500 Volunteer on a Sunday to Help Obama's Upcoming Oakland Appearance

The grassroot movement is going to sweep through this nation for Obama. The big story will be how ordinary citizens joined together to make a difference. We had a similiar meeting here in Florida and teh enthusiam couldn't be any better. Obama is right, it's time to turn the page and younger new voters are going to make an impact like never before. I know that younger voters have come up short in the past, but we didn't have a choice before who was worth getting behind. Many politicians have ignored this voting bloc. Obama has changed that dynamic and like myself, other young voters couldn't be more excited. Not just youth are on board, many boomers are also seeing the light. Obama in '08!

When I first saw Barrack Obama interviewed on TV I was thrilled to have such a breath of fresh air in politics. However, my happiness was short lived when I began corresponding with is church in Chicago. I urge your readers to do their research. This has nothing whatsoever to do with religion! Read the rules of his church and substitute any other race you like into the text - do you think you would still vote for the person who belives as he does?

We are all so anxious for a good person to run for office, its easy to avoid the obvious. I do think he is a good person, but I just can't get past the rules he has choosen to abide by.

http://www.tucc.org/about.htm

0. Commitment to God
0. Commitment to the Black Community
0. Commitment to the Black Family
0. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education
0. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence
0. Adherence to the Black Work Ethic
0. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect
0. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness"
0. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the Black Community
0. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions
0. Pledge allegiance to all Black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System
Personal commitment to embracement of the Black Value System.

Jo
Oakland, CA 94608

@ Jo

I'm a white guy, and I don't see anything wrong with the goals set forth by Obama's church. It would appear to me, given centuries of slavery and poverty, that there may be a need for black people to identify themselves as a unified community and do their part to bridge the gaps. White people have not been subjected to the built-in disadvantages that blacks have.

Beyond that, I also believe that it is counterproductive and unnecessary to attack anyone's choice of religion in a country that so values freedom.

America could only be so lucky as to have selected a leader who has Obama's background, rather than just another middle aged white male who has lived a very homogeneous and privileged existence.

I also see nothing wrong with those values. Just replace black with Protestant or Catholic and it would read like many other churches mission statements. It is a sad commentary on this country that we are so suspicious of any references to race (Black, White, Asian, Hispanic) that we cannot acknowledge that it does play a significant role in peoples lives and communities without it seeming hostile or threatening to many.

One of the reasons I like Obama is that I believe he forces us to confront some of these issues head on and, to my mind, that is a very good thing.

Michael:

Your comments are heartfelt - but I do not have any problem with anyone's religion and made that clear in my comment. I'm not sure what you mean by your statement; "rather than just another middle aged white male who has lived a very homogeneous and privileged existence." There are many people of all colors and backgrounds who have experienced both homogeneous and privileged existences along with many of all races who have experienced the worst of conditions, including slavery. My husband's ancestors came to the United States at the request of William Penn to escape being burned at the stake for their religious beliefs - of the ones who survived, some went on to serve in government - according to your statement you would have walked right by them and put them in your "homogeneous and privileged" catagory - just based on the color of their skin. Some progress we've made.

@ Jo

You're putting words in my mouth by insinuating that I would believe that anyone who is white would have grown up privileged, and I don't appreciate that. What I mean is this: did they come from wealthy backgrounds? Attend Ivy League schools and not need to take out loans? Make millions in either business or inheritance before running for office? Have never dealt with the kinds of issues that many Americans outside the top tax bracket have to deal with?

It has nothing to do with skin color. It has to do with background. Look no further than the backgrounds of Bill Clinton and George W. to see what I'm talking about. Its pretty clear you don't really get it.

It may interest you to know that, most of the Black Churches and Schools were supported by Whites who were devoted christians. Many of these Whites not only fought against slavery but many also died. The list of teachings for the Church have been there for many many years. We have made significant progress in this country more than any country in the world.

Michael:

Its clear, by what you have written, that you judge people based on sterotypes. If you really believe that all it takes is a rough background to form a good person, then YOU don't get it. The rules of his church exclude all others based on race - period. If they believe it doesn't -then why did they include the word "black" at all? Why was it necessary for them to duplicate what those in this country did before the civil rights movement? Remember white only bathrooms, white only buses, white only restaurants? Since I, like many others want to know as much as possible about the people running for president, I did my research and knowing nothing about his church, what was I supposed to think reading the rules they live by? I know in my heart that any church or organization that had the same rules, but with the word "white" in place of "black", would cause outrage no matter what they said they meant by using the word "white". Its a HUGE step backwards to use race to define a belief system.

