Jeremiah Wright axed from honorary degree by Northwestern U.

In a highly unusual move in the academic world, Northwestern University in suburban Chicago has publicly disinvited the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright from its June commencement ceremonies, where he was to receive an honorary degree.

It's another indication of the rolling repercussions of the retiring African American pastor's inflammatory comments on America, 9/11, race relations, the AIDs epidemic and Illinois' junior senator, Barack Obama.

As the leading candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, Obama had hoped that the blow-up over videos of Wright's racially tinged sermons had gone away.

But this week Wright himself took the stump in Texas, Michigan and Washington to defend himself and to make further suggestions, one of which was that Obama was distancing himself from Wright for political reasons and might not really believe what he was saying.

That caused the candidate to make numerous strong statements further distancing himself.

Today comes word that the political controversy has....

...now seeped into the academic world as the only private institution in the Big Ten has quietly rescinded its offer of an honorary degree to Wright, which will keep Wright in the news a while longer as the crucial Indiana and North Carolina primaries loom next Tuesday.

When word of the disinvitation leaked, the school said it was acting on faculty committee recommendations.

The letter to Wright said: "Commencement at Northwestern is a time of celebration of the accomplishments of Northwestern's graduating students and their families. In light of the controversy around Dr. Wright and to ensure that the celebratory character of Commencement not be affected, the University has withdrawn its invitation to Dr. Wright."

According to the WBBM-TV website in Chicago, the university said a claim that Northwestern President Henry Bienen had questioned Wright's patriotism was not true.

Wright had been quoted elsewhere as saying Bienen had withdrawn the honorary degree invitation because Wright "wasn't patriotic enough."

"In his conversation and correspondence with Dr. Wright in March, President Bienen never characterized Dr. Wright's views or made a judgment about them," said a Northwestern spokeswoman, Mary Jane Twohey.

The letter said, "In light of the controversy surrounding statements made by you that have recently been publicized, the celebratory character of Northwestern's commencement would be affected by our conferring of this honorary degree. Thus I am withdrawing the offer of an honorary degree previously extended to you."

--Andrew Malcolm

                                      Photo Credit: Trinity United Church of Christ

Comments

[Lumberjack]

They need a bigger Axe.

[betsy]

For his next act, Wright should play the Alzheimer's card.

[robinia]

Shame on you Reverand Wright.

You, a black man, ruined the chances of yet another black man to break the highest racial barrier of the land, the Presidency! I hope you are proud of yourself.

It's one thing to believe in something. It is another thing knowing "when" to say them.

Was sleeping with Hillary worth it REVERAND?

Angry Obama Supporter

[zammy]

You know the now infamous man-of-the-cloth Mr. Wright - who is 100% wrong when it comes to timing -seemed as though he used Obama's sudden popularity to express and further his own social and religious platform.

Obama was HIS sacrificial lamb. UNBELIEVABLE. A BLACK MAN ruining the chances of another BLACK MAN's bid for presidency. Who would of thunk it?

See the new polls? Now tell me, who should I feel pity for?

[lina shantiqua quals]

Stupid Reverend Wright!

We almost take one giant leap forward, only to have a head pastor help us take 100 steps back. This is UNREAL! If I were white, I'm black honey, and didn't know any better, I'd be on the Clinton campaign as we speak.

But I'm black, and I still think Obama is the candidate to beat. However, the polls show a huge decline.

Thank you Mr. Wright...shame on you!

[jc]

Well first, U of Northwestern did the "right" thing.

Now, I'm supporting HIllary, as well as many former 'white' Obama supporters, because of Rev. Wright. What a shame.

[john]

Wright is a disloyal, low class SOB. Why any university would want to associate with this cretin is beyond me. I hope his congregation evaporates.

[Franky]

I doubt this guy is even a real Christian! He's an insane radical scamming his churches members for his own personal gain.

I feel sorry for all the people this evil man has fooled.

Trinity should close their doors and let real christians start a new church for those that need it most!

Given all of that, I still plan to vote for Obama.

[jb]

Shame on Northwestern! Putting the celebratory ahead of the cerebral. I guess that's the story of academia in this country: Go with what works, with what is fun, not with what may provoke and articulate uncomfortable truths. How could they buy the premise that Wright is looney? Did they actually look at what he said? It wasn't crackpot, it was honest social criticism. Kids read Invisible Man in school, but this guy is too divisive?

