CNN

Race! Does not mean "Black"...

Faith is "Crossing the Road" Safely.....

R. Martin you are so right on this. Way back in the sixties my church fellowshipped with a with white church in Bloomington Indiana. I lived in
Louisville Ky. There was a real love for one another in the Church. I think
we were ahead of our time. I was young, but as a kid I didn't think about race. It was just black kids and white kids playing with one another. A lot of the problems with race in this country is we dont see things through other persons eyes. Alot of times though ignorance we want to blame someone else for our problems. The only way to solve this is to talk to one another, as Christ would do not being judgemental. We as Americans tend to see things through our experiences.

While your article and obama's speech are well written pieces of rhetoric, like in all important matters, words don’t count, unless they are back by actions. The truth is there can never be healing before fully admitting the responsibility for one’s actions. That is something obama hasn’t done yet… and you Martin, you are just justifying, excusing and finding ways to “try to put words in to context.”

Yes, prejudice, of any kind, is a serious issue; however, this time, the issue is about obama’s lack of judgment, to leave the church. Obama does not have a proven record of anything that qualifies him as the next President of the US, including this topic. His refusal to leave Wright’s church, his refusal to “disown” him, only proves that he was playing politics as usual, because he knew that without Wright, he would not get the black vote. So, who is racist, who shows prejudice? obama. If he really was the agent of change he says he is, then why not starting with his congregation, in the midst of “spiritual” growth? How am I supposed to believe that he will be able to heal the nation, when he can not come to terms with his own pastor? This is yet one more issue in which I only see promises, nothing else. No actions to back his words.

Do not excuse or justify prejudice, by doing so you are using the race card. The issue is about obama’s lack of character to occupy the most important job in the world in one the most crucial moments in history.

CNN you keep blocking my comments; I truly hope that you post this one today. The media bias had a HUGE role in the ascension of obama to where he is now. It is time; you TOO become responsible and start doing what you are supposed to.

Thank you for giving perspective to what has devolved into sensationalism. I could not agree more that our healing as a nation with regard to race relations must begin from the ground up. It takes time to develop relationships, any relationship. If we knew more about each others' race/culture/religion by learning and spending time and then celebrating diversity even if we do not agree or even completely understand – my God, what would that look like? What might be the outcome? I have always had a very diverse family of friends – I went to a Greek celebration with one friend, a salsa birthday party for a Latina friend, the NYC West Indian Day parade with another ... and I know we can and do talk about anything and everything. It makes for a very rich life. I am blessed and deeply grateful. I am a mature African American woman.

i agree fully that we must be willinng to open and create a dialogue of understanding. I just come to realize that people want to be angry. especially those who feel obama should denouce/reject the man. i think many people instead of wanting to look in the mirror woukld rather take a stand of defense, always engaging ina fight or disagreement. Many people are afraid to look at the true history of this country and how it has affected many lives nationally and internationally.

it's time people stop acting like victims as if wright or obama did something wrong to them.

I registered as a democrat in 1960 . Ihave voted in every election, locally, statewide and nationally since that time. I feel this election has parted America like none other! All my adult life we have been asked to try and understand how the black race feels about how they were treated in past history. I have tried to do that. Now I would like to know when the black race will try to understand how some of us feel. I am not a rich white. My father raised a family of seven on 100 dollars a month! My first paycheck for one month of teaching was a whooping 215.00! I resent being told that we have it better because we are white ! Obama lives in a house I can only dream about and yet his pastor yells about how no one can understand his plight! I have a bi-racial great niece and a bi-racial nephew who I hope does not grow up believing that America is so against them as being expounded by some in the black race!

I just find it AMAZINGLY hypocritical that people make excuses for preaching of hate when it pertains to African Americans.

I think people are getting tired of what appears to be reverse discrimination and saying that because what happened in the past it is okay that we can preach hate to our children...so the legacy can live on.

This is the 21st century folks and that same old whine is not plausible anymore. As far as what is on tv, there are so many shows with exemplary content of blacks in american, whiche I enjoy watching, that it just creeps me out to see these people like Martin or Wright using their power to incite hate and then proclaim injustice...over and over and over again.

