print“The Obama organization now claims that [Pastor Wright’s] latest attacks on Obama prove that ‘he and Mr. Obama are not that close, otherwise why would Mr. Wright do this now? Au contraire. Hell hath no fury like a radical pastor scorned. Sen. Obama and Rev. Wright had been as tight as thieves for over two decades. When Obama got religion on the presidency, he began gradually turning his back on his spiritual counselor. Being an unconventional Christian animated by anger, Wright has refused to turn the other cheek.”
“For the duration of their 23-year relationship, Obama considered Wright a mentor and a mensch. No color should be given to the claim that Obama didn’t know and love the real Wright.”
“To paraphrase the rapper Eminem’s hit song: So will the real Slim Shady and his sassy lady please stand up?”
That and more in my new WorldNetDaily.com column, “Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?”
Update: CNN’s Roland S. Martin, whom I mentioned in “Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?”, has responded to the column. I am not convinced the “be blessed” sign-off is all that sincere. My reply follows. Here’s Mr. Martin’s letter:
How culturally ignorant are you?
I read your column and talk about silly.
First, I was wearing an African formal outfit, which is the same one I have on the cover of my new book. I prefer to wear those rather than tuxedos to such events. If you choose to characterize it, do it correctly. Second, it was never intended for me to go on television. I was at the event because I had hosted their town hall meeting the previous day. But I’m not at all ashamed to wear my African outfit, and plan to do so again.
Second, you owe Soledad an apology. She was wearing a white blouse and a black skirt. If you want to show your cultural ignorance by criticizing me, go right ahead. But at least have the common sense to look at a woman on television and get her clothes right. Or maybe get yourself a new TV.
Be blessed,
Roland S. Martin
www.rolandsmartin.com
Author, “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith”
Syndicated columnist, Creators Syndicate
TV One Commentator
Host, “The Roland S. Martin Show”
WVON-AM/1690, Chicago
Weekdays, 6am to 9 am CST
CNN Contributor
ILANA replies:
Dear Roland,
I appreciate the response to my WorldNetDaily column, “Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?” And I do have an old TV.
Still, you have to admit that my sartorial misreading (compounded by my old TV set) does not quite explain your lack of critical analysis of the Reverend’s performance. (The comment by Reverend Ray on my blog fills in more gaps.)
Blessings to you too,
Ilana Mercer
Columnist, WorldNetDaily.com,
Author, Broad Sides: One Woman’s Clash with a Corrupt Culture
Director of Development, The Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies,
Proprietor, www.ilanamercer.com
Update 2: The private conversations with Mr. Martin turned productive and even pleasant (I’m pleased to say that most of my exchanges with reasonable people end this way).
Note that I’ve never attacked Wright on the political issues he raises. I agree with very many of the things the Reverend protests against, not least the war in Iraq and our atom-bomb war crimes (which have been debated on this blog, here).
But I reject Wright’s premise: He curses and blames white people, white government, and endemic racism for all ills. His animus toward Western culture, whose avid defender I am, is what makes him so odious.
Where does Wright think the distinctly Western ideas of human rights— the dignity of the individual and the respect for diversity—come from? Africa? They are all outgrowths of the Enlightenment, uniquely western. Not African; western. As you see, my revulsion at Wright and his ilk goes much deeper than the beefs conservatives have with him—that he dared damn the US government in its thuggish ways.
What repulses me about people like Wright is the manner in which they slam the West while using its tradition. The ideas of individual rights and the dignity of mankind are the product of the fertile minds of the pale, patriarchal, penis people: white men!
Another thought occurred to me: Wright’s style is more in the tradition of the Hebrew prophets than the Christian preacher. But even that kind comparison does violence to the magnificent prophets of the Hebrew Testament. They railed against The People—the stiff-necked Hebrews. They beat on their own people mercilessly for their sins. Wright doesn’t rouse his people; he sics them on others—teaches them to hate whites and blame them for black inadequacies.
