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Tag(s): Anti-semitic; Bigotry; Double Standards; Flood; Freedom; God; Katrina; Media; Mormon; Obama Hillary New Hampshire; Obama-Barack; People; People; Politicians; Politics; Presidency; Torture; Torture
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March 16, 2008 at 08:44:08

Headlined on 3/16/08:
The Obama Double Standard! Take Heed Limbaugh, Hannity, & O'Reilly

by Brother Richard Page 1 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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The controversy concerning Barack Obama's Pastor has revealed more than the appalling sermons of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. It has once again uncovered the obvious double standard so prevalent this election season. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Bill O'Reilly have dedicated entire shows to using Rev. Wright's words to disqualify Obama for the Presidency.

Before I proceed further, let me make it clear that I believe Rev. Wright's words to be bigoted and detestable. Below is a clip of these statements:

Now I don't claim to understand the plight of being black in America, but there is no justification for these horrible statements. They are despicable and I agree with the "Righteous Right" that they should be denounced by Obama. He has been a member of Rev. Wright's church for many years and owes the American people an explanation.

Yesterday (March 14, 2008) Barack Obama wrote a very clear denouncement of Rev. Wright's statements. It was published by The Huffington Post, and was a stronger rejection than the one he gave Minister Louis Farrakhan. Below are some excerpts:

The pastor of my church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who recently preached his last sermon and is in the process of retiring, has touched off a firestorm over the last few days. He's drawn attention as the result of some inflammatory and appalling remarks he made about our country, our politics, and my political opponents.

Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.

Let me repeat what I've said earlier. All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country.

I'm satisfied and think we should take Obama at his word. Similar accusations were made against John F. Kennedy due to his affiliation with the Catholic Church. Kennedy made his denouncement-as he should have-and it was satisfactory for most Americans. Here's his clip:

So where is the double standard I alluded to you might ask?

I ask you, did Limbaugh and Hannity dedicate entire shows repudiating Mitt Romney due to the Mormon Church's racist views against our darker skin brothers and sisters? No. In fact, it was proclaimed to be a violation of Romney's first amendment rights. It was bigotry to even question his association. However, until 1978 black people could not become priests in the Mormon Church. The church taught that dark skin was the "mark" given to Cain for killing his brother Abel. Mormon's were also taught that God allowed black people to survive Noah's flood so there could be a balance between good and evil. Black people were Satan's representatives on Earth. This bigotry and racism was much worse than that of Rev. Wright, for it heaped condemnation beyond the grave. It had "eternal" consequences! Watch this clip:

When it was revealed that Billy Graham made anti-Semitic statements in a private conversation with Richard Nixon, did anyone demand Graham no longer associate with Presidents? Of course not, he is still called "America's Pastor," and has counseled every President since. Again, watch the clip for the double standard:

Many conservatives have credited Jerry Falwell and his "moral majority" for the election of Ronald Reagan. When he and Pat Robertson made their despicable remarks concerning September 11th, the media brought attention to their lunacy, but did anyone use it to disavow Reagan's legacy? Did anyone demand that the "conservative movement" reject these buffoons? Of course not, they forgave Falwell because he said that he was tired when he made his Biblically sound and disgusting statements. Here's the video:

When Pat Robertson endorsed Rudy Giuliani, did the "talking heads" scream and demand that Giuliani deny and denounce all the idiotic and evil sermons of Rev. Robertson? No, Giuliani and Robertson held this press conference:

Recently, theist wacko John Hagee gave his endorsement to John McCain. There was very little condemnation in the press, and the "Righteous Right" was satisfied with McCain's statement that the endorsement didn't mean that he (McCain) supported every thing Hagee believed. This apparently was enough for Limbaugh and Hannity, so they didn't need to dedicate much time to this fiasco.

John Hagee has preached for years that the Catholic Church is the "Great Whore" in the book of Revelation. His demand that America support Israel's refusal to surrender any land, has given support to radical Jewish extremists and has contributed to the hatred in the Middle East. Hagee even clearly blamed the Katrina hurricane on the New Orleans homosexuals and their planned "Gay Parade." If you watch no others, watch this clip:

I think the double standard is very clear. ALL of these delusional theists should be condemned and denounced. And while we're at it, let's condemn the original terroristic threat-damnation and Hellfire. Since the beginning of time, theists, whether they are Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, have terrorized the world with threats of God's wrath. It is not enough that they disagree with other's policies or views. They claim to know the mind of God. They declare that those who disagree with them are not only wrong, but will be tormented for all eternity. There is no chance for parole from this torture. People will not be judged for say 1,000 years for each sin. No they will be roasted forever. This makes being water boarded in Quantanamo Bay seem like a trip to Disney Land.

