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Already drawing comparisons to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, Sen. Barack Obama's "A More Perfect Union" address on race relations yesterday, prompted by comments made by his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, led to an outpouring of responses from DiversityInc readers. Read Obama, Race and the Black Church for the story.

What do you think about the Rev. Wright's comments? Tell us what you think.

Here are just some of the unedited reader responses:

Personally, some of (Rev. Wright's) remarks were a little over the top, but were his own personal opinions (such as the 911 Conspiracy).  On the other hand, most of what he said is the truth.  Most of us (& especially white America) do not want to hear the truth. I feel Obama did the right thing in speaking out to those that were offended by Wright's remarks.  But America needs to open their eyes and see what is truly going on around them.  We should be able to hear & listen to all individuals with different points of view than our own and we do not always have to agree with every word they say, regardless if it's relatives, friends, pastor; etc.  But just because we may not see eye to eye, does not mean we cannot be friends and work and associate with each other.  That is what's wrong with white America today. If one does not look like them, talk like them, act like them, then they disassociate themselves.  Jesus mingled with all types of peoples (from the lowly to the highest).  He did not separate himself from others just because they were different. His vision was to embrace them all and bring them into the fold. Love them as you love yourself. That's the greatest love of all. Being able to work through our differences and continue to love one another. I say Rev. Wright was WRIGHT on time.  Abandon the fear America and come together!!!

--Jeanne Dleifoc

It appears the pundits have been tap dancing around the issue of race since Sen. Obama entered the race for the White House.  It clearly shows that even though progress has been made in race relations, there is still a very wide chasm. Perhaps if more white Americans attend Black churches, this would not have come as such a shock.. Why does Sen. Obama have to distance himself from Rev. Wright?  I don't recall seeing any white politicians distancing themselves from Rev. Falwell, ect. in the 80s. 

I've heard many commentators waxing dreamily about Dr. King; have they forgotten all of the nasty things said about him when he forced America to look in the mirror.  Perhaps if he'd played nice (according to your rules), he would not have been murdered.

--A. M. Williams

Mr. Wright made statements meant to rally one race against another.  It is apparent that the statements were rehearsed, therefore not just misunderstood.  Obama should not have protected him.  KKK's statements are condemned as mean and dangerous!  This man's should be condemned also not "explained" away or glossed over.  They sure have NO place being spouted from the pulpit.  If this type of statement had been recorded being spouted from an Arabic congregation, terrorist investigations would probably be pending. 

--Beth Phinny

I think he told the absolute truth. He has nothing to apologize for. At least he served in the military not MIA like bush. They knew about Rev. Wright way before now. The timing not a coincidence.

--Sharima Johnson

First, let's look at history. Lincoln's remarks about "enslaved" Africans while he was president. Johnson's comments (on tape) and profanity about "Negroes" in 1964 (mind you he was from Texas). And there are so many other Caucasians who have made and who still make comments far beyond what Rev. Jeremiah said. Be reminded he is a man of his times. He is called by God. He has seen the ugliness of America and has been its victim; and now that he is being attacked for speaking the truth from the Pulpit. If he was wrong, God would not let him make a mockery of his position. Obama is not responsible for his former pastor's comments. As I watched the news it showed numerous sermons of him.  So this was deliberate. The other camp is getting scared because of Obama's position over Clinton. His pastor did not make these comments recently so they are digging up the past. God is on Obama's side. He did an excellent speech to bring it forward on today about the issue of racism.

Asante and God Bless.

--Terrick Bowman

I have fought racism and discrimination nearly my entire career for the federal government and continue to do so. Rev. Wright's comments from the pulpit should not be justified in any manner or at any level.  To justify such remarks by stating they come from his generation and his experiences is no different than justifying another person for making their personal racist and negative remarks in public against an entire race and then finding justification in their background, generation, and experiences.  I do not condone any person generalizing or stereotyping an entire race in a negative manner...no matter their generation...no matter their background...no matter their race.  Either it is right or it is wrong to make such statements.  Either you agree with it or you don't.  If Senator Obama's belief is that racist and hate filled anti-America and anti-white comments are inappropriate anywhere and anytime, he should have brought this to his pastor's attention immediately after the comments were made. That doesn't mean to disown him; but instead to teach him.  I have an old uncle who occasionally mails racist and sexist emails out to family and friends.  I will not justify his emails with the fact that he has to let out his frustrations and anger or that he is a great guy otherwise (and he is).  As a Change Agent, I contacted my uncle and told him the emails were inappropriate and inaccurate and he should stop forwarding them.  If he were to continue, I would block his emails from my server.  That is the type of thing that a true Change Agent should do...to move our country into a more inclusive and respectful society.  Our next President must be a Change Agent to eliminate racism and stereotyping. That doesn't mean to stop talking about it - just the opposite.  We must continue to keep dialogue open in order to resolve racism issues that plague our country; however, we should not do it by screaming our anger and hate in public against an entire race of people. 

