Rev. Jeremiah Wright to speak in Detroit at month's end

The one piece of good news for Barack Obama in Rev. Jeremiah Wright's latest plan for a return to the pulpit (of a sort), is that it will occur five days after Pennsylvania's April 22 primary (though in plenty of time to have a potential impact on the May 6 primaries in North Carolina and Indiana.)

The Associated Press reports that Obama's retired minister, whose occasionally inflammatory exhortations on race in particular and the United States in general created major political angst for his one-time parishioner, will deliver the keynote address on April 27 at a dinner in Detroit sponsored by that city's branch of the NAACP.

LaToya Henry, the chapter's communications coordinator, expanded on the invite in an e-mail to Times reporter Ben DuBose. Wright, she said, "has challenged the nation, challenged our comfort zone and stimulated nation-wide discussion on the issues of how we must move forward together as both a nation and a people. We look forward to his participation" at the NAACP gathering.

The dinner's theme, according to Henry, is "A Change is Going to Come." The nation, she said, "is at a crossroads as it relates to the ultimate direction we will take politically, socially and in race relations.... As we prepare for the challenges that we face not only today but as we seek to come together and understand each other as a people for tomorrow, we believe ...

that this is a key moment in history to take it to the next level."

The Detroit NAACP branch, she added, "continues to be bold, progressive and far-reaching in its efforts to both challenge its own membership and the community itself."

It is certainly living up to that pledge with the decision to put Wright into the spotlight.

After the furor surrounding his past remarks erupted in mid-March, Wright had been scheduled later that month to deliver a series of sermons in the Tampa, Fla., area -- a trip he'd been making for years. But those appearances were cancelled amid concerns about the media swarm the black churches hosting Wright would have confronted.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Hillary]

Jeremiah Wright needs to be given the same liberty to criticize his OWN darn country as Elton John of Great Britian was just given. E John was contacted by CNN to EXPLAIN his comments, and then applauded on TV by American citizens, for his criticism. Why wasn't Wright contacted to EXPLAIN his statements as well?

Because a Black man has to have secret service protection in order to run for president in this country, is probably why Jeremiah Wright calls it US of KKK A.

Jeremiah Wright called on his own country to change it's ways, and he's being LYNCHED on tv, while Elton John is being praised, and YOU people wonder why Wright felt the need to preach such a sermon. Give Me A Break!

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

Jeremiah Wright vs Geraldine Ferraro in the boxing ring to decide once and for all which race is best. Other races can be included in the tournament as soon as they find representatives as ridiculously pitiful as these two. It could be broadcast by Fox TV.

[BJ]

"A Change is Going to Come"?

Is this Wright's way of saying that if Obama wins, everything he has taught him all these years will finally come to fruition?

No wonder so many people what OBAMA to be vetted properly! He has not heard the end of this controversy.

[Ken Taylor]

Does anybody know what Socialism is??
Remember Communist Russia...is that what all this ideology and extreamism could be?

[American Joe]

It is a shame that the racist white Bolshevik and Bushevik media and their racist black cohorts did not permit the racist Obama to be vetted properly until after he had won the nomination. He would have lost 10-15 percent of the votes he now has if we had known he and his wife attended a racist black christian church that is on par with the racist Nation of Islam that Obam's neighbor Louis Farrakhan leads. Wright preaches like a Hitler (does he have some German blood ancestry) and practices a racist anti-Caucasian religion that is so hate filled that certainly Obama and his followers must be filled with a cancer called racism. THey are all racists - period . Thank God I am still permitted to speak truth to these hate filled people. Join a true Christian path and preach love and peace not the hate whitety BS you racists always do.

[Charles Prentiss]

Jeremiah Wright is emerging as one of America's greatest ministers. The media thugs who tried to destroy him with that fraudulent clipped 30-second video should realize that their days in the sun are over. Now that Trinity Church has posted Wright's entire 10-minute sermon for all the world to view, everyone can see what a genius Wright is. Far from being a person who hates America or hates whites, Wright is one of America's greatest hidden treasures. Thanks to the idiots who tried to destroy him, Wright's genius isn't hidden anymore. Wright is shining like a bright beacon light for all the world to see. He does make one Proud to be an American.

[frieda]

Just unbelievable!

I am an immigrant to this country and if someone calls this country U.S of KKK, I would just turn away and run from it. HOw can a candidate for President be FRIEND with such a character??

Is this the CHANGE Obama is talking about

[liveoakgap]

Why blame Obama for his pastor's comments? After 20 years of sitting in his church and tens of thousands of dollars in support, he and Michelle are clueless to the man's message of hatred of white America.

[liveoakgap]

Wright's message of victimization has netted him a very comfortable retirement and a million dollar home.
Does one really think racial healing or helping his Bros is in his best interest?

[southern style]

Well, now Rev. Wright, with his inflamatory remarks and point of view, makes him an established American celebrity...only in America...go figure?

[scoop]

Does the reluctance of the Obama campaign to make Obama available to the gay press...as written about in Politico this week... have anything to do with the potentially explosive story of Larry Sinclair, and the Obama campaign's desire to avoid dealing with related questions?

http://bigheaddc.com/category/larry-sinclair/

http://larrysinclair0926.wordpress.com/

This story has received no main stream press coverage, yet, but if there is any substance to it it will come out, and would be devastating to Obama in a General Election.

Sinclair seems like a nut to me, but then that would probably be a prerequisite for the activities he describes.

Could you imagine the MSP sitting on this story if there were similar allegations, and a federal court case, involving McCain or Clinton?