Perhaps Jews became so self-propelled because, if a Jewish boy didn’t have a Jewish mother after him nagging him to become the best peddler or Talmudist in the village, he had a fire-breathing prophet huffing down his neck, shaming him into uprightness.
Update 3 (May 4): With reference to David Szasz’ interesting (and long) post hereunder, as I pointed out earlier this year, there’s another member of the unholy trinity who even better epitomizes the Manchurian Candidate. Think a former POW who was brainwashed by communists to betray–even kill–his own? Hmmm…
What you see here is an extreme case of Nietzchean “ressentiment”. [What does this mean?–IM]
Ressentiment is a reassignment of the pain that accompanies a sense of one’s own inferiority/failure onto an external scapegoat. The ego creates the illusion of an enemy, a cause that can be “blamed” for one’s own inferiority/failure. Thus, one was thwarted not by a failure in oneself, but rather by an external “evil”. This issuing of “blame” leads one to desire revenge, or at least believe in the possibility of revenge; this lust for revenge may take many forms, as in the socialist conception of revolution. In each case, a sense of powerlessness creates the illusion of an enemy; one suddenly conceives oneself to be oppressed rather than merely weak, a phenomenon that spawns externally-directed bitterness (lust for a perceived “revenge”).
Dear Ms. Mercer:
Excellent article. The black community, hispanic community, and many other minorities all have a gripe about how they are treated. Yet, most are on the receiving end of a welfare system that protects and provides for them. Few seem to take it upon themselves to present a reason why they should be respected.
There are quite a few WASPS that I cannot agree with including a certain President and his cabinet choices. I too am frustrated being treated as a non entity. Today, I believe the majority is being discriminated against in favor of some notion of PC. In spite of these negative feelings I don’t think I am up to violence to get my way. I may change my view if my country continues to be dismantled so that a few can reap the harvest. We need to stop the continued belief in PC and get back to reality. Stop the SPP-NAU, the sale of our nation to our enemies, and the loss of our ability to survive…outsourcing of industries. If we don’t the minorities will really have something to complain about.
Memo to Erudites:
The Wrong Irreverend Wright is not an easy editorial is it dear? So much material, so little space. You probably also caught his “brilliant” dissertation on how regional accents express this difference in learning styles, as if an illiterate New Yorker has a different accent than an educated one. Or how ‘ebonics’ a willful and conscious mutilation–part (willful) ignorance and part vanity–is the same thing as an accent. The man’s ignorance is eclipsed only by his ego. And I wonder, as he waxed elephant on the subject of reconciliation and the centrality of racial unity and harmony in his press conference earlier this week… did that include his “Christ-like” remarks re: ‘Con-damnneeza’ or ‘Colon Powell’ or did he receive some sort of Divine dispensation or exception from Elohim to preach so despicably and disrespectfully? This man has fashioned God and Christianity into his own, craven image and may the real God (who Jeremiah doesn’t appear to be acquainted with) have mercy on all those who kneel at this wretched altar.
If you want to see where Pastor Wright is really coming from or maybe where he’s headed, read up on James Cone, the father of black liberation theology. Here’s what one writer said about him (from FrontPage.com):
The leading theorist of Black Liberation Theology is James Cone. Overtly racist, Cone’s writings posit a black Jesus who leads African-Americans as the “chosen people.” In Cone’s cosmology, whites are “the devil,” and “all white men are responsible for white oppression.” Cone makes this point without ambiguity: “This country was founded for whites and everything that has happened in it has emerged from the white perspective,” Cone has written. “What we need is the destruction of whiteness, which is the source of human misery in the world.”
If whiteness stands for all that is evil, blackness symbolizes all that is good. “Black theology,” says Cone, “refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community … Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.” Small wonder that some critics have condemned black liberation theology as “racist idolatry” and “Afro-Nazism.”
Great column!
Pastor Wright is as irrelevant as wings on giraffes. The race is NOT about him; it is about Liberty in Amerika. What about Pastor Baldwin or Ron Paul? These are the only two candidates worth considering. Besides, atheists don’t have “Pastors!”
