Many people are wondering why Rev. Wright doesn’t keep his mouth shut. He has decided to finally speak out, and he doesn’t know when to stop. Why is that? Oh, that’s right; Free Speech.
Of course, Reverend W. has forgotten the cardinal rule today: we only like Free Speech in theory. Whoever has the audacity to actually make use of that right, will be punished faster than you can say sorry Massa, did I forget my place?
Reverend W. makes people uncomfortable; the truth tends to do that. Especially if that truth comes from a black preacher and Civil Rights activist.
I think the question of why he chooses to speak now is insulting in and of itself. The real question is, why not? Let me rephrase that. Why the hell not? Because he hits the sore spot? Because he might be right? Because, if we are honest with ourselves, and try to really listen to what he has to say, we have to become part of the discussion? And maybe because listening to him makes it necessary for us to think?
Disagree with him if you feel like it; I know I do. Some of his statements have pissed me off, I can’t deny it. But disagreement is essential in a democracy. Telling somebody to shut up is not.
Of course, there’s fall out for Obama. But if this is going to cost him the nomination, we are worse off than we thought. The point was brought up by one commentator that many voters will have lingering doubts as to whether Obama secretly agrees with Reverend Wright. That means Obama needs to cater to those voters that can’t think for themselves.
As a nation, we have some growing and maturing to do. I sincerely hope we can get to that one of these days. Meantime, I don’t think reverend Jeremiah Wright should talk less; I think he should talk more. And while he’s at it, he should call all his friends to do the same.
2 responses so far ↓
smrtas1 // April 28, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I agree. The Rev has the right to say just about anything that he pleases, with in the limits of free speach, no matter how much people tend to disagree (like I do).
The biggest issue with what he is saying is the issue that it presents to Obama and his supporters. I tend to believe that most of the comments that Wright has made do not represent the thoughts of the majority of Americans. This poses issues for Obama who seems to have been a follower of Wrights for years.
The more he speaks, the more damage that it does to the Obama campaign. Those that support Obama would like the Rev to lay low for a few months.
Ben K // April 28, 2008 at 11:48 pm
If I didnt know better I would think he is trying to sink Obama’s campaign all by himself.
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