Pantagraph.com | Letters | Obama speaks of race with candor, dignity

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 17, 2008 10:37 AM:

" HawkCat, I have stopped responding to you because to be quite honest I consider most of your comments beneath contempt. You act as if you are here telling me something I was unaware of, yet everyone who admires Lincoln is aware that he suspended habeas corpus in what he thought was a justifiable act, not just of war, but of the extraordinary situation of CIVIL war.
There are those of the extreme right and the extreme left who continue to try to denigrate Lincoln, but the prevailing view is that, all things considered, he is to be ranked as our greatest president. Your ineffective carping can't change that. Rev. Jim "

HawkCat wrote on Apr 8, 2008 6:15 PM:

" Reverend Jim: I was happy to hear of our shared adoration for the American president that suspended our constitutional right of habeas corpus. He allowed American citizens to be arrested and detained - without the requirement of bringing the prisoner before a court to determine if there was cause to lawfully imprisoned. Of course the president's actions were later ruled by the Supreme Court to be unconstitutional. The suspension of habeas corpus was nationwide for several years. Suspended in 1861 without an action by Congress, and ruled to be unconstitutional in 1866. The president - Abraham Lincoln. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:31 PM:

" Stingray, it's like this. I really am coming to admire, yes, and even love Obama. Sort of in the same way I love Lincoln and Gandhi and a few other notable people.
I could be wrong. But what if I'm right? Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:21 PM:

" Independent, HawkCat omits to mention that Obama did not say those words, Wright did. See my post of this date concerning the 'Audacity of Hope' sermon under 'Focus on Obama's words....' Rev. Jim "

Stingray wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Holy cow, Rev. Jim. After reading your countless posts on two Obama threads, I can't decide if you really love Obama, or you just love to see yourself in print. I've made up my mind on two things from reading all of the posts. One: I will never vote for Obama. Two: I will never attend the church where you are the pastor. Thank you. "

HawkCat wrote on Apr 7, 2008 6:44 PM:

" To Independent?: Have you listened to the audio version of the Senator Obama's bestselling autobiography, "Dreams of My Father"? It makes one feel all warm and fuzzy hearing Senator Obama say in his beautiful baritone voice:
"White folks' greed runs a world in need." You are correct, using devisive language - like "white folks'" - is a black and white problem, but mostly an Obama problem. "

Independent? wrote on Apr 7, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Thanks Jim Boswell... I encourage everyone to read the quote by Obama that Jim highlighted in his post. Racism is not a white problem or a black problem. It is everyone's problem. Until we realize and begin understanding that we all owe it to each other to have a legitimate conversation about race, nothing will get better. Obama said it perfectly when he talked about the racial stalemate we are in. white and black problem. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 7, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I'm that fired up guy who would like the keep the focus on the issues. Rev. Jim "

ja1978 wrote on Apr 7, 2008 11:59 AM:

" does Jim Boswell work or is he that lonely guy that stops by your house to talk and doesn't know when to leave? "

bloomguy wrote on Apr 5, 2008 3:56 PM:

" No matter who is elected face it this is the end of the US as we know it. We have raised two generations of people more concerned with who wins American Idol, then who leads our country. The only way to keep our government honest was lost in 1971 when Nixon took us off the gold standard. Our government will continue to pursue policies that steal from the middle and give to the ultra rich through the debasement of our currency. The only way to bring back an honest government, bring back the gold standard that was set fourth by our forefathers, or continue to watch our government create dollars to support people to that don't take any responisiblity for their life. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:26 PM:

" Welfare has changed, should change, and is changing. But hear Obama:

'For the African-American community, that path [to a more perfect union] means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of ALL Americans - the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man who’s been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN LIVES – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.'

That ain't wellfare mentality talking, friends. It's worthy of commendation. Rev. Jim (see too the last posts under "Focus on Obama's words...) "

HawkCat wrote on Apr 4, 2008 6:25 PM:

" Reverend Jim, Senator Obama has said, that the the issue of the erosion of black families is "a problem that welfare policies for many years have worsened". If that were true, wouldn't it follow that if welfare spending were reduced, or eliminated altogther, that young men and women would then take responsibility for their children and families? Is he saying that "welfare policies" are the reason for the perpetuation of personal irresponsibility? Shouldn't the absence of parental responsibility, not "welfare policies" be held accountable for the erosion of families in America? "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:14 AM:

" VoiceInWilderness, I am genuinely glad when you say something I can agree with. The emphasis SHOULD be on what is going on right now, as I said in former posts. But that is exactly what Obama is saying in his speech, and I think you should be able to see THAT. On the other hand, completely ignoring the past does not make it go away. So said Faulkner. So said Obama. Rev. Jim of the rusty halo. "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Apr 4, 2008 1:35 AM:

" The truly guilty are today's racists & those NOW snubbing, slandering, exploiting or cheating the innocent of all social, ethnic & racial strata. As a preacher, I assume you targeted the ones violating the nearly 400 commandments in the old and new testaments. Those are sins worth feeling guilty about. Advisories such as "love your neighbor as yourself," etc. I'm saying in the spirit of "none so blind & none so deaf" that our current "sins" are quite enough to feel guilty for...the ones WE commit & not the "sins of our fathers." We SHOULD make up for what we are directly responsible...& "accountable" for. We must respect each other & no matter who we are purge our own racism.
People of all races can't afford to wear rusty halos. If you think what I'm saying is being blind, you need to take the "log from your own eye." We who disagree with you could very well have as direct a connection with the diety as you. It's a safe but sad bet that just about every one of us have experienced racism, social exclusion, exploitation, victimization and injustices. "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Apr 4, 2008 1:07 AM:

" Accountability? We know blacks were victimized by slavery and so were a lot of people of other races. Some Native Americans joined the Europeans in owning slaves until the war between the states ended all that. Blacks in Africa owned slaves sold them to others, including Arabs. There's no avoiding that truth from long ago in the USA and many other countries. Slavery is practiced in some areas even now. The people of that time and those of today certainly should be accountable. Since most, if not all, US citizens don't own slaves I see(even if I AM blind, as you say) no reason we should be held accountable for that or what the Nazi regime did to Jews, homosexuals, the infirm and the mentally ill more than half a century ago. We today did not do that. Most of us have supported the painfully slow process of trying to make it better for the descendants of those victimized. Sorry this isn't simple enough to do in 200 words...I'll have to post another part but probably won't be able to explain this to your satisfaction. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 3, 2008 10:18 PM:

" Not a white guilt trip. Blacks and whites called to accountability. Why are you so blind? Rev. Jim "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Apr 3, 2008 7:57 PM:

" Boswell said:'I guess I'm and odd bird. I actually feel some responsibility for what happened to the Jews, even though I'm not a German. But I'm Christian and it was Christians who did the Holocaust, and I can't say it has nothing to do with me. What happened at Tuskegee, what was done to Native Americans... we should be able to have at least some understanding for some of the hard feelings that remain. And now we have a particularly wonderful chance to put some of that right.' I say putting Obama in office isn't necessary to put all of that stuff right. IT's over except for the hard feelings against people who had nothing to do with it. The guilt trip Boswell and Obama are trying to put us throughis totally unnecessary. If anything needs being put right it's making up for affirmative action, which put a lot of white men out of work. Read Obama's book and read the transcript of the speech Boswell praises so highly and you'll see which identity Obama chose from his legacy of two races. Good speech or not, Obama is simply not qualified to be president. "

archibald76 wrote on Apr 3, 2008 12:19 AM:

" Thank you Rev Boswell for your insight and understanding of Mr. Obama is trying to communicate to America. Readers in our community should educate themselves and attempt to gain some knowledge and understanding on differing views of America from people who have not been as privileged as others. That view of history is not comfortable for all to see, primarily because it is the history as viewed by the victims. Uncomfortable, yet all too true. Read some work by Tim Wise and you'll get a different view of the same history "

Candid wrote on Apr 2, 2008 5:09 PM:

" Well, Geez...it is amazing that you can't see the quagmire after 5 years of occupation. We are backing the Badr Army, close to Iran, over the more nationalistic Mahdi Army of Sadr. Over the last few days, Maliki tried to go into Sadr's area in Basra to have them give up their guns. Instead, some of Maliki's Iraqi (so called) Army gave up their guns to Sadr instead, saying they cannot go against their brothers. Sadr who cotrols at least 1/3 of Iraq's government,. says no giving up arms until the occupier (that be us) leaves. This is just a tiny glimpse of "quagmire", Geez. "

Geez! wrote on Apr 2, 2008 1:03 PM:

" "Candid" - amazing! "Quagmire"? Look it up and be more informed so you can avoid saying such stupid things and look like a fool. "

OGS wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Say what you want, when you want, deny it whenever it serves your next purpose of escape,,,as per your 10:13 April 2 post. "

Candid wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:20 AM:

" I completely agree with the Reverend's letter. Obama's speech will outlive him and us. We are stuck in a quagmire in Iraq, gas going to $4, gold over 1000, foreclosures abound, the dollar dropping in value, international respect on the wane, and we are talking about what is the percentage of white or black in Obama' genetics. Is this a diversion for racists or what? "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 2, 2008 10:13 AM:

" If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn't apply to you, it doesn't apply to you. Rev. Jim "

OGS wrote on Apr 2, 2008 3:04 AM:

" Rev Jim it seems as though you have just accused those who disagree with you are filled with hatred, distortions, and vindictiveness as per you Mar 31, 8:36 post. Very sad Rev Jim, very sad indeed. "

Red Reeky wrote on Apr 1, 2008 9:25 PM:

" My goodness. So much said, so little substance. Kind of like the speech itself. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Apr 1, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Coca, I meant that anyone should be able to see those demons. I did not mean to imply that you are spiritually insensitive, though I can see how you got that impression. I regret that. Peace. Jim Boswell "

cocoa wrote on Mar 31, 2008 11:02 PM:

" To Jim Boswell ~ For you to call me "spiritually insensitive" is short-sighted on your part. For a "Reverend" to sling insults left and right such as you have been all throughout this article shows your own insensitivity and prejudice. I have not read, nor will not read, any further comments from you. The more you post, the more you turn people away from Obama. I suggest if you truly want to help Obama, you keep your hands off the keyboard. (By the way, I "talk" to God every day and thank Him for everything in my life, even if it's just waking up the next day. I'm no less spiritual than you claim to be. Good day.) "

Geez! wrote on Mar 31, 2008 10:33 PM:

" "Jim Boswell", my but you love to hear yourself talk! Seems to me that no one is going to change anyone's mind. You're stuck on Barak Hussein Obama, and no one can find out anything of substance that he has accomplished as a Senator that gives anyone any reason to vote for him as President. Oh well, Carter and Clinton also got elected. Good luck to everyone! "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:36 PM:

" (continued) On the other hand, we have made our points, you and I, and made them well. It would be quite appropriate to let the naysayers rave on here incessantly, all alone and wrapping themselves up in their hatreds and distortions. Apparently that makes them feel good. - Well, not good, really, just vindictive.

Again, thanks to all. Even the naysayers.
Rev. Jim signing off.
...Maybe. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:33 PM:

" (continued) I especially want to thank the following posters with whom I either completely or partly agree. These are the 'good guys' from my perspective, the people who combine really good hearts with keen minds: You are, in order of appearance, ES, Crimson, Tripper, lindini, ktlin, Paladin, dwarf (love you, dwarf!), Meh, lizzie, SoTrue, Jarhead71.

If this thread continues, it will probably be up to you good folks to keep it going. I now officially depart and leave it in your care. (to be continued) "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:29 PM:

" Dear public: It was a week ago that my letter appeared in the Pantagraph and set off this give-and-take. I want to thank everyone who engaged in the exchange, even the naysayers, even the people I have indirectly accused of being racists - a thing I myself have been directly(!) accused of - which, by the way, makes my black friends laugh, "especially when you consider the sources," they say.

This may be my last post - unless somebody REALLY gets me riled up again.

The naysayers seem to have thought that they could waltz in here and have a field day of it. But a lot of good posters and a scrappy preacher kept that from happening. (to be continued) "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Dear Senator Obama, some of these depressing posts show that we have, after all, made SOME progress in this country. There was a time when racists proudly announced that they were racists. Now they feel compelled to rely on subterfuge and accuse others of being racist.

