I am no troll.
I have been working for Obama: registering hundreds of voters here in Pennsylvania (often in what was frigid weather); I have traveled to other states (OH and VA) to work for him; I have donated money monthly.
I am no jejune innocent on racial matters: in the early 50's my mother left her Methodist church because the denomination would not admit AA's as members; in the early 60's as as white boy I integrated the secondary schools of British East Africa (four countries, including Obama's father's Kenya); I worked publicly for civil rights in northern cities from the mid 60's on when it could get you punched out...by the cops!; I fought alongside young black men in Vietnam (there is no stronger human link, none)...
I find the Clintons' behavior in this Primary season detestable...this is NOT about them, or leaning towards them, at all.
But I gotta tell you the Wright sermons bother me...not that he gave them.
They are, as has been noted, quite unremarkable in that community.
But because Obama chose over a long period of time to be part of that congregation where they were given. He associated himself with those statements by his belonging and choosing to continue to belong to that church. (There are, of course, AA congregations where such aggressive language is not the norm, that Obama could have gone to.)
I have no problem with an African American as President...indeed, I celebrate the very idea!
I do have an enormous problem with someone, of any race, wanting to be my President who associates himself...even by his inclusion in a group where they are uttered....with racist, violently America-hating language.
Patriotism may be not much of a value that is talked about among my political peers; and it is much abused and mis-used by the right...but, it is one of my core values.
More to the point, it one of the core values of many Americans, many unbigoted Americans of good will. They do not want to feel that their America is de-valued by the man who wants to lead it. They do not want to feel that they are electing "the other" to lead them...IF that other does not identify with them and, instead, feels opposed to them.
Perceptions create reality.
I am not abandoning my support of Obama.
But, Wright's message is totally at variance with and anathema to the image and message that Obama has been preaching.
I am deeply concerned and looking forward to his speech.
If you...if the Obama campaign...if Obama...cannot understand this sort of genuine concern -- from someone who has not only wished his campaign well, but has worked hard for it -- then I submit that his campaign is in serious trouble.