There has been a great deal of fuss about the comments of Reverent Wright and his assocation with Senator Obama. With great hesitation,  I'll add something to the discussion. I stand in great admiration of Senator Obama's response to this so called, “crisis” in his campaign. Even Gov Governor Huckabee, certainly no friend of Democrats or Senator Obama, has come out to say that it was “historic”. No one can really say that the clips that have been played of Rev Wright are comforting. However, I would go further than Obama and say look at Rev. Wright's comments in full context. While I still can't agree with everything he says, it is harder for me to right-off the Rev as simply a complete crackpot, or crazed racist.  If you have only watched the 30 second clips, you owe it to yourself to watch at least the 10 minute clip above if you haven't already.

Now there are those who still can't forgive Rev Wright, but we must be careful about the guilt by association campaign that has been waged here against Obama because the Rev was a guest of the Clintons in the White House during the Clinton Presidency. Even the Clinton's Paster, Dean J. Snyder has said,

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth.

I am sure that however ridiculous, McCain will use this against either candidate in the General. Particularly the more fuss that we make of it now. Now I am not saying we should white-wash the issue because it may be harmful to Democrats in the General. I agree with Sen. Obama's approach that this is an opportunity to look at some ugly issues that most Democrats and most Americans agree with: issues of Race relations, religions tolerance, and even the war in Iraq and our conduct in future wars. No rational observer can say that America hasn't made mistakes. This is not the time to brush those discussions under any carpet, no matter how ugly they are; no matter how incendiary the messenger.

One last thing. The girl pictured in Clinton's 3AM ad is now an articulate, bright woman and an Obama supporter has some interesting points to make.

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