Obama's Speech

[alldiz]

I did not listen to the speech but I did read it and it sounds very powerful. I am sure he made a great address. However we all know this was written by a team of speechwriters over the past week or so and every word is carefully crafted. He may have delivered the speech and probably had some input but there is no chance that he sat down and wrote this out so to me it is always going to ring a bit hollow no matter how powerful his delivery was.

I am not just picking on Obama here because I realize that is what happens with all politicians and it is one of the reasons why I hate the politics we see in this country. These candidates are not speaking as themselves so much as they are participants in some great big play with 90% of the script written and the other 10% carefully improvised.

If it was that easy.....why can't our President read his written speeches

I'm not ready for a man to be president who chooses a blatent racist as a close advisor and then lies about his association. Has nothing to do with being a black man. Honest enough for ya!

I think having a President who is going to follow the same policies as we have
had.....and have basically no plan to fix our healthcare and recession
here at home.....Much better
Kerri

 

[kribit]

No, I'm going to take it and vote against the Republicans anyway.

Oh and how shall I spend it? I'll probably buy my husband a flak jacket since the Army can't afford to give him one.

Yikes. That was a little harsh.

I understand you are upset about your husband being away. God knows I don't like it when mine travels for long stretchs, and I feel really bad for your family. I don't know how you do it. I'm sure your husband wants to come home, but I imagine that he's still proud to be protecting you and the rest of the country. I won't say thank you to your family, I know it gets old after a while. I'm really thinking it in my head though.

As far as the bribe comment, well, um people really have a choice about whether or not they believe in the stimulus package. If they don't, they can send the money back. Why spend something that you don't believe in.

 

[djm99]

I'm not ready for a man to be president who chooses a blatent racist as a close advisor and then lies about his association. Has nothing to do with being a black man. Honest enough for ya!

I guess your not voting for McCain either because Rev. John Hagee's anti-gay remarks (curiously unremarked upon by anyone in the McCain campaign -- is the McCain campaign afraid to repudiate anti-gay remarks?), his anti-Catholic remarks (once condemned by McCain, but now McCain wants to give Hagee the benefit of the doubt)?, his millennialism (which means, as some honest McCain adviser must have explained to the candidate by now, the death of millions of innocent Muslims)... also: Jerry Falwell, and his casual association of 9/11 with the sins of homosexuality, and Rod Parsley, a man who McCain has called a "spiritual guide," a man who has also called Islam a "false religion" and has advocated war against it and various other bad things.

Those above remarks are anti-gay, anti-religious

 

[alldiz]

No matter what Obama says he'll never be able to please everyone. Those who don't believe him were never going to vote for him anyway right?

That said, I hope my sincerity won't offend anyone here because that's really not my intention at all. I believe if some are honest with themselves they would admit that they're not ready for a black man to be president which is what they really fear.

Kerri

 

[djm99]

Ah the race card, it's might convient isn't it!

The whole thread was about race, how can anyone play the race card on a conversation about a RACE Speech.

 

[alldiz]

I guess your not voting for McCain either because Rev. John Hagee's anti-gay remarks (curiously unremarked upon by anyone in the McCain campaign -- is the McCain campaign afraid to repudiate anti-gay remarks?), his anti-Catholic remarks (once condemned by McCain, but now McCain wants to give Hagee the benefit of the doubt)?, his millennialism (which means, as some honest McCain adviser must have explained to the candidate by now, the death of millions of innocent Muslims)... also: Jerry Falwell, and his casual association of 9/11 with the sins of homosexuality, and Rod Parsley, a man who McCain has called a "spiritual guide," a man who has also called Islam a "false religion" and has advocated war against it and various other bad things.

Those above remarks are anti-gay, anti-religious

Save your breath....I really believe some people live with blinders on....or
or ignorant.
These "talking head" shows are the worst....they claim it's news but
it's little more than Maury Povich.
Kerri

 

[luvmy3]

No matter what Obama says he'll never be able to please everyone. Those who don't believe him were never going to vote for him anyway right?

That said, I hope my sincerity won't offend anyone here because that's really not my intention at all. I believe if some are honest with themselves they would admit that they're not ready for a black man to be president which is what they really fear.

Thats not true for everbody. I was leaning toward Obama in November until this issue. His speech was delivered beautifully but it just did not answer the real questions I had about his continued relationship with Wright. Instead he lectured me on race relations in our country, something that I've heard time and time again. I expected an honest answer as to why Obama personally continued to support this man who preached such hatred. If he truly believed Wright was wrong, then why did he never get up on a Sunday afternoon and speak himself, preaching what was right? He has been basing his campaign on change, well he had a chance to change things before and he didn't.
So the way I see it, if he couldn't stand up for what he believes was right in his own congregation, then I certainly don't feel he could do it for our country.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Yikes. That was a little harsh.

