A serious question to consider

[c4a]

At this pt., for many people, it is a moot pt. It's a valid one for those of us still undecided between Nadar and McCain-only to reverberate that we are choosing btwn. the two canidates we feel might do a better job...instead of still trying to decide the best of two evils.
As for Wright, it seems that he was not the only one spewing hate at the church. Obama "quit" going right before Rev. Wright was asked to step down, the Associate Pastor took over. Very dynamic young man who was also asked to step down. The current pastor still has very strong views...however, they are more tempered.
Any google of Trinity United Church (Chicago one, obviously), and Rev. Wright will bring up oodles of video. The church has their own website, also. It is...some "interesting" (too put it "lightly) views.
Interesting to me, is the fact that prior to Trinity United-Obama's mentor was al Mansour. Obama has admitted that al Mansour was a "mentor" (Obama's word) and advisor during his youth. al Mansour makes Rev. Wright look like a big cuddly teddy bear that loves whites & Jews.
Obama supporters do not care what or who advised Obama and when-as long as it hasn't been during this race. Repeatedly, they have said that "So? It happened years, ago.", "Irrelevant-nothing to do with current issues.", "Does not mean Obama would pick one of these people as an advisor or Supreme Crt. Judge", "can't judge someone by their associations...only their actions" (all though since Obama's voting record doesn't match words...perhaps it should be "judge by words". Obama (& his supporters) say that the voting record doesn't match the words because of the "pork" added to bills is what Obama opposed. (While collecting that fat check from Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae). Then there is the fact that everytime Obama voted "no vote"-it didn't help/hurt the vote (how convienant to be able to speak to both sides ) and it acts as a "present" vote-"Thank you Illinois for the paycheck because I showed up for work"...didn't vote for/against anything to help/hurt the state...didn't vote...but I showed up.
(Wonder if my boss would let me do that. Didn't do any work today. So, I didn't help/hurt the study.-but I showed up. Can I have a paycheck? )
Sorry so long-bottom line...they don't care.

 

[ChrisFL]

so...wait a minute, Rev. Wright is a complete racist, so therefore Obama would be racist too, but if he was, why would be supposedly be spending so much time with Ayers and Rezko if they are white?

Keep putting this paranoia out there, it keeps going in circles.

BTW, I've watched that Sept 16th speech and didn't disagree with most of it, America as a government DID do a lot of bad things against other peoples, countries, etc. Does that make it right for 9/11 to happen? Of course not, but to be blind to all of the bad things that America has done because of that is wrong to me. Two wrongs don't make a right, or Wright, or whatever.

 

[Goofycampers]

The sad thing is that all of the appalling relationships Obama has doesn't seem to matter to those that support him. They hate Bush so much that it has colored their thinking. It's like they have blinders on and only listen to the positive things he says. Many here have already admitted that he won't keep his campaign promises-rightly so there is no way he can. So what is left to support? He has lied about his associations, then changed his story as the truth was revealed. But people didn't care. This is unbelievable to me.

 

[dvcgirl]

Yes, this is a question about Barack Obama. One of the things he says is that he was never in the church when Reverand Wright was making one of his now famous statements.

One of his more outrageious statements was made on September 16th, 2001. It was after 9/11. Can you remember where you were on that date? In the churches, there were more people there than on Christmas or Easter. Now, Senator Obama claims he was a member of this church. So the Sunday after 9/11, he wasn't in the church he was a member of? At a time in our country when everyone was getting close with family and with their faith, he stayed away?

I don't believe it.

Did you happen to see where the stock market closed on Friday?

 

[ChrisFL]

The sad thing is that all of the appalling relationships Obama has doesn't seem to matter to those that support him. They hate Bush so much that it has colored their thinking. It's like they have blinders on and only listen to the positive things he says. Many here have already admitted that he won't keep his campaign promises-rightly so there is no way he can. So what is left to support? He has lied about his associations, then changed his story as the truth was revealed. But people didn't care. This is unbelievable to me.

