I am strong in my convictions, stubborn in my beliefs, and I enjoy nothing more than a good verbal spat with anyone who cares to discuss politics. Nowadays, if you want to see me pull out a soapbox, hop on top of it and begin to preach, just ask about my thoughts on Democratic front-runner Barack Obama and the controversy surrounding him and his chosen place of worship.
Despite the emergence of multi-denominational churches whose congregations are diverse in their racial makeup, a majority of religious services are still divided by skin color. Most who attend these neighborhood-based establishments are not racist; it’s just who and what they have been accustomed to, and are comfortable with. The church of my youth was a black church where the preacher spoke of God, goodness and eternal salvation. Politics rarely crossed the threshold.
Having said that, I will acknowledge that Southern black churches played a large role in the battle plans for the civil rights movement, mainly because they were the one place frightened but determined black Americans could amass without drawing suspicion. But these sermons and plans centered around the peaceful fight for promised equality, and should never be compared to the dancing in the pulpit, ranting and raving racist messages of hate, and vulgar denouncement of America, that a so-called “man of God” has been spewing for years.
Jeremiah Wright, in his revered role as a minister, has played on and exploited the bond that exists between black church leaders and their faithful members – folks whose devotion to the gospel is being manipulated by racist words intertwined with the words of the Bible. These reprehensible teachings only serve to further divide our country, not unite it.
I was shocked at the words of the Rev. Wright, and dismayed by the alliance he has with a man who wants to be the next leader of the free world. But just as appalling was the speech this presidential hopeful gave trying to justify words that are unjustifiable. His pathetic attempt at denouncing his pastor’s word, but not the man himself, then comparing his publicly hateful rhetoric to some comment his grandmother made years ago in private, should be an insult to anyone with common sense. “We are known by the company we keep,” should really apply here. I became very leery when this candidate loudly declared, “America is the greatest on Earth,” then mumbled, “despite our many flaws.”
Obama and his “spiritual adviser” have tossed the gas-soaked racism card on the flames of an already fiery election race.
In the early days of campaigning, Obama and his supporters declared race was not an issue and had no place in the upcoming election. Any statement about Obama’s skin tone caused outrage and charges of racist behavior (ask Geraldine Ferraro about that.) But as more rocks are overturned, and hidden skeletons are discovered in closets, speeches and press conferences are now being held to address this very subject.
When Obama equated disavowing his “mentor” to turning his back on the black community, I wondered when all we blacks had become one entity that he represented. I listened to his musings about how Wright’s views may have been influenced by the painful past of Southern racism that still affects blacks today.
Obama’s steadfast refusal to denounce an obvious bigot reminds me of a quote from the “The Godfather”: “Never speak against family.”
I have always believed that if one is forced to apologize, it means nothing, and truth is sought not uncovered. If Trinity United Church had not been X-rayed, and Obama became president, you have to wonder who would be tugging at his sleeve and whispering advice in his ear.
Putting race and political afilliation aside, I dare anyone to make a silk purse out of this sow’s ear. Love and hate may share a fine line, but they should never, under any circumstance, apply to how an American president feels about their country.
Billie Louden (loudenview@aol.com) of Denver is a deputy sheriff and an Army veteran.