I want to repeat one thing I said earlier: In my opinion, anyone who studies your "More Perfect Union" speech and then says that you accused your grandmother of being a racist - or that the speech itself is racist - that person is so obviously a racist that it is quite frightening, and it is up to the rest of us to unite and save our country. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:21 PM:

" Dear Senator Obama: I think that people who take the time to wade through these posts will probably find a lot in them that depresses them, discourages them, and makes them feel uneasy and downright unclean. Prejudice and racism have a way of doing that.

But people who take the time to read your "More Perfect Union" speech (some of which I posted below), will probably feel uplifted, positive, and hopeful. I think that is one of the many reason you should become the next president of these United States. Good luck! Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:18 PM:

" PS I don't know why Geez can't get a single source or citation right, but that is his problem, not mine. I could even be tempted to think that he is employing deliberate, hateful distortion. (I must confess, I'm leaning a little in the direction of thinking that.)

Actually, I suppose we should pity Geez. He must be gritting his teeth a lot these days, since so many commentators, both liberal and conservative - and even some of your harshest critics, Sir! - are saying what a great speech it was. Congratulations. Rev. Jim

PS Geez says I have a 'man-crush' on you. Don't tell Michelle and I won't tell my wife. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Dear Senator Obama: More bad news, I'm afraid. You may have heard that Geez said that I referred to your speech as "one of the greatest speeches ever given."

In the interest of honesty, Sir, I'm afraid I must inform you, that's not what I said.

I said your speech 'will probably go down in history as one of the greatest speeches ever given by an American presidential candidate' - presidential CANDIDATE, Sir.

I'm really sorry I had to tell you this. But let me assure you, Sir, that if you are elected president and you DO give what I think is "one of the greatest speeches ever," I will say so. I promise. Rev. Jim (- a PS follows)
"

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Dear Senator Obama: Bad news, Sir. Although you are the child of an African man and an American woman, Geez says you do not have the right to refer to yourself as an African-American. So please delete that designation from all your future writings and speeches.

If you and other blacks would like to know how, when, and where you may refer to yourselves - or whether you may refer to yourselves by race at all - ask Geez and he (/she?) will tell you. He has a lot of expertise in that area, as he himself points out. Rev. Jim Boswell "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:03 PM:

" Dear Senator Obama, I sort of hate to tell you this, Sir, but although I had firmly decided to support your presidential candidacy, VoiceInWilderness has convinced me my decision was based purely on the fact that I have been brainwashed into thinking that we MUST have a black president. So, Sir, I will no longer support you.

But wait a minute. If everybody thought like that, NO black man or woman could ever become president, regardless of how qualified he or she might be.

I take back what I just said. Because I believe you ARE eminently qualified for the office, I will continue to support your candidacy. Carry on, Sir! Rev. Jim Boswell "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Some of you have accused me of belonging to an Obama cult. I confess, you've blown my cover, so I may as well share with you our cult marching song:

To the approximate tune of "Hey Sanna, Ho Sanna" from the rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar":

Oh! Bama! Hey! Bama! Bama, Bama, Oh!
Bama Hey! Bama, OH - BAM - AH!
A messiah he is not, but hey, this guy is hot!
Bama hey! Bama Oh! SUPERSTAR!

(I admit, I just made this up.) Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 7:54 PM:

" OGS, I don't want to know. I just invited. And I DID give you "much...of an answer." It began "I assume you would agree...etc." Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 31, 2008 7:53 PM:

" I mean the demons of racism, cocoa, the demons of racism. If you can't see them lurking in some of these posts, you are, I'm afraid, spritually insensitive. Rev. Jim (Thanks for helping me clarify this. Hope you get your speech back.) "

OGS wrote on Mar 31, 2008 3:54 AM:

" To Rev. Jim - I still do not have much if any of an answer from you yet as to why you want to know if the posters are white or black. Seems to me that if you really deplored racism you wouldn't ask that question. "

cocoa wrote on Mar 30, 2008 6:25 PM:

" To Jim Boswell: You typed, "(Where did everyone go? Can it be? A few words from Senator Obama and the demons flee?) " Speaking for myself, I started only skimming your posts when you became a windbag. I'm tired of hearing from only you. I'd rather read multiple opinions by multiple people than long-winded posts by the same person reiterating the same things over and over again. And for you to insinuate with the above quoted comment that people who are against Obama are demons... I'm speechless that anyone would be called a "demon" by you because they don't agree with your choice of presidential candidates. "

greed wrote on Mar 30, 2008 1:55 PM:

" What are Obama's accomplishments? If you can’t name any besides getting asbestos removed from public housing apartments in Chicago, why are you supporting him? If he gets the nomination and loses to McCain, do you think he should be re-elected to The Senate? Why does he get preferential treatment by the media? Is it OK that he belonged to a racist church, now that he made a speech about his racist preacher being like everyone's crazy aunt? "

Geez! wrote on Mar 30, 2008 10:29 AM:

" "Jim Boswell" - for the zillionth time, there was nothing wrong with his speech as far as content. The problem is, you have repeatedly stated that it was one of the greatest speeches ever given. Yet you cannot give one example of anything he said that was original. It has all been said before, by many politicians, preachers, civil rights leaders, etc. It was a RE-HASH. Again - nothing new, but you are saying that it is the greatest ever and revolutionary. I just don't see how you can say that with a straight face unless you have some sort of man-crush on him and can't see the trees because the forest is in the way. Do the world a favor and put the Kook-Aid down. "

Geez! wrote on Mar 30, 2008 10:25 AM:

" "Jim Boswell" - You obviously like the sound of your own voice. Yes, I did hear and read his speech. For the record, he is no more "African-American" than I am. He was born in Hawaii and lives in Chicago. His father was from Kenya and his mother from Kansas. My lineage is Native American Indian and German, but I am not an Indian-German-American; I'm an American. To say anything else would be an attempt to use RACE to define me, and thus give me a crutch / excuse to feel sorry for myself and/or an attempt to seize unwarranted sympathy from others. Yes, my ancestors were treated unfairly, but that has nothing to do with me in the present. Using the term "African-American" is as racist as the white-feared but black-promoted notorious, "N-word". You want race? Go to a track meet. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 30, 2008 6:57 AM:

" I had hoped that naysayers would actually QUOTE FROM THE SPEECH and say what they think is wrong with it.

