Will Religion Decide This Election's Outcome?
59
Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union' (Rev.Wright Speech)
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(NOTE: This piece was written in April 2008)
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"Seperation of Church and State"
...Those words do not actually appear in The Constitution. The exact phrase is: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... In layman speak; Butt out! Or, Separation of Church and State. Yet, the media is determined to keep Senator Barack Obama's past affiliation with Reverend Jeremiah Wright alive, and Rev. Wright, so caught up in his 15 minutes of fame, is oblivious to the fact that he may be sabotaging Obama's chances of becoming America's first African-American President. A situation which I'm absolutely sure has not escaped Senator Obama's sharp attention.
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Inflammatory views
I try to stay away from discussing religion and politics. Both are inflammatory - my personal views as well as the issues themselves. But, I will be voting for Senator Barack Obama. I believe any of the current candidates would make a good president and an improvement over our current office holder (actually, a monkey would also do this). Clinton and McCain are both well qualified and very good politicians. But that's just it: They're politicians. If this country wants a change in the status quo, and we so desperately need a change, I believe Barack Obama is our best choice.
When I first heard of Senator Obama I didn't know he was African-American. I'd only heard that a Muslim named Barack Obama was running for President. During these times?, I said to myself. So soon after 911? Is he crazy? Are we crazy enough to elect him? Of course, I know now that he is not a Muslim, and before I get flamed by Muslims, I know that all Muslims are not terrorists, and I know that the Taliban are extremists. OK? But the truth is, I, as well as most Americans, see the Muslim faith as a very oppressive one, especially in concern to women, but I also know that this is changing. Yet, I'm willing to admit that a lack of understanding of the religion leaves me with hesitation over having a person of Muslim faith running the United States. I'd be lying if I said it didn't.
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The issues
I sincerely hope that the media will not focus so much on Reverend Jeremiah Wright and his past connection with Barack Obama, and instead focus on the issues of all the candidates. But that's like asking a dog not to lick itself. So long as Rev Wright is willing to bask in all the new-found attention, the media circus will be there to give him a national pulpit.
That leaves it up to us, the voters, to ignore the rantings of Obama's past minister, from whom he so eloquently distanced himself, and form your opinions based on what Senator Obama has to say. Like him or dislike him, but do it based on his words, not those of someone else.
I will vote for Barack Obama for President of the United States not because he's Christian (and not Muslim), but in spite of that. Obama keeps his personal spiritual beliefs firmly where they belong: To himself. They do not dictate or influence his ideas for a better America. That, he leaves to compassion and common sense.
Senator Barack Obama's unofficial biography on Wikipedia
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No, Doghouse (love the name), I do not, but I hope he is more than that, and so far, he seems to be.
Good editorial. I'm registered Independent, so won't be allowed to vote in the primaries. However, if Obama win's the democratic nomination, I will be voting for him as well. I believe, he is our only chance for change. Clinton may make some changes, but I think we will end up with the "same old thing" in the end.
My feelings exactly, Karen. I'm also registered Independent. Great minds, ay? ;)
This is very interesting hub. Thanks for sharing your insights!
You know, I respected Obama finally at an increased level today, as he took a stand on the Rev. Wrong.
He showed some backbone today. =)
Thumbs up!
Thanks for your comments Sweetpie and Marisue. I was finally decided on Obama after his speech on race... after the FIRST Rev. Wright incident. Do you think Barack regrets ever attending Wright's church in the first place?
If only he'd known, ay?
Constant,
Didn't he know as he was in attendance? BTW this is a great Hub, ignore the score.
Thank you, Doghouse, that's very appreciated. I'd actually been worried over the low hub score... until recently.
I meant, if only he'd known that Wright would later be such a pain in his ass.
Check it out: this hub has received three positive comments within the last hour, and the score has gone DOWN two points.
Now it's just fun to watch. What'll happen if it reaches 0?
Updates in the morning!
