Obama helped organize Farrakhan's Million Man March

El_Conquistador · Apr 15, 2008

WOW. WOW!!!!!

The media hasn't picked up on this in a big way, yet, but of course, in time they will. How will Jewish voters react to this? There is a saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, y te dire quien eres". Tell me the friends you keep (or translated literally, tell me who you walk with), and I will tell you who you are. For Obama to be cozy with (walk with) Farrakhan and to participate in this event, and help organize it, speaks volumes. This + his relationships with Khalid Rashidi and Auchi and his pro-Hamas negotiating positions are and will be very disturbing to Jewish voters. Very disturbing.

http://www.forward.com/blogs/bintel-blog/13058/

Obama at the Million Man March
Posted by Daniel Treiman, April 1, 2008, 2:32 pm
A few right-wing bloggers have begun buzzing over a 1995 Chicago Reader profile of Barack Obama in which the then Illinois State Senate candidate discussed his participation in the controversial Million Man March, convened by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The 1995 march drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the National Mall in Washington — and caused a degree of consternation in the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals, took out newspaper ads in advance of the gathering, saying it would be “the largest event led by an anti-Semite in recent American history.” Nevertheless, many prominent black leaders participated in the march, and it was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (although the NAACP withheld its endorsement).

The Chicago Reader profile of Obama, which is now linked to on the alternative weekly’s home page, notes that the then-aspiring politico “took time off from attending campaign coffees” to attend the 1995 march:

“What I saw was a powerful demonstration of an impulse and need for African-American men to come together to recognize each other and affirm our rightful place in the society,” [Obama] said. “There was a profound sense that African-American men were ready to make a commitment to bring about change in our communities and lives.

“But what was lacking among march organizers was a positive agenda, a coherent agenda for change. Without this agenda a lot of this energy is going to dissipate. Just as holding hands and singing ‘We shall overcome’ is not going to do it, exhorting youth to have pride in their race, give up drugs and crime, is not going to do it if we can’t find jobs and futures for the 50 percent of black youth who are unemployed, underemployed, and full of bitterness and rage.[“]

The (old) news about Obama’s participation in the march is resurfacing as the Illinois senator attempts to move beyond the controversy over the inflammatory rhetoric of his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright (an admirer of Farrakhan). Ironically, however, the Chicago Reader article actually provides some support for one of the claims that Obama has made while trying to address Jewish anxieties about his candidacy — namely, that he has a record of speaking out against antisemitism in the black community (a point he made in response to a recent televised debate question about Farrakhan).

Indeed, way back in 1995, the young Obama told the Chicago Reader:

”…Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing.”

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”

Apollo Creed · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”
Click to expand...

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG I CANT BELIEVE IT!!!! HE'S THE DEBBIL!!!!

pgabriel · Apr 15, 2008

Apollo Creed said:

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG I CANT BELIEVE IT!!!! HE'S THE DEBBIL!!!!

Click to expand...

not only that but read this from the article

The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals

seems like a huge problem but obama's not black but he's a muslim but he has crazy christian pastor, but he marched with black men but he's an elitist but my head's gonna explode

gifford1967 · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

WOW. WOW!!!!!

The media hasn't picked up on this in a big way, yet, but of course, in time they will. How will Jewish voters react to this? There is a saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, I te dire quien eres". Tell me the friends you keep (or translated literally, tell me who you walk with), and I will tell you who you are. For Obama to be cozy with (walk with) Farrakhan and to participate in this event, and help organize it, speaks volumes. This + his relationships with Khalid Rashidi and Auchi and his pro-Hamas negotiating positions are and will be very disturbing to Jewish voters. Very disturbing.

http://www.forward.com/blogs/bintel-blog/13058/

Obama at the Million Man March
Posted by Daniel Treiman, April 1, 2008, 2:32 pm
A few right-wing bloggers have begun buzzing over a 1995 Chicago Reader profile of Barack Obama in which the then Illinois State Senate candidate discussed his participation in the controversial Million Man March, convened by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The 1995 march drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the National Mall in Washington — and caused a degree of consternation in the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals, took out newspaper ads in advance of the gathering, saying it would be “the largest event led by an anti-Semite in recent American history.” Nevertheless, many prominent black leaders participated in the march, and it was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (although the NAACP withheld its endorsement).