I challenged thm to do that, and since no one took me up on this, I quoted several segments of it, making it clear what I think.

(Where did everyone go? Can it be? A few words from Senator Obama and the demons flee?)

Naysayers, could you please QUOTE from the speech and tell us specifically what is wrong with it? Rev. Jim
"

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:37 PM:

" Part TWO: Media was my academic preparation and my practice since 1953. Vance Packard's "Hidden Persuaders" was a best seller then. Social engineering was part of the curriculum. Segregation was the law in Louisiana where I was born and debated in my first year of college. I felt segregation was the "right thing" and contributed all I could to helping my fellow Southerners know integration was coming and would be the national law of the land. And that we would follow the law. We did. All but a very few. You are only being reminded of the murders of civil rights workers during that time and ALL the "wrong things" done to blacks since this nation was founded. Throw in the displacement of native Americans to reservations, the robber barons with all their greed, etc, etc, etc and guilt by association or citizenship and you will know what social manipulation is all about. Have you noticed how many blacks are depicted as presidents and other powerful positions in movies and tv? Beware the brainwash, my friends and the lies that are repeated often enough that you believe them. "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Part ONE of my final posts: Racial and ethnic division has been around since the mythical Cain and Abel. Greed and the other deadly sins were lurking at the time of the mythical 'big bang.' My words and that letter to the editor reach only a few people and hardly enough hearts and souls to put even a scratch in the iceberg. It's nice to be able to vent a little and even try to sound somewhat intelligent and wise, but it boils down to that old Dragon of Eden...that lizard brain within ourselves that we must keep at bay. My experience in my 73 years has been that most people want to do the right thing. The major problem is we are bombarded with too many interpretations of the right thing. Is it putting a garbage can through the Italian cafe owner's window as in the movie "Do the Right Thing?" No, but that was the message as is the literally millions of "messages" subliminal and obvious of the way things allegedly were and the way things allegedly should be. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 29, 2008 2:39 PM:

" One thing that is remarkable about Obama's "More Perfect Union" speech, as numerous commentators have noted, is that he spoke to the American public as if we are adults.
A friend of mine told me that he found it impressive that Obama considers us intelligent enough to follow an argument through several paragraphs. Rev. Jim
"

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Geez, I sometimes use the term "African-American" out of respect for those American blacks who regard and use the term positively. Obama uses the expression ten times in his speech. Did YOU read it? Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:56 PM:

" VoiceintheW., for all it's worth, I am a 68 year old semi-retired pastor of the Christian Church (Discipes of Christ) and I currently serve Bellflower Christian Church in the proud little village of Bellflower in southeasern McLean County. Let me say, however, that the ONLY reason I sign myself "Rev." is to distinguish myself from another J. Boswell who lives in Normal. (I do it out of consideration for him.) When I speak, especialy on politics, I do not, of course, speak for my church or for my diverse denomination. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:49 PM:

" Voice in the Wilderness, I have not liked several of your posts very much, but I did rather like this last one. Certainly the decisive issue in this election should be, not race or gender, but qualification for the job. I'm a committed Democrat, and sincerely believe that Sen. Obama is the better of the two candidates in terms of his grasp of issues and his ability to inspire and lead.
In Obama's case, his being both white and black makes him uniquely able to bridge the racial divide, uniquely able to understand and speak to both sides. But it is not this, but his remarkable ability, judgment and what I think is a wisdom beyond his years that in my opinion could make him go down in history as one of the most statesmanlike and effective of all our presidents. I sincerely think that. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:34 PM:

" "Obama will strive for government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Not government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. Not government of big business, by big business, and for big business. Not government of special interests, by special interests, and for special interests.

There is nothing wrong with strong government as long as it strongly represents the people. Weak government, little government, small government - ah that all sounds so good! But what it really means, all too often, is that the people are at the mercy of corporate boards, industries, and international conglomerates where profit, not the people, is the only thing that counts. Rev. Jim "
"

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:55 PM:

" [continued:] 'And just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominatecd by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns - this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.' 'That is where we are right now... etc.] "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:54 PM:

" Rev Boswell, which church do you work for and are you pastor? I'm glad you're taking the time to answer most posters. Is it racist to vote for someone just because of their race? Is it chauvinistic to vote based on gender alone? I realize a lot of us feel it's high time we have a choice that represents a minority such as black or a majority such as a woman. Could it be that the only people not basing their votes on race or gender are truly the ones with the best judgement? The only fly in that ointment is the awareness of voter choices during the past 40 years, mostly for emotional reasons and not necessarily good judgement. This is not an election for voters to decide on "gut" feelings. We need to coldly look at records, qualifications, abilities, judgement in finding the right teams and which will be best for the hard times we're going through. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:50 PM:

" And before that, Sen. Obama said,
'Like the anger within the black community, these resentments [of whites] aren't always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dimsissing legitmate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctnes or reverse racism. [to be continued] "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:27 PM:

" Sen. Obama in his 'More Perfect Union' speech said,
'This is where we are right now. It's a racial salemate we've been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naive as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidate - particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.
'But I have asserted a firm conviction - a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people - that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice - we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more pefect union.'
Well put! - Rev. Jim "

Lawndale Reader wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:29 PM:

" First, I would like to say that I agree that Obama is one of the best public speakers I have ever heard. When I first heard him speak I thought, this is what our country needs, this man is destined for greatness. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything from him since then that has reiterated this. He has skipped 17 percent of his votes and has sponsored only one bill that has become law and that was for the Republic of Congo. What do you say Rev Boswell regarding his wife's remarks that she was proud "for the first time" to be American because her husband was doing so well in the primaries? Was she not proud to be American when her husband and herself were accepted into Ivy League schools, was she not proud when she received her 6 figure job? I hate to say it because I have been a registered Democrat for 20 years but if Barack Obama receives the Democratic nomination, I will have to vote for John McCain. "

katanauser wrote on Mar 28, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Jim, you're a stooge! You want black reaction? How about Thomas Sowell ? Many people would vote for Thomas in a hearbeat. Read:

Audacity Without Hope
Obama's defense of Wright reveals his far-left pessimism.
By Thomas Sowell

Quote:
"It is painful to watch defenders of Barack Obama tying themselves into knots trying to evade the obvious.

