Comments on: BARACK OBAMA’S SPEECH

By: Grace

Grace — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:58:02 +0000

I find it interesting when I hear comments that his pastor was so divisive and how could Obama sit in that church for 20 years… That paster was a pastor for over 20 years in that church and in 20 years in our lives, who among us has not said 5 or 6 things that looking back as we have grown, were distortions of what we thought were true? All we know and are judging the Pastor on is the 5 or 6 things we continue to hear over and over again. Obama has know this man and has seen all of sides…. Who do you think can make a better judgment as to whether we should throw him out with the trash, We who have only heard 5 or 6 of the “stupidest” things Rev. Wright has said? Or anyone who has known him for 20 years? (There have also been others who have known him for that long who have had similar opinions of the Reverend as Obama.)
I know that I wouldn’t like people to judge me by taking the 5 most misguided things I have ever said in the last 30 years and determine my entire reputation on them.

I also know this…. because your outer reality is a reflection of what is going on in your inner world, if Obama reflected what “our Perception of Rev. Wright” is, he would not have been able to work with members of the senate in Illinois and in the US congress in the way that he did by bringing everyone to a common goal. Everyone would have seen him as to divisive. Do a search on the Internet and see what people who have worked with Obama have said about him. Again, our outer reality is a reflection of what is going on inside of us.

I think the understanding of not reacting through fear is the very reason he didn’t instantly “disown” the Rev Wright. That would have been a fear based response, and in some unconscious way (I don’t know if he is conscious of this or not), he has realized that making decisions based on fear only brings you some form of loss, lack and illness. - Just look at what we as a nation have experienced in the last 6 years by choosing fear to guide us? Even those that have benefited financially from the war have lost something but haven’t realized what yet. When anyone of us loses as a nation, we all lose. (we can eventually expand this concept to the world when we are ready)

By: Corinne

Corinne — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:05:05 +0000

Dear Louise -

Whenever I hear that song, “All You Need Is Love” it brings tears to my eyes.

And as you said, “Period.”

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:03:46 +0000

Corinne … the 21st century catholics have no idea how rough it was in the old days. My grandmother was a divorcee in the 30s and was made an outcast by the “church” - or as I laughingly call it the MOTHER CHURCH. How christian is that..
I am a recovered catholic who has for 5 decades witnessed the damage inflicted by these guys … I have found a new religion — called Kindness in the Moment … or as John Lennon once said …”All you need is love”. Period. Corinne, I’m glad I have this place to say exactly how I feel - cathartic. Thank you.

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 03:58:02 +0000

Yes, Stephen, he may be a rare politician … but does he have the stuff to be a good administrator for that’s what the job of presidency is - ask any president or CEO of any company. If he had run a state, I can see it. He really has run nothing and while I think he appears to be a splendid person and obviously a good politician (read: a person who can talk another person into something) … what makes you think he can just jump in and run the biggest company on the planet?
I can see him as a VP (trainee). For my money, we blew it when we overlooked my pick of the crop. Bill Richardson.
Hillary and Obama are not the best this country has to offer and we are now stuck with them —but as we all know, who in their right mind would subject themselves and their families to the gods of media and the internet? So I guess these two are not in their right mind.

By: Corinne

Corinne — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:50:21 +0000

Dear Stephen -

As always, you take the time to write a thougtful and complete assessment of one of my articles.

This comment was especially meaningful to me and I hope many others who support this brave and sincere man. And even those who hope for a different candidate.

“He had an impossible task. If he tried to sweep it under the rug, it would only have made it worse. If he tried to confront it (which he did), it would have put more fuel to the fire (which is actually happening). Regardless of the course of action taken, he took the high road and faced it head on which was the right but very risky and dangerous thing to do.”

May we use this as an example in our own lives to take the “high road” no matter the consequences.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:56:20 +0000

Corinne:

I didn’t watch it nor did I hear or read much of the text of that speech but I heard it was critically acclaimed by the media and others.

However, I’m now afraid for the man’s candidancy becuase I’m concerned that less informed people who were once thinking of voting for him are now backing away in groundless fear due to this firestorm.

I think Obama handled it brilliantly and demonstrated his ability to handle a crisis that has blown way out of proportion. And this should have demonstrated his ability to handle crisises as President. Unfortunately I think this speech may have served to inflame people’s underlying fear and have caused people to move to Hillary.

I pray to God that this firestorm and the way he handled it make people realize he’s our choice for President this year. Obama bravely tackled a very sensitive subject in a dignified manner and was right to face it head on.

He had an impossible task. If he tried to sweep it under the rug, it would only have made it worse. If he tried to confront it (which he did), it would have put more fuel to the fire (which is actually happening). Regardless of the course of action taken, he took the high road and faced it head on which was the right but very risky and dangerous thing to do.

I can only hope that Americans are smart enough to realize what this man has done and that they realize he is fully capable of facing challenges in an honest manner instead of hiding like most politicians do.

Bottom line?

He is a rare politican.

By: Angels

Angels — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:44:22 +0000

Thank you for the post and for the useful link Corinne. I will certainly go through Obama’s speech again. Hope that everyone understands the difference in meaning of this phrase “all men are created equal” in 1787 and now.
Thank again for the coverage.

By: Chris - soupornuts.com

Chris - soupornuts.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:07:07 +0000

There is no doubt that Obama is an outstanding orator who is adept at grabbing everyone’s attention. However, there never seems to be much substance in his messages. There are always a lot of things that “we need to change” , but never any indication as to how this change will occur.

Personally, I’m ready to know how he plans to accomplish his plan.

By: Corinne

Corinne — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:57:46 +0000

Dear Sandi -

I am one of your greatest fans and supporters, so it gives me joy to know you have found a spiritual advisor who comforts you.

This is not a political blog. I do not endorse anyone.

However, I am an admirer of great writing which I believe this piece on race represents.

My little rant here is probably generational, which is one of the points Senator Obama makes in his speech.

Louise and I, and my family were subjected to a much more harsh and take-no-prisoners Church than exists today in America.

You are lucky.

Much love to you, as always,

Corinne

By: Sandi

Sandi — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:13:48 +0000

I have to agree with Louise and while I see your point Corinne, I found a Catholic Church and a Catholic priest who better represented my beliefs regarding those issues. If I were running for public office, I certainly wouldn’t have a priest on my campaign who did not believe in the things I believed in.