Finally a good religion topic

[The n00b]

I read this interesting article that makes the accusation that a double standard exists in America. Hardly a surprise I know. Still does anyone else think that Obama's pastor, Rev Wright, has been unfairly criticized when he is only just another in a long line of conservative pastors?

Why do John Hagee, Pat Robertson, and countless conservative religious foundations get away with the very same kind of behavior? Is it because Obama is a liberal and conservative leaders have deemed Wright a worthy sacrifice? Is it because Rev Wright is black? Discuss.

Here's the link to the article...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/05/ ... pstoryview

[Ed Oscuro]

It's because Wright doesn't have his own media machine. Sad, but that's how capitalism works sometimes.

Personally, I like the guy even if he's making dumb statements. Hell, he was Johnson's doctor!

[Neon]

Nobody likes it when the knee-grows get uppity. I think it's really because he is Obama's pastor, whereas McCain didn't have Robertson baptize his children, so the whole double standards idea isn't entirely valid. Still, I support its use as a counterargument so that this Wright idiot doesn't cost us the election in November. It's clear that he's more concerned about making (more) outrageous statements to sell his new book than he is with Obama winning.

[Daedalus]

Obama had proudly admitted his relationship with Wright since the beginning of his campaign. I also believe Wright originally held a position in Obama's campaign. When a person with so closely tied to any candidate starts saying things like "The government created HIV" and "God Damn America", people are gonna get angry.

Conservative pastors have been involved in many, many scandals before. Robertson took a lot of flak for for saying "If Chavez insists we're trying to assassinate him, why not make him happy and just do it?" - a statement I personally find a lot less inflammatory than Wright's comments. Had these conservative preachers been attached to a presidential candidate, their scandals would have been much more public and stayed around much longer. But in the end, their flocks would stay loyal, just as Wright's team still can't find a single fault with him.

[BulletMagnet]

Less of a religious topic than a political one, but still worth discussing...

I think it's really because he is Obama's pastor, whereas McCain didn't have Robertson baptize his children, so the whole double standards idea isn't entirely valid.

On the other hand, Obama didn't actively seek Wright's endorsement (or exposure during the campaign, for that matter), he was just always kinda there someplace, waiting to be dug up - such a thing can't be said for McCain, who had no past relationship (to the best of my knowledge) with Hagee, but despite the crackpot stuff he's said tracked him down and coveted his endorsement. And of course he's never been asked (and won't be, I guarantee you) to "renounce" him, or the stuff he's said - at one point he remarked "well, I don't agree with everything he's said, but I'm glad to have him on board regardless," and the media praised him for being such a straight-shooter and went back to giving Wright more exposure than he'd ever get (or deserve) otherwise.

Off to the side, he's also not going to be asked how his constantly-repeated (though we're also told that he hates to do it, because he's so humble) image as a war hero looks next to his opposition to the recent G.I. bill that helps returning soldiers get into college and back into civilian life.

[Ed Oscuro]

Wright never had a position in Obama's campaign, Daedalus. He was specifically "disinvited" to Obama's campaign announcement, which is why we now have "What did Obama know, and when did he know it?"

Didn't know about Hagee...one of my favorite people, that guy (a favorite of some of my college associates, as well). That really puts a damper on things!

Hagee is great because he supports the Israeli military (with the end view that they will all die, of course). Military-industrial types will love that.

[Daedalus]

Wright never had a position in Obama's campaign, Daedalus.

He was part of "Barack Obama's African American Religious Leadership Committee". Isn't that tied to his campaign somehow?

[Ex-Cyber]

Nobody likes it when the knee-grows get uppity.

Pretty much this, AFAICT. Wright is being used to associate Obama with the stereotype of the angry black man, without making directly false or racist statements. Wright's sermons aren't all wacko stuff, but sound bites rule in the media, and he provided some killer ones.

[JoshF]

Wright's most famous statement was considered controversial because it suggested actions have consequences, even in USA foreign policy. Ron Paul was made a wacko for suggesting this (of all reasons) but he had the benefit of low levels of melanin and not being a story that gets people to the screen.

[Ed Oscuro]

Wright never had a position in Obama's campaign, Daedalus.

He was part of "Barack Obama's African American Religious Leadership Committee". Isn't that tied to his campaign somehow?

My bad! Dang.

Anyhow, I'm...aw hell.

[Michaelm]

I haven't heard him making dumb statements.
He may bring it a little dramatic but there's a whole lot of truth in his words.
Atleast from what I've heard.
Nevertheless white America wont be happy with what he has to say.

I've heard America wants to pass a law to make technology firms not work together with China for instance. They wanna have it passed before the Olympics.
Once again America seems more concerned with a few pro-America dissidents in China then with the millions of poor people in America itself.

Yeah, rev Wright could certainly up the dramatic tone a bit.

[Ed Oscuro]

There is a split in America between the GOOF TRUTHERS and the reactionary flag-waving crowd. Either you're a nut or you're a flag-lapel-wearing dyed-in-the-wool-and-spun-in-America patriot.