“Obama, it appears, is running for president in “the Diaspora.”
Wright has hijacked the language of the Jewish Holocaust, calling slavery the “black Holocaust,” and the capture of slaves, the “diaspora.”
Taken with his anti-Jewish, anti-Israel sentiments, there is every reason to believe that his statements were intentionally drawn to marginalize the Holocaust.
In his writings, Wright makes it seem like African-Americans are the most persecuted people on Earth. But, Jews have been persecuted for a few thousand years, and not a few hundred, and there is nothing within the African experience that compares to the experience of the Jews.
Yet, Wright has aligned himself with the persecutors of Jews who were once also the persecutors of Christians.
There has never been any mention of the systematic persecutors of Christians by Palestinians in any of his writings or speeches.
Such is the hallmark of a racist.
Dear Mr Martin,
Your outfit does look like a Homer Simpson-type mumu. That’s not ignorance— just an observation…
First let me say that this article that ILana has written on Jeremiah Wright was in the 10 ring. Precisely accurate. Take notice that I will never refer to Jeremiah Wright as “Rev. Wright”. I would never refer to any man in that manner. Not even the most sanctified true theologians. So where does that leave Jeremiah Wright? This man is diametrically opposed to true Christianity. He is a hatemonger in the truest sense. His Theology is exactly the way ILana said…..”Black liberation Theology”. Also the very people that Wright condems, “rich whites”, are to be his new neighbors. He is the recipient of the funds of his congregation that have been doled out to him to erect a multi-million dollar mansion. Jeremiah Wright is as the Bible say’s, “peddling the Word of God for sordid gain. Mr. Wright is all about hate, and nothing about Love.
The Apostle John in his first Epistle has a couple of verses pertaining to Mr. Wrights behavior. 1st John 4:20,21. (20)If someone say’s , “I love God”,and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (21) And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. Mr. Wrights Theology and views have just been sliced past the marrow cutting asunder deep into his heart by the Apostles Johns statement. That is always the result of exposure to the Sword of the Spirit that claims it is “living and active, and sharper than any two edged sword”. Yes, that is what the Word of God says.
Martin Berrow
The Wright part of Obama’s journey…
This is not the first time Rev. Wright has been snubbed by one of the “uberkinder” in his flock – Wright was instrumental in organizing and registering more than 100,000 new African American voters in Chicago’s contentious 1983 Democratic mayoral primary. Harold Washingon took the primary with a marginal 37% plurality, while the white vote was split between the incumbent mayor Jane Byrne (33%) and the other challenger (son of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley), Richard M. Daley (30%). Subsequently Wright was summarily excommunicated when Chicago’s newly sworn-in first black mayor slammed the door to city hall in the Rev.’s face. During the turbulent era when “Black liberation Theology” and “kill-Whitey” riots were in vogue, Wright’s rants were not particularly unique or newsworthy.
Now the relationship Wright has become most famous for, as Ilana delineates, has been (until recently) the decades-long spiritual and moral mentoring of an aspiring future Senator, the most famous black man in the country currently, a leading Presidential candidate, and the possible future nominee and potentially subsequent: “President Barack Obama.” The “fact” of their close “kinship” is undeniable.
Wright’s sermon “The Audacity of Hope” produced Obama’s book title, which was a best seller. The Rev. was also a big part of Obama’s first book “Dreams from My Father.” Obama has sold millions of books using either Wright’s name or sermon title. Obama has said in speeches before, like his victory speech to the Senate, that Wright made it all possible. In a huge way, Wright has helped to bring Obama to the forefront of America politics. He has also been an integral part of Barack’s 2008 Presidential campaign; Obama appointed him to his African American Religious Leadership Committee, a post held by the Rev. until the controversy erupted.
The “fact” that it took so long for Obama to even begin his half-hearted repudiation is equally undeniable.
And, very REVEALING.
Szasz
Roland S. Martin wrote to Ilana:
“…I was wearing an African formal outfit, which is the same one I have on the cover of my new book. …it was never intended for me to go on television. I was at the event because I had hosted their town hall meeting the previous day.”