The Chicago Reader profile of Obama, which is now linked to on the alternative weekly’s home page, notes that the then-aspiring politico “took time off from attending campaign coffees” to attend the 1995 march:

“What I saw was a powerful demonstration of an impulse and need for African-American men to come together to recognize each other and affirm our rightful place in the society,” [Obama] said. “There was a profound sense that African-American men were ready to make a commitment to bring about change in our communities and lives.

“But what was lacking among march organizers was a positive agenda, a coherent agenda for change. Without this agenda a lot of this energy is going to dissipate. Just as holding hands and singing ‘We shall overcome’ is not going to do it, exhorting youth to have pride in their race, give up drugs and crime, is not going to do it if we can’t find jobs and futures for the 50 percent of black youth who are unemployed, underemployed, and full of bitterness and rage.[“]

The (old) news about Obama’s participation in the march is resurfacing as the Illinois senator attempts to move beyond the controversy over the inflammatory rhetoric of his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright (an admirer of Farrakhan). Ironically, however, the Chicago Reader article actually provides some support for one of the claims that Obama has made while trying to address Jewish anxieties about his candidacy — namely, that he has a record of speaking out against antisemitism in the black community (a point he made in response to a recent televised debate question about Farrakhan).

Indeed, way back in 1995, the young Obama told the Chicago Reader:

”…Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing.”

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”
Click to expand...

Wow. Obama was speaking out against anti-semitism and racism in the black community over 10 years ago. That takes political courage. Thank you tj. Thank you for posting this.

mc mark · Apr 15, 2008

pgabriel said:

seems like a huge problem but obama's not black but he's a muslim but he has crazy christian pastor, but he marched with black men but he's an elitist but my head's gonna explode
Click to expand...

Wait until Jorge finds out the Obama might be a Marxist.

Apollo Creed · Apr 15, 2008

gifford1967 said:

Wow. Obama was speaking out against anti-semitism and racism in the black community over 10 years ago. That takes political courage. Thank you tj. Thank you for posting this.
Click to expand...

Obama: NATIONAL HERO AND FREEDOM FIGHTER

He's pointing at you, TJ, thanking you for shedding light on his crusades for equality!

gifford1967 · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

WOW. WOW!!!!!

The media hasn't picked up on this in a big way, yet, but of course, in time they will. How will Jewish voters react to this? There is a saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, I te dire quien eres". Tell me the friends you keep (or translated literally, tell me who you walk with), and I will tell you who you are. For Obama to be cozy with (walk with) Farrakhan and to participate in this event, and help organize it, speaks volumes. This + his relationships with Khalid Rashidi and Auchi and his pro-Hamas negotiating positions are and will be very disturbing to Jewish voters. Very disturbing.

http://www.forward.com/blogs/bintel-blog/13058/

Obama at the Million Man March
Posted by Daniel Treiman, April 1, 2008, 2:32 pm
A few right-wing bloggers have begun buzzing over a 1995 Chicago Reader profile of Barack Obama in which the then Illinois State Senate candidate discussed his participation in the controversial Million Man March, convened by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The 1995 march drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the National Mall in Washington — and caused a degree of consternation in the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals, took out newspaper ads in advance of the gathering, saying it would be “the largest event led by an anti-Semite in recent American history.” Nevertheless, many prominent black leaders participated in the march, and it was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (although the NAACP withheld its endorsement).

