On Obama's Pastor

The "God Damn America" comment by Obama's pastor as a standalone seems incendiary especially as the MSM is positioning it, no doubt, but the quote in larger context seems to drive to the heart of the social commentary for which he is known (from ABC News):

No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," (Wright) said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

I disagree with Reverend Wright on one point: I do not believe it is America that is at fault for killing innocent people. I do believe it is the misguided policies of our leaders who should be damned, that resulted in the tragedy to which Pastor Wright is foreshadowing. I would add that the phrase itself, when compared with the commentary of some other supporters for other candidates (including those who suggest that we should bomb Iran as part of a larger war against Muslims, and/or that Catholicism is a cult), seems to pale.

And I think the biblical quote he is referencing seems to provide some clarity as to the underlying rationale of the spirit of his commentary: This from DailyKos. In many ways, the words he uses to provide his interpretation is shocking, and in a certain sense, is meant to shock his community -- shock it into action.

Additionally, I can't bring myself to object to his right to say these words. We live in America, and one of the greatest things about living in America is that commentary such as this has been part of what burnishes our views on all sides of all issues.