I am also an independent. I agree with Constant Walker on Rev. Wright being caught up in his moment of fame. It's a shame that he is affecting Obama's campaign in a negative way, quite selfish if you ask me. Obama has shown America that he is serious about being our next president and has proven to be strong against the odds. I hope for Change in the future like most of us.
Thank you, Michelle, for your feedback. Most of us seem to feel this same way. I wish we could get Rev.Wright to read this.
I pretty much ignore, turn off the tv, or change the channel whenever the Rev. is on. I feel bad for Obama, I think he has gotten the worste of attacks by not just his "friends" but also seemingly everyone else. He handles it pretty well.
As for voting, I don't know. I want to, but he seems to be a target for everyone, here and far. Voting for him (IMHO) is like inviting his enemies to America. Not because he makes the enemies, but because people hate that guy.
Otherwise he might get my vote, but Clinton, no way. I wouldn't vote for that nasty lady eva! Of course Obama has said a few things that I realy know what to think about him.
To any interested hubbers: Obama feels pretty much the same way about this rediculous Wright issue. Check this story in today's Eugene Register Guard: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_WRIGH
Sandra, who are the Obama-haters? I mean besides the typical America haters. Whomever they are, I certainly wouldn't let them influence how I voted, and neither should you.
PS: Was I right about the image? Is it a fish eating a fish?
For those of you who have been in on this with me; check out the hub score. I'm almost disappointed. I was genuinely curious to see what would happen if it reached 0. Oh well.
Not to worry about the hub score, CW. At this moment, your hub is on the first page of "Hot" hubs.
You're kidding!!!
Thanks for letting me know, Sally. I'll definitely have to go admire it... I mean, make sure everything is in order. ; )
Good hub. My mind's still not made up about who I will vote for (I'm debating between Obama or McCain...so if Clinton wins the nomination, by default, McCain), but I agree that this Rev. Wright stuff has been blown out of proportion and isn't relevant to the race for the nomination.
Thnak you, BN1, for your feedback.
If Clinton wins, I've got to vote for her... I've had my fill of Republicans for a while.
I'm registered independant, and own a calendar counting down the days till Bush leaves, but can't say i'd defitnitely vote for Obama (or that I won't). However, i'll reserve my political debates for those I know I can debate freely with... I do agree tho that this Rev. needs to get the hell off the TV and start acting like a man of the cloth should. Seriously, doesn't he know Jesse Jackson and Don King already got the job?
As crazy as this may sound, I do have faith that much more of the American public than one would expect can see past the media's tactics to lure in viewers as well as recognize this guy is loving the limelight. And for those who can't see past it, well, let's just say they more than likely wouldn't vote for Obama no matter what.
Thou art correct... eth, or something like that. I have to agree the American public might be FINALLY wising up to the crap that is our modern media - that is worldwide. What will the press do without the gullible masses? Will they be forced to start acting like journalists? I won't get my hopes up just yet.
You're the 3rd or 4rth registered Independent, counting myself, to comment at this hub. That's interesting.
Here's your registered Democrat. And before I go any further, I have to say that I love the State and Church street sign. Nice find!
I don't think religion will have anything to do with this election's outcome, although race might. What happened here is that Senator Obama got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the media has had a hey day. The media has a lot to do with election outcomes, past, present, and future. Be that as it may. It is up to us voters to weigh the issues and choose a candidate we believe is right for us individually, right for us as a nation, and right for us in the world.
I have made my choice in this race. (You can read about it in my hub Hillary and Me, if you like, and be sure to read my last comment.)
Thank you for provoking a good conversation.
Barrack Obama is a politician, maybe one of the best ever. He’s brilliant and confident and lying through his teeth every time he opens his mouth. If not for his overly enthusiastic support of partial birth abortion I would probably vote for him.
Twenty years and he’s just now figuring out Reverend Wright hates white people and America, come on folks, remember the brilliant part?
He blow-it, he was going to make history, and he lied before he got to the Whitehouse, at least Bill waited until he was elected, so did Bush for that matter.
Senator Obama let America down; he will still be the next president of the United States of America.