The Chicago Reader profile of Obama, which is now linked to on the alternative weekly’s home page, notes that the then-aspiring politico “took time off from attending campaign coffees” to attend the 1995 march:

“What I saw was a powerful demonstration of an impulse and need for African-American men to come together to recognize each other and affirm our rightful place in the society,” [Obama] said. “There was a profound sense that African-American men were ready to make a commitment to bring about change in our communities and lives.

“But what was lacking among march organizers was a positive agenda, a coherent agenda for change. Without this agenda a lot of this energy is going to dissipate. Just as holding hands and singing ‘We shall overcome’ is not going to do it, exhorting youth to have pride in their race, give up drugs and crime, is not going to do it if we can’t find jobs and futures for the 50 percent of black youth who are unemployed, underemployed, and full of bitterness and rage.[“]

The (old) news about Obama’s participation in the march is resurfacing as the Illinois senator attempts to move beyond the controversy over the inflammatory rhetoric of his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright (an admirer of Farrakhan). Ironically, however, the Chicago Reader article actually provides some support for one of the claims that Obama has made while trying to address Jewish anxieties about his candidacy — namely, that he has a record of speaking out against antisemitism in the black community (a point he made in response to a recent televised debate question about Farrakhan).

Indeed, way back in 1995, the young Obama told the Chicago Reader:

”…Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing.”

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”
Click to expand...

Wait. It gets even better. Obama talks about how economic conditions lead to bitterness among black youth. Was he being condescending and elitist then? Or do those labels only apply when he has the nerve to talk about white people.

mtbrays · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

WOW. WOW!!!!!

The media hasn't picked up on this in a big way, yet, but of course, in time they will. How will Jewish voters react to this? There is a saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, I te dire quien eres". Tell me the friends you keep (or translated literally, tell me who you walk with), and I will tell you who you are. For Obama to be cozy with (walk with) Farrakhan and to participate in this event, and help organize it, speaks volumes. This + his relationships with Khalid Rashidi and Auchi and his pro-Hamas negotiating positions are and will be very disturbing to Jewish voters. Very disturbing.

http://www.forward.com/blogs/bintel-blog/13058/

Obama at the Million Man March
Posted by Daniel Treiman, April 1, 2008, 2:32 pm
A few right-wing bloggers have begun buzzing over a 1995 Chicago Reader profile of Barack Obama in which the then Illinois State Senate candidate discussed his participation in the controversial Million Man March, convened by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The 1995 march drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the National Mall in Washington — and caused a degree of consternation in the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals, took out newspaper ads in advance of the gathering, saying it would be “the largest event led by an anti-Semite in recent American history.” Nevertheless, many prominent black leaders participated in the march, and it was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (although the NAACP withheld its endorsement).

The Chicago Reader profile of Obama, which is now linked to on the alternative weekly’s home page, notes that the then-aspiring politico “took time off from attending campaign coffees” to attend the 1995 march:

“What I saw was a powerful demonstration of an impulse and need for African-American men to come together to recognize each other and affirm our rightful place in the society,” [Obama] said. “There was a profound sense that African-American men were ready to make a commitment to bring about change in our communities and lives.

“But what was lacking among march organizers was a positive agenda, a coherent agenda for change. Without this agenda a lot of this energy is going to dissipate. Just as holding hands and singing ‘We shall overcome’ is not going to do it, exhorting youth to have pride in their race, give up drugs and crime, is not going to do it if we can’t find jobs and futures for the 50 percent of black youth who are unemployed, underemployed, and full of bitterness and rage.[“]

The (old) news about Obama’s participation in the march is resurfacing as the Illinois senator attempts to move beyond the controversy over the inflammatory rhetoric of his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright (an admirer of Farrakhan). Ironically, however, the Chicago Reader article actually provides some support for one of the claims that Obama has made while trying to address Jewish anxieties about his candidacy — namely, that he has a record of speaking out against antisemitism in the black community (a point he made in response to a recent televised debate question about Farrakhan).

Indeed, way back in 1995, the young Obama told the Chicago Reader:

”…Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing.”

