Wright speech

Thanks for clarifying and you're welcome in my garage band anytime.

If I might say something, hopefully without causing offence, since I don't know just how much you followed about what Obama's pastor actually said, what he said was that if America did not change it's ways, then "God damn America if it does not change its ways" for among other things, enslaving their black brothers, for putting Japanese Americans in concentration camps, for causing the deaths of millions of innocents over the world. There is not one word in that that is a lie. That, as far as I can see, is perfectly in keeping with all of the prophets in the Old Testament, from Israel to Nineveh and on.

God warns nations with damnation all the time if they do not change their ways. It is hard for Americans to hear, and it is very hard for non-Americans to say to an American, but American policies have caused a world of hurt to many throughout the world and what that pastor said, is how the world sees America. Outside America, there are many private conversations these last few years, in which - and not with glee at all - people believe they are seeing the last days of America, just as Rome experienced its last days. To many outside the US, there is no difference at all between Rome and the US.

The first news bites regarding Jeremiah Wright that came out only had the "God damn America." They didn't have the context. It's unfortunate that they hardly ever do have the context but go for what will create the most outrage. I would link to the text but it seems only to be audio and my computer can't handle that. CNN played the whole context the other night which is why I happen to know it.

But, if you are interested in Obama's response, this is the written link. And here is a rather interesting article that someone wrote on Wright's speech.

I would beg to differ slightly about your observation about class and racism though in the sense that it is the racism that brought about the class. When people have been torn from their roots, when families have been sold apart in slavery so that all natural family ties are broken, when up until the 60s black men had their masculinity looked down upon and were to step aside every time a white man came along - where is the pride supposed to come from?

I have a friend in the northern US. I wince because she always refers to race. As in if two people get into a fight, she will say that a black man and a white man fought. Race is always mentioned. Honestly I think I am probably a little weird because I think I might just be color-blind. I don't notice race. It has to be pointed out to me. There can be one black man in a room full of white people and if someone were to say "that black man over there", I would be the one staring around the room asking, "Where?" I just don't see color.

I also think that just like Germans with their Nazi past being a little sensitive to subjects like Jews, Americans are more than a little sensitive in the same way about black Americans and haven't yet come to terms with what slavery did and how it reverberates to this day. It is hard, as a person, never mind what color you are, to forgive and move on when there is no true understanding in the heart of just how you were wronged by the other party.

I think white Americans aren't even aware of how pervasive the racism is. Obviously there are going to be differences depending on where you go in the US, but I've traveled through most states, and I've never not been aware of the racism. It just comes out in the strangest situations when there isn't even any reason for it. It's sort of like when you live somewhere, you don't notice certain things because they are the norm. I'm sure you would notice a lot of things here that I don't notice because I live here. And it's the same thing with other nationalities when they travel to the US - they notice because they don't live there.

Please don't think I'm throwing stones. We do not have the history of slavery here that you have. But what we do have is native Canadians living in similar poverty and taking up similar positions in our jails and having a similar lack of 'class' which isn't a matter of class, it is a matter of racism which is what led to the poverty to begin with.

We are one of the richest countries in the world and we ignore our native problem like we had nothing to do with it, as though we are not our brothers' keepers. The people living today may not have personally done what was done to the natives, but there is a responsibility. It is not easy to just pull yourself up by your bootstraps when someone stole your boots. And it isn't up to us to judge others but to help our brothers, whoever they may be, in whatever need they happen to be.

Of course, I should say here that a lot of people think I'm a little insane in that there isn't any street anywhere I'm afraid to walk down, in any city. When people ask me for money, I give them money with a "God bless you." I've never had any problems. The God who brought the children of Israel out of slavery across the Red Sea is surely able to keep me from harm if he wishes to. But I haven't read anywhere where I should pass by or not give to someone who asks me for anything.

Who you are isn't always your choice. My half black and half white nieces and nephews are always going to have their every move judged by the black color of their skin. If they get into trouble as teenagers, there are people who will attribute that to their black skin. The fact that they are half-white will never enter into it. They will be judged by blacks and whites alike as black people, not as whites. There will be people who will not hire them because they are black. They won't be told that's the reason, but that will be the reason.

They will never have the choice to claim only their white heritage. They shouldn't have to make a choice, but that's not really the point. They will have to deal with things that I, as a white person, will never have even considered. I never have to wonder if I'm turned down for a job or someone seems unfriendly to me if it is because of my skin color. They will wonder that. Although, again, the circumstances here are quite a bit different since there are a lot fewer blacks here. Most of the racism is directed at Native Canadians, and it is there, believe me, and as strongly as the racism against blacks in the US.

Anyway, my main thing that I don't understand is how "God bless America" said in church either by or related to a political situation isn't taking God's name in vain and isn't perceived to be a bad thing, and "God damn America" said in church and either by or related to a political thing is a bad thing. I don't get it.

I don't see how you can have things both ways. Either all mention of political things should be kept out of church (which I am highly for) or not. I remember when Bush was running for president, there was a pastor somewhere who apparently threatened his flock with excommunication if they didn't vote Republican. There was an outcry, but it wasn't nearly the outcry that there has been over an oppressed people calling attention to injustice.

And just to be perfectly clear for anyone who reads this post, I'm not American, don't vote, and it's not about whether Obama should or shouldn't be president.

Layla