RE: the sign, I know. It's perfect. Sally, there's a college I heard about on TV, sorry can't remember the name, that has a 100% success rate in picking the next president. They picked Hillary last lear. I wonder if they'll be wrong this year.
Blang; Of course he's a very good politician. He couldn't have gotten this far if he wasn't. Is he lying? I'd be naive if I said no... he's a politician! What I've heard him say during various televised speeches is what I've been waiting to hear from a candidate. If it's all lies, then oh well, business as usual, at least Bush is gone. But if even a fraction of his vision comes to light, well, that'll be great.
Hey Walker, his enemies, um...his church. LOL. No really, I am so undecided in this election. If I had to vote for one of the canidates, I would probabaly vote for McCain, because he seems more concerned with reality and our safety. soo... that is just my opinion.
Yeah, the picture is a fish eating a fish. The irony ehh?
Sandra, that's ok. I won't hold it against you ;) Actually, I think any of the three would be great, so I'm not worried. I'm just hoping it's Obama.
I also am supporting Barack Obama, but not because I believe in any way, shape or form that he isn't a politician. I have long ago learned that only politicians run for and win political offices. I am not a politician, and that's why I stay out of the arena.
However, every once in a while there comes along someone who transcends the usual fray, who somehow manages to shake off the dust and stand above the usual crowd. while I am not totally convinced that Obama is like that, I think he could be.
I will be watching and hoping, because Obama has given me hope, something I didn't think I'd see again in American politics. We all need some positive hope, and so far, Obama appears to be the only candidate amongst the top three who offers that.
Religion and politics. Though we try to avoid mixing them, the end result is always controversial. This is a well written, insightful hub.
The bottom line is that even though we as Americans try to avoid the religion and politics intersection (note your great sign), each voter's worldview is going to come into play. Religion inevitably focuses our decisions if our faith is integral. So avoiding the whole church and state paradigm is almost impossible.
Keep up the great writing.
Chef Jeff, I couldn't have said it any better - and I tried! Hope. Is it so corny to want hope? Thank you for the great feedback.
Rob, I know! We try to avoid talking about religion and/or politics in a public forum and here we are. But, what are we supposed to do, stick our heads in the sand? Of course not. So, I wind up writing a hub about, guess what?, religion and politics, trying not to insult anyone's beliefs while still maintaining the integrity my own. Whew! Thank you for the feedback... and for the compliment. I'll definitely try.
I love this Hub - and all the great comments you have gotten in response. I have "debated" this issue with my family about Obama and his pastor, vs. Clinton. They would support Clinton over Obama, but that they are Republicans. I still have too many issues with Clinton to support them (yes them) over him. Can't wait until May 20 here in Oregon... :-)
I am voting for flread45 on hubpages.
Thank you Steph. The good thing is, everybody's talking.
Flread, what kind of national healthcare plan are you proposing? :)
Constant,
Just thought I would pop in and remind you about when you were worried about your score. Congrats on a great HUB.
BTW just have to add, religion does play a part in politics...proof- Mitt Romney.
I think that we all have the wool over Our eyes if we can't see that A L L politicans speak from both sides of their mouth. Obama is no different. If they cant buy our votes with money they do it with words. Some are just better at it than others.
I personally find it hard to believe that Obama was unaware of Rev. Wright's views. I go to church and I know that in order to have the kind of relationship (friends, mentor, etc.) with your pastor that they claim to have had, you cannot be an absent member. If you are an acitve, supportive member of a church - you attend services often, and if you don't, you should.
Part of being a christian is being a good steward of your family. You do not send your family to a church, club, or organization that teaches principles that you do not adhere to. I would never let my family attend KKK rallies just because the KKK claims to be christians. I'm not an idiot.
Obama seem like a nice guy, but either he lacks good judgment ( which worries me), he just didn't care (until it threatened his political agenda), or he does not have enough integrity to "just say no," when even a friend tries to feed him sh...
Religion is not a factor...gender is not a factor...race is not a factor...I think we are all tired that these detours. The politicians and the media are the ones throwing up these signs to further their own agendas.
