On Obama's 'Race Speech'

I watched Obama's speech on race today with interest. And the more I watched, the more I became convinced that the man is nothing more than your typical self-centered politician trying to cover his own ass, a candidate who will say and do anything to get elected.

Here's the complete speech.

Instead of condemning Wright's comments, he seemed to be making excuses for them. Yes, he heard them, yes, he disagrees, but he's standing by the church and Rev. Wright, anyway. He said the right things, like not only wrong but divisive, but his overall message seemed less certain of that.

And suddenly, the man who won't wear an American flag lapel pin, won't say the Pledge of Allegiance, won't place his hand over his heart during the national anthem, whose wife was never proud of this country until her husband was doing well in the polls.... made perfect sense. When you put these actions together with the hate filled, racist statements of Rev. Wright, I think you get a pretty accurate view of the Man Who Would Be President.

Is it really necessary to hate Whites to have the "full Black experience?" If so, how can such a man really be a president for all of America? How can Obama represent all of us equally and without bias? Simply, he can't. 

I find it startling that the other members of his church have been told by their Pastor not to talk to the media. What a collossal mistake. What are they hiding? More Rev, Wright moments? Would one of them be the first to say he actually saw Obama present for, or engaged in, more of this hate speech? It seems to me that, were Rev. Wright the misunderstood leader that so many claim him to be, his congregation would be the perfect vehicle to speak out on his behalf and talk openly about the good things the Reverend has done and said.

I admit to thinking even less of Obama after this speech. America is ready for a Black president, in my view, but not one that will turn a blind eye to hatred and racism directed at any other group, in exchange for the Black vote.

America, like every other nation, isn't always pretty and hasn't always been right. But the they-hate-us-so-let's-hate-them-back rant doesn't fly. That's not a message of love and unity and brotherhood, but simply an attempt to justify more hate, more violence and more separation. Shouldn't a man like Rev. Wright be preaching that we are all the same in the eyes of God? Shouldn't his message be one of acceptance and tolerance and peace? His words don't move us forward, they set us back.

And that is an injustice that cannot be tolerated.

Freedom of speech is a wonderful, yet dangerous, thing. But hate speech serves no one. For twenty years, Obama has been associated with this man and his church. For him to say now, with his candidacy in the balance, that he doesn't agree with Rev. Wright's words is absurd and disingenuous.

Rev. Wright's message isn't about the future, it's about how America has failed. Obama had a chance today to stand for America's future, but chose to stand with Rev. Wright, instead. In my view, he chose poorly.

Allahpundit has great analysis at Hot Air, as does Herschel at The Captain’s Journal.

Also on target:

• Flopping Aces
• Michelle Malkin
• Patterico’s Pontifications
• Right Truth

UPDATED: Here's the opinion of Newt Gingrich on tonight's H&C, via Hot Air.

Comments

[Eric]

I agreee that this country is ready for a black and/or a female president, but the two candidates we have are both pathetic examples to choose from. Shouldn't the POTUS be an example of the best product in America? Are these two POS's the best we can do? Are you $*%@ing kidding me? I would have no problem with voting for a black or a female president - or both, but loving their country and being devoted to it would be a prerequisite. Flakes like Obama or posers like Hillary don't meet that requirement, or even come close. I can't even believe that American's could stomach a POS like Obama as a candidate.

[Flag Gazer]

Have you seen the historical errors in the opening paragraph? The man doesn't have a clue and no one seems to care.

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