America Where Are You? wrote on March 21, 2008 10:08 AM: Steven C. Wilson is right. If it was revealed that John McCain had David Dukes as his spiritual advisor and mentor for twenty years, thats all you would hear about on TV. He would be shredded, and justifiably so. But except for people like Glenn Beck and Hannity, the press is pretty much giving Obasma a pass. Do I smell a dual standard here? Oh lord it reeks, how could you miss it. But the press isn't the arbiter here, no, no, no, it's the voters who will decide. If the voters decide that a candidate who has been in bed with a hate-mongering, rabid racist, for twenty years is stilla a viable candidate then so be it. We are still a democracy are we not? Or have we thrown that one away with all our other values. America where are you?

DJ2 wrote on March 21, 2008 10:00 AM: Thanks John F. I always appreciate your comments.

However, actions speak louder than words. I have a difficult time meshing what Obama said with the philosophies of his spiritual adviser of 20 years. To me, that's like mixing oil and water.

I understand having acquaintances who's philosophies differ markedly from one's own, but I do not understand choosing to invest the time devoted to worship in purposely exposing oneself to perspectives that so deeply violate one's own sacred and deeply-held beliefs.

It doesn't add up.

John F wrote on March 21, 2008 09:41 AM: DJ2,

Barack Obama echoed tose sentiments in his recent speech. Speaking of Black anger he said:

"That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change.

"...For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances - for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man who's been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for our own lives - by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny."

DJ2 wrote on March 21, 2008 09:31 AM: I have included a quote from MLK's "I Have A Dream" speach. For some reason, this part of his perspective does not get the same recognition and emphasis.


"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."

Blind hatred is never satisfied. No matter how much is done for or given to a person or group who hates, it will never be enough.

The truth is out wrote on March 21, 2008 08:43 AM: Racism is alive and well in the US. Apparently, from the most unique of places, the pulpit of some African American churches. What possible good can come from a theology of hatred and victimization. The product apparently is rampant crime in the community, children without fathers present, and unemployment.

Instead of putting out a loving and positive message, they spew forth vile, disgusting, racist rhetoric which has poisoned minds and the potential of their community. I don't know what God these churchs serve, but it is not one easily recognizable.

This has exposed where it is that racism still thrives and rears its ugly head. It isn't in the white community. Double standards and hyprocity have kept this evil festering. Let's see if while the ugly truth is exposed, Reverand Wright and his ilk, along with their parishioners will see the truth. They are the racists. Will they seek to change or are they happy with this poison that destroys?

How far they have come. Instead of being victims of evil racism, they now are the racists. Instead of being slaves to an evil slave holder, they are slaves to a theology of hatred that speaks of victimization rather than instilling a truth of potential and achievement.

I would never vote for a white racist. I won't vote for a black one either.

Neal Graham wrote on March 21, 2008 08:15 AM: In early April En. Ensign could cast a key vote to extend tax incentives crucial to sustaining and expanding clean energy industries. These credits enable wind farms and solar panel companies to secure investments to produce clean, renewable, carbon-free electricity and will put our country on the path to a clean energy economy.
The timeline is short: Wall Street is deciding on its 2009 investments right now. If Congress does not provide consistent tax credits for producing clean energy, it could jeopardize more than 100,000 jobs by leading private investors to pull funding from clean energy projects scheduled to break ground in 2009.
An American future of new green jobs, millions of dollars in clean energy investments, and leadership in clean energy technology now rests in the hands of United States Senators.
Senator Ensign, please vote YES on a clean energy tax package that will move us away from our dirty energy past and towards a clean energy future.

Norman P. wrote on March 21, 2008 07:34 AM: Regarding the Big Dig, you might ask Milena Del Valle about the shoddy work performed by Union workers on the ceiling panels. Except you can't-she was crushed to death by a falling concrete panel. A report noted that the epoxy holding anchor bolts was incorrectly mixed and applied. But not to worry, the work was repaired by more Union craftsmen.

Lee wrote on March 21, 2008 07:33 AM: Obama has proven himself to be a racist. He and his wife benefited from affirmative action, with scholarships paid for by whites, but hate whites anyway.