[Chrisropher Coughlin]

I am white and 64-years-old. I lived through the civil rights era, and have watched racial issues closely for most of my life. I admire anyone who speaks truth to power, and Pastor Wright's address to the National Press Club was just that, a breath of fresh air. If truth is inconvenient to you or a political candidate, tough.
It is time there were more Jeremiah Wrights in Washington, but unfortunately, we have a congress of cowards and a press made up, not of journalists in the George Seldes tradition, but sycophants hoping for a ride on Air Force One. The press is not only imbedded with the military, it is in bed with the military.
Most journalists are sucking up to a president who suffers from terminal little man's disease. When will journalists and academia love their country enough to relentlessly publish the truth? Jeremiah Wright should run as a write-in candidate for president. I would vote for him long before I would vote for Hillary, Obama or McCaine. He, at least, has the courage to tell the truth to power. Obama revealed himself to be a vanilla man, with no nuts at all, just another pragmatist who abandons friends to gain political power. What good would it do to put a black vanilla man in the White House?
Chris Coughlin

[San Ying]

North Western University is doing the right thing. Next, Wright needs be kicked out of his Church. Jesus preached love. Wright preaches hate.

[SimpleRep]

When in error the first time, "shame on YOU".

When in error the second time, "shame on ME!"

Come November, I'm not voting. Thank you Rev. Wrong.

Nothing wrong about free speech and the right to your own opinion.

But there is a god-given conviction called "discernment". Remember what your good book says, my fellow 'Christian'; "All things are lawful to me but all things are not expedient." (1 Corinthians 6:12)

You blew it for everybody. Congratulations. A Republican who almost supported Obama!

[arnie]

This is all a huge distraction that has nothing to do with Obama's ability to be president. remember the Howard Dean "scream" 4 years ago? This is another similarly idiotic media and political frenzy over nothing. But it may keep a decent and thoughtful person out of the White House. And when we're stuck with another republican or the Rove clone, who-knows-what-she-stands-for-anymore, Margaret Thatcher wannabee Hillary Clinton, perhaps those of us who continue to get riled up over such nonsense instead of paying attention to the real issues are getting just what they deserve. Too bad for the rest of us.

[Dee Dee]

Hey Wright dude, I'm Gonna act ig-nat like you and call you self rightous stupid idiot.

[Phil]

Sad. America is to ignorant to realize the majority of what Wright said is the truth. Now the man has been painted as a lunatic. That is a slap in the face to blacks and our view of this country. This type of stuff is the reason Michelle Obama said she is finally proud of this country. But the media has worked to erase any reason we had to believe this country was ready to face reality. That is what finally allowed us to start to have pride....but its gone now.

This is EXACTLY the lack of understanding that Obama talked about in his own race speech. This is exactly what Wright meant by different not deficient. America is not ready to understand how blacks feel about the overwhelming majority of our history in this country. And even though Wright has said nothing any more inflammatory than a Hagee or Falwell or Robertson his message is somehow deficient. Hagee, Falwell and Robertson can prance across TV talking about gays causing 9/11. But Wright quoting someone else saying the chickens have come home to roost is crazy.

Yes America hasn't come nearly as far as people want you to believe.

[Lou]

Maybe Wright could axe for it back.

(Good one! :-) )

[An American Citizen]

I AM APPALLED AT REV. WRIGHT'S REMARKS!!!

Although he says he is defending the black church [and his reputation] he seems jealous of Obama's success...that a young man who grew up in his church is now outshining him. [Ministers can be very egotistical and they are only human].
I gave Rev. W. the benefit of the doubt when he appeared with Bill Moyer [which was fine], at the NAACP [still respectable], but, he dropped the ball at the NPC as some of the remarks he made were absurd, nasty and vindictive.

Obama doesn't exhibit any of those grand-standing characteristics that Rev. Wright displays. Obviously, he wasn't listening too hard to the reverend...Obama probably fell asleep. I sincerely know that it's highly plausible and possible to sit in church and not be [totally] influenced by the minister, especially if you're not a kid. After all, Indivisuals have minds of their own...taking what we want and leaving the bs at the door.

