2008 Woodie Awards
Should Rev. Wright's comments affect Obama?
Amber-Marie Isenburg
Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Opinion
"Mr. Obama knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich, white people; Hillary would never know that, Hillary ain't never been called a nigger!" Yes, I am sure we have all heard it -- the now infamous words from Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Why is this important to us? Should it be important to us? Well, the media seems to think so, as that is what they are pushing. In a perfect world, this man's words would have never affected anyone's campaign, after all, people say stuff like this all the time, we just don't happen to be best friends with a running presidential candidate.
Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world, and the company you keep does affect you in more ways than one, especially as a presidential candidate. Everyone that you have associated yourself with since the age of five will affect you in a politically driven career.
I wish that I personally could look at Obama's politics and beliefs and be done with it, because I do not believe that Wright's words should affect my vote. Though, in our daily lives even, we all judge and pre-judge people according to their chosen company. My mother always used to tell me to "be careful how I pick my friends." I have never seen a better example of why we should be careful of whom we surround ourselves with. Whether Obama likes it or not, the world will judge him insensitively for this.
I hate to say it, but he should have seen it coming. He knew Rev. Wright's politics and beliefs, and he knew that if his practices got out into the open, it would be a big deal. Yet he continuously identified with him and called him his "best friend."
Politically, Barack Obama made the worst possible decision that he could. But, if we look at this from another angle, perhaps ethically, he made the right decision. After all, if, in the same situation, Obama backed off and said "no, I don't know the man, I hate the man, why would I be friends with that guy?" Obama would be in way worse shape than he had ever been if he followed that route. But his loyalty to Mr. Wright, in my opinion, should be considered more of a factor than what he actually said to his congregation. After all, if presidential candidate Barack Obama is willing to stand by a man who screamed "God, damn America" from his pulpit, and continue to be a loyal friend, would we not want the same loyalty as American citizens?
This gesture shows so much character in a way that we never see anymore in the backstabbing world of politics. We should pay more attention to the actions of Obama, rather than the words from his friend's mouth.
After all, Obama is the one running. He should be represented by his actions rather than those of his colleagues.
Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world, and the company you keep does affect you in more ways than one, especially as a presidential candidate. Everyone that you have associated yourself with since the age of five will affect you in a politically driven career.
I wish that I personally could look at Obama's politics and beliefs and be done with it, because I do not believe that Wright's words should affect my vote. Though, in our daily lives even, we all judge and pre-judge people according to their chosen company. My mother always used to tell me to "be careful how I pick my friends." I have never seen a better example of why we should be careful of whom we surround ourselves with. Whether Obama likes it or not, the world will judge him insensitively for this.
I hate to say it, but he should have seen it coming. He knew Rev. Wright's politics and beliefs, and he knew that if his practices got out into the open, it would be a big deal. Yet he continuously identified with him and called him his "best friend."
Politically, Barack Obama made the worst possible decision that he could. But, if we look at this from another angle, perhaps ethically, he made the right decision. After all, if, in the same situation, Obama backed off and said "no, I don't know the man, I hate the man, why would I be friends with that guy?" Obama would be in way worse shape than he had ever been if he followed that route. But his loyalty to Mr. Wright, in my opinion, should be considered more of a factor than what he actually said to his congregation. After all, if presidential candidate Barack Obama is willing to stand by a man who screamed "God, damn America" from his pulpit, and continue to be a loyal friend, would we not want the same loyalty as American citizens?
This gesture shows so much character in a way that we never see anymore in the backstabbing world of politics. We should pay more attention to the actions of Obama, rather than the words from his friend's mouth.
After all, Obama is the one running. He should be represented by his actions rather than those of his colleagues.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Steve
posted 4/01/08 @ 4:23 PM CST
I have said from the beginning of this controversy that it is not Obama's relationship with Wright that matters. After all, we can have close personal relationships with people and still disagree very strongly with their opinions. (Continued…)
rachel
posted 4/02/08 @ 5:38 PM CST
It's not the loyalty to a friend that we want out of a president-that leads to a political machine run by friends and family member not qualified people. (Continued…)
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