It is about the man or woman and what they stand for personally and politically. It is about their vision for our country and their solutions to the problems in the world. Are they truly going to lead or they going to be another puppet, letting ambition, big money, special interest pull the strings.
I don't care what anyone says, we cannot separate our belief system from who we are. Our belief system determines our character and character determines our agenda. The president dosen't have to be perfect, without a blemish on his/her record - everyone makes mistakes. But a person of character stands up and faces the music when his actions are called into question.
I was not impressd by Obama's lengthy rejection of Wright. He chose his word carefully but dispassiontly. They lacked conviction. There is something about him that, (beside all this hoopla) makes me uneasy. And my instincts are usually right. I am going to pay attention them on this one.
I'm not really impressed with any of the candidates, So I guess I will vote for the "lesser of the two evils" when the time comes.
Sorry. I didn't mean to make a speech or preach...just got carried away.
"Religion is not a factor...gender is not a factor...race is not a factor...I think we are all tired that these detours" I have to disagree with this comment. I don't think religion is a factor, but gender and race?? First things first, I am a white male, 27, in the Seattle area, and I believe that a large percentage of the "older generation" of white democrats would not vote for an african american, and some democrats wouldn't vote for Hillary because she's a woman. I don't see how the democrats pull this one off, because no matter which leader the democrats choose they will lose some of the democratic vote due to racism/or sexism. Both are alive and well in the U.S. unfortunately and it will effect the vote. Having said all of that, I am a republican and won't be voting for either Clinton or Obama, but if I had to choose between the two Obama gets my vote easily.
Ana, exactly!
Thank you, Doghouse. Isn't that weird. And, yeah, I know religion does factor into politics. I just wish it didnt't
Ana, please don't apologize for speaking your mind... not on my hub. And, you happen to have made some excellent points, which have me thinking. Damn!. Thank you.
Duanksta, you know a different set of Dems than I do, but indeed, racism and sexism are still alive and well, and the only thing I, personally, can do in the face of those ancient hatreds, is not to allow them to influence my own actions. Thank you for the feedback. Seattle, ay? I think your the 4th or 5th (including myself) NorthWesterner I've run into in HubSpaces so far.
well walker, i was basing most of that off an exit poll I read on MSN, as far as Democrats losing votes due to race and sex. It's really too bad. I love the NW, while racism is every where it seems to be less up here than other parts of the country I've visited. Today's my first day on here and I am excited to see an article, that by title alone, could have serious tempers flaring, instead is looked at and commented on with seemingly open-minded people, democrats, republicans, and independents. Interesting read, great article.
You're absolutely right, Duanksta. I'm so proud of my fellow hubbers, of which you are one of. Intelligence, thoughtfulness, level-headedness, deeply insightful... Geez, this is way too squishy.
This little community of writers rocks! I'm so glad I found it.
Ana, one question: Have you never had a past association which you would never have today... and would possibly be mortified if it were held up for all to see and judge you by? Jesus, hasn't everybody? While Barack Obama is understandably eager to put that past behind him, he has not backed down from the fact that he was, at one time, very close to Rev. Wright. People mature, they change, they grow wiser, they grow apart. I have no problem with giving this consideration to Obama, and prefer to see the man is he is today, not the one he was yesterday.
How did Reverend Wright become a past associations, oh that’s right, a couple of days ago Senator Obama did something he said he would never do, ended his relationship with a dear old uncle, or was it the entire black race?
Nope, just the "Dear Old Uncle." People grow: Obama did, Wright didn't. I was once married to a woman with whom I exchanged a promise to love, honor and cherish ...forever. The man I am now is nothing like the idiot I was then. I'm sure she has changed and grown just as much as I have, into someone I would no longer recognize.
grat pictures Constant, and I did go to yahoo like you said, am hoping to get proficient at adding pictures. thanks for the tip
This election has certainly stirred the minds of Americans. I, too, have made my choice - I never felt comfortable with Obama. I think he needs to "age" a little. LOL I somehow can't trust him yet.