Some sermons feel good [momentarily], but, when we leave church [entering into the real world] we put it all [logically and rationally] in perspective... ESPECIALLY, if one is a Harvard graduate. Years ago, a young [20-ish] Obama, new in town, wanted to belong. Then, years pass and [bam!] you're still sitting there with friends you've made and [the church does good deeds which Obama does as well]. People attending that church are decent respectable people ...teachers, doctors, lawyers, business people...all kinds of people. You say, what's wrong with this?...and America isn't totally innocent either.
I sincerely hope that [the white, black, hispanic people] who are thinking of changing their minds because of the Rev. really search their minds and hearts and ask themselves...Would you want to be judged by someone else's words or your own words? BUT, what really astounds me is how can the media make Rev. Wright more important than the war??...over 4,000 dead?? thousands hurt and/or maimed?? gas prices?? health insurance?? recession??
food prices??
The constant "STEERING AWAY" from real issues by the "MILLIONAIRES who control this country" is mind-blowing. DON'T LET THEM DO IT AGAIN AMERICA...OUT WITH THE MUD-SLINGING OLD POLITICS. LET'S EMBRACE THE NEW POLITICS AND STICK TO THE HARD ISSUES PLAGUING OUR COUNTRY.

The republicans and the "Clintons" [who have had a 'wonderful run', but, it's time for them to leave the arena in a dignified manner], are trying to stump the life out of Obama, but, I have much faith in America and I know we won't let them. Nevertheless, Rev. Wright did say one thing I agree with and that is...IF God wants Obama to win............ YES HE CAN!!! OH, YES, HE CAN!!!...and I still believe HE WILL!

[Franky]

To Phil:

Are we to come so far as to believe our own country created AIDS to kill ourselves?!? Can you enlighten us to help us understand that!?

Mr Wright is insane and no Christian - to support him is just as insane as supporting Hagee, Falwell, and Robertson - they are all extremists & terrorists! They all should return to their cave with OBL.

p.s. The "chickens" quote is the least of his insane rants.

[Annabella]

why would so many of you chose not to vote for obama because of Wright? That's what he wants to have happen... he wants to prove that America is still racist. He wants to show Obama that he can't transcend race. Oh no. You. Can't. And all of you were going to support Obama have now decided to go along with this madness? What am I missing? Why would you want to do something like that?

[BJ]

THANK YOU Rev. Wright for your revelation about Barack Obama, the man... the politician!

He is no agent of change! All he is, is a confidence man, smooth and slithery, and we don't buy his brand of Kool-Aid.

Very convenient of him to dump you, just as his ratings were going down.

You need to reveal more about this man and where his true affiliations lie!

We know that most of the pro-Obama bloggers here are paid bloggers.

[Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams]

In Africa the sages sharply distinguish between wisdom from knowledge. This old African tradition might have influenced St Augustine's idea of the difference he made between scientia and sapientia within the context of neo-Platonism. Rev Wright simply lacks wisdom. As many Americans and the rest of the world see it, the positive impact that Obama's presidency could be redemptive and tremendous. And the fact that Obama is a member of Wright's congregation could be a testimony to Wright's ministry. Sadly, Wright lacks the wisdom to read “the signs of the time”. This is a message of Jesus. Jesus enjoined his disciple and others to discern “the signs of the time”. If Wright says that he follows Jesus’ prophetic tradition, he ought to be know this too. Wright made a fool of himself during the “question-answer” time with NPA. Very sad. Wright undermines his own authority, not Obama's. Americans need some critical thinking on this issue. Furthermore, there were and are those like Francis Schaeffer, Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Jerry Fawell, John Hagee, even Billy Graham and many others, who have in many instances invoked God's wrath upon America. Wright belong to that group on the left side.

[c-t-m]

Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated 40 years ago, but he didn't truly die until people like Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakhan and Al Sharpton became the "voice" for the black community. There is no truth in anything they have to say, only anger and fostering racist sentiments in their followers by teaching them they are eternal victims. There is no empowerment in their words, no truth, only hatred and weakness. Because of their obfuscation, they don't foster advances or understanding, they do not do anything to empower or resolve or aid in cooperation... they simply rant and rave and teach hate under the guise of civil rights.

