Obama isn't running for God -- Barack Obama

Reading Saturday's Voice of the People section was very disturbing. All these proud Americans voicing their anger with Rev.

[Tom Pain]

What about the anger and false accusations made by Rev. Wright? I think he tossed the first stone.

Why does he get a pass?

[Linda]

The problem Cynthia is that I think Obama thinks he is running for God - and unfortunately his 'followers' have awarded him with cult status and not as a run of the mill presidential candidate.

[John]

If you don't like his ideas then don't vote for him. The man has shown an intelligence that separates him from the pack that would just follow partisan ideology, in my opinion, even though some of his policies lean a little left for my taste. He defended Rev. Wright even though he could easily have thrown him under the bus (once again like the other candidates seem to be inclined to do), so that should tell you something more. Furthermore, if you heard the whole thing and not just misleading clips and understand the way in which black preachers like Reverend Wright preach, the sermons were not anti-American, just expressing a lot of understandable anger given what they've had to go through just to be treated slightly worse than white guys like me. It wasn't major, and the only reason it came out was to pointlessly smear Obama, like the NYT did to McCain, and like almost everyone else does to Hillary. None of it has any merit, and it's meant to blind us from real issues. Besides, I doubt any of the candidates would pass the test if we scrutinized every part of their past, let alone any of us normal folks.

[TheMightyThor]

Tom, Rev. Wright got a pass? Where in the world did you get that impression?!! He has received non-stop villification since the release of the limited and edited videoclips of his sermons.

Linda- I don't think you have a clue as to what Obama is thinking--he has never said he was running for God, and surely he must know that it's not an elective office. I am sure that he has decided (based on his speech and actions) to run for president of the U.S., which, unfortunately some folks equate with God (see Bush, Cheney, et al.)

Also, I am a SUPPORTER of Obama (for president, NOT pastor, cult leader, or anything else!) I am not a follower; as an adult with a functioning brain, I am able to distinguish between remarks made by someone whom I respect and admire , and thoughts and opinions that are mine. I don't know if there is something cultural that I may be missing, but all of the people that I've encountered in my community recognize that grown folks SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. therefore there is no need to distance oneself from thoughts, words, and deeds committed by another; there is no need for "leader" and "follower" designations for adults. Maybe things are different where you come from.

[Tom Pain]

TheMightyThor wrote:

Tom, Rev. Wright got a pass? Where in the world did you get that impression?!! He has received non-stop villification since the release of the limited and edited videoclips of his sermons.

Thor,

Compared to Don Imus and many others it was a pass. BTW,I'm not saying Imus didn't deserve it, he did.

Obama even made excuses for him, referencing something that happened 50 years ago. You have to put the past behind you in order to see the future. Hopefully your guy can get us to that point, whether he is Presidnet or not.

[Mary CA]

Linda, you state: "and unfortunately his 'followers' have awarded him with cult status...". Libel. The press and Senator Clinton have demeaned Obama and his supporters by deeming them "cult". But this is very typical of people blaming the Senator for things he, nor his voters did. It is defamation of character, not only to the Senator but the intelligent people who studied candidates, their voting records, their stance on issues and so on. "The Cult of Obama" is an urban legend started by the press and Clintons. I could give you her and Bill's quotes, but will not help you if you are not able to discern it for yourself.

[Mary CA]

Excellent letter. I challenge anyone to tell me what their pastor, priest, Rabbi, minister said in a sermon on September 16, 2001. I also challenge them to tell me what Ambassador Peck said after "9/11" and what part of Wright's sermon was him quoting Ambassador Peck. The mob was quick to judge and condemn on scant info. If people want to talk about "guilt by association" we can start with Hillary's association with the lying, womanizing Bill Clinton and move on from there. Rednell and Farrakhan, perhaps or Bill and the UAE Dubai Sheik biz partners~talk about Hebrew hatred! More dangerous would be Hillary's association with MEChA's who want to cede 5 states from the nation. Now that is anti-American or unpatriotic to me.

[Mandy]

I don't really call getting soundbites played 24 hours a day non stop for 2 weeks getting a free pass.

[Dienne]

Excellent letter. I really don't understand the lynch mob mentality over this Rev. Wright dust-up, but then, I don't understand the lynch mob mentality that seems to prevail these days in general (at least, I get that impression reading these threads and other internet blogs, etc.). Even if Obama were God (and no, I'm not saying he is), these people would still be trying to tear him down.

[Scott J]

Tom Pain wrote:

What about the anger and false accusations made by Rev. Wright? I think he tossed the first stone.
Why does he get a pass?

You're absolutely right Tom. There's no way I'll ever votr for Rev. Wright for President of the United States.

[Cato]

This is a Democracy, and traditionally speaking (going all the way back to the 1700s), the religious and cultural identity of a candidate weighs heavily on American public opinion and how we choose to vote. It's simply our perogative.
Is it just me, or does it seem as if some people feel they are somehow entitled to be president?