And, it HRC points this out, she is called a racist. Something is wrong with the picture and all Obama pointed out is that blacks are as racist as ever and that it is excusable.

As an Obama supporter you are doing a great job of framing (changing) the subject. The problem is that the audience listened for the reason anyone would sit in a church for 20 years with their pastor using anti-american, bigotry, and racist remarks. This all comes down to "judgement". Obama has shown he does not have the judgement to be President. No matter how many times you try to frame (change) the subject!!!

I think that it is unacceptable to explain the comments of Reverend Wright by saying that the black church does things differently. If you are a Christian, you cannot say the things that he said and live with yourself honestly.

THANK YOU.. Finally someone is providing commonsense coverage and analysis and not just grabbing sound bites for sensationalism sake or political purposes. The Reverend Wright Issue is viewed through different cultural lenses molded by each particular historical experience. What most of White America views as absorbed and unbelievable, many in Black America view as something they absolutely do not agree with but have the cultural historical experience, relationships, and understanding to put it in context. This is not to say either view is incorrect just that the lack of understanding creates these disparate viewpoints. In a weird way, this Wright controversy may ultimately be good for America. Instead of continuing the course of very slowly pulling the Band-Aid off this old wound, which although covered needs lots of anesthesia, this incident has snatched the Band-Aid off and conversations are at least beginning. I hope everyone in America will step up a positively take on this challenge – only time will tell.

i dont believe that race was the center of the stage untill it was mentioned in sen obamas address.......but after listening to rev wrights sermon in its entirety. i personally believe that he meaning rev wright is a racist and a bigot....he uses the bible to promote his hate and racism......do i think sen obama is a racist and a bigot ? not at all.......hes a politician and hes just like every other politician..... they want to win.....does racism exist in this country? yes..............racism is something that is taught and continues to be taught in every race...as time goes by i think that most people are more accepting.....then again some people will never change.....but i do find rev wrights sermons very offensive........he attacks the country, sen clinton, former president clinton, the jestures were so offensive.......the la pd on the oj simpson trial......is his message that it is ok to cut someones head off ? with his children in the house asleep? 3 strikes was created for the career criminal.....it affects everyone race creed or color.... one last thing this candidate bashing needs to stop on both sides......i know everyone has his or her candidate in mind that they want to win.......but it is not necessary to make such negative statements either way.......trust me the media does a good job of it.......i want a democrat for president that can lead the country and make the right choices for america........

I don't get why the media is going on and on about a damage repair speech that turned into a vote for Obama or you would be choosing to go down the wrong path. As to what you in your article brought up about not standing up and pointing a finger at the pulpit and addressing hate messages about homosexuals when heard, all I can say is remember Edmond Burke: all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. I have read the printed statements in support of Humus by the Trinity Church that holds anti-Semitic views, I have seen the tapes with the hate speech, the anti American statements, the racism against whites and I will tell you that a church membership and Rev. Wright spiritual adviser position by Obama regarding this church and Rev. Wright is unacceptable by most Americans. No matter the media spin!

Mr. Martin, I have seen and heard you on CNN many times and I can see that you are biased aginst Hillary Clinton. But I suppose because you are also a black man, you cannot see beyond Obama's color and be neutral. You know it and I know it...if it was Clinton's pastor had said those words you and every other black political speaker would want her to denounce this person and you would also say that you are sure that she also thinks this way. If Obama cannot denounce this man then that tells me that he does think this way too. Obama does not think too much of the american people because if he thought highly of them, he would have done so. I don't trust Obama and his words...I feel there is something there thats just waiting to be exposed.

Anyway, Clinton does not need your support because she has alot of people who are not turncoats and are supporting her. It seems that you and other black people have very short memories.

Clinton is the stronger candidate and she will win with or without the black vote.