Some are saying that Senator Obama cannot be held responsible for what his pastor, Jeremiah Wright, said. In their version of events, Barack Obama just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time — and a bunch of mean-spirited people are trying to make something out of it.

It makes a good story, but it won’t stand up under scrutiny." End quote

"

HRPuffinstuff wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:08 AM:

" Jim - You aren't understanding what most people are trying to point out. It's not Obama's speech per se, it's your crude interpretation of it. And frankly, it does sound like you are part of some sort of Obama cult. It seems to me that you're only favorable towards Obama, JUST because he is PARTIALLY black. Obama is also partially white, but he only speaks of that in a negative light. Why do you ignore that he's also white? And it doesn't matter the race of people commenting here. In fact, YOU are the only one that seems to put such an importance on race. It's interesting how you again stereotype white people AGAINST black people. It's getting a little creepy that you keep harping on ONE speech of Obama's. Anybody can read words off 3x5 index cards. It's whether or not the person truly means and believes in what they are saying that's important. Obviously you believe what Obama is saying - based solely on the fact that he's black, and disregard that he's also white. How is that not racist? "

Geez! wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Jim Boswell - Are all peoples to be labeled by their ancestry? Are all white people to be called "European-American", just as you (and many others) call black people "African-American"? South Africa has quite a few white "African-Americans". What's wrong with being a black or white "American"? Were you born in Africa and moved to America? If not, then you are NOT "African-American". Must all black Americans speak and think like you in order to be considered "black enough" to respond? Stop the continual perpetration of the stereotypes. THAT is what strains the relations with the races. Again, did you actually LISTEN to the speech? "

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:46 AM:

" wow. Just... wow. "

OGS wrote on Mar 28, 2008 4:54 AM:

" If I counted right REV JIM, so far there are about 4-5 posters out of 34, that noted that they were white. Is that what you would call "quite a few?" I kinda think quite a few needs a higher percentage to be considered as quite a few. Maybe it would be more accurate to consider this unofficial count of mine to be "a few" rather than "quite a few." But the bottom line for me is REV JIM I am still perplexed as to your interest that posters should possibly identify their color. And I find it quite interesting that you may somehow be stereotyping responding posters and am curious as to why you would do so. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:55 PM:

" Geez, how does wanting to hear from more blacks become wanting to hear only from blacks? Even you should be able to realize how ridiculously you come across when you say things like that. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:51 PM:

" Well, OGS, I "get that impression" because quite a few, including me, have simply come right out and said that they are white, and I haven't yet seen anyone come right out and say that he or she is black or African-American. I also "get that impression" because I can't imagine that any African-American would ever say some of the things that have been said here so sharply disparaging to blacks.
I assume that you would agree with me that it would be great to have more input from the black community as well as any other of God's children, of any color or political persuasion, including more supporters of Ron Paul. Rev. Jim "

dwarf wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:36 PM:

" Houser - why should he 'man up' to being in a racist church if the church isn't racist?

Read up on liberation theology. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:24 PM:

" Houser, I have no objection to your bringing up those other things, but the original letter was about the speech, so USING THE SPEECH, quoting SENTENCES and PHRASES from it (but not the silly grandmother thing), please show us what is IN THE SPEECH that is so terribly wrong. QUOTE from the speech.
PLEASE. Show us you can do it. (New Gingrich just quoted extensively from the speech, favorably. You should be able to quote from it unfavorably.) Do it. Show us you can. Rev. Jim "

Geez! wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Jim Boswell - if you only want to hear from "non-whites", then it even more clearly shows your racist agenda. You call Obama's speech one of "the greatest" ever, yet you seemingly refuse to listen to what he actually said. There will always be differences between people, whether they are of different gender, age, religion, race, etc. We don't need to pretend there will never be differences - if we do, then we are ignorant beyond rational thinking. Racism comes into play when you favor or denigrate one group in general based upon race. Did you hear the words, or did you listen to what he had to say? "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:46 PM:

" The issue is Obama's experience and qualifications not his half hearted understanding of his "cringeful" racist "typically" white grandmother & her "typically racist generation." It's Obama's whole hearted defense of black racism by bringing up things most people are no longer guilty of. A few are still intolerant enough to be hurtful, yes...from all races and mixes. As soon as we can register to vote as members of the HUMAN race, the better. His white grandmother probably never got over the mix, but as he said, really loved him. That is probably also "typical" of most "whites" & I hope typical of "blacks" as well. I, too, am a "mix-breed" (as most people) which has made easier for me to respect others and befriend the ones who have "content of character." "
"

Houser wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Rev - I understand why you want to restrict your discussion to Obama's speech and ignore his Philadelphia comments and his unwillingness to accept any responsibility for his actions. If I were in the cult, I'd probably feel the same way. But I have serious concerns about Obama's inability to "man up" and accept any responsibility for being a member of a racist church. "

OGS wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:50 PM:

" TO Rev. JIM: You get "the impression" that many logging on here are white? Huh. Tell us Rev. Jim, how do you get that impression? What difference does it make whether the posters here are white or black or green or purple? Aren't we all God's children? Aren't we all equal here? I am looking forward to your reply. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:24 PM:

" I get the impression that practically everybody logging in here is white. Am I right or wrong about that? I would love to hear some reaction on the part of blacks. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:21 PM:

" However, if we are going to continue discussing Obama's speech, I challenge those of you who think that it was bad to tell us, QUOTING FROM THE SPEECH, and using whole sentences and phrases, what was bad about it. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:18 PM:

" Some of you guys really make me laugh, distorting everything (the word "typical," once used, makes Obama a racist! Just a few hours ago I heard and watched as Newt Gingrich made a speech quoting favorably from three large sections of Obama's speech.
Obama did not run for president as a black man, but as a man who happens to be black. And he would have kept on doing that if the media frenzy with the Wright tapes had not forced him to clarify himself.
Now the polls make it appear that he has been little harmed by this, or even helped! But he himself is already doing exactly what some of you say he should do, and exactly what he said in his speech we all should do: Move on beyond this to the important issues. Rev. Jim "

RealityCheck wrote on Mar 27, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Excellent points, HRPuffinstuff. I often feel that our problems stem from our own insistence on trying to categorize others. Why do blacks insist on being black? Why can't they be people first, made up of many characteristics, one of which happens to be black? I completely agree with you many blacks make assumptions that whites are racist.