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19 comments

Sandy Sand began her writing career while raising three children and doing public relations work for Women's American ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training). That led to a job as a reporter for the San Fernando Valley Chronicle, a weekly publication in Canoga Park, California. In conjunction with the Chronicle, she broadcast a tri-weekly, ten minuted newscast for KGOE AM. Following the closure of the Chronicle, Sand became the editor of the Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier newspape...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Sandy SandSandy Sand began her writing career while raising three children and doing public relations work for Women's American ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training). That led to a job as a reporter for the San Fernando Valley Chronicle, a weekly publication in Canoga Park, California. In conjunction with the Chronicle, she broadcast a tri-weekly, ten minuted newscast for KGOE AM. Following the closure of the Chronicle, Sand became the editor of the Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier newspape...

to see more of bio, click on member name

"Religious Closet"

Your bio says you came out of your "religious closet."

It's long past time for religion in politics to go back into the closet, or least the privacy of the home and individual churches where it belongs.

I want to see an absolute separation of church and state.

I also want to see the IRS go after all the ministers of all the churches that preach the gospel of politics from the pulpit, instead of being hypocritically selective and only going after the "liberal" preachers as they did here in L.A. a couple of years ago.

I know, sometimes the color of the sky in my wishful world is a weird color.

by Sandy Sand (131 articles, 0 quicklinks, 161 diaries, 1209 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 9:34:39 AM

I am a former associate minister of a 12,000 member mega-church in Atlanta Georgia. Over the years, I had pushed God into this little, out of space out of time, deistic box. The God Delusion helped me realize my atheism and encouraged me to come out of the "religious closet"
Brother RichardI am a former associate minister of a 12,000 member mega-church in Atlanta Georgia. Over the years, I had pushed God into this little, out of space out of time, deistic box. The God Delusion helped me realize my atheism and encouraged me to come out of the "religious closet"

"Religious Closet" Reply

Sandy,

Thanks for your comment. I agree 100% with comments. I also dream of a day when we can return to the "secular" origins of our great country. The concept of "Liberty" has been long been forgotten.

My "religious closet" speaks of letting friends and family know my true self. I and others hope to help bring acceptance to atheism. This is similar to what happened in the 1980s in the gay community.

Richard

by Brother Richard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 10:02:15 AM

I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Mexico City. I have travelled throughout Latin America, Europe and Arfica. We're all the same.
GuajolotlI was born in Los Angeles and raised in Mexico City. I have travelled throughout Latin America, Europe and Arfica. We're all the same.

DIDNT "WE"?

Didnt we bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Didnt we lie about WMDs? I dont think anything Wright said was so terrible. Black churches traditionally have that ecstatic quality. I think that is what scares O'Reilly. A man who has formaldahyde in his veins is afraid of emotion. Kennedy said it best. Religion should stay the hell OUT of politics.

by Guajolotl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 132 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 10:33:22 AM

Didn't We Reply

Guajolotl,

While arguments can be made for your statements, my complaint is that the good Rev. Wright claimed to know the mind of God and was calling upon His wrath. This I feel is dangerous, if not evil.

The purpose for the article was to bring attention to the double standards.

I would also bring up that Rev. Wright said AIDS was manufactured by the US to destroy black people. This is idiotic and bigoted.

Richard

by Brother Richard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 11:52:21 AM

August Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.
August AdamsAugust Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.

Reverend Wright

To me it's interesting, Rev. Wright said some awful, terrible things, but there also is some truth to them. Maybe we are all so up in arms because we don't talk about difficult topics and come together to find meaningful and lasting solutions.

He said, "Barrack knows what it means to be a black man", I should hope so. As a white man, I don't. There is a white preference in our society. I have gone into a store with a black friend and was taken care of first. Not once, but several times. The only distinct difference was our skin color. That's in a retail store. White preference is ingrained in our society, our educational systems and our employment opportunities. Racism is alive and well, and while it has gotten better, we have a long way to go to have an equal society.