McCain lied about his bad associations too, he's no better than Obama in that regard, it's just the media hasn't reported as much on it and Obama hasn't needed to bring it up. McCain is in many ways worse, because he is completely wrong on so many ISSUES... (you know, the important thing)

 

[minnie61650]

On My Faith and My Church
stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust mixx.com Posted March 14, 2008 | 04:28 PM (EST)


The pastor of my church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who recently preached his last sermon and is in the process of retiring, has touched off a firestorm over the last few days. He's drawn attention as the result of some inflammatory and appalling remarks he made about our country, our politics, and my political opponents.

Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.

Because these particular statements by Rev. Wright are so contrary to my own life and beliefs, a number of people have legitimately raised questions about the nature of my relationship with Rev. Wright and my membership in the church. Let me therefore provide some context.

As I have written about in my books, I first joined Trinity United Church of Christ nearly twenty years ago. I knew Rev. Wright as someone who served this nation with honor as a United States Marine, as a respected biblical scholar, and as someone who taught or lectured at seminaries across the country, from Union Theological Seminary to the University of Chicago. He also led a diverse congregation that was and still is a pillar of the South Side and the entire city of Chicago. It's a congregation that does not merely preach social justice but acts it out each day, through ministries ranging from housing the homeless to reaching out to those with HIV/AIDS.

Most importantly, Rev. Wright preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he's been my pastor. And the sermons I heard him preach always related to our obligation to love God and one another, to work on behalf of the poor, and to seek justice at every turn.

The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation. When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign. I made it clear at the time that I strongly condemned his comments. But because Rev. Wright was on the verge of retirement, and because of my strong links to the Trinity faith community, where I married my wife and where my daughters were baptized, I did not think it appropriate to leave the church.

Let me repeat what I've said earlier. All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country.

With Rev. Wright's retirement and the ascension of my new pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, III, Michelle and I look forward to continuing a relationship with a church that has done so much good. And while Rev. Wright's statements have pained and angered me, I believe that Americans will judge me not on the basis of what someone else said, but on the basis of who I am and what I believe in; on my values, judgment and experience to be President of the United States.

Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barack-obama/on-my-faith-and-my-church_b_91623.html

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I have no idea where barack Obama was on Sept. 16th 2001.
Church? Maybe, maybe not.

Look, personally I think Obama heard plenty of Wright's ideas. In church or not. The people they associated with are full of those types of ideas. So whether he was in church that Sunday or not, I believe he was exposed to those ideas more than once and knew full well what Rev. Wright believed. He chose to stay and remain very close to this man.
America has chosen to look past every red flag Obama has tossed up at us.

 

[Carly_Roach]

The sad thing is that all of the appalling relationships Obama has doesn't seem to matter to those that support him. They hate Bush so much that it has colored their thinking. It's like they have blinders on and only listen to the positive things he says. Many here have already admitted that he won't keep his campaign promises-rightly so there is no way he can. So what is left to support? He has lied about his associations, then changed his story as the truth was revealed. But people didn't care. This is unbelievable to me.

I doubt this will help you but the reason I don't really care about Rev Wright or Bill Ayers is because I'm not looking at the past: I'm looking at the present and the future.

I watched the debates and see the rallies given by the POTUS and VPOTUS candidates, all of which have happened in the past few months. The Obama rallies speak of hope, change and a brighter future. The McCain rallies speak of how awful the Obama people are. No hope. No change. No brighter future. Just how rotten Obama is and how he associates with evil people. Do I choose to be swayed by people who have spouted hatred and who are NOT running for POTUS (Wright or Ayers), or would I rather be swayed by people who ARE running for POTUS and VPOTUS (McCain/Palin) spouting that exact same hatred at each public appearance?

Intelligence dictates that I choose the people who have an actual chance of getting their platform into office, hence I'm not voting for the party that speaks the most of hatred. I'm voting for the party that speaks the most of positive, beneficial change for the betterment of all people and our country.

 

[minnie61650]

This is a partial transcript from "Hannity & Colmes," March 1, 2007, that has been edited for clarity.

SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has been inundated with coverage about his Mormon faith, LDS. In light of this, last night we reported on the controversial teachings of Democratic candidate Barack Obama's Chicago-based church. A guest on our program likened Trinity Unity Church of Christ to a separatist movement, drawing comparisons to Branch Davidians.

Joining us now for a response to these claims from Trinity United is the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

Reverend, welcome to the program. Thank you for being with us.

REV. DR. JEREMIAH WRIGHT, TRINITY UNITY CHURCH OF CHRIST: Thank you for having me.

HANNITY: OK, this is the same church. You do have the Web site, right, where it says commitment to the black community, commitment to the black...


WRIGHT: The black value system, which was developed by the congregation, by laypersons of the congregation, 26 years ago, very similar to the gospel (INAUDIBLE) developed by laypersons in Nicaragua during the whole liberation theology movement, 26, 28, 30 years ago, yes.
HANNITY: All right, but we're not dealing with — this is on the Web site today. Let me just inform our audience, and I want you to respond, if you can.

It says, "Commitment to God." By the way, I'm with you, and I hope you'll pray for me, Reverend. Commitment to the black community, commitment to the black family, adherence to the black work ethic. It goes on, pledge, you know, acquired skills available to the black community, strengthening and supporting black institutions, pledging allegiance to all black leadership who have embraced the black value system, personal commitment to the embracement of the black value system.

Now, Reverend, if every time we said black, if there was a church and those words were white, wouldn't we call that church racist?

WRIGHT: No, we would call it Christianity. We've been saying that since there was a white Christianity; we've been saying that ever since white Christians took part in the slave trade; we've been saying that ever since they had churches in slave castles.

We don't have to say the word "white." We just have to live in white America, the United States of white America. That's not the issue; you're missing the issue.

As I was trying to say to you, liberation theology — and I thought Eric Rush has studied at a theological seminary that was conservative — I've come to find out he doesn't know anything more about theology than I know about brain surgery.

HANNITY: So here's my point to you, though.

WRIGHT: No, let me finish. No, here's my point to you.

HANNITY: I'm waiting.

WRIGHT: If you're not going to talk about theology in context, if you're not going to talk about liberation theology that came out of the ‘60s, (INAUDIBLE) black liberation theology, that started with Jim Cone in 1968, and the writings of Cone, and the writings of Dwight Hopkins, and the writings of womanist theologians, and Asian theologians, and Hispanic theologians...

HANNITY: Reverend, I've got to get this in.

WRIGHT: Then you can talk about the black value system.

(CROSSTALK)

HANNITY: I'm going to tell you this. Listen...

WRIGHT: Do you know liberation theology, sir? Do you know liberation theology?

HANNITY: I studied theology; I went to a seminary. And I studied Latin.

WRIGHT: Do you know black liberation theology?

HANNITY: I'm very aware of what you're calling black liberation, but let me get my question out.

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: I said, do you know black theology?

HANNITY: Reverend, I'm going to give you a chance to answer my question.

WRIGHT: How many of Cone's books have you read? How many of Cone's book have you read?

HANNITY: Reverend, Reverend?

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: How many books of Cone's have you head?

HANNITY: I'm going to ask you this question...

WRIGHT: How many books of Dwight Hopkins have you read?

HANNITY: You're very angry and defensive. I'm just trying to ask a question here.

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: You haven't answered — you haven't answered my question.

HANNITY: And it seems to be, when you say the black community, black family, black work ethic, black community...

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: It seems arrogant, ignorant...

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: I'm asking you...

(CROSSTALK)

WRIGHT: ... how many books of Dwight Hopkins have you read?

HANNITY: Sir, I'm going to say this whether you like it or not. I'm going to get my words in, and I'm going to tell you right now...

(CROSSTALK)

HANNITY: As a Christian, sir, I think, as a Christian, you should not separate by race in this day and age. And that's why a lot of people are going to look at that and say, "We're all supposed to be united under Christ, aren't we?"

