz earlier on and came up (as I suspected) as a middle-of-the-road left-libertarian. Apparently my views align pretty closely with the current platform of the British Green Party, for whom I've voted precisely once in my life (a local council candidate - sadly, I think the only other person who voted for him was... well, him!). As for the American Green Party, well, I might check them out. I suspect that they may be a bit different in outlook from their Limey (pun intended) counterparts. But we shall see.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:04:02 EDT

Doc, Lollll, see guys, this is a Democrat that I can debate with. Except I can't debate you on this one. His hairs are probably getting prickly. Perhaps more prickly than at any time in the hanoi hilton....

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:58:24 EDT

It's a faux pas for me to be offended by Wrights comments in support of calling Zionism or Judaism a gutter religion? This man claims the government conspired to give blacks AIDS, claimed that Farrakhan is one of the greatest voices in the 20 AND 21st century (the same Farrakhan who said that Hitler was a "great man". And I am the one making the faux pas? I grew up around Blacks. This isn't a black and white thing. Educate yourself is all I can say.

Comment by Dr Dreadful on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:55:45 EDT

Hmm. Interesting. Rove, the architect of McCain's demise in 2000, praising him to the skies. Turd Blossom is nothing if not subtle. If the GOP primaries weren't done and dusted, and Romney or one of the other clowns were still in the race, I'd be quietly lifting a little red flag about now. Uncle Karl, ever so gently coaxing McCain to open up... to reveal some little private secret... to be used as - what? On the face of it, the article just fleshes out what we all know: McCain as war hero. If it weren't for that last little paragraph or two at the end... I must say that if I were McCain reading that piece, the hairs on the back of my neck would be prickling a little bit. Kind of like the way they did when the school bully suddenly started acting all friendly...

Comment by Zedd on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:45:40 EDT

obnoxious At first I thought that this article was written by Helois. I thought, "whats wrong with her"? Did she not grow up around Blacks? I get EVERYTHING that he is saying in these quotes and all of it is standing up and clapping worthy. I looked up again and realized that it was you who wrote the article and calmed down. Oh, he wouldn't get it. There is so much cultural infusion in everything that is being said that you cant possibly get it. You WOULD miss it. To me you sound like a social retard, you are so off. But off course because it is not European culture that you are embarrassingly ignorant of, its not important. But FYI just in case you care - FAUX PAS, cringe worthy ingorance on your part.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:33:32 EDT

Ruvy, Interesting history, you sound like a pretty cool guy. I hope you are no longer a socialist. The concept of an honorable man being jailed in American society isn't lost of me. In fact, it's pretty clear to most Americans that American justice is about as fair as your attorney is good. And I've alluded to this earlier by suggesting that the fact that most African Americans are poor explains why more are in jail (can't pay for good lawyers). Think I am wrong? Try getting represented by the court appointed attorney and when you are done serving your sentence you can come back here and tell us how that worked out for you. (for the shrill folk) I am not excusing it, but we all know it's the truth. That said, I have to disagree with your last point Ruvy. Of the three candidates that we have to choose from, one actually is an honorable man in my opinion. War hero, prisoner of war, decades of service to his country, conducting himself with honor. Karl Rove wrote a great article about McCain in today's WSJ. Is he perfect? No, he was involved in the Keating 5, he was against the Bush tax cuts, he's made occassional offhand comments (bomb bomb Iran). But even with those negatives, put him up next to these two poodles on the democrat side, and it should be no contest. I am proud of the GOP for at least choosing the right candidate this year. It would really be nice if the demagogues here can get over their bush derangement syndrome and actually read Karl's piece, but I know that's too much to ask. So I urge all the normal people (yes, you too Ruvy) to read it and get some background on this great American whom we are lucky is running for pres.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:14:31 EDT

Bliffle, I don't think that is right either. If McCain has some dirty laundry, by all means let's air it. It's not my fault if this information was somehow squelched, but let's not pretend that the media as a whole is trying to do McCain favors, that's false. The Media is barely able to contain their general enthusiasm for President Obama. Just yesterday, the party line on the Wright affair was, "This is great, now Obama has put the Wright mess behind him." Sunny days eh?

Comment by Ruvy on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:02:42 EDT

Just trying to give you some pointers, ob.... I was born and raised in NYC. About 35 or 36 years ago, I joined the North Bronx Republican Club, and tried to sell them my socialist syndicalist ideas (carefully clothed in various forms of "private enterprise"). They were a conservative bunch, by my standards, but were willing to listen to a persuasive talker. A lot of them were Irishmen and Italians who had small businesses in the North Bronx and elsewhere. Me and my room-mate were the only Jews in the club. At one point, they were considering pushing a law to restore Sunday closings in New York. Being the good Jewish boy that I was, I sat down with one of the club's bigwigs on a Saturday morning, in a restaurant owned by a Greek and serviced by Irish waitresses. We were eating bacon, eggs and hashbrowns, and drinking coffee. I explained to the club bigwig, a former DEA agent who was studying Chinese culture, that pushing a Sunday closing would alienate all the Jews on the Grand Concourse, even if they weren't religious, and that it would blow any chance of getting them to turn Republican from their Democratic normal positions. Larry Franklin, looked at me with his bright eyes, and he understood. Quietly, the plan to push Sunday closings was dropped. Larry, now known as Dr. Lawrence Franklin, never lost his taste for under the table intrigue that he had gotten at the DEA, and managed to get himself involved in a sting on some fools from AIPAC. When he realized what the sting was really about, he pulled out of it. He could smell something wrong and his moral sense told him that the folks he had agreed to work for smelled - like bad cops. And that is why he is sitting in jail now, instead of teaching classes in West Virginia or working as a consultant for the government on Iranian affairs. Franklin is a patriot, but he is also an honorable man, and in the end, he did what an honorable man would do. And he is paying for being an honorable man. Just something to think about as you see these less than honorable men lie and impugn a whole people on national TV. Don't allow yourself to be insulted. Just remember that no matter what kind of clerical cloth they claim, they are moral midgets, and not worth your attention.

