A belated reflection on race speech

Several weeks ago, you are probably aware that Sen. Barack Obama gave a speech following the uproar about comments made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright. I didn’t catch it the day he gave it, but had a look later, and found myself thinking what an important speech it was. The issue of race and racism in this country is still a gaping wound in our society, and it’s one that many try to avoid confronting because of the deep feelings on many sides of the issue. I have to give the man credit for bringing this issue forward as one we NEED to be having frank and respectful dialogue about.

As for the reaction to Wright’s comments after 9/11, I too found the remarks troubling. If Obama is to be held accountable for what this man said, then who was calling Pres. Bush to task for the remarks of supporters Falwell and Robertson?! They characterized 9/11 as a punishment from God that was supposedly brought on by “the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians.” You can’t have it both ways!

Here’s a link to the video. It’s about a half hour, but worth the time to listen.

from yostsa.vodpod.com posted with vodpod