[debra]

This clown is trying to sell his crummy book so why would anybody believe his claptrap?

[Ken Pittman]

Coughlin is as foolish as Wright. The worst part about the whole glorification of "Rev." Wright is the pass he gets for being incredibly unintelligent and dull. His vitriol may be incendiary but his content is retarded in logic and his comic material is tomato worthy. If racism is wrong for whites then it is wrong for blacks. I'm sure most KKK Grand Wizards had clever diatribes to justify their blanketed hatred of an entire race but they, like Wright, are villified by truth. Without white Americans the civil-rights movement would have died in its cradle. Without white Americans the Underground Railroad sees no escapees. Without white Americans no KKK criminals are brought to trial. America is designed to see people for what they are; individuals.

[fonz]

It never amazes me that white America can never own up to the truth when someone speaks out about America and how the past was never address when it comes to slavery and hate, this is not something that did not happen, but this something that is going on now. I am 47 years of age born in North Carolina moved to Los Angeles and it was the first time that I heard the word nigger being used toward me. Young black males and females and some of the older ones living in a dream are confused about obama being in the white house, what is he going to do for black people once he gets in. nothing because he’s the president of the u.s. not black America. What the Rev. said is true; America is trying to force other countries to be like us. And the sad part is we can’t even take care of our own people, this country is more about greed than about helping its own. God does not see races of people, but children, his children. And that’s what we should be doing acting as one race.

[AW]

You morons. This has EVERYTHING to do with Obama's ability to be president.

His relationship with Wright is equivalent to McCain having regular Sunday brunch with the leader of the Illinois KKK. Exactly the same.

I can't wait to see the reaction when Obama loses the nomination or the election. I guarantee you I will be no where near any large city.

[TheRockofAges]

The media placed one writer's comments on the front page of the LATimes web site as he said he would vote for Wright as President (write in vote) because he has the courage to 'tell the truth' to the masses and powers that be. Happily, this is only one person's opinion, and by the way, what 'truth' is he talking about? 'Truth' is subjective; your truth may be a fairy tale to me. What qualifications does Wright posses that would provide him the credentials to be President? Opinions are like elbows, everyone has a couple.

[jmoore7]

Wright is right on plenty of things but like so many advocates for hate, he focuses on the negative side of situations. He would make a good lawyer advocating for his client regardless of guilt or innocence. Like many news organizations today, they never lie or make up news stories, they just don't report the whole story. Imagine what this guy could do if he chose to spin positive rather than negative. Poor guy is living in the past and it's eating him alive....

[In Chicago]

i think it's a matter of someone being out of his depth. he's a political and social force in chicago, but he doesn't know how things work nationally. he suffers the disadvantage of having to explain years of comments and sermons. and additionally, he's retired, so he can't just say "come to the church and see what we do."

two things, i've met wright. he seems like a nice enough guy, but he is, surprise!, a little prickly. i've also been to his church, where there are many progressive, engaged, smart people. but the church is laden with rules. it's a smothering environment.

but then, i don't really have much use for organized religion.

oh well, let's see how it all plays out.

[Sophie]

All those who are heaping ridicule and defamation on Reverend Wright, I doubt very highly you are "Obama supporters." Or you are simply fair weather friends. This is nothing but a media- and Clinton-manufactured "controversy," but Obama had no choice to do what he did. We know how the media can make or break a candidate.

And to Christopher Coughlin, I would also vote for Rev. Wright. He speaks truth to power and that's why he is being attacked from all sides.

And Hillary, thanks to you, McCain is going to win the White House. Your politics make me, a progressive, want to throw up. There is no way in hell you will win in November against McCain. Obama was the only chance.

[Sophie]

It's all because of who Wright attacked. He picked on the powers that be, and the wrongs they've committed. But if you attack disenfranchised minorities like Muslims, it's okay. McCain regularly seeks endorsements from the nut-job "Christian" fundamentalists who call for the ERADICATION of the Muslim religion. People like Rod Parsley, and John Hagee.