I understand you are upset about your husband being away. God knows I don't like it when mine travels for long stretchs, and I feel really bad for your family. I don't know how you do it. I'm sure your husband wants to come home, but I imagine that he's still proud to be protecting you and the rest of the country. I won't say thank you to your family, I know it gets old after a while. I'm really thinking it in my head though.

As far as the bribe comment, well, um people really have a choice about whether or not they believe in the stimulus package. If they don't, they can send the money back. Why spend something that you don't believe in.

It might have been harsh-but sometimes the truth is harsh. These families have been struggling and suffering for FIVE years now, and they deserve to be heard.

 

[lilyv]

No matter what Obama says he'll never be able to please everyone. Those who don't believe him were never going to vote for him anyway right?

That said, I hope my sincerity won't offend anyone here because that's really not my intention at all. I believe if some are honest with themselves they would admit that they're not ready for a black man to be president which is what they really fear.

You are so right. They don't have one good thing to say about their guy Nader (or McCain), so they spend most of their time posting their deeply held "beliefs" about another candidate. It would save us all a lot of time if they just stated it as plainly as you stated it for them.

 

[djm99]

Thats not true for everbody. I was leaning toward Obama in November until this issue. His speech was delivered beautifully but it just did not answer the real questions I had about his continued relationship with Wright. Instead he lectured me on race relations in our country, something that I've heard time and time again. I expected an honest answer as to why Obama personally continued to support this man who preached such hatred. If he truly believed Wright was wrong, then why did he never get up on a Sunday afternoon and speak himself, preaching what was right? He has been basing his campaign on change, well he had a chance to change things before and he didn't.
So the way I see it, if he couldn't stand up for what he believes was right in his own congregation, then I certainly don't feel he could do it for our country.

My question to you, is how do you know if he did or didn't. Wright is a grown man. If Obama went to him and say man, you know I love you, but I do not like your statement made on said Sunday. Wright either explains his points respects Obama's position and moves on. Your judging 45 years on service on (5) - 10 second soundbites. His sermons are for sale. I'm told He's both videoed and audio taped EVERY serman for the last 15 years, which are available for sale. On the last 15+ years that can be purchased (5) sound bites all no more than 1 minute total is what was found negative. Now this man had 45 years of services and is now shrunk to 60 seconds of negative soundbites. And Barak should have left based on 60 seconds vs. the 45 years of service in his community. 15 years of taped sermans and 60 seconds is what was found. Come on be reasonable.

 

[LohKee]

In my honest opinion, that's what this is about. McCain can have the most shady supporters, that he calls his "spiritual guide", McCain's "spiritual guide" can condem gay people, Muslims, catholics, and blame 9-11 on America for allowing homosexuality, but McCain isn't "forced" to prove his loyalty to America, or reject or denouce them. It's such a double standard. A double standard placed on Obama ONLY - WHY? What makes Obama different? HMMMMMMM?

Even McCain, whom I'll admit, has taken the high road here. Stated that you can't be judged by your supporters and refused to even comment negatively on Rev. Wright and went on to state that he knows Obama personally and knows that Obama does not share the views of Rev. Wright. Even McCain can take the high road, but many of you on this board can't - I wonder why? - many of you need a hug....

We know why

I look at it this way, whatever God's plan for us will be. Oh, and he also know whats in our hearts rather you believe or not..but that's another topic

 

[marybet]

No, I wouldn't but I just wondered why wasn't there all this type of outrage in the media and in the public when white and more "mainstream" figures said racist, homophobic or rude remarks in the past. I want people to have the same indignance for those others who say things which are out of hand across the board, not just against the ones you don't personally like. To me it seems those who don't care for Obama in the first place are really jumping on this issue, but I am just wondering would they jump on Wright so fervently if he was not tied to Obama? I remember hearing what Falwell said after 9/11, it's not like that put an end to his career people wrote him off but no one seemed to call for his head or anything.. Some people can say over the top things and get away with it, if you can't see that then you're kidding yourself.

I so agree, and thanks, you said it so well.

I just don't get the harping on 20 years with this pastor. I have only seen 3 sermons highlighted, it isn't as if he preached this each and every week. I can understand belonging to a church for a lot of different reasons. I can also understand the anger that some blacks still have. I think if I had been treated that way I would be angry too. I'm angry that blacks are still treated as second class citizens in many ways.

I am not blind, and I do not drink the kool-aid but I have had an opportunity to see what life is like for blacks in the south. I can not even begin to understand the many things they have dealt with, but I am trying. We could all use a little more tolerance and a lot less vitriol.

 

[reeddi]

What a double standard.......... Why isn't McCain held to the same standard?

Rev. John Hagee's anti-gay remarks (curiously unremarked upon by anyone in the McCain campaign -- is the McCain campaign afraid to repudiate anti-gay remarks?), his anti-Catholic remarks (once condemned by McCain, but now McCain wants to give Hagee the benefit of the doubt)?, his millennialism (which means, as some honest McCain adviser must have explained to the candidate by now, the death of millions of innocent Muslims)... also: Jerry Falwell, and his casual association of 9/11 with the sins of homosexuality, and Rod Parsley, a man who McCain has called a "spiritual guide," a man who has also called Islam a "false religion" and has advocated war against it and various other bad things.

