As my first article indicates, my interest in Barack Obama is not political. As I mentioned, Senator Obama is at this point more of a media phenomenon than I first anticipated he would ever become, even though he is the first African American in United States history to get this far in the bid for the presidency. This increase in negative notoriety is not due to his political views, or some shameful past deed that has reared its ugly head during this campaign; nor any change in his ethics or changes on his stated position on certain grave and serious issues facing Americans today and yes, the issues are extremely serious and extremely grave. No…nothing that simplistic. But the fervor is being caused by one of Senator Obama’s known associates who is garnering more media attention than what most Americans would consider the most important issue on the table right now: Who will be the next President of the United States? While some may feel that due to Senator Obama not having been “vetted” in other words, not having enough political history behind him for the people to have confidence in him, this seems somewhat hypocritical. If Senator Obama is being dinged for his lack of political background, how significant is it that his now “former” Pastor has decided to get his 15 minutes of fame - not once but twice - and the media is eating it up like ice cream on a hot day? The news is full of different images of Rev. Wright making gestures and spastic motions on national television for the purpose of focusing the attention on himself alone. I may be able to understand all of the posturing about Rev. Wright’s comments if it were Senator Obama’s father or close relative who was making these remarks. But the reality is Rev. Wright is a pastor of a church. And as we all are aware, speeches from the pulpit often fall far from the real lives of so-called Christians. But that is nothing new, so I am in awe that this man is receiving so much media attention, when the obvious is right in front of us - he is an old lion afraid of losing his roar, so he growls and roars as loud as he can - for as long as he can - and as long as anyone will listen.

But the big picture is a little more frightening. While America is focusing on recycled images of a very obviously disturbed (or at least overly animated) person - why is Senator Obama having to go on national television to divorce himself of Rev. Wright’s words and actions? Does every African American who ever attended the church need to have a press conference to divorce themselves from Rev. Wright’s actions before they can face the people at their place of business or where their children attend school? How many instances have we seen Pharisaical behavior exhibited by trusted members of a particular religion? Do we next see the parishioners having to “prove” that they do not share the views of such a person? No! Because why? As Jesus said so plainly - those attending and listening to God’s Word through the mouths of those appointing themselves as God’s spokesperson are the sheep that are being led - hopefully in the right way - to the ways and teachings of God. But if they are instead being misled, then who is responsible for the path that the shepherd takes?

If a trusted shepherd leads his sheep astray - it is not the responsibility of the “Flock” that followed him to explain his actions - it is the responsibility of the individual. Though the Bible is extremely clear about matters of this nature, unfortunately, as I mentioned in my last article, most of us do not have or take the time to determine the facts before we rush to a particular judgement or decision. This situation is no exception. While it was not Senator Obama’s responsibility to explain the actions of a supposedly mentally stable individual with a mind of his own and free will to do and say what he wishes, Senator Obama lives in a world and most importantly in a nation that does not truly understand what it means to “carry their own torture stake” and truly take responsibility, full responsibility for their own actions and deeds -whether good or bad. Since this debate has seemingly found its way to the pulpit, maybe, just maybe the powerful words of the cornerstone of true Christianity, Jesus Christ should be remembered just for a moment: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” We all have the opportunity to grow and become whatever kind and type of “fruit ” we desire to be - it is God given freedom - however with that freedom comes responsibility. Once we decide to become poster children for one cause or another, and make public statements that clearly show to anyone with a “nose and “eyes” to see what kind and type of “fruit” we are - we cannot then choose to become an entirely different “fruit” altogether. when a situation becomes heated otherwise uncomfortable.

So, in summary, just like the rest of us, Rev. Wright is the one who has to answer for what he calls himself - whether it be an apple or a pear. However, if he or anyone else turns out to be a lemon, no one else should have to answer for that. After all, lemons are good for something aren’t they? Even if it is just to make lemonade.

Posted by Zoov on 03 Feb 2008 05:07 am
Filed Under: Politics |