Oh, get over it, Jo. He is gonna win the Presidency, and your "concerns" (cough, shill, cough) are not that big of a deal. Thanks though, and I expect a snarky response reminscent of certain posters from certain sites that shall remain irrelevant.

Previous comment was mine, accidentally put "Jo" instead mine.

Seriously though, if you want Hannity & Colmes talking points, ask Jo.

Nice try ;)

"This has nothing whatsoever to do with religion!"

Strictly speaking, neither did MLK's calls for Economic Empowerment, or to end the Vietnam War. And, in point of fact, similar calls that his philosophy had nothing to do with Christianity were made at that time.

Religion must be interpreted to be made real, to work in the real world. Most Christians act to develop rules and ideals that are (hopefully) based upon the teachings in the Bible, yet reflect the world around them at that time. Sometimes it's done formally, but oftentimes it's a growing, informal process.

There is no sin in that act, in and of itself.

or gals, whichever. Look. The whole black this black that, I see how it could creep you out, it used to creep me out when I saw stuff like that, but you have to take it in context. It's not a race thing really but a culture thing, a community thing. That does exist. And from what I understand, these people are on the "self reliance" tip - they see a culture of dependence and materialism around them and they want to band together and do what they can to reverse that. If you go to the Obama website and look at the video of his speech in Selma you will see those themes are the ones that the audience responded to most vehemently, to the point of a spontaneous, mid-speech standing ovation. I'm not black. This is all new to me. It was interesting and I found it encouraging and inspiring. I think the more you look into it the better it looks.

oops.

ok, in case anybody is reading and might be baffled: I thought I had a subject line reading "guys guys guys" on my previous post there. so, uh, yeah.

Jo and Micheal it's GREAT to see you guys go back and forth about the rules/teachings/goals the Barack and his church family set forth. Being African-American and growing in in South Carolina many people in my community should've read or been exposed to these rules and probably the high black on black crime wouldn't have been so high or fathers making babies and leaving the women to fend on thier own wouldnt be through the roof. Why is it that when a black person has a little success in anything you become so prone to judgement. Im 25 work for a Forbes 50 compant, drive an 05 Avalanche, live in a nice neighborhood but the first thing someone "white" thinks when they see me is "he must be selling drugs or a rapper". How do I know that, cause when I get that look, I ask them just to see what they're thinking but when I tell them that Im a IT Analyst they warm up to me. This country now has the opportunity to put pitty differences aside and elect someone that's just like us (how Micheal stated. Man Barack is special and he gives people "hope" and these days with the war, high gas prices, perople with no Health Insurance and so much more if we find "hope" than it gives us something to reach for. I truly believe Barack can restore the dream back to America and I will continue to fight for Barack and help get our country back on track. LOVE YOU GUYS!!

Its amazing that Black people are castigated for years for not "pulling up by their bootstaps", but, when a Black man, church, organization advocates doing just that, we get all of this sentiment that we are, somehow, being exclusive! In the immortal essence of Nina Simone, we are are not being ugly to you, we are just "ignoring" you. We have our own swamp to drain. Since you were instrumental in us being placed in the the muck, you can't help us. We MUST help ourselves!

Jo, the usage of the word "black" is a part of liberation theology. It is a movement to empower the black community to define themselves as subjects, not object, of history. You can watch Obama's pastor explain this while being attacked by Hannity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dDAySUywko

It's not a matter of exclusion. It's self-definition. I'm a college student and we settled this debate in our One Million Strong For Obama facebook group weeks ago.

But yes, Barack is amazing, and the energy he has sparked even greater. Here's one of my post from the facebook boards:
"We have to keep the energy positive and not fall prey to skepticism. There is this tendency to battle for the position of "the most realist commentator." Somehow it is seen as noble to disengage yourself and attempt to predict the most likely result. The victor of this ridiculous debate wants vindication that they had the best march madness style powers of analysis. What gets over-looked is that in a college basketball tournament, you are always on the sidelines. In politics, the sideline doesn't exist. We're all in the game and the ones unwilling to pick up the ball when it comes to them forget that their effort (or non-effort) effects the result that they are hoping to predict. I think you're totally right that we, the youth, need to get out in droves. Spending our own money is good, but our limited capacity here shouldn't discourage us. Our greatest asset is the energy and positivity we can set off. People are dying to see what the youth are up to. They look to us for inspiration. It's an amazing power. So take it up and keep organizing!"