BTW, I will never condone or find justification in the statement, G.D. America.  I am shocked and disgusted to hear anyone use such a statement.  If my pastor would have made such a comment, he would have heard from me immediately after it was made. 

I am disappointed.

Thank you.

--Carol Dawson

The African Holocaust is a fact, and African Americans need to speak out about the injustice we continue to endure. African Americans reparation are past time now, and Rev. Wright's message is absolute a fact and proper in order that Democracy to take affect for all and not some.

--Hamza Wali

Rev. Jeremiah Wright's words are correct! People especially white and some blacks do not like the way he say it!

America has not been good to Black America. Slavery, Jim Crow Laws, hanging over 800 black men women & children during the 1800 are parts of America's history! Even in 2008, there is too much racial profiling. Mrs. Obama felt like she was a visitor at Harvard University.

Senator Obama makes a speech about race. He is such a great speaker that he can tell America the hardship of the black race. At the end, he also told people why he belong to Trinity United Church of Christ. The wonderful work the church has provided to the community. I attended a Thanksgiving service in 2003. It was inspiring.

--Zandra Conway

No doubt the right wing had to find something on Mr. Obama.  They couldn't find anything directly so they went after his associates.  Rev. Wright's statements - statements that we heard after 911 and are nothing new - was the only thing they could find.  I expect more stuff like this to surface as we get closer to the presidential election.  The unintelligent statements of President Bush don't make him unpatriotic? The fact is the administration lied about the weapons of mass destruction and a whole lot of other things.  I don't know what the problem is with his statements.  I've heard far worse from the O'Reily - Fox News Group.

--Arthuretta Martin

I believe Mr. Obama summed it up pretty well... don't be distracted by the "tone/noise" and confuse passion for aggression.  The Reverend was not very reverential in his choice of words and/or examples in making his points. However, in the clips repeated over and over, there were many "Amens" from the audience; sounding their approval of what they were hearing.  What the media and critics immediately missed and/or overlooked, was the resulting action taken by those in the audience afterwards.  Were they moved to violence, rioting, and protesting against white America and its policies? Or instead, was there reflection on status quo and how to make a difference by addressing and making "Amends"? Has anyone made an effort to interview anyone who was there as to their take-away from that so called incendiary sermon?  

--Mike Lemon

The Reverend's comments are honest, accurate, and brave. As a minority person, I am tired of the double standards America has historically held. We shove up democracy in other countries' tails, but we oppress our own. I know first hand the kind of America we are going to impose on our inner-city youngsters. let's cut the nonsense and be honest once for all. I am so excited that this incident has become out to the light. People were just trying hard (including Obama) not to talk about race. What an irony! The first time we have a minority candidate with real chances to become the president of the US, we are trying hard to avoid talking about race. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

--Adriana Gisler

I am a proud member of Trinity United Church of Christ, and I have nothing but profound love and respect for Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.  His words are in the tradition of the biblical prophets. Prophets were not patriots. Prophets did not appease oppressive governments. Prophets thundered, proclaimed, condemned, and forewarned.  Rev. Wright's words about America are no different. Wright is a brave man to say the words that he has said. He has been able to preach his fiery truth to his congregants for 36 years because he is "unbought and unbossed." May he remain so, in spite of the unfortunate mischaracterizations of him by the media.

--L. Brewer

Some of the comments I have read and heard amaze me. I have yet to hear anyone express exactly what Rev. Jeremiah Wright is running for. If he as is my understanding not running for anything, then he is entitled to say whatever he chooses. To somehow impugn Sen. Obama for comments that he did not sanction and or make exemplifies how far we still have to go in this country in the area of race relations. To those of you who do not believe Sen. Obama to be suitable for the presidency vote for Sen. Clinton but do so on the basis of their ideas their positions and their plans, not on a cheap excuse, for not taking the time to see what these two people (the one's actually running) stand for.

To not do so suggests that we cannot digest for ourselves, that we as well as Sen. Obama are not capable of our own thoughts and positions, and that the rhetoric whether it be from behind the pulpit or anywhere else of one man can or should be ascribed to another. The comments of Rev. Wright were meant to incite. Anyone who has ever attended a sermon in the black church understands that that is what sermons are meant to do. Let's have a discussion about race by all means. To do so however by ascribing the views of one however inflammatory they may be on another simply because they share the same skin color does a disservice to both parties as well as to the issue itself

--Donn Kizzee

To be honest from the video clips that I have seen either on YouTube or from major news networks, there were some that I totally disagreed with, however there were some comments that I did not have a problem with. Maybe, if I were in the pulpit, I probably would have used a different tone, but would have stated it the same. However, to be honest, I am not sure that speaking on some of the social ills is not at best should be spoken during Sunday church service.

--Kevin Facey

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