I've read that the LA Times is one of those news organizations that has been working this story, but has been too afraid of the potential blowback after the NY Times handline of the McCain lobbyist story.

[Wisdom Adoli]

It is interesting the way the conservative media have harped on excepts from this pastors preaching with such an unfair vehemence. Please read the following:
"In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy's challenge to, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,' gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines.

In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. (They provide medical assistance to the Marines as well as to Navy personnel.)

The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy's premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief's medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery.

For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation.

What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated.

While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President Dick Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/ sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father.

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections.

Who is the real patriot? The young man who interrupted his studies to serve his country for six years or our three political leaders who beat the system? Are the patriots the people who actually sacrifice something or those who merely talk about their love of the country?

After leaving the service of his country, the young African-American finished his final year of college, entered the seminary, was ordained as a minister, and eventually became pastor of a large church in one of America's biggest cities.

This man is Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the retiring pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ."

[ava]

When heard this news I was once again disappointed in the leadership in the City of Detroit. Why now? In the midst of all the political drama that is shadowing our city. I can see it now, every news station from across the country swooping down like vultures to report any bit of negativity they can find. Our city has always been the butt of jokes across the country, from the Devils night fires in the 80's to the present day Mayor Kilpatrick debacle. What is the purpose of inviting such a controversial pastor who has been and still is the topic of the most negative racially charged remarks in years. Don't get me wrong, I believe in freedom of speech and I understand what he said and I understand the context in which he said it. However,for all good intents in purposes Why Now? I am feeling a back door ambush of Barack Obama. Let me explain what I mean by the analogy. First, when our primary was moved up I felt as if it was done to confuse the voters and in turn it did. People were asking, Will my vote count?. At the same time voters were being told by local news stations that if your candidate is Obama, vote uncommited. Then the question became, What does uncommitted mean? In a nut shell it was mass confusion, which resulted in low voter turn out, because people felt that thier vote would not count. And in the end, Sen.Clinton prevailed because she was the most popular name on the ballot. Go figure! Back to my first point of Why now? Why invite Rev.Wright to speak when our political credibility in Detroit is in question? To me it is just another notch in Sen. Clinton and Sen.McCain's belt, to ensure thier place on the November ballot. Give me your thoughts on this.

[Ronda in Oregon]

"The bitter pill" I am sure Sen. Obamas initial intent was honorable. Becoming the first African American President in history truly would be a remarkable feat considering Americas history. What may have started out as a noble gesture to improve the lives of some he has begun forcing all Americans to take the "bitter pill". A one sided conversation is not an open discussion on any issue especially something like race. In the past America has treated African American decendants as less than human, I do believe this.. I think America probably has come a long way since then. Today there are still White people that want to oppress,there are also African Americans that can not let go of their legacy. The bitterness is being caused by the lopsided call for change. We can improve from the past for everyone not just African Americans. Whites should also be allowed a part in the conversation. We cannot always be called Racist when we begin to speak. Lets have a conversation but dont expect everyone to pay for what happened to your ancestors. I feel bad and I wasnt even around when this occured. Change doesnt come easy and you cant force it on people . If you force it they may go along but still hold resentment isnt that why were here now? You can not accuse others of being "bitter" when you also are being "bitter. " You cannot repay the debt of yesterday by repeating the mistake today. Change is occuring ,everyone must be willing to participate fairly, speak fairly,treat others fairly. Everyone should swallow a "bitter pill" together so that we can all move forward together. If I was offensive in my use of slang it was not my intention. This was my attempt to participate in the discussion every single American needs to have. Ronda in Oregon . .

[Betty]

Great I say
This will most likely be the final blow for Obama as Wright cant control his yap any better than Mo can- too funny
Keep spewin Jerry
I hope they have a rubber room readyy for Jerry in that mansion his congregation paid for
He can listen to the echos of his own venom ALL THE TIME
I read on another blog that people are boycotting his appearance in Mich wonder how he likes that??
So for those who say he is great-How many revs get boycotted?
Hes a nut job
But hey he is BOs mentor after all

[Ray]

caucasians never cease to amaze me. they claim to be such loving xtians but underneath that fake relligion they are nothing but heathens, haters, and hypocrits when it comes to Black issues. this nation is 85% xtian and if we just look and see how these animals react to truth, it makes you wonder; will the real xtians pls stand up!

[bj in dallas]

Jeremiah Wright's speech at the NAACP event tonight was amazing! I'm ready for the coming change! I'm ready for the walls of indifferences to come down. I'm unashamedly black and unapologicially Christian; and as always, I welcome those who are different from me. Come, sit at the table of humanity and let's roll up ours sleeves and help to bring about a change that all mankind can benefit from!

[missi]

WAKE UP WHITE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rev. Wright is not a racist or anti-American rather he is stating the FACTS. He is telling America that Blacks are different and because of these differences they are treated injustice.

WAKE UP WHITE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take a look at the % of young MALE Blacks in jail versa in College.
Take a look at Blacks’ test scores such as the SAT versa Whites.
Take a look at the amount of Blacks that are being brutalize by cops versa Whites.
Take a look at the socioeconomic situation of Blacks versa Whites.
TAKE A LOOK AT THESE ISSUES AND OTHERS AND YOU WILL SEE REV. WRIGHT POINT OF VIEW AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN AMERICA.
COME ON WHITE AMERICA ASK YOURSELF WHAT IS CAUSING THESE DIFFERENCES. DO YOU REAL BELIEVE THAT THESE SITUATIONS ARE JUST COICINDENCES.

WAKE UP WHITE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stop characterizing Blacks as being lazy, criminals, and ignorant.