[Arnie]

To AW
Who fears city-dwellers will riot if Obama is denied the nomination.
You are the kind of person who probably believes whites will be enslaved if Obama wins, too.
Did you see the Jon Stewart skit? Funny but it gets at something real. with all the anti-black racism that is coming out now in the election, it seems clear to me that many prejudiced people were just looking for something, anything that would allow them to say they would not vote for Obama. I really do believe that the real reason for all the hatred is that he is a black man, and many non-whites are paranoid about black people holding power. They would probably not even be happy with a black person who had been raised entirely among whites and who had cut all ties with black communities. But why should anyone have to do that? And why are non-whites still so fearful of and full of hate toward black people? Guilt over slavery (which still has lingering effects in the present), that they don't want to admit? Desire to have someone else on the bottom, so less powerful non-whites can at least feel superior to blacks? Whatever it is, it's shameful.

[Mark Jones]

People fail to realize the truth behind the words of Rev. Wright. Instead they focus on the brief news snippets and then try and form an opinion, and it's sad because it's the same opinion the news wants you to come to, hints the word "snippets" that you get from every news source stating they have his speech for you to hear. If you have trouble believing what he said regarding AIDS and the black community, try googling Tuskegee Airmen and syphilis and see where that search takes you, and you will soon find out that things are not as far fetched as they may seem. You must address the failures of the past to make changes to the future or you will end up repeating them america. The Pope even stated the injustices the natives and Africans have endured in his speech, but yet you hear no one refering back to that.

[Steve Jonhson]

Reverend Wright is good for me. I love him. He tells the truth. As far as Senator Obama is concerned, he is a back stabbing traitor who will never get my vote. He never should have turned his back on Rev. Wright.

[Dave]

Okay, if people are "blaiming" Obama for "not knowing" Wright, can NU get off? They've been around Wright even longer than Obama.

Northwestern: gutless display of betrayal and moneylust.

[Mark]

Everybody needs to calm down. The same Bible people are quoting from says, "No man is righteous, no not one".

Rev Wright has accomplished so much good through his ministries over the years. Lets not be so quick to judge him or the cantidates.

I personaly do not agree with his timing but I beleive his words have some merrit. We (USA) are afterall the very same country that enslaved his race and dropped two atomic bombs on Japan killing enourmas amounts of innocent civilians which we excused as "collateral damage". I don't believe God sees those lives as collateral damage.

Modern Germany is careful not to forget what Hitler did. We (USA) should try to be just as vigilant about our own mistakes so as to provide our children with the best possible future.

[Charles Makapugay]

Nortwestern U did the correct thing! This non-reverend Wright does not deserve to be recognize in any society because of his actions and speeches! He is a terrorist just like those that intend to destroy a country' such as ours. This country is far from perfect but I love it for what it stands for!

[Joe]

Jeremiah Wright has freedom of speech, the same as the rest of us. Deal with it.

[JR]

Judas Wright should study the bible more - seems like it would do him some good to learn about it...at least a little!

[shawn]

Revered Wright only jolted people to dig deeper and look for answers that may or may not agree with their belief systems. Obama is now a politician. He may have started with good intentions, but the very things he wanted to change in Washington, he has embraced them himself. Don't tell me that all the big donors to his campaign are not expecting anything in return if he gets elected. Being a muslim, I am still angry at his comments about denying that he is not a muslim as if there's something wrong with being one. OK he is a Christian but all he had to say that even though he is not a muslim he respects the billion or so muslims around the world. Wright is saying things that should have been said a long time ago .......

[Eric]

I really think it' s terrible that people label Rev. Wright as a "Speaker of the Truth." Wright spews this distorted truth (U.S. infected African Americans with AIDS), and he is forever rooted in the distant past. What good does it do for us as a people to continually vent over events of 40 years ago. Rev. Wright lived in a terrible time, however, he does not enjoy the advances made. It seems as if Wright is looking for REVENGE not social equality. He is a racial sepratist, constantly referencing "Black America" and the "Black Church." True social equality does not work for him because he would loose his audience. African American reactionary anger is the source of his power.

[LAMRTX]

Just what is this supposed to mean:

"Was sleeping with Hillary worth it REVERAND?"

The more blogs I read from Obama supporters, the more deranged they sound!