Why are these folks entitled to these opinions and Wright isn't entitled to his?

Both McCain and Obama are running for President, why so much pressure on Obama, but none of McCain.

I believe I know why, but I'll allow those hate filled ones to justify McCain's association, but condem Obama.

Even McCain himself during a Hannity interview a few nights ago stated that not only did he decline to join the attacks, but he personally vouched for Obama, saying that he, McCain, knews Senator Obama and knew he didn't share Wright's views. McCain himself brought up Hagee and pointed out that just because someone supporter him that didn't mean he shared all of that person's positions. Why is that so hard for many of you to let it go. OR

Is it so hard to let go of this situation, because you just got to have a reason to hate this guy.

This is what I was trying to say pages ago.
Everyone needs to look at their own extended church and see what some of those pastors are saying. Yes you really can disagree with a pastor on some things and still agree with him on others.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Didn't Jesse Jackson say once that he's afraid of black men on the street or am I remembering wrong?

I believe, he said something like:

I was alone on a street at night and I saw some guys coming near my path... and I was relieved when they weren't black.

Many years ago.

 

[kribit]

My head is spinning. I'm on too many Obama threads, and I'm not even voting for the guy.

 

[va32h]

Yikes. That was a little harsh.

I understand you are upset about your husband being away. God knows I don't like it when mine travels for long stretchs, and I feel really bad for your family. I don't know how you do it. I'm sure your husband wants to come home, but I imagine that he's still proud to be protecting you and the rest of the country. I won't say thank you to your family, I know it gets old after a while. I'm really thinking it in my head though.

As far as the bribe comment, well, um people really have a choice about whether or not they believe in the stimulus package. If they don't, they can send the money back. Why spend something that you don't believe in.

What was harsh? The reality of military equipment shortages? Latest predictions are that - hopefully - equipment levels will return to the minimum standard by 2013.

You know how many family support groups hold fundraisers so they can buy helmets and body armor for their troops? Or air portable air conditioners so they aren't quite as miserable in their quarters?

My husband is a motor pool sergeant. On his last deployment, if his unit was called for a mission, he'd have to visit two or three neighboring units in hopes of cobbling together enough working, armored vehicles. And if those units were also on a mission? Well they just did their best and said a lot of prayers.

But who cares about that? Not our government. They'd rather spend 42 million dollars to mail us all an announcement about the big rebate.

Yes, I am taking the money. And I'm quite positive that I'll do something a hell of a lot more worthwhile with it than George Bush would.

 

[luvmy3]

My question to you, is how do you know if he did or didn't. Wright is a grown man. If Obama went to him and say man, you know I love you, but I do not like your statement made on said Sunday. Wright either explains his points respects Obama's position and moves on. Your judging 45 years on service on (5) - 10 second soundbites. His sermons are for sale. I'm told He's both videoed and audio taped EVERY serman for the last 15 years, which are available for sale. On the last 15+ years that can be purchased (5) sound bites all no more than 1 minute total is what was found negative. Now this man had 45 years of services and is now shrunk to 60 seconds of negative soundbites. And Barak should have left based on 60 seconds vs. the 45 years of service in his community. 15 years of taped sermans and 60 seconds is what was found. Come on be reasonable.

I'm not saying that Wright never did anything good for his community, or even for Obama and his family, or preached about Jesus.
Its not how much time he spent spewing hate, its the fact that he did it at all,in a house of God no less. Although he is not a politician, Wright WAS a community leader, who had people who looked to him for guidance spiritual or otherwise. The man decided to use his position to preach hatred of white America.

 

[chobie]

I'm not saying that Wright never did anything good for his community, or even for Obama and his family, or preached about Jesus.
Its not how much time he spent spewing hate, its the fact that he did it at all,in a house of God no less. Although he is not a politician, Wright WAS a community leader, who had people who looked to him for guidance spiritual or otherwise. The man decided to use his position to preach hatred of white America.

And there are not ministers/community leaders spewing hate for gays in pulpits every Sunday around this country?

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

I agree - those 4 videos posted were awful and I'm glad Obama denounced those comments.


Speaking of spiritual advisors, no offense, but based on what you've posted on these boards before, I'd say your spiritual advisor is a nutcase also.

Emphasis mine.

No offense.

If attacking me will help Obama's cause, go for it??

Obama lost a lot of credibilty as a uniter, reconciler, and truth-teller. As with the Canadian NAFTA issue -- one face in public, another one behind the scenes.

When Obama said Wright was his spiritual advisor that to me is a VERY deep connection and the involvement of Wright in his life confirms it.

 

[luvmy3]

And there are not ministers/community leaders spewing hate for gays in pulpits every Sunday around this country?

Not in any of the churches I've attended. And we have a choice to sit and accept that or we can walk out and find a church that preaches our same values and beliefs. Obama made his choice, he stayed.