Rev. Wright also said, "Government gives the drugs, builds bigger prisons". Those are true statements. The policies of the government create the supposed "drug wars" the war on drugs and the effect of those policies have been less rehabilitation and education and more condemning of addicts, ruining of futures and imprisoning of people. In the US we have more per capita non violent prisoners than any other nation. We are the "incarceration nation" why? Because it is big business and someone is making a lot of money.

We bombed Hiroshima, Nagasaki, we dropped Napalm on Vietnam, we shocked and awed the world and our own citizens, the message was clear, stay out of our way, or you will get yours. Less people died on September 11th in New York then die on the highways of our nation in a single weekend. I know it was tragic, but it also seems so orchestrated and contrived. Too many unanswered questions surround it. We are the largest "state sponsored" terrorists on the planet. We are currently in a state of perpetual war because the defined enemy is "terror". How can you have a war, on "terror". Today it is in Iraq, tomorrow, Iran, and than where? We must end the war on "terror" and demand war authority be more clearly defined or we will perish.

No Weapons of Mass destruction were found.

The underlying message of this reverend to me seems like it is on target. The method of delivery was a bit harsh, for whites. But there is underlying truth to it.

I see Barrack, as very different person to the Reverend. His book, the Audacity of Hope, speaks to his ideals. His guiding framework.

As you pointed out, the far right uses Reverends to communicate their messages of hate unimpeded. They don't attend those churches so they do not have to "denounce or reject" their statements. They get television time and the psyops message is clear. "Stay in your place", "feminists" are bad. "Homosexuals" are ruining the world. Please.

It's the spin on the message of Reverend Wright - not the underlying truth. The Main Steam media is hyping up the hate, not discussing the core message.

I think many progressives agree with the underlying truth in the messages, but completely disagree with the way in which it was delivered.

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 427 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 11:59:31 AM

Reverend Wright Response

August,

You bring up some great points. I agree with most of what you said. Living in the South, it is obvious that racism is alive and well. I have experienced similar situations with black friends (and family members) of mine. I have even experienced discrimination against me for being white--on a much smaller scale.

I do however, believe there is a several "race pimps" profiting off of the plight of many in the black community. These people (many of whom have Rev. in front of their name) need to be discredited and exposed. As long as they are exploiting people, we won't be able to accomplish progress.

Richard

by Brother Richard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 12:50:21 PM

I'm a concerned, middle aged blogger and member of the ACLU. I hail from the Bay Area. I Lobbied congress with the ACLU over the more unconstitutional elements of the USA Patriot Act. Marched in peace protests, lost a former school chum in the world trade center on 9/11.
Michael ShawI'm a concerned, middle aged blogger and member of the ACLU. I hail from the Bay Area. I Lobbied congress with the ACLU over the more unconstitutional elements of the USA Patriot Act. Marched in peace protests, lost a former school chum in the world trade center on 9/11.

August

I think that both you and Brother Richard have it right. The sad part is that while major media lambasts Obama's preacher as the devil incarnate, the real news like the Winter Soldier Conference, is being ignored. Apparently the mainstream media would rather sensationalize about a radical preacher then report on the experiences out of the mouths of our own soldiers about the atrocities committed by US troops all in the name of freedom and the war on terror.
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/3/14/hundreds_of_veterans_of_iraq_and

by Michael Shaw (7 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 309 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 1:55:10 PM

Michael Response

Michael,

I agree wholeheartedly. Americans are constantly distracted from the real issues that impact their lives. We are deceived into thinking that we are accomplishing great things by debating gay rights, and stem cells. We are taught to trust God to supply our needs and to keep us healthy. All the while getting screwed by HMOs (if we are lucky to have health care at all).

Richard

by Brother Richard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:09:35 PM

GW is a proud American from NY State, concerned about ethics issues, media manipulation and overconsumption. He has recently changed careers to become an inner city schoolteacher. A firm proponent of curbing overpopulation and international adoption, he hopes to adopt a third child and enjoys history, outsider art, obscure garage rock and vinyl records.
Gustav WynnGW is a proud American from NY State, concerned about ethics issues, media manipulation and overconsumption. He has recently changed careers to become an inner city schoolteacher. A firm proponent of curbing overpopulation and international adoption, he hopes to adopt a third child and enjoys history, outsider art, obscure garage rock and vinyl records.

Good Timing...