Comment by bliffle on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:44:37 EDT

When John McCains adventures with crazy religionists were reported they quickly disappeared from sight. Overnight. Why is that? It's because as long as Obama-haters keep beating the drums we are all deprived of serious discussion of REAL issues, instead of this flagrant McCarthyism.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:15:09 EDT

Ruvy, I appreciate your kind words. I can do without the lecture - I live in NYC, and I won't be moving to Israel anytime soon. But this is a good thing - you can be sure this American Jew will always be on your side. But please quit the lecturing, thanks.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:14:33 EDT

Cindy, Your comments about how I don't listen... take a look in the mirror lady. You are the nexus of ignorance and shrill.

Comment by The Obnoxious American on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:10:50 EDT

I didn't have time to respond last night, but it's amazing to me that I say evolutionary and Pablo tries to cast that as "Eugenics." Here was my original quote: "And yes, it's quite obvious, except perhaps to your "ilk" that this is in our DNA. Thinking in evolutionary terms, isn't the fear of something different than ourselves a good survival tactic? Obviously so." Pablo was quick to classify my evolution argument as a sign of support and belief in Eugenics: "You must be taking your marching orders from the eugenicists, most notably the Rockyfellers. Unfortunately only a fool would argue that racism exists in our DNA. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us Obnoxious and living up to your namesake." I was actually talking evolution. Here is wikipedia's definition of Eugenics. "Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention.[1]" What? That's not what I said. I don't get you Pablo. Do you even know what you are talking about? Your trying to link the idea that being afraid of things that are different as a type of genetic intervention just proves to me how little you are listening. If I were you, I'd try and read about the things I was claiming others were saying. Better yet, stop telling me what I am saying. My comments don't need your liberal, shrill and reflexive translation. They stand alone. And as far as what I originally said, anyone whose ever stepped foot in the forest and notices that Bambi doesn't come right up to you ready to eat out of your hand knows that what I am saying is right. It's a natural response to be afraid of what's different. Here was the basic scenario: caveman a - not afraid of something different caveman b - afraid of something different Something different comes along, "b" hides, "a" shows curiosity. "A" gets eaten. "B"'s fear survives - natural selection. Or is suggesting natural selection racist too? Pablo, you are strictly amateur hour.

Comment by Dr Dreadful on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:55:04 EDT

Now I'll admit that I read into this a bit... You sure did: it's not any of his opponents that are painting this friendship, Obama himself said Wright was his mentor I never said the friendship wasn't real. I said that a lot of bullshit was being read into the friendship in an attempt to reflect it badly upon Obama. how do you suppose folks would act if McCain or even Clinton for that matter were friends with David Duke You're seriously putting Jeremiah Wright up there on a footing with David Duke? Come on. Pretending that his friendships of twenty years don't say anything about his character is just...well...I hate to say it..but, in my opinion, it's a little ignorant! Putting words in my mouth (fingertips?) again. Of course they do. It's just that to me, this one says something a bit different than it does to you, obviously.

Comment by zingzing on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:49:38 EDT

obnoxious: "It's funny because you cling to the idea that the US's goal should be to improve the world, but in the same post, you make fun of the results of these attempts" israel is a great example of where we put our own interests ahead of what was really best for the world. no one involved thought that sticking a modern state of israel in the middle of palestine was going to stabalize the region. it's called a buffer. you say something about 20/20 hindsight and navel gazing. well, i'm staring at my navel right now and i tell you this: the united states has fouled up nearly every attempt it has made a nation-building. we can't do it right. so we shouldn't do it IN THE FUTURE. that's called foresight. or learning from past mistakes. "Being above partisanship is the very centerpiece of Obama's campaign." that's a reaction to the complete cock-up that is bush's attempt to "reach across the isle," which is the same damn thing that obama is saying with "being above partisanship." "Rather than tell us not to follow our own foreign policy, the UN could have ensured that we didnt go to war with Saddam by removing greed and corruption from it's programs. But it didn't." so now we went to iraq because of the UN's "greed and corruption?" i thought it was to "stop terrorism" or "get rid of iraq's wmds" or something. what the fuck are you talking about?! "But to sit there and complain that we went into Iraq out of some gung ho unilateralism is ignoring the realities at the time and playing into the classic liberal argument that Bush is evil, that the GOP is evil, that Cheney is Darth Vader, etc. It's all nonsense." WHAT?! are you kidding? how we went into iraq is the very definition of gung ho unilateralism. we went in without the support of a majority of nations, and no other nation would have even touched the place if we hadn't made it some "with us or against us" bullshit. you have to be kidding yourself.

Comment by Andy Marsh on Reverend Wright at the National Press Club

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:43:34 EDT

Doug - Are you being clingy too???