Obama flap is a distraction from nation’s real problems

Obama flap is a distraction from nation’s real problems

EDITOR:

Sunday morning, like the last several days, was full of “information” regarding Barack Obama’s pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Here’s my view:

First, what was the pastor saying: In essence he said (possibly screamed is closer to what he does, as many pastors do) that black Americans live in a society controlled by powerful white men. This is news? Many movements, such as the Progressive movement, the union movement, the right-to-vote movements (of both blacks and women) and others, came about as a recognition of and reaction to this truism. Big deal.

He is also shown saying Hillary has never been stopped for DWB (driving while black). Neither have I, being an older white guy. But I certainly have read about it. I certainly have friends who have experienced it. It’s happened in little Canfield, Ohio. It’s happened to Pittsburgh Steelers in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. I’ll guess it’s happened in countless places. He is also shown saying Hillary has “never been called a nigger” nor been a non-person (as is found in the U.S. Constitution), nor questioned about being “white” enough.

Also, the pastor points to Hiroshima and Nagasaki and acts of state terror conducted by the United States. Other “traditional” (i.e. white) pastors and many non-pastors with decent academic reputations have raised this issue about our past. Consult Dresden, the “Indian Wars,” Nicaraguan Contras, 19th century southwestern policy as well as South and Central America policy (even well into the 20th century). Consult all of the wars we’ve participated in. All of these in addition to slavery, which may be the greatest act of terror. And the pastor seems to conclude by saying “and then they want us to sing ‘God Bless America’?” Over-the-top? Hyperbole? Undoubtedly. Which is part of the pastoral tradition — even in “white” churches.

And every source from Rush Blimpaugh to Youtube has this and much more.

Second. What is important about Barack Obama to this “controversy?” So, a black preacher said something offensive to white America. So what’s new?

Well, what’s new is that there’s a black candidate with exceptional abilities to help solve these quarrelsome, domestic issues — from both our past and present. A thoughtful, well educated, well intentioned, sensitive, articulate black man. A man any old white guy with good sense would be proud to have as a son. Any white mother, too.

Obama’s the answer to this problem, not the problem. The very reason I support Obama for president is because I know these views do exist in the black community (and, as well, much of the white community) and the message of his campaign is that we can overcome the facts, myths and messages that divide America, and then move on to a more productive future.

Third. The worst problem facing America right now is not Obama’s pastor, Obama’s pastor’s views, or Obama, it’s foreign relations and foreign wars.

A Democrat stands the best chance of rectifying our terrible image abroad, with friends as well as enemies. Barack Obama is most ably suited to lead us in a new direction, in a new way, in this new century.

Obama certainly will not solve all our problems. But the next four years can be far better than the last few decades. The people who put George W. Bush into office have already gone too far toward ruining the country ... regardless of who pastors them on their Sabbath.

JOHN WENDLE

Youngstown