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”
Click to expand...

And your logic would dictate that every single one of the hundreds of thousands of men there were anti-Semites on par with Farrakhan and that all of the organizations such as the Congressional Black Caucus who endorsed the event are by and large, supporters of Hamas and other anti-Israel groups.

Humans are conflicting things, T_J; just because Farrakhan is anti-Semitic does not mean that those beliefs permeate his entire being. I'm not try to defend his hateful rhetoric. However, if the underlying cause of the Million Man March was one of anti-Semitism, I don't believe that so many people would have shown. I don't believe Barack Obama would have shown. In fact, the quotes presented throughout your little "bombshell," from Obama defeat your entire premise that it supposedly makes him out to be a hateful figure. In those quotes from 1995, he speaks what the March was to most of the black men there, not Farrakhan's irrelevant rhetoric.

WOW WOW WOW.

basso · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

WOW. WOW!!!!!

The media hasn't picked up on this in a big way, yet, but of course, in time they will. How will Jewish voters react to this? There is a saying in Spanish: "Dime con quien andas, I te dire quien eres". Tell me the friends you keep (or translated literally, tell me who you walk with), and I will tell you who you are. For Obama to be cozy with (walk with) Farrakhan and to participate in this event, and help organize it, speaks volumes. This + his relationships with Khalid Rashidi and Auchi and his pro-Hamas negotiating positions are and will be very disturbing to Jewish voters. Very disturbing.

http://www.forward.com/blogs/bintel-blog/13058/

Obama at the Million Man March
Posted by Daniel Treiman, April 1, 2008, 2:32 pm
A few right-wing bloggers have begun buzzing over a 1995 Chicago Reader profile of Barack Obama in which the then Illinois State Senate candidate discussed his participation in the controversial Million Man March, convened by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The 1995 march drew hundreds of thousands of black men to the National Mall in Washington — and caused a degree of consternation in the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League, while expressing support for the march’s goals, took out newspaper ads in advance of the gathering, saying it would be “the largest event led by an anti-Semite in recent American history.” Nevertheless, many prominent black leaders participated in the march, and it was endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (although the NAACP withheld its endorsement).

The Chicago Reader profile of Obama, which is now linked to on the alternative weekly’s home page, notes that the then-aspiring politico “took time off from attending campaign coffees” to attend the 1995 march:

“What I saw was a powerful demonstration of an impulse and need for African-American men to come together to recognize each other and affirm our rightful place in the society,” [Obama] said. “There was a profound sense that African-American men were ready to make a commitment to bring about change in our communities and lives.

“But what was lacking among march organizers was a positive agenda, a coherent agenda for change. Without this agenda a lot of this energy is going to dissipate. Just as holding hands and singing ‘We shall overcome’ is not going to do it, exhorting youth to have pride in their race, give up drugs and crime, is not going to do it if we can’t find jobs and futures for the 50 percent of black youth who are unemployed, underemployed, and full of bitterness and rage.[“]

The (old) news about Obama’s participation in the march is resurfacing as the Illinois senator attempts to move beyond the controversy over the inflammatory rhetoric of his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright (an admirer of Farrakhan). Ironically, however, the Chicago Reader article actually provides some support for one of the claims that Obama has made while trying to address Jewish anxieties about his candidacy — namely, that he has a record of speaking out against antisemitism in the black community (a point he made in response to a recent televised debate question about Farrakhan).

Indeed, way back in 1995, the young Obama told the Chicago Reader:

”…Historically, African-Americans have turned inward and towards black nationalism whenever they have a sense, as we do now, that the mainstream has rebuffed us, and that white Americans couldn’t care less about the profound problems African-Americans are facing.”

“But cursing out white folks is not going to get the job done. Anti-Semitic and anti-Asian statements are not going to lift us up….”
Click to expand...

it's certainly of a piece with the anti-semitism he learned, and allowed his kids to be taught, at the feet of his mentor, brotha wright.

pgabriel · Apr 15, 2008

basso said:

it's certainly of a piece with the anti-semitism he learned, and allowed his kids to be taught, at the feet of his mentor, brotha wright.
Click to expand...