My views on any of the candidates have nothing to do with gender, race, experience or even age. I am only interested in their ideas and plans. "

katanauser wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:20 PM:

" Rev Jim,
Obama clarified that he is probably a racist with his speech. The statement "Typical white" was all it took. Instead of the uniter he pretends to be, Obama and his wife are wolves in sheeps clothing. And by his speech Obama has insured that this election is now about nothing else but race or possibly sexism.

I have a deep distrust of people who act as Obama and Clinton have. So this is the Democratic party's brightest and best? Pardon me while I throw up.

"

94mustang5 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:29 AM:

" The speech was meaningless. The actions had already spoken volumes. "

HRPuffinstuff wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:30 AM:

" (Continued....) And why is it that with Obama running as president, it's all about race? Certainly that's not the only thing this man is. It's not every other race besides African Americans that are perpetuating this importance on color. Some black people ONLY identify with him because he's black. They don't know or couldn't care less what he stands for, only that he's partially black. Everything that is ever said, all speeches, all eventually lead back to race issues. That's not all that the Presidency is about, and frankly no one's doing Obama any favors by focusing only on his color. There are many reasons he could make a decent President, and they don't have anything to do with the pigment of his skin! "

HRPuffinstuff wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Jim, please understand, it is not Obama's thoughts on the subject that I'm having a hard time swallowing, it yours. Why is it that black people are still mad at white people? Because they automatically think that every single white person is racist against them, and in turn counter-reacts as a racist themselves. Now, why would a black person just assume that I'm racist against them? It certainly can't be anything that I'm doing now, because I have nothing against anyone based simply on the color of their skin. If I have a problem with a specific person that happens to be black, or Mexican, or Asian, or any race, it's because of the way they are behaving and treating me, not because of their color. I'm starting to wonder if racism only exists because of what a person of any color presumes another race is thinking of them. continued... "

dwarf wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:10 AM:

" JustMyThoughts - You can't move past race by pretending it doesn't exist. "

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:09 PM:

" I'm sure your heart is in the right place, Jim, but what bothered me was your letter and not his speech. You sang praises of his wanting to move beyond race, but followed that up with "perhaps whites...". If what you took away from this speech was the need to move beyond race, then it was certainly worth your time to listen. But why then proceed to propagate the problem further?

The mainstream media has been doing the same thing, and it bothers me to no end! Joe Politician makes a point about moving past race, and the media is right on their shirttails reporting that “x% of blacks said this, x% of whites said that, x% of white women over 60 said this…” It never ends, does it? Will the media let it end? Will you? "

Geez! wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:06 PM:

" Jim Boswell - I never said I didn't agree with his speech. You need to re-read what I posted. Your jump to such asinine conclusions destroy what lack of credibility you had to begin with. My advice to you is to quit while you're so far behind. Edwards did. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:52 PM:

" Live wire, mustang, geez and all you other naysayers.
I'm going to challenge you to do something that I bet you find difficult - though I might be surprised (I often am!).
I want you to tell me, quoting from Obama's speech on race, just exactly what in the speech you don't agree with. Remember now, QUOTE FROM THE SPEECH, preferably using whole sentences and/or complete phrases.
(Oh, and please don't play the grandmother card. That's been tried and didn't get very far.)
I'll be gone for a while, but when I get back, I want to see what you've come up with. In all sincerety, Rev. Jim "

dwarf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:36 PM:

" LiveWire - are you familiar with liberation theology at all?

Go to wikipedia if you need clarification. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Puffinstuff, for goodness sake, don't you see that it's not just about things that happened way back in the past, but are happening in the present. White working class people have legitimate resentments toward some blacks over some things that are happening NOW. Blacks have legitimate resentments toward some whites over things that are happening NOW. Obama makes that clear in his speech. Read what he says. To a remarkable degree, he sympathizes with both white and black complaints and resentments.
But he calls us to do just what you said. Get rid of both black on white racism AND white on black racism, regardless of what is it is based on, whether real or imagined, past or present. Injusticies have taken place and are taking place on all sides, but it's time to put all that behind us. That, exactly, is the message of the speech! Rev. Jim "

Live Wire! wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:07 PM:

" Rev - do you think it's time for Obama to apologize yet? He's made it very clear up to this point that he claims to disagree with Wright, but he hasn't apologized for being a member of a racist organization. He hasn't apologized for an error in judgement by continuing to associate with this racist and inviting him to be an advisor on his campaign. And now it comes out that just a few months ago, Wright was using racial & ethnic slurs against Italians, calling us among other things, "garlic noses". Wright makes me sick. And it makes me sick that Obama isn't man enough to apologize and admit a mistake, instead of making excuses. "

94mustang5 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:03 PM:

" President need to judged by actions, not speechs. Mr Obama supported this man until it became politically incorrect to do so. He either lied about agreeing with the Pastor, or he was monumentally ignorant of the possible repercussions of his poor judgement. "

HRPuffinstuff wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Jim Boswell: YI did state that for a first-time, seriously considered black presidential nominee, Obama may best be able to stop white on black and black on white racism. But constant hatefulness to one race of people for something that happened to someone else, by someone else - for something bad that happened so long ago and has since been resolved, is not the way to do it. We all acknowledge that slavery was wrong and should've never happened. But holding on to such resentment towards people for something that happened so long ago that our great, great grandparents weren't around to witness it is not only getting us no progress, but perpetuates racism by re-hashing something that cannot be erased, nor blamed on people that weren't even there. It's counter-productive. All we can do is learn from it and move on. I think it's about time to stop milking the situation, after all slavery has been dead for a very, very long time. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:01 PM:

" He discussed it in a way that I fully agree with. Please give specific instances of plagiarism. Rev. Jim. "

Geez! wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Jim Boswell - if you *seriously* think that Obama's speech will "go down in history as one of the greatest speeches of a presidential candidate", then I submit that a) you are so blindly pro-Obama that everything he says is "the greatest" you've ever heard, b) you have absolutely no concept of history, c) are drinking the Kook-Aid way too much, d) hate everything that is not Obama / Republican, e) you are such a racist that you can't even see it in yourself, or f) somewhat of a combination. Obama is NOT the Second Coming. He is one of two Presidential Candidates fighting for the Democratic Party nomination, and has a very good chance of getting it. Was it the fact that someone of prominence discussed race relations in a way that you fully agree with, or just that Obama said it? I ask because these same words and phrases he used have been used time and again. After all, Obama is not above plagiarism. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:06 PM:

