The Rev. Jeremiah Wright is hurting Obama's campaign. Plain and simple. The over exuberant preacher has allowed his beliefs to discolor people's opinions of Obama's perceived beliefs, as opposite as they are. But then again, the Reverend's opinions are not so surprising given that the church community often will present views that are vastly different than the mainstream.
Ministers from the 1960s era preached against racial discord and shouted a call for unity. We have made many strides toward racial harmony, but I believe it is statements like the one made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright that can revert all of the efforts and hard work that we’ve made as a country. Sure we have a lot more work to do. Sure we have to continue to educate ourselves and work together to make a difference. However, when we simply spew unfounded, emotional and flaming remarks we do nothing but hurt ourselves.
Leaders have to be very careful that the words they speak are not only correct but do not incite erroneous emotions in those they lead. The church has been guilty of this for years. They tend to over-emote their followers and then do not feel as if they should take responsibility for their actions. Not so. We have to be mindful to carefully place things in context and also be mindful of the actions that our words will cause. When leaders speak in context and when they place their own thoughts and opinions out of the way of facts, people can then make better choices and decision for themselves. We have to be so very careful as leaders to not just spew what we feel, but rather speak what is truth.
Mixing politics and religion has long been taboo in and out of the church. I hope Rev. Wright and Obama can come to some amenable point where their views and differences can be placed aside for the greater good. However, if they do not, perhaps it is just as well. Any relationship, such as the politician and pastor that is controversial and devisive perhaps is not healthy for anyone. It will probably be best to part company anyway. This is probably why they say politics and religion DO NOT MIX!
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While I agree with much of what you say here about leaders being careful about what they say and the divisive nature fof Wright's remarks, when examined objectively some of them are actually true (the article linked has some references). Maybe even more frustrating is that there is so much focus on Wright (the Black preacher associated with the Black candidate) when McCain has also aligned himself with preachers who have made inflammatory remarks but those associations go ignored. The double standard here bothers me far more than what Wright actually said.
Posted by: Kimberlee Morrison | March 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Permalink to Comment