Obama scares me. Why? He claims to be a unifier but instead he does the complete opposite. Instead of simply accepting the fact that Rev.Wright gave sermons that were hateful and join another church, Obama choose to give a speech on race relations in America. Consequently, Obama has caused race to again raise its ugly head.
Before Obama's speech, the county still had racial problems. However, thanks to MLK the country has moved forward and was continuing to do so. Because of MLK, flames that once roared were reduced to only a spark Now, I fear that Obama’s speech has opened wounds instead of healing them

America is a great country, a global leader.
The world is hungry ,for long time, to see an American leader who can be honored as great global hero. A leader who is ideological & charismatic HERO, a new chapter of the history. Obama is a gift of God for America. So protect him.

Martin, are you out of your mind? we are not in 60's, America's is not lack of understanding. They show their willingness to accept, these shown on Iowa polls and others states that they even vote for African-American president candidate. America's want o live in harmony, inter-races and so forth. However, there are several US citizen, and one of them is Dr. Jeremiah wright who think we are still in a 60's era by preaching racist and anti-America issue to attract people into his church and this is not right. Martin, please stop giving a comment about this issue. You are not helping at all to heal this issue. You just create more deeper wound because you are not neutral in reporting this case. I wish Dr. Wright come out an apologize to America people about his 911 statement and then lets thing heal.

Has Rev. Wright did anything good for the world? Let's hear it.

OBAMA 2008 or No one. Most Democrats for Obama are not EVER going to vote for Hillary. NEVER.

Retired Professional White Woman of 63 !00% for Obama from Day 1.

This was Barack's 3:00am phone call moment.... He PROVED his judgement, and his ability to UNITE us....Americans are awesome when we are UNITED.
Obama/Edwards08 Si Se Puede

You are a very, very smart man...... I TOTALLY agree with you !!!!!!!!!!!!

Martin once again thank you for being the voice of reason on this network it seems that instead of talking about the brilliant speech Barack Obama gave that has actually brought more people from all walks of life to believe in his campaign and this is fact, but the want to talk about wright.Wake Up CNN!!!!!!!!

Your right a lot of us refuse to accept the black persons refusal to get past the past. We, white people didn't have it easy either, remember the Grapes of Wrath? Or do you believe that was a fairy tale? Why do they always blame white people for their problems? It is an excuse to stand on the corner and attempt to intimidate others. Poor me, I just can't get a job, or clean my yard. I have to spray paint the neighborhood, that's how I express myself. If you want to call me a racist, so be it. Accept who you are, be proud of who you are. Work to show us typical white people how wrong were are, that's my challenge.

Wow, that was a great piece. Everything you said in there is true, question is will people actually accept the truth...
Obama's comments about his grandmother is true, when you see an African-American in gang attire 18-25 youre going to have a stereotype.
People try to pretend they have no stereotype on others but everyone does. It's okay to have one doesn't mean you're a racist.

Roland you are a joke..I understand you are studying to be a minister that is good because CNN can't afford to have your opinion on television. I specifically now watch Fox because your views are so skewed towards Oboma. No matter how hard you try you will never get the world to see your view that matches Dr. Wright. You are a discredit to fair journalism.

Come on!!!! If a white pastor said that it would be headlines immediately and would be called racist. Why is it okay for a Black Pastor to say such degrading things about Clinton, whites and our governement and you seem to side step it? It appears we do have a
double standard in our media. This is not proper coming from anyone and if it was my pastor I would of left the church in search of someone new. Give me a break.

Mr. Martin:

I am one of the Obamas typical Americans. Your article claims "whites routinely ask why can't we just be one nation" I have never asked that question, nor do I know anyone that has. This nation is just great, has been for 232 years and will continue for many years to come unless some wild eyed knee-jerk liberal democrap decides to change it to something he?she thinks is better, and they may have a fight on their hands.

For many people religion will always dominate their thinking. For them, 100 years of earthly life cannot compare to their stake in eternity. That is true even in countries like the U.S. in which there is an attempt to formally separate religion from government.

Americans must respect the rights of theocratic countries that do not separate religion from government. America does not have the right to militarily force a nonreligious democracy to be embraced by Islamic countries any more than forcing the Queen/King of England or the Catholic Pope to be elected by popular vote.