ALAN COLMES, CO-HOST: Dr. Wright, it's Alan Colmes. First of all, I think Barack Obama put it correctly to the "Chicago Tribune" when he said that he'd be puzzled that the conservatives would object or quibble with the bulk of a document — which is your church's document — that espouses profoundly conservative values of self-reliance and self-help. That's what you're talking about on your Web site, self-reliance and self-help for the committee that your church serves. I don't see what the problem should be with that.

WRIGHT: That comes out of the perspective of liberation theology and black liberation theology. And I keep asking him, how many books of Cone's has he read? How many books of Dwight Hopkins? How many liberation theologians does he know?

(CROSSTALK)

COLMES: But I want to ask you about your church that the public understands. I want the public to understand where your church is coming from, because you're being accused of being a black separatist church, and thus Obama is being accused by default of being a black separatist. Can you straighten that out for us, please?

WRIGHT: OK. The African-centered point of view does not assume superiority, nor does it assume separatism. It assumes Africans speaking for themselves as subjects in history, not objects in history.

It comes from the principles of Kawaida, the second principle being Kuji Salawi (ph), which is self-determination, us naming ourselves, and not saying we are superior to anybody. We have no hierarchical arrangement.

When you say an African-centered way of thinking, African-centered philosophy, African-centered theology, you're talking about one center. We're talking about something that's different. And different does not mean deficient...

COLMES: Aren't there black churches...

WRIGHT: ... nor does it mean superior or inferior. The whole notion of hierarchal, one's superior, we must be separate because we're better, that has absolutely nothing to do with...

(CROSSTALK)

COLMES: But aren't there black churches all over America that say pretty much what your church says? They serve the African-American community. They say very similar things to what you say on your Web site.

WRIGHT: Yes, they do. Yes, they do.

COLMES: And your church is being singled out, simply because it has congregants, like Barack Obama, but it also has people from all walks of life, welfare recipients, Oprah Winfrey, as I understand it, and a whole bunch of people?

WRIGHT: Correct. That's correct. We've been singled out ever since the audacity of hope speech, ever since the Democratic convention, ever since the book "Audacity of Hope," ever since journalists found out that Barack was one of our members. Yes, we've been singled out.

(CROSSTALK)

HANNITY: I've got to run. We're on a hard break. But may I suggest that we talk about the American community, instead of black, the American family, instead of black...

WRIGHT: Let me suggest that you do some reading before you come and talk to me about my field. I'm not trying to talk to you about — no, no, no.

HANNITY: ... that would bring us together.

(CROSSTALK)

HANNITY: ... Martin Luther King...

WRIGHT: Martin Luther King was from the black church. He was not from the white church. He was not from Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, the Christian conservative...

HANNITY: He said, "I judge people by the content of their character."

WRIGHT: Yes, and he also said that war is wrong.

HANNITY: I've got to run.

WRIGHT: He also said that the president lied to take us into Vietnam.

HANNITY: I've got to run. Thank you for being with us.

WRIGHT: Why don't you quote everything? Thank you for having me, sir.

HANNITY: And when we come back, we'll bring you the results of the Spartanburg, South Carolina, Republican straw poll. We'll bring you that next, straight ahead.

WRIGHT: God bless you, and God bless you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Link:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,256078,00.html

 

[Planogirl]

I thought that this horse had already been beaten to death? I guess not...

Personally, I don't remember where I was that day. I think we just spent a quiet day doing little but I can't say for certain.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I thought that this horse had already been beaten to death? I guess not...

Personally, I don't remember where I was that day. I think we just spent a quiet day doing little but I can't say for certain.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. I remember from the the time the first plane hit....I know I was in church each Sunday and attended mass each day after 9/11. It was standing room only.

 

[ntsammy5]

if they say Obama and Ayers, Rezko, Hitler are friends... nothing is going to change that in their opinion.

I bet that's where BO was! Meeting with these guys. I know where I was that day and it most definitely wasn't in church!

