I was concerned about the recent attacks on Jeremiah Wright, mainly because I understand what he went through. Last fall, Bill O'Reilly spent 5 days calling for me to be fired from Syracuse University. They claimed I was a racist because I criticized O'Reilly and his condescending views toward people of color. I also had the audacity to ask why my business school has existed for 120 years without granting tenure to an African-American. He, Hannity and others engaged in the same petty attacks that they used to undermine the credibility of one of Chicago's most respected pastors, Jeremiah Wright. Oprah, Obama and many respected members of the Chicago community have been in regular attendance at Pastor Wright's church, and it is non-sensical to allow the buffoons at Fox News to reduce this man's distinguished 40 year career to that of a worthless hack.
But truth is be told, this is to be expected: They did the same thing to Dr. Martin Luther King and other strong black pastors in the past. Even black people and scholars felt compelled to attack Dr. King and Dr. Wright, since that was the safe and "academicky" thing to do. Jeremiah Wright and most strong black intellectuals who've changed the world truly understand that white supremacy breeds a steady, bumper crop of "haterologists" who will attack your every move, every word, and every action. But I am a believer that the more empowered black men and women are, the more haters you will have, so black scholars should speak truth to power, engage in true intellectual leadership and be strong enough to withstand the backlash. That is what our forefathers expect from us, and I'm not talking about George Washington.
What is most interesting is that Jeremiah was a Marine and served his country with honor, while those who attack him hide behind their privilege to avoid fighting in the very war in which they so readily send others to die. Before you judge him, hear him speak. He is a scholar and an empowered leader of faith. I respect him. He is definitely smarter than Bill O'Reilly, but then again, most chimps can make the same claim.
5 comments:
Peace
i agree wholeheartedly. if anything, the question we need to ask is "how come tne american electorate refuses to view the news with a critical eye?"
"unpatriotic?" dude was in the Marines...
"crazy?" -- dude has been on the frontline in one of the hardest cities in the country. He is brave!
what have his detractors done
One thing we could do is mention Sean Klannity's friend Hal Turner in the MSM.This would shut Fox down.We see how the whole media is going after Sen.Obama.We have to call the Jewish community and let them know about this white supremist.A terrorist that is Sean Hannity's friend, this would seriously shut Fox down.
Can I ask you a question that requires your intellectual honesty and consistency?
Since Barack Obama HIMSELF has distanced himself from the latest statements from Rev Jeremiah Wright......how is it that you attack O'Reilly for this point but are silent on Obama's views about Wright?
Rev. Wright is one of the best orators, I have had the privilege of listening to in my 25 years of existence. He conveys his religious beliefs in a manner which is convincing and his message of 'reconciliation' is inspirational. As an ex-serviceman (that is how Indians refer to veterans) and an theologian, he is in a unique position to reflect on the socio-political policies pursued by US governments over the past years. I claim him for the world, for such a knowledgeable person needs to be seen and heard by the masses of the world, who only watch the 'Pundits' on Mainstream Media propagating the 'Dominant Paradigm'. Obama is a politician, and like a seasoned veteran, when the heat is on he has changed colour to suit his 'target audience', which is of a paler shade than the poor communities in the south side of Chicago. Rev. Wright is a prophetic theologian and a true patriot.
So glad I saw this. I agree with everything Rev Wright has said. He is speaking the truth. If I'd had him as a pastor I might have gone to church a little more.
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