The best you can hope for is in our country is to not determine the rights, privileges and responsibilities of its citizens based on any one religion or even having a religion. Our country should be religiously neutral rather than blind.

Martin is CNN's best commentator and most judicious in how he choses his words and provides approachable, cogent analysis. I trust this man's viewpoint. If anything, I think he has been far too fair to Clinton when juxtaposed to Begala and Carville. I'm actually pleasantly surprized how even-handed and spot on Gergan has been. Blitzer, Crowley and Schnieder are out of touch and latently biased towards Clinton – no objectivity there.

Roland,
Thank you for your analysis. As always, you are an extremely enlightened voice. I hope people listen to you. What I would add is that it is unnecessary to use the term "race" at all. In your piece and in what many other people write, the term "ethnic group" could be substituted for "race" with no loss in explanatory effect. The fact is that people are cultural beings, which is what the ethnic group concept refers to, and recent DNA analysis has supported what many anthropologists have contended for decades, that different "races" don't even exist, because no one has ever been able to find evidence that there are completely separate biological groupings of people in the world. Every attempt to do so has found that populations have significant overlap and that we're definitely the same species. "The Myth of Race" by Joseph Graves Jr. does an excellent job laying this all out. It is my hope that this knowledge can become part of the dialogue that Sen. Obama is encouraging us to have. The fact is that historically, the "race concept" was created to not only divide people, but to justify who should be higher and who should be lower. This concept, that "races" exist, has become built into many cultures created through colonialism, but it is NOT found in all cultures. If the goal, in having dialogue about "race," is to bring people together, we can't really be successful if we keep using a concept that functions to keep people apart and feeling unequal as human beings. We have to deconstruct and eliminate the "race" concept, and we have the scientific evidence to do so. I have tried to post this information to CNN blogs before but my posts keep getting deleted. I wonder why that is.

Their is alot of good points Rev. Wright said that i agree with. Their is others points, i think he went overboard, and out of reality. Obama stood his ground, and showed leadership to talk about these Issue's, which many politicians downplay and many citiziens ignore which only reinforces my support for him.
American citizen's do understand that race exists and will always. Depending on each individual agenda, what they will profit out of it and how it will suit them.
United We Stand
US Airforce

a brillaint artcile. Roland, you are doing what Barrack hoped for, to have an open dialogue. you are sharing your experiences in an honest manor, and i happen to agree with you and am educated by some of your comments.

however, some people may disagree and still not be able to see your arguement and i hope that they would voice those disagreements, ask questions and continue the debate in a respectful manor that is focused on learning and understanding, not hatred and finger pointing.

The question will be what are white Democratic men most afraid of – an angry old white woman or a young black man?

Forget about the issues and the candidates – Americans only care about the most primal urges: sex and race.

Some people like to call themselves a Christian but thier actions show otherwise. A true Christian forgives and pray for the goodness of others. I have yet to see a true Christian reporter during this ordeal...FOX news is the devil! Racism is strong in this GREAT country! People neither deal with it in a positive manner or SHUT UP! It as though Obama never gave a speech that could lead to an adult conversation about race. It another SAD time in this GREAT country.

I don't see this as my white refusal to accept how another race lives and acts. I see this as a black pastor attacking OUR country. He is the one who continually fanned the flames here. The very mission statement of that church says that they are TOTALLY Afro-centric, and concerned about preserving their African heritage. That's fine, but for a man who preaches about being the leader of ALL of America, it gives me pause. I do not now think Obama is the right man for this job. It would be the same if Hillary or John went to a white separatist church.

I always respect you for your contribution to CNN but stop being so anti Clinton. It shows you are an Obama supporter.

Obama is the smoothest and best public speaker the Democrats have ever had!
If all the rest of the obama supporters would simply keep their mouths shut he might make some progress!
It's not the media or the Republicans messing it up it is his friends, relatives, apologists and mentors. You too Roland.

Talk about swift boat attacks. The Republicans need not bother.
GOD BLESS AMERICA. Land that I love. All the time.