 

[Goofycampers]

I doubt this will help you but the reason I don't really care about Rev Wright or Bill Ayers is because I'm not looking at the past: I'm looking at the present and the future.

I watched the debates and see the rallies given by the POTUS and VPOTUS candidates, all of which have happened in the past few months. The Obama rallies speak of hope, change and a brighter future. The McCain rallies speak of how awful the Obama people are. No hope. No change. No brighter future. Just how rotten Obama is and how he associates with evil people. Do I choose to be swayed by people who have spouted hatred and who are NOT running for POTUS (Wright or Ayers), or would I rather be swayed by people who ARE running for POTUS and VPOTUS (McCain/Palin) spouting that exact same hatred at each public appearance?

Intelligence dictates that I choose the people who have an actual chance of getting their platform into office, hence I'm not voting for the party that speaks the most of hatred. I'm voting for the party that speaks the most of positive, beneficial change for the betterment of all people and our country.

You're right that doesn't help me at all. For 20 YEARS BO has associated himself with people with very radical thinking, several of them clearly anti-american. We really don't know much else about him because he's not a proven leader. He has no experience other than just a couple of years in the Senate in which he hasn't accomplished much at all. Maybe he would have if he served longer - but he has been running for office a good part of that time. So we have to judge him on his character- we don't have another reference. His character has proven to be questionable. Sorry, I'm not trying to offend but he said he didn't hear any of Wrigt's inflammatory sermon's-yeah right. Then he first said he didn't know Ayers-then had to admit he did. These kinds of things are very troubling to me. I can understand why so many want to believe in him. I personally as a republican think W has not been a good president either but I really don't think GW is the same as JM. Not only do I believe in conservatism but I think JM is an honorable man.

 

[tasha99]

I don't care where Obama was on 9/16 because we have freedom of religion in our country. If he wanted to listen to Rev. Wright, so what? I also think it's very sad that people spread a rumor that he could possibly be a Muslim--as if one can't be a good person, President and Muslim at the same time.

 

[ChrisFL]

I don't care where Obama was on 9/16 because we have freedom of religion in our country. If he wanted to listen to Rev. Wright, so what? I also think it's very sad that people spread a rumor that he could possibly be a Muslim--as if one can't be a good person, President and Muslim at the same time.

or a Christian and a Muslim at the same time, a racist against white people that hangs out with white people...


....it's just LUDICROUS these constant attacks that don't add up.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I don't care where Obama was on 9/16 because we have freedom of religion in our country. If he wanted to listen to Rev. Wright, so what? I also think it's very sad that people spread a rumor that he could possibly be a Muslim--as if one can't be a good person, President and Muslim at the same time.

The "rumor" that BO is muslim comes from his school application in Indonesia. Barry Soetoro aka Barack Obama has his religion listed as Islam. Muslims believe in the Five Pillars of Islam...which were said to be the "Greek columuns" at the DNC.

 

[Disneynut25]

At this point I don't really care!!! I'm more concerned about where he is going to be on January 20th, 2009.

 

[dvcgirl]

I doubt this will help you but the reason I don't really care about Rev Wright or Bill Ayers is because I'm not looking at the past: I'm looking at the present and the future.

I watched the debates and see the rallies given by the POTUS and VPOTUS candidates, all of which have happened in the past few months. The Obama rallies speak of hope, change and a brighter future. The McCain rallies speak of how awful the Obama people are. No hope. No change. No brighter future. Just how rotten Obama is and how he associates with evil people. Do I choose to be swayed by people who have spouted hatred and who are NOT running for POTUS (Wright or Ayers), or would I rather be swayed by people who ARE running for POTUS and VPOTUS (McCain/Palin) spouting that exact same hatred at each public appearance?

Intelligence dictates that I choose the people who have an actual chance of getting their platform into office, hence I'm not voting for the party that speaks the most of hatred. I'm voting for the party that speaks the most of positive, beneficial change for the betterment of all people and our country.

You are completely right. And all of this other garbage is just that....garbage.