Mr. Martin failed to mention “how” he felt about or “why” he chose NOT to wear a similar cherished outfit he expresses such pride in to the “town hall meeting the previous day.” Perhaps the “Brooks Brothers” (European-white-Anglo-style) attire donned the previous day was more “suitable” for that occasion. Namely, another opportunity to further “dupe” the white-Democrat audience in attendance into believing Obama-and-entourage truly does have white-working-class interests at heart. Although more honest, it would have been difficult to achieve, appearing at such a brain-washing as an African Homer Simpson.
The art of pandering to voters and the camouflaging of ones sincerity may occur on extremely subtle levels. (Read: Obama bowling alleys)
Szasz
Obama: Manchurian Candidate?
We look for “character” in those who seek our nation’s highest office. This encompasses essential, personal traits like “judgment.” One of the most elemental expressions of judgment are the “choices” one makes in WHO one “chooses” to spend a lot of time with, have respect for, or even emulate. In common terms, unless it’s a “boss” at your workplace, you don’t normally willingly “choose” to keep company with anyone you don’t like or admire or don’t wish to fully understand and appreciate – and you certainly wouldn’t recommend such a person to your friends.
Sen. Obama, finally, in his recent reluctant and harsh disassociation with his reverend of 23 years would have us “believe” the Wright we saw making repeated, scurrilous outbursts against our country (not just defaming its current office-holders), “isn’t the man he thought he knew,” even though Obama “chose” Rev. Wright to perform his very own marriage ceremonies, October 18, 1992, and subsequently wrote about it in his book, “Dreams from My Father,” page 401.
When Wright was forced to resign, Obama again exercised his “judgment” by issuing a glowing endorsement of the Rev.’s successor, Otis Moss III, nicknamed the “hip-hop pastor” by congregants of the church Obama “chooses” to attend.
While slamming Wright this week, Obama told the New York Times he will continue his membership in Trinity. He referred to Moss as “wonderful,” stating, “Well, you know, the new pastor – the young pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, is a wonderful young pastor.” It turns out, in a cursory evaluation of Moss during a National Public Radio interview given last month, his views on America and those he issues from the pulpit are in complete accord with the hateful views held by the departing reverend. Like Wright, Moss has a trail of fiery sermons posted on YouTube. In his Easter sermon last month, Moss said Wright was “lynched” by the international media. He went on to compare Wright to Jesus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMNc0lQCxb8
But what if Obama’s “apparent” inadequate judgment (beyond exercising his right to choose his and his family’s personal place of worship) is indicative of something far more serious – maybe even sinister – which should concern us all.
His “belief-system” emanates from his formative years, age 10-18, when Obama was growing up in Hawaii from 1971-1979, where he developed a close, personal relationship, almost like a son, and was heavily influenced by “Frank Marshall Davis,” a member of the old Moscow-controlled Communist Party USA, who wrote poetry praising the aggression of communism, as well as verse criticizing “Sweet Jesus” and mocking the traditional hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers,” according to an advocate for media accuracy. Poetry written by Davis hails the Soviet Union’s Red Army, with a call to “Smash on, victory-eating Red Army.” He has written a wide range of attacks on or mockery of Christianity, emphasizing Africans being killed with a “Christian gun” instead of a spear by missionaries following “the religion of Sweet Jesus.” Another Davis poem refers to Christians “who buy righteousness like groceries.” Nearly five decades ago, the House Committee on Un-American Activities heard testimony from the Honolulu branch of the NAACP, which concluded Davis had tried to “propagandize” its membership.
In his book, “Dreams From My Father,” Obama acknowledges he took advice from a black poet named “Frank,” and had developed a close relationship with him, listening to his ‘poetry’ and absorbing his views.
During Obama’s years in Chicago, he came into contact with and under the influence of communists, socialists, and even communist terrorists.
There is a very disturbing pattern here … It can be no accident that Obama seems to gravitate to the most extreme, anti-American, anti-Christian philosophies.
Szasz