As I am writing this, echoes of a bright political future are sounding off in the back of my head. As I do hear them, the only response that they are getting from me is a healthy view of my backside. The more important topic, our presidential candidates and their response to Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s sermons, is what has my complete focus. That focus is what has caused me to write this letter. This controversy has seriously caused me to reevaluate my stance in politics.

For example, the comment by Hillary Clinton stating that she would not have remained a member of a church whose pastor had made such comments is terribly insulting. What that means is that the thousands of black pastors who have preached similar sermons (and I literally mean thousands) would not be supported by Senator Clinton because they preach a message of TRUTH. A message that states, “If America does not judge itself, then God, being a just God, will judge it for them.”

These are the sermons I have heard all of my life (remember, I did grow up in the South). I am also insulted that Senator Obama dismissed these remarks as stupid and divisive. It is the continued oppressive acts of the United States that are stupid and divisive, not Rev. Wright’s comments. To compare the hate that is embedded in white America because of efforts like affirmative action to the hate that is embedded in black America that stem from slavery, Jim Crow, COINTELPRO, a failing school system, unequal education system and racist criminal justice system, I think is very unfair and very insulting.

Although I am sympathetic to his unique position as a presidential candidate, this situation does do one thing for me: it lets me know that me and Mr. Obama grew up in two different Americas. With that being said, I do agree with Senator Obama’s conclusion that these feelings are real and that they are not going anywhere. As a Democrat myself – and that may change soon – I have always thought that we must face these realities together as Americans, for, if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But the question I must ask is this: Is America really ready to repent? It is the answer to this question that will guide my future in politics.

Kevin Chambliss,
Graduate student
NIU College Democrats president

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