I guess like the iraq war, if you keep telling yourself the lie it will become true

Jerry: So George, how do I beat this lie detector?

George: I'm sorry, Jerry I can't help you.

Jerry: Come on, you've got the gift. You're the only one that can help me.

George: Jerry, I can't. It's like saying to Pavorotti, "Teach me to sing like you."

Jerry: All right, well I've got to go take this test. I can't believe I'm doing this.

George: Jerry, just remember. It's not a lie... if you believe it.

Deckard · Apr 15, 2008

How does this hurt Senator Obama? Man, if anything, it makes him look good, in my opinion. I still think his "small town" comments were a political blunder of the first order, but not fatal. This thread is such a reach that it's simply ludicrous.

Impeach Bush. Send Him to Chicago.

El_Conquistador · Apr 15, 2008

Deckard said:

How does this hurt Senator Obama?
Click to expand...

Are you kidding? An association with Jew-and-gay hater Louis Farrakhan, as well as the perception that Obama's community organizer role was one similar to a Al Sharpton/Jester Jackson role is very very damaging in a General election. Painting the picture that he is a civil rights leader would decimate his General election prospects.

ROXRAN · Apr 15, 2008

Trader_Jorge said:

Are you kidding? An association with Jew-and-gay hater Louis Farrakhan, as well as the perception that Obama's community organizer role was one similar to a Al Sharpton/Jester Jackson role is very very damaging in a General election. Painting the picture that he is a civil rights leader would decimate his General election prospects.
Click to expand...

TJ, the thing that strikes me is all the additions of those Obama associates with is adding up in a negative way. It is alarming to me, the additions of those that have spewed hate rhetoric towards a specific group, or the US...

Very disturbing...

bigtexxx · Apr 15, 2008

where there's smoke, there's fire.

Rezko, Jeremiah Wright, Farrakhan. That's smoke.

weslinder · Apr 15, 2008

bigtexxx said:

where there's smoke, there's fire.
Click to expand...

Any good Texan that knows how to run a barbecue pit knows the problem with this statement.

Jeff · Apr 15, 2008

basso said:

it's certainly of a piece with the anti-semitism he learned, and allowed his kids to be taught, at the feet of his mentor, brotha wright.
Click to expand...

The bolded is NOT ok for future reference.

I know some of you guys on both sides of the political fence like to push the envelope, but a number of people - some pretty long-time posters - have gotten banned lately because things get out of hand on here too often and not just in the D&D forum.

There have been more and more reported posts coming from this forum recently - from posters of all different ideologies. That increase just tells me this forum is starting to get out of hand.

Consider yourselves forewarned.

basso · Apr 15, 2008

Jeff said:

The bolded is NOT ok for future reference.

I know some of you guys on both sides of the political fence like to push the envelope, but a number of people - some pretty long-time posters - have gotten banned lately because things get out of hand on here too often and not just in the D&D forum.

There have been more and more reported posts coming from this forum recently - from posters of all different ideologies. That increase just tells me this forum is starting to get out of hand.

Consider yourselves forewarned.
Click to expand...

seriously? seems pretty mild to me compared to much of what gets posted, and a not inaccurate way of describing obama's relationship to the good reverend.

Baqui99 · Apr 15, 2008

I heard Obama doesn't return his shopping cart at the grocery store.

Major · Apr 15, 2008

Its funny to see all these stories simply make the haters hate more and claim it is all the downfall of Obama, and yet everyone else - especially the voters - just doesn't seem to care.

pgabriel · Apr 15, 2008

basso said:

seriously? seems pretty mild to me compared to much of what gets posted, and a not inaccurate way of describing obama's relationship to the good reverend.
Click to expand...

"brotha" describes a relationship, is that your defense, seriously?

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