To delve further into the history and evolution of the Hannity/Limbaugh phenomenon, as the biggest talk radio broadcasters in the US by far, the public and private sectors now face a large question: whether or not to accept legalized propaganda as standard in public discourse.

Read the back story on Rush/Sean and the erosion of journalistic balance on commercial airwaves. Especially for parents, weigh in here:

Limbaugh and Hannity: The Worst of America?

by Gustav Wynn (50 articles, 33 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 231 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 12:24:17 PM

Good Timing Response

Gustav,

I also get quite disgusted listening to the "talking heads." Although, I don't think you should throw Neal Boortz into the same heap. Not only is he a fellow Atlantan, he is a libertarian.

Also, I do not think we should silence those with whom we disagree. They have a right to be heard and do their shows as private businesses. To make a difference we need to promote "progressive" talk shows and support truly "fair and balanced" media outlets.

Richard

by Brother Richard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:19:18 PM

Not silencing anyone here...

Brother, my article was careful not to say Hannity/Limbaugh should be silenced, rather their lack of balance should be discussed because they are misrepresenting America's many viewpoints by omission. I'd like to hear more from them, not less....

"They have a right to be heard and do their shows as private businesses." -- This becomes a sticky subject in regard to political speech because several conflicts-of-interest have resulted pitting the public good against pursuit of profits. For example, can the question of media consolidation be fairly debated on talk shows that benefit from the same deregulation?

I suggest to you they sure haven't, and so it goes with big oil who is doing well off the war, big pharma/health, etc. who would resist progressive reforms and any business that has a financial stake that could be affected by political discussion.

I also explained why "progressive" talk shows haven't (and cannot) compete commercially - because for-profit radio is driven by advertisers who are looking for monetary returns. This model doesn't jive with much progressive commentary - for example, corporations looking to sell gas guzzling SUVs.

Sponsors also won't sign on for "rabble rousing" sociopolitical upheaval, like challenging the certification of the Ohio vote in 2004 for example. Listener-supported radio seems to do fine, however, showing how much advertising can affect show content today.

I wonder if we really should have progressive programming trying to compete, broadcasting to their own base in criticism of the right. It seems to me this would perpetuate or even escalate the current polarization of our country.

But if we had programming that presented both sides in balance, hosts would have to offer only their best logical arguments and answer tough questions. Then listeners would be able to decide for themselves which side to come down on.

Basically, I'd advocate whatever format we think would be best to inform our own children. For example, the whole truth, in balance and civility, with strict journalistic ethics applied. How about you?

by Gustav Wynn (50 articles, 33 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 231 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 6:46:17 PM

Author is a small business operator from the Mid Hudson Valley region in upstate N.Y., Also a Viet Era Vet.
BradAuthor is a small business operator from the Mid Hudson Valley region in upstate N.Y., Also a Viet Era Vet.

"The Obama Double Standard!

It's no wonder that the framers or arcitects, of our Constitution had insisted on a "Wall of Separation between Church and State!"

by Brad (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 31 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 3:23:06 PM

Jim Freeman's op-ed pieces and commentaries have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, International Herald-Tribune, CNN, The New York Review, The Jon Stewart Daily Show and a number of magazines.
Jim FreemanJim Freeman's op-ed pieces and commentaries have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, International Herald-Tribune, CNN, The New York Review, The Jon Stewart Daily Show and a number of magazines.

Always interesting to see who squeals when the pig is stuck

The reverend's comment, "God damn America," in its context is an arguable point. I suspect that Barack and the Rev had a good many intelectual conversations about America, its racist past, its ignorant present and its speculative future that would not bear the light of public disclosure.

That's what enlightened people do. That's where a framework and reference for positions of integrity comes from. Conversation. Incisive, problematic, argumentative conversations that recognize differing positions and allow for other than knee-jerk reaction.

Personally, I would value a president who exposed himself (or herself) to such widely differing points of view. Fortunately, I rather think all three candidates are in that rank.

Preachers, perhaps particularly black preachers, are in the unique position of holding one-way 'conversations' with their congregation. Putting aside the religious aspect of the setting, there is enormous reason for blacks and native Americans to call down the wrath of their lord on the nation. Reverend Wright has every right to call it as he sees it and who are we--white, European Americans--to call him wrong?