Amen, Brother Roland! I am white and born and raised in Texas. But I was from a poor single parent home located in poor neighborhoods. I played with white, black, and hispanic children. For me as a child, I didn't see a difference in those other children. They were my friends and playmates. We stayed overnight at each others homes and shared our toys and candy with each other. I had no pregudice. I remain that same person today. But I am not blind to what blacks had to endure in those times and beyond either. I never had a privilaged life either. Maybe that is why I can see how some who were treated so wrong by white Americans and could still to this day have some resentment for it. I can understand that resentment. Anger is a strong emotion and hard to deal with when it hurt so many lives. Yes, Rev Wright's words were offensive. But I don't feel offended by it and I don't blame Obama for staying with his church. Church is also a family. Even though you care for the family, that doesn't mean you have to sit and condemn every member who says something that can offend. That includes the pastor. People need to quit sitting in judgement of Obama. It's more offensive to me to condemn Obama for loving his church and church family.

Thank you Roland for demanding that we listen to the whole sermon, I'm an independent voter in TX, Sen. Obama was right on the money with that speech on race. It was a very thoughtful and a correct speech to give at this time because of the race issue in which the Clinton's were trying to make him out to be and it backfire on them. I would never vote for them/her because of their behavior and lies! They are not good for the direction that this country, we need change and that's why I voted for Sen.Obama. I believe the media played a couple of sound bites and as a person of fairness, I would want to hear the whole sermon before I make a judgement. I'm not a Christian but what he said is what I believe a lot of " White's" feel about this country, but won't say.
That's all they got from the Rev. after 30 years of preaching, three sound bites thats played over and over again. I will vote again for Sen.Obama in the general elections!

"Divided we fall, together we stand'

America's years will be numbered if it doesn't come together as a nation, a nation where people are free and willing to celebrate[or at least embrace) each other's differences.

From 'the get go' The Clinton's intention was to make this a Black candidate vs a White Candidate knowing fully well that Whites are in a majority!

Today, I am sure she and her Husband are sitting somewhere very happy given than finally the race issue has began to hurt Obama...

Hillary Clinton's disgrace at the end of this whole exercise will be too much to bear but what's good for the Obama camp is that it will be seen as a strong side having gone through all of these challenges. It will make Obama a phenomenon.

Hi Roland – I enjoy your contributing articles to CNN and also your comments on various news presentations.
We are experiencing a country with a Broken Government, a huge division of Race and Religion and it is overwhelming!
What can we do about it? It is a disgrace that America cannot accept all people and all backgrounds. This is not what our "forefathers" intended and they were ingenious enough to form a Constitution for us to abide by and to have protection. We may be living in a different era, but how far are we going to go before we no longer have identity as Americans?

With all the pro Hillary bias I do not expect my comment to go through, but....

This pastor thing is a non-issue. It is simply the news networks attempting to keep the election close in order to maintain high ratings. Pretty disgusting how modern media is affecting politics. Seriously, if my priest said something controversial (which he has), I would not expect someone else to hold ME responsible. What a joke

The Clinton News Network is getting a bit ridiculous. It's pretty obvious that a close election benefits them, so they're throwing everything they have into trying to bring down Obama.

The fact that the boss of one of the contractors supports Obama is entirely a non-story. Seriously, it's a pretty unprofessional hackjob to throw such an article onto the ticker and then close comments after tons of people ripped Obama and got their posts through.

Also, it's pretty disgusting that Hillary supporters are saying that they will not support Obama in the general election. Sounds like deep seeded racism to me.

Finally, Hillary is pretty much mathematically eliminated from this election. It's time for her to step down and let Obama unify the party. If this was the other way around you all would be calling for his head. She physically can not win, and we need to throw all of our collective support behind Obama ASAP

Marti, how can I forget that salt and pepper sermon !

Like the proverbial granny used to say, the dinner is bland without either of them.

Amen!