" In an earlier post, Puffinstuff, you said, "I believe that for the first ever black democratic nominee for President, Obama would most be able to accomplish those ideals you speak of, to not only put a stop to white on black racism, but also black on white racism. "
I completely agree with that statement. And may I point out that you used 'white' and 'black' to make it. And in doing so, I don't think you were perpetuating racism. Rev. Jim
"

HRPuffinstuff wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Jim, (I refuse to call you Reverend), you are perpetuating racism by claiming that "whites" (your word, not mine) should take responsibility for something that happened years and years before any of our immediate ancestors were even born! That's absolutely ridiculous. How do you propose to move on from that if blacks (when in Rome...) insist on harping on something that didn't even happen to them personally, nor anyone they know or are immediately related to, and blaming people that had nothing to do with it. That is very backwards thinking, and only serves to keep racism alive by milking an old situation that didn't involve any of us for centuries to come?! "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:05 AM:

" I'm going to say this and I mean it firmly. I'm originally from NC and I think I know something about racism.
We all have our biases, prejudices, and preferences. That's unavoiable. But not all of us are racists. I've seen people go from bias to racism and I've seen them change and go back to other way.
In my opinion anyone who carefully considers Barack Obama's speech on race - reads it, listens to him deliver it, views it with real attention - and then says that he accused his grandmother of being a racist - or that the speech itself is racist - that person is himself/herself so racist as to be frightening, and it's up to the rest of us to save this country. Rev. Jim "

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:44 AM:

" As human beings, Reverend, absolutely. Not because of your color or religion. You can't address racism with more racism. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Nothing visionary in this speech? Geez, are you blind? This speech will probably go down in history, regardless of who wins the presidency, as one of the greatest speeches of a presidential candidate since Lincoln's Cooper Union Address, and after that the House Divided speech.
Vioice in the Wilderness, I think the day may come when you will eat your words. Just my Thought: I guess I'm and odd bird. I actually feel some responsibility for what happened to the Jews, even though I'm not a German. But I'm Christian and it was Christians who did the Holocaust, and I can't say it has nothing to do with me. What happened at Tuskegee, what was done to Native Americans... we should be able to have at least some understanding for some of the hard feelings that remain. And now we have a particularly wonderful chance to put some of that right. Sorry you guys can't share the thrill. It's beautiful. Rev. Jim "

Geez! wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:26 AM:

" His speech was just a re-hash of the same things we hear all the time regarding race. Nothing new. Nothing visionary. Nothing that addresses the vicious and anti-American rantings of his lifelong preacher. He can't tell us that after hearing these rants for over 20 years, it "all of the sudden" was "news to him" that his preacher held these radical views. We're not that stupid. It's funny how politicians "suddenly realize" just how bad something is only after the media and general public become aware of it. Obama is a phony, like most politicians. All he wants is to be elected no matter the cost. The only difference in this case is that he is a "person of color" and therefore "off-limits" to people who are not, for fear of being labeled a "racist". Pathetically sad and hypocritical. America deserves much more than this for their [potential] next leader. "

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:48 AM:

" One last thing. A great speech maker he may be, but in my book that makes you (or your speech writers) an excellent candidate for a keynote speaker, not necessarily the President of the United States. Let's put more emphasis on policy, and less on personality. "

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:44 AM:

" (cont.) Tell me I should be ashamed of my ancestors for slavery. In those days half of my family was in Ireland dealing with their own issues, some was fighting and dying to abolish slavery, and some were living on a reservation (now there’s a topic.) Oh, I apologize, you weren't referring to my specific family, just other people with the same color of skin as mine... what's that called again?

Can I understand the anger and resentment? Sure I can! Does it have anything to do with me personally? If you can tell me how it does, without saying the word "white", I'll be glad to listen.
"

JustMyThoughts wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:44 AM:

" Reverend, you disappoint me. "Perhaps whites could better understand why some blacks hold very strong resentments"... define "whites" please. People with white skin? Those of the Jewish faith have white skin, and you should well know the history of what they have dealt with as a race. The majority of European countries have people with white skin, and there have been plenty of genocides and other atrocities visited on those people as well. Holding a grudge against a person with white skin for what another person with white skin did is not only ignorant, its ludicrous and is the very definition of racism. Asking a person to acknowledge the sins of his ancestors, which means you're assuming that their ancestors were present and either participated in or condoned those sins, is ridiculous! "

OGS wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:13 AM:

" TO dwarf: Just because I am concerned, how do you get the paranoid thing? As far as Ron Paul's record is concerned I am not familiar with his voting record on the shrimp industry, however I have no doubt that his intentions are honorable. What is wrong with Dr. Paul being pro-life. He is a OBYGN and has delivered 4000 babies. I think I would expect that of him. However be it that he is personally pro-life his view is that according to the Constitution is should be a state by state decision. Anti-flag-burning-amendment? What are you talking about? Ron Paul one of the few politicians that upholds the Constitution,,,that's why I like him. You got a problem with the U.S. Constitution? "

dwarf wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:36 PM:

" Annienap, Obama didn't make this election about race. The folks (Clinton? McCain? Whoever?) who posted all the Wright YouTube vids & press releases did. Obama never made this about race, until he more or less had to - he could either ignore the Wright controversy or try to face it head-on. He chose the latter, and that speaks well to his integrity. "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:50 PM:

" Reverand Jim...shouldn't you be rendering unto God that which is God's. If you would do that as well as you're rendering unto a man who would be Caesar...or King...or Emperor, you'd attract a lot more people to Christianity. You're VERY good at rationalizing a truly unqualified candidate for one of the most powerful political positions in the world. You sound like the kind of FRIEND I'd like to have....one who sticks with me thick or thin, right or wrong. Obama did, as you said, "unfortunately" use a wrong word and, yes it was only a word...but one from a man already in one of the most powerful places in world history...frontrunner in a race for the presidency with an actual chance of becoming president. You've obviously thought long and hard about him and I think you're going to be very dissappointed after you see how he runs this country...IF he wins, GOD forbid! "