Barack must distance himself from that--not because it is incorrect or historically inaccurate, but because white, European America will not stand it. We give lipservice to separation of church and state, but would never elect an atheist.

Oops, I have to amend that. We once had one, his name was Thomas Jefferson.

by Jim Freeman (108 articles, 40 quicklinks, 181 diaries, 352 comments) on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 6:07:40 PM

10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,
Gallaher10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,

No slack here

I don’t believe Obama. Not for a second.

Talk about a “Manchurian candidate”. Obama has professed that a black racist preacher has been his mentor for over 20 years. That more than 20 years of racist hate preaching has had no effect on Obama cannot be ignored when selecting a president. That he stayed and has publicly stated that this was his mentor has much to say about his character.

I see Obama as a closet “Black Clans Man” and should be shunned just as “While KKK Clans Men” are and should be shunned.

Who really knows what Obama is really thinking? The election should not be about Black and White, Male or Female, However, on this subject I do make this a “Black and White” issue. Ignoring this type of personal association and previous profession of mentoring because it is a “Black and White” issue is wrong.

Obama made this a Black and White issue when he professed a Black radical racist was his lifelong mentor.

by Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 529 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 4:09:11 AM

I won't be suckered

Obama also said Wright had a long and distinguished career of helping people - so the question is whether the montage we saw represents the overall tenor of the pastor or whether the clips we saw were exceptions.

We know the editor was looking to discredit him, and omitted anything positive, but when Obama spoke about him, making the mentor comment, he added much more perspective.

I'm not a fool, I won't make my judgment based on what little has been revealed so far. Also, I agree with many of Wright's sentiments, though not the insulting catch-phrasings. For example, I believe US black bag operations overseas are the cause of the 9/11 attacks. Would I say God damns America? No, I'd say the government damned America.

I also understand why he think the establishment is racist, but don't quite agree. It's a mixed bag, but there are racists like Billy Graham, LBJ, Nixon, Barabara Bush and many more all throughout government going back to Lincoln and before.

by Gustav Wynn (50 articles, 33 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 231 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 10:20:57 AM

10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,
Gallaher10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,

P.S.

There is a HUGE difference between endorsement and lifelong mentor.

by Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 529 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 4:54:34 AM

10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,
Gallaher10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,

P.S.

There is a HUGE difference between endorsement and lifelong mentor.

by Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 529 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 4:54:37 AM

I am a white female, 60 years old, and a school teacher. I live in the midwest. I have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am married. My husband has early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. I love governement and politics.
Linda BaileyI am a white female, 60 years old, and a school teacher. I live in the midwest. I have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am married. My husband has early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. I love governement and politics.

The double standard

Indeed there is a double standard. I think the right is so threatened by Barack Obama, they will use anything they can to discredit him. Mr. Hannity and Mr. Limbaugh are both arrogant and haughty, judgemental hypocrites. And, by the way, their "God" states clearly that arrogance and haughtiness are sinful. And, "judge not, lest you be judged in the same manner.............."

by Linda Bailey (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 15 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:31:39 AM

Ernest is not a professional writer. Nor well educated in political affairs. However, he has uniquely experienced life styles of those who have little.
ErnestErnest is not a professional writer. Nor well educated in political affairs. However, he has uniquely experienced life styles of those who have little.

There's one thing for sure..............

Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly really know how to stir up a big "pot o sh$t" and get the people's attention..........they are good at their jobs.........they hit on the attention getters dead-on target.......and they keep the people coming back for more and more............"Racism" what a great topic to stir up some stink.........

Mr. Richard, I have to disagree here with this "Double Standard" statement........because knowing what these characters are up too an who they are working for, it's nothing more than a "sales pitch"..................

Actually, the posters here are getting way off the track again...........the main issues in this Presidential Election are "Stopping the War" and all that goes along with that........and "Restoring our Economy" and all that goes along with that...........Repairing the Constitution, Reclaiming Liberty and Regaining our Integrity will follow suit..........Obama is the only one of the three top contenders that offers a hint of that happening...........

All of the above mentioned issues are not racism issues.............You reckon L., H. and O. are aware that 40% of the American soldiers in Iraq are black?..............How can any one say that bringing the soldiers home from an illegal war is a racism issue? L., H. and O. are selling some stink so their employers can persuade the gullible listeners to elect the Obama opposition........either of the other two will do for them...........

by Ernest (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 132 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 9:57:23 AM

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