It comes down to this. Do you really believe, and I mean *really* believe that Barack Obama is Anti-American....that he is a Racist, and that he is a terrorist?

If so, don't vote for him. The majority of us don't believe any of that nonsense and see it as a pathetic attempt by the Right to win an election. That is why all of this Ayers and Wright nonsense never took hold. Nobody buys it.

The entire McCain/Palin campaign is built on fear tactics. They're not telling you how much they'll make your life better, but rather how much worse it will be under Barrack Obama. They're running completely on this point on The Platform of Fear Politics.

That's a campaign that is out of ideas....and clearly running out of time.

 

[c4a]

Thank you, Linda.
Viewing actual sermons-they tape them themselves would probably helpful to many, also. What is being preached in the church-inside the church on camera, edited by Trinity United-is much more poignant. Though in the past several months, they have majorly cleaned their website up-perhaps because of the number of white people/jews visiting? Perhaps, not. Either way-a lot of the vile has been removed.
The Black Value System is still on there, though.
link

THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM

Trinity United Church of Christ adopted the Black Value System, written by the Manford Byrd Recognition Committee, chaired by the late Vallmer Jordan in 1981.

Dr. Manford Byrd, our brother in Christ, withstood the ravage of being denied his earned ascension to the number one position in the Chicago School System. His dedication to the pursuit of excellence, despite systematic denials, has inspired the congregation of Trinity United Church of Christ. Prayerfully, we have called upon the wisdom of all past generations of suffering Blacks for guidance in fashioning an instrument of Black self-determination, the Black Value System.

Beginning in 1982, an annual Black Value System - Educational Scholarship in the name of Dr. Byrd was instituted. The first recipient of the Dr. Manford Byrd Award, which is given annually to the man or woman who best exemplifies the Black Value System, was our brother, Dr. Manford Byrd.

These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered. They consist of the following concepts:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37


Commitment to God. "The God of our weary years" will give us the strength to give up prayerful passivism and become Black Christian Activists, soldiers for Black freedom and the dignity of all humankind.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother [or his sister], he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother or sister whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? I John 4:20


1. Commitment to the Black Community. The highest level of achievement for any Black person must be a contribution of strength and continuity of the Black Community.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Deuteronomy 6:6-8


2. Commitment to the Black Family. The Black family circle must generate strength, stability and love, despite the uncertainty of externals, because these characteristics are required if the developing person is to withstand warping by our racist competitive society. Those Blacks who are blessed with membership in a strong family unit must reach out and expand that blessing to the less fortunate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37


3. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education. We must forswear anti-intellectualism. Continued survival demands that each Black person be developed to the utmost of his/her mental potential despite the inadequacies of the formal education process. “Real education” fosters understanding of ourselves as well as every aspect of our environment. Also, it develops within us the ability to fashion concepts and tools for better utilization of our resources, and more effective solutions to our problems. Since the majority of Blacks have been denied such learning, Black Education must include elements that produce high school graduates with marketable skills, a trade or qualifications for apprenticeships, or proper preparation for college. Basic education for all Blacks should include Mathematics, Science, Logic, General Semantics, Participative Politics, Economics and Finance, and the Care and Nurture of Black minds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10


4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence. To the extent that we individually reach for, even strain for excellence, we increase, geometrically, the value and resourcefulness of the Black Community. We must recognize the relativity of one’s best; this year’s best can be bettered next year. Such is the language of growth and development. We must seek to excel in every endeavor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. II Thessalonians 3:7-12


5. Adherence to the Black Work Ethic. "It is becoming harder to find qualified people to work in Chicago." Whether this is true or not, it represents one of the many reasons given by businesses and industries for deserting the Chicago area. We must realize that a location with good facilities, adequate transportation and a reputation for producing skilled workers will attract industry. We are in competition with other cities, states and nations for jobs. High productivity must be a goal of the Black workforce.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:4-7


6. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect. To accomplish anything worthwhile requires self-discipline. We must be a community of self-disciplined persons if we are to actualize and utilize our own human resources, instead of perpetually submitting to exploitation by others. Self-discipline, coupled with a respect for self, will enable each of us to be an instrument of Black Progress and a model for Black Youth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy are those who find wisdom and those who gain understanding, for her income is better than silver and her revenue better than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14


7. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness." Classic methodology on control of captives teaches that captors must be able to identify the "talented tenth" of those subjugated, especially those who show promise of providing the kind of leadership that might threaten the captor's control.
Those so identified are separated from the rest of the people by:

Killing them off directly, and/or fostering a social system that encourages them to kill off one another.
Placing them in concentration camps, and/or structuring an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.
Seducing them into a socioeconomic class system which, while training them to earn more dollars, hypnotizes them into believing they are better than others and teaches them to think in terms of "we" and "they" instead of "us."
So, while it is permissible to chase "middleclassness" with all our might, we must avoid the third separation method - the psychological entrapment of Black "middleclassness." If we avoid this snare, we will also diminish our "voluntary" contributions to methods A and B. And more importantly, Black people no longer will be deprived of their birthright: the leadership, resourcefulness and example of their own talented persons.
Pledge to Make the Fruits of All Developing and Acquired Skills Available to the Black Community.
Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions.
Pledge Allegiance to All Black Leadership Who Espouse and Embrace the Black Value System.
Personal Commitment to Embracement of the Black Value System. To measure the worth and validity of all activity in terms of positive contributions to the general welfare of the Black Community and the Advancement of Black People towards freedom.

Personally, I find #7, interesting...never realized that was what white Christians had been doing. I was taught that "Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world...black or yellow or red or white...Jesus loves the little children." Never knew we were teaching an agenda other than love...because we are all party of the Lord's family.
Oprah Winfey attended several services and was a member in the early -mid 80's. Attendance in late 80's and early 90's was infrequent. She left for good in the mid-90's. Her reasons for leaving and Sen. Obama given reasons for staying are in this Newsweek article (at least his reason in 2006).
Another interesting read of Obama views:
linkhttp://jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell032608.php3
link Jewish World Review article with exects from Sen. Obama's book. (Which I have read-recommend others do, also. It was the decider for me.)
sorry so long.

 

[minnie61650]

five weeks later after Wright's National Press Club speech and news conference performance, Obama had this to say: "I am outraged by the comments that were made, and saddened over the spectacle that we saw yesterday. His comments were not only divisive and destructive, but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate.

"They offend me, they rightly offend all Americans, and they should be denounced. And that's what I'm doing very clearly and unequivocally here today."

Tim Russert on "Meet the Press" Sunday asked Obama about defending Wright a full year after he indicated Wright's words could be trouble for his campaign and what he'd learned in the five weeks between his Philadelphia remarks and last week's denunciation of Wright? The same question has been raised by numerous Ticket commenters in recent weeks.

At one point Obama said he was like millions of Americans: "My commitment, as I said, Tim, is to the church, not to a pastor."

Obama also replied:

"Well, you know, previously, there were a bunch of sermons that had been spliced from a collection of sermons for 30 years. And that's not who I thought he was. That's not what I thought defined him. He's somebody who's a Marine, he's somebody who has served
on city colleges boards, somebody who was a respected pillar in the community.

"And so I thought it was important to--for him to explain or at least provide some context for some of the things that he had said previously. But when he came out at the press conference of the National Press Club, not only did he amplify some of those comments and defend them vigorously, but he added to it.

"He put gasoline on the fire. And what that told me was not only was he interested in using this platform to continue to make statements that I fundamentally disagree with and that offend me, but also that he didn't have much regard for the moment that we're in right now here
in the United States where we can't be distracted or engaged in this divisive, hateful language.

"Instead, we've got to bring the country together to solve problems. And, so in that sense, what became apparent to me was he didn't know me as well as I thought he did, and I certainly didn't know him as well as I thought I did. And, and that, you know, was disappointing, but something that I had to clearly speak out about."

Link:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/obamaoprah.html