To Jo. March 12,2007 at 10:14:
I am sorry that you feel that Senator Obama abides by the rules listed in http://www.tucc.org/about.htm. Understand that 1st, these rules are directed to black people about how they should conduct themselves in relationship to other black people in order to help lift themselves. 2nd, The Senator has embraced these rules after changing them to include ALL people for the greater good. In other words, take the term black out of the rules and you will have a more clear insight into the soul and heart of the Senator. That's what makes him a "nice guy". He is commited to , therefore led by God, who is the Lord of us all (inclusive) therefore, to truly be His follower, he to MUST be inclusive.
Robert, Homewood, IL

To Jo. March 12,2007 at 10:14:
I am sorry that you feel that Senator Obama abides by the rules listed in http://www.tucc.org/about.htm. Understand that 1st, these rules are directed to black people about how they should conduct themselves in relationship to other black people in order to help lift themselves. 2nd, The Senator has embraced these rules after changing them to include ALL people for the greater good. In other words, take the term black out of the rules and you will have a more clear insight into the soul and heart of the Senator. That's what makes him a "nice guy". He is commited to , therefore led by God, who is the Lord of us all (inclusive) therefore, to truly be His follower, he to MUST be inclusive.
Robert, Homewood, IL

To Jo. March 12,2007 at 10:14:
I am sorry that you feel that Senator Obama abides by the rules listed in http://www.tucc.org/about.htm. Understand that 1st, these rules are directed to black people about how they should conduct themselves in relationship to other black people in order to help lift themselves. 2nd, The Senator has embraced these rules after changing them to include ALL people for the greater good. In other words, take the term black out of the rules and you will have a more clear insight into the soul and heart of the Senator. That's what makes him a "nice guy". He is commited to , therefore led by God, who is the Lord of us all (inclusive) therefore, to truly be His follower, he to MUST be inclusive.
Robert, Homewood, IL

"The Obama Hope Show" is the reality program I hope we will be watching in 08. He seems to be the computer model of years of rhetoric. " get an education, diversity is good, keep it real, be family oriented, live a healthy life, give honor to God, Honor your father and mother, respect womanhood, make a little money;not too much". What's not to like?

If we just keep our 'cool' we could have both Obama & Clinton as the next leaders of our nation. And I don't care which one is at the helm, we would have a win-win for 16 years. But, let's not cut them both off at the knees before they get started with petty assumptions and declarations that will feed into the right-wing machine. deWitt

Jo:

The Credo of this church was created over 25 years ago when South-Side Chicago residents (90% black) were experiencing MAJOR disenfranchisement. All the steel mills were closing down and jobs were very hard to come by. The credo was meant to help galvanize the black community as it existed at the time. It is not a racial thing, it is a community thing. I do believe it can be easily mis-interpreted though. But it's by no means racist. Even Oprah belongs to that Church.

I am a Retired military member, grew up in the South in a racist home and live in Alabama. I have over the last 30 years learned that skin color is not the making of the man/woman, but that their actions within the American community is whom they are! Sen. Obama's messages to us all is that we have for too many years forgotten that the ownership of government is supposed to be ours as true citizens of the US. It is time we learn this message and take heed with this leader of citizens! His color does not change the fact he is as American as any of us true Americans. The church call as stated above is from a much past time when it was a call for blacks to believe and work together to improve their lot in our AMERICA!

In my opinion, Barack's church has been misrepresented here. Yes, the list that was posted is on the website, and emphasized the "blackness" of things. However, directly under that list is ANOTHER list, that Jo must have missed, that makes it clear that this church is not just about being black, but about adoration for Christ. When the first 3 points are adoration, salvation and reconciliation, I don't think we have anything to worry about. Here is what the website said:

The Pastor as well as the membership of Trinity United Church of Christ is committed to a 10-point Vision:

A congregation committed to ADORATION.
A congregation preaching SALVATION