VoiceInWilderness wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Typical is part of the word stereotypical, commonly used to bunch people into one easy image. Obama made a racial slur against his own grandmother and the rest of the white women. Whites are no more typical than blacks. Later on the radio he added a whole generation. It's unfortunate that my black friends get scared of black gangs, too. If they do, I figure I should also be cautious. It's unfortunate that a lot of blacks use terms like white boy, honky,peckerwood and other racial slurs or get very angry if you even get eye contact with them. I've experienced a lot of that. More than I expected because I was among thouse who fought for equal opportunity for them and blacks have had that and more for more than 4 decades. I don't want OBAMA for president because he is simply not qualified. Niether is Clinton. McCain is. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:18 PM:

" Oh no, Defender. I won't let you get away with that. In my last post to you, I asked you to look at Obama's "Blueprint For Change" and report on it. Do you find no specifics there about the changes he has in mind? Is that a "misguided" question? Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Jarhead, the next time you write Shoot Jim Boswell, please put a comma after shoot. [Just kidding, but it did startle me.]
I hope (and think) you are wrong about the Clintons.
Some pundits are now predicting that this long struggle will come to an end with North Carolina. If Pennsylvania is close, and if Sen. Clinton can't win NC, she's finished, they say.
But some of the party heavyweights are already getting impatient with her, pointing out that mathematically it is next to impossible for her to win. Also, they aren't taking kindly to the recent "get mean" tactics, primarily from the Clinton camp. The pressure's definitely building. Rev. Jim "

Defender wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:51 PM:

" Man, I am so worn out with all the Jim Boswell posts on this one letter to the editor! I cannot defend that many posts. Actually, PANTAGRAPH, if you are reading, I support a limit of THREE postings to any one letter or article per person. I read a couple of Jim Boswell posts, but when I realized he had soooo many, I skipped all the rest of his. He is over-kill with mis-guided positions. "

Cavewoman wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:37 PM:

" Why does Obama sound like a racist in his speech when he stereotypes white people? "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:33 PM:

" Annienap, what you say about the race theme is just not true. Obama has recently made at least two major speeches that had nothing to do with race. We are talking about it here because that was the theme of my original letter - But have you noticed? Even here we're beginning to get over into other issues. Go look at Obama's "Blueprint For Change." It even has speeches on it you can listen to. I just listened to the first one, on Ethics reform, delivered in a simple, non flashy style, Obama really means it when he says lobbyist aren't going to be in control, and there will be greater transparancy in everything the government does. See what he intends to do with 'Google for government,' p. 5, which, says the Chicago times, 'would enable the public to see where federal money goes and how it is spent. It's a brilliant idea.' Rev. Jim "

Jarhead71 wrote on Mar 25, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Shoot Jim Boswell, I fear for his life if he takes Hillary as his VP running mate. Too many people standing around the Clintons have ended up making early funeral arrangements. Not the 30 some that the woman attorney wrote about and most were debunked in urban legends sites. I am talking about the 12 or so that ended up in suspicious suicides or accidental deaths. Twelve is too many to be a coincidence. I fear that if Obama stands in the way of Hillary getting into the White House, he will be removed, by accident. "

Jarhead71 wrote on Mar 25, 2008 7:20 PM:

" I'm kind of like Dwarf in his 10:59 AM post. My dad was a union steward, confirmed Democrat and ALWAYS voted Democrat. He'd have shriveled up and died if he ever voted for a Republican. He was mathmatically smart and had great influence in my life. He and I respectfully disagreed on many things. Though not a Republican, I have voted for Republicans when I thought they were better than the Dems. Disagreement with one's mentors means that those mentors did an excellent job mentoring. Rev Wright and my dad and apparently Dwarf's dad are of an era that once gone, will open doors of reconciliation instead of animosity. I am ready to get on to the next step in being an American where EVER American is equal and skin color is just what it is: complexion. "

Annienap wrote on Mar 25, 2008 7:05 PM:

" Yes, Obama did speak about race with candor and dignity and that is just my point. ALL he speaks about is race and he IS making this entire election a racial election. I don't trust the guy at all anymore - I won't even look at his face on TV. I do what I do when Bush's face comes on the screen - I change the channel. As far as I am concerned I, as a lifelong Democrat, will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee. The guy is NOT on the up and up. Not at all. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 6:12 PM:

" Oh dear. I've got to start re-reading more carefully. My last quote of Obama should have read "when I am president, there will be no excuses." I left out the word "no." Rev. Jim "

dwarf wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:53 PM:

" OGS... you seem a little on the paranoid side...

You said you were supporting Ron Paul, but have you taken a look at *his* voting record? For a libertarian, he sure sponsored a lot of anti-flag-burning-amendment, pro-life, giving-financial-benefits-to-a-local-shrimp-company legislation... "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:31 PM:

" A significant number of Americans considered Nader superior to two evils. The 4,000 US soldiers who died in Iraq might, if they could, wish they had decided differently. Rev. Jim "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:59 PM:

" I fear for his life because I think he means it when he says,
"Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation. That's why I've fought successfully in the Senate to increase our investment in renewable fuels. That's why I reached across the aisle to come up with a plan to raise our fuel standards. ...And I didn't just give a speech about it in front of some environmental audience in California. I went to Detroit, I stood in front of a group of automakers, and I told them that when I am president, there will be more excuses - we will help them retool their factories, but they will have to make cars that use less oil." - speech in Des Moines, Oct. 14, 2007
That alone could get him killed by big oil or big business. Or am I being paranoid?Rev. Jim "

Crimson wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:52 PM:

" @OGS: Interestingly, OGS, I also googled. Odd how we have such different viewpoints. I'd post links, but then my post wouldn't show up. I believe you're incorrect, you believe the same of me. So be it. "

Jim Boswell wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:50 PM:

" You know, after advising someone else to look at Obama's "Blueprint For Change," I found myself looking at it. And one result of that is, I fear for his life.

First, I fear for his life because I fear that some racist may get to him. There is evidence for that in this country and I'm not entirely sure we haven't seen some of it right here.

Second, I fear for his life because he says things like this:
"I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate to take on lobbyists - and won. They have not funded m

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