Why Wright, Pfleger, and Trinity Church Matter
With more over-the-top preaching coming out of Trinity Church this weekend, some question the relevance of these different preachers’ comments to Senator Obama’s campaign. Understandably, many become frustrated that important issues receive less attention than the politics. However, as someone who would love to see more issues debated and less political pontification, I see Senator Obama’s connection to Trinity Church as both relevant and important. His twenty year connection to Trinity Church and Reverend Wright speaks directly to who Senator Obama is as a person. Senator Obama’s explanation that he just didn’t realize the controversial nature of some of Reverend Wright’s sermons is absurd. Whether it is the church newsletter ‘The Trumpet’ featuring Senator Obama on the same cover with Louis Farrakan, whether it is Reverend Wright stating that he doesn’t appologize for his ‘GD America’ speech, or whether it is Pastor Pfleger mocking Senator Clinton and basically calling her a white supremist (a criticism that I have not heard out of even the most ardent Clinton-haters); there is no way Senator Obama could not have known that the church, at which he is still a member, is radical and at best, dabbles in hate. His membership in this church is a direct contradiction to his campaign message of hope and unity. The two possibilties voters are left with is that he believes the teachings of his church, as church goers often do, or he joined for political reason. He has said nothing to that explains how a man that talks unity can attend a church that regularly preaches division. This matter speaks to Senator Obama’s beliefs and honesty, and if he wants this issue to go away than he needs to answer for these glaring contradictions.
2 comments May 30th, 2008