[Hans]

TheMightyThor wrote:

Tom, Rev. Wright got a pass? Where in the world did you get that impression?!! He has received non-stop villification since the release of the limited and edited videoclips of his sermons.
Linda- I don't think you have a clue as to what Obama is thinking--he has never said he was running for God, and surely he must know that it's not an elective office. I am sure that he has decided (based on his speech and actions) to run for president of the U.S., which, unfortunately some folks equate with God (see Bush, Cheney, et al.)
Also, I am a SUPPORTER of Obama (for president, NOT pastor, cult leader, or anything else!) I am not a follower; as an adult with a functioning brain, I am able to distinguish between remarks made by someone whom I respect and admire , and thoughts and opinions that are mine. I don't know if there is something cultural that I may be missing, but all of the people that I've encountered in my community recognize that grown folks SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. therefore there is no need to distance oneself from thoughts, words, and deeds committed by another; there is no need for "leader" and "follower" designations for adults. Maybe things are different where you come from.

If no one speaks for Obama then why was Wright a part of his campaign? If Obama chooses to surround himself with bigots and Marxists, that might give some indication of how he will choose his cabinet etc. The reason his followers are considered followers is because Obama has no record to run on, only platitudes. 8 yrs in Springfield and Obama can't produce any documents. Voting present to avoid taking a stand. He's the blank canvas upon which his supporters can project all their hopes and dreams.

Cultists.

[Hans]

Scott J wrote:

<quoted text>
You're absolutely right Tom. There's no way I'll ever votr for Rev. Wright for President of the United States.

Or the person that wouldn't make a major political decision without consulting Wright?

[Scott J]

Cato wrote:

This is a Democracy, and traditionally speaking (going all the way back to the 1700s), the religious and cultural identity of a candidate weighs heavily on American public opinion and how we choose to vote. It's simply our perogative.
Is it just me, or does it seem as if some people feel they are somehow entitled to be president?

Using your logic,any practicing Catholic candidates for the office are guilty of supporting homosexual pedophilia and don't deserve our vote, evangelical Christian candidates are guilty of racism if they don't categorically reject and condemn those 'Christian' institutions that have rejected 'dating' between the races. And don't even think about supporting a Mormon like Willard.

Tell me, you seem to have a 'good' candidate who belongs to the 'correct' religion. Who is he?

[JLanute]

Tell me, you seem to have a 'good' candidate who belongs to the 'correct' religion. Who is he?

McCain.

[Chris Lavizzo Glenwood]

To all of those who now have strong feelings against Barack Obama's presidential candidacy due to a five second sound bite of his pastor that the media has overblown, admit to yourselves and anyone else that will listen to you that you weren't even a fan of his campaign, nor did he ever have your vote at any time. I suppose the very basic idea of this country's humble beginnings - freedom of speech - can only be used by the select few and no one else having the audacity of hope for change.

[Hans]

Scott J wrote:

<quoted text>
Using your logic,any practicing Catholic candidates for the office are guilty of supporting homosexual pedophilia and don't deserve our vote, evangelical Christian candidates are guilty of racism if they don't categorically reject and condemn those 'Christian' institutions that have rejected 'dating' between the races. And don't even think about supporting a Mormon like Willard.
Tell me, you seem to have a 'good' candidate who belongs to the 'correct' religion. Who is he?

Using your logic, why did Obama have to denouce Wright's preachings? Why did Obama remove Wright from his campaign? If Obama has to distance himself from Wright now, why did it take 20 years to figure it out? Obama has no record except what was fabricated for him by Emil, a Marxist philosophy and poor judgement. Oh but he does offer hope and change, just like Jimmy Carter.

[Hans]

Chris Lavizzo Glenwood wrote:

To all of those who now have strong feelings against Barack Obama's presidential candidacy due to a five second sound bite of his pastor that the media has overblown, admit to yourselves and anyone else that will listen to you that you weren't even a fan of his campaign, nor did he ever have your vote at any time. I suppose the very basic idea of this country's humble beginnings - freedom of speech - can only be used by the select few and no one else having the audacity of hope for change.

Here's to hoping God damns America. A change Obama can be proud of.

[Robin The First]

Good Lord! Yet another trash Obama thread from the anti-Obamites??????????

Why don't you all get a cable news channel - No policy & substance discussion, ALL THE TIME.

[JoeIdaho]

Actually Christ words about casting stones is taken out of context and tragically does not line up with what the bible says when it comes to choosing a leader.

Maybe not the Trib writers don't share much of the publics concern but many want to know what shapes Obamas mind and heart since he is the unknown in this race. That is why they want to know about Rev. Wright. "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he" - Prov 23:7. Wright has been Obamas mentor for 20+ years. That is going to be a factor in the voters minds and one that should not just be swept under the carpet. Wright's leadership is damaging to Obama's campaign and Obama knows this. This is why he is trying to silence it. However, this isn't about tossing stones, it is actually what the bible teaches about church leaders (which also should taken into mind when considering political leaders, and reflects Obamas decision making). The church is called to keep a new convert from positions of leadership and one that is not quick tempered (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1)
"For a bishop ...must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered"
"He must not be a recent convert...". One cannot help but think that Wright is quite quick tempered and his words have done more damage than good.

The leaders are to be held to a much higher standard. Obama isn't running for any small position either, he is running for one of the most important positions in the world and at a critical time in history.

The last thing Americans need is more journalism that attempts to dumb down the public and keep them in the dark about what has influenced and will influence their leaders decision making and policies.

One cannot escape a clear message of the bible that says "out of the mouth comes the overflow of the heart". It is with words like these that one has to uphold Wright as it becomes self evident that this isn't a rant, but a lifetime ideology. Obama choosing him as a mentor speaks volumes and like it or not, will weigh in on voters decisions when they decide who is best fit to lead this country.