[mary]

To Frankie,
I don't know if Phil believes the AIDs conspiracy, I don't. I think though, that if you are a minority and look at our history, (smallpox on blankets given to Native Americans, government testing of drugs, diseases, germs for warfare on prisoners and the mentally ill until the early 1970's, weapons of mass destruction to other countries involved in ethnic cleansing (Iraq, Saddam etc.), it may come up in conversation. I could care less what Obama's preacher says, I care what he says. I'm voting for Obama, not because he's black, but because he hasn't had everything handed to him. I'm white, who cares. McCain and Clinton have never had to struggle to get where they are. McCain has my thanks and respect for his heroism, but he's never had it financially tough. Hillary's father owned a printing business and her life has always been comfortable, plus, McCain and Clinton have lied. I don't think I could forget sniper fire over my daughter's head, and I'll never forgive John McCain for caving on issues that made him a truly independent thinker. The last straw is when he did not sign the water-boarding ban, after saying it was torture before he was running for president. I'm sick of politics, I want a true democracy, where the government has to listen to those they are supposed to be serving. It cracks me up that we are so surprised at what shape our country is in right now, we have a media that is controlled by a few powerful corporations due to the telecom bill (from good ol Bill), and instead of educating ourselves with fact, we swallow what is spoon-fed us by cable news, internet gossip and acquaintances. I can't believe we are as dumb as Bush thinks we are. Mission Accomplished

[BG]

Rev. Wright speaks his opinions even when they are unpopular - exactly when we need them most. Criticism is patriotic because it acknowledges that our country could be better, and should be better - how is that a bad thing? Rev. Wright's comments are not as radical as people think if they just try to understand from where he is coming from and stop taking his comments out of context. It is a disgrace that one can't talk about the racial inequalities that still exist, without being labeled a radical. It may be inconvenient for Obama, but the issue of race in this country must be discussed. Both Obama and Wright are good men, with good intentions for this country, they just have different ways of expressing that.

[Franky]

To Mary:

Thanks for your insightful comments.

Even though I think Mr Wright is an insane extremists, I still plan to vote for Obama. I agree Obama is not Wright - his actions CLEARLY show this.

Obama is a man of honor in my mind - Wright is just wrong on too many counts.

[Ariel Wabasha]

I am musulm and I know that if Wright was one, he would have been qualified as Extremist Musulm/Islamist. But he is Christian. Since there is no such a thing as Extremist Christian/Chrstianist, dont expect anyone bring up that notion. A way to underline how things are differently labeled according to what side you are on.
The truth is that I don't see any difference between Wright's Diatribes and Iran President Ahmadine....
Anti-semitism, anti-US, racism and endoctrinment of the masses to serve their egotistic goal.

[research]

lester crown is on obama's national finance committee and sits on the board of northwestern university. so this makes a little bit of sense.

[Annette]

Frederick Douglass consistently admonished America about the dire consequences of its inhumane practices, proclaiming that "slavery is alike the sin and the shame of the American people; it is a blot upon the American name, and the only national reproach which need make an American hang his head in shame.... Thus has the blessing of God been converted into a curse. " Dr. King likewise spoke from the pulpit about the folly of America in her race relations, economic privilege and war mongering. I suppose that if these icons of American history were alive today, their patriotism, christianity and general character/sanity would be questions. And prestigious institutions would have nothing to do with them. Please give the example of something that Rev. Wright said that was not true or an opinion that did not have some basis in fact.The truth hurts, but is nonetheless the truth. I think that history will judge Rev. Wright positively. By the way, what about the statements and opinions of Robertson, Hagee, Falwell and other religious leaders that McCain has embraced? Where is the outrage and cries for denouncement? Not because they should be denounced, their opinions are their own, but in the name of fairness and journalistic integrity. Sadly, racially we still have a long way to go ...

[Laquesha]

I concur with the Reverend's statements. For those of us who have endured the racism of white folk, it is god damn america! Slavery, the killing of indigenous people, forcing these Indians onto reservations, not allowing them access to their lands. Blacks, Native Americans, and Latinos should be outraged by the treatment given to us by Western Society or Euro-American society. yet this country continues to invade other lands and paint it as "democracy" and "freedom". Freedom comes at a huge price. Innocent people die and genocide is committed in the process. Look how rare it is for American press to tell Americans how many civilians died or how many woman and children have died. America and Euro-Americans are on a never-ending quest for "Manifest Destiny".