With all due respect, I don't think the comments that Wright made were acceptable under any circumstances. Let's be real here, if those comments were made by a white pastor about a minority group, no one would be trying to justify them by giving them a "context". The comments are devisive and Obama's support of him at the very least shows a lack of judgement. No smart poliician would align themselves with such a figure.

I commend Obama for setting the stage on race issues. I'm an African American woman and have attended many churches where the pastor, preacher, or ministor said controversial statements. I didn't approach the pastor about the comments because I know what I believe and what is right from wrong. Although, the statements weren't as harsh as Rev. Wright's and even if he believes this, it is not what I believe. I feel that it is time for the American people to have diologue about race. I also think that the entire video should been viewed because I'm hearing various things that it was taking out of context because the Rev. Wright was making a comparison but his choice of words were damaging and hurtful.

Martin:

Pardon me for saying this.

Every time I see you on CNN I say "Here he goes again!" You are happy when Obama wins, very sad when he loses. You defend him when he is in trouble.

When are you going to stop speaking for Obama and defend his indefensible actions?

You are a journalist. Perhaps CNN should should delcare each time you speak that you are an Obama supporter and a secret adviser.

Quatation: "Many people felt he as trying to make white voters feel guilted into voting for him".

Americansshould be proud of their nation. You made it possible to defeat Hitler, the most evil racists ever, and his Nazi followers. I suppose that you cannot even imagine what would have happened if the Nazis had won the battle of Europe? Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright – violence does not always create violence. Sometimes it`s necessery to use violence to reach peace and to prevent racism.

I also got an unpleasant feeling that Obama in his speach recently, without ever expressing directly, said – if you don´t vote for me, as a black candidate, it will not be possible to prevent racism.

A good friend of mine explained it this way: Black churches have historically provided a safe place for people to express their frustration, anger, and opinions in a society in which they have felt disadvantaged, disrespected, and powerless. This is a place where they could first give vent, be respected and supported in their pain and seek the comfort of fellowship,and the solace in justice and divine love that was for them .
It was therapy. It was family. It was not in the public square. And it did not, certainly lead to hatefilled acts in public. It was a place to lay any hate or resentment to rest, turn over to God, to Jesus, one's heart to be healed.
I think people who do not understand Black history and experience in America need to consider looking into their own hearts for that empathy that they lack. Though I am not Black,(I am a white woman over 60) am not religious at all and do not go to church, I believe I can understand this . I pity those who are so easily whipped into fear and indignation over snippets from some Jeremiah Wright's sermons from 6-7 years ago as to vote against the best presidential candidate who wants to bring us all together, heal the divisions in America and defend our country from the problems and forces that threaten us all.

Roland... you are starting to sound like an angry man on the CNN broadcast... everyone knows that all of us come from different walks of life... all of us view the world differently...

the problem is not race here... it is the fact that Obama in the eyes of most people not "justified" why he was involved with Wright for 20 years... if he did not believe what he was saying he should have looked for another church to go to... the problem is he is asking everyone to look at Wright as a whole person not just 30 seconds of tape... Obama is new to the political game... he is fairly unknown... the american public is trying to get to know him... they are trying to look at Obama as a whole person... the american public is asking him these questions to get an idea in their minds of who he is...

You can not expect people to view him as you do or as I do... they will view him through their experiences and walks of life.... the problem you are upset about and do not understand is this...

Most people do not want to hear negative things about our country especially when 4000 troops have died in Iraq... everyone believes that we are fighting against radicals that talk hate against the US and our way of life... everyone has been told that it is based on religious beliefs.. it has nothing to do with understanding or accepting other races... it goes to the basic core of what every human being struggles with everyday... what is right and what is wrong???

Anytime Martin makes a comment the other side should be given equal time. Isn't that the rules for officials of the 2 campaigns.

Mr. Martin, you hit the NAIL ON THE HEAD. Plain and simply.

What???!!! Making excuses for Wright and what he says will not change anything now.

Obama should have left this church a long time ago and certainly after hearing such incredibly strange insults towards our country.

No one will find this unacceptable and outrageous behavior in Hillary Clinton's personal life.