Still, as we all make our choices, we need to consider the vast amount of situations in which our country is tangeled. Whoever makes it to the White House, needs to remember it's OUR HOUSE. Be truthful to us, and make decisions good for us. And take care of the world of course. LOL what an agenda. glad it's not me.
I understand and agree I’ve been married to the same wonderful woman for 24 years, she deserves a medal or something, people can and do change. But you don’t love somebody and trust somebody with the truly important things in life for twenty years, and then one day just stop. You may get mad, but you don’t disown them, especially since you knew exactly who they were for twenty years. Senator Obama, used the radicalism of Reverend Wright for political “street credit” in the militant black community. Then, when he didn’t need him anymore, Obama kicked Wright to the proverbial, curb. Wright became an embarrassment, and that hurt Reverend Wright, who justifiably feels like he “made” Barrack Obama.
It’s a stark, perfect picture of American Politics…win at all cost, damn integrity, honesty, and morality.
No pressure! Hi Marisue. You're gonna love that picture thing. You can type in virtually anything and it'll come up with pictures. For us hubbers, it's invaluable.
I know Obama is lacking age and experience, but he'll have a butt-load of advisors, who are older and more experienced, to help. What's improtant to me is that he'll be in charge. It will be his ideals and his no bull approach which will be making the decisions. ...Assuming the President actually IS the one who makes the decisions. Clinton's dirty fighting has confirmed her old-school, business as usual mentality. McCain? I have absolutely nothing against him. He's a good man, but he's also also a Republican, and Gee-Duh has soured me on the Grand Old Party... probably for a long time.
Blang, congratulations! You two are the exception. I was married when we were both barely 21, and for all the wrong reasons. We had a lot in common, especially humor, but we should have remained friends. Had we done that, we'd probably still be in each other's lives. You live and learn.
I can't argue with your comments about Obama, and I don't doubt that they're true - although it would be interesting to hear the Senator's take on the whole issue. If Obama becomes the President many hope he can be, it's all worth it. Harsh, but true. And I have a feeling Rev.Wright was ALWAYS an embarrassment... a necessary one.
I’m truly blessed, way more than I deserve, my wife and kids are proof positive that God exist. I have written some articles about Senator Obama, and believe it or not, I believe him to be a good and honorable man. He’s is just too far left in his social, political and fiscal beliefs for me to support him for president. I guess, in truth, it is his rabid support of partial birth abortion that does me in. I’m against abortion but can admit there are times when it might be considered, but partial birth abortion is a truly sad procedure. Anyway great hub…I really have enjoyed the honest respectful debate.
Thank you,
Blang.
Completely off the subject, if you just ran, you would get there much faster constant walker.
Thank you Blang. Thank God (no pun intended) we didn't get into religion.
Duanksta, ran for what? Surely you don't mean President? The media would have such a field day with me... I used to play in rock-n-roll road bands for a living. Can you imagine the crap (and the drugs, and the drunken groupies!) that would be suddenly in the headlines? Remember that past I said I wouldn't want up there for all the world to see? I wasn't speaking rhetorically. Good God, no thanks!!! But I appreciate the sentiment, dude.
Hey, that sounds alot like most of my life, it's a good thing we grow-up!
I wouldn't change those years, and those experiences -and that hair?!- for anything, but amen to that. I'm so much happier, and healthier, now.
I think Duanksta was making a joke... sort of. Constant Walker?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Yea, I think maybe he was, kind of funny.
Hilarious...
sorry about that, yeah I was trying to be funny.
I was so wrapped up in the debate that I totally took it seriously. Were you laughing your ass off? I would have been. Good one!
If we allow yet another election to be decided on religious issues, we deserve what we get
Ted. I couldn't agree more. And thank you for reading.
You are confronting here the real issues of these "modern times", Constant Walker! Things that have to be said loud and clear!
Thanks, Dutchman. I think we all need to think more about the serious issues every now and then. I was concerned about Rev Wright possibly derailing Obama's chances. I'm glad he didn't.
In The Doghouse 4 years ago
One question, do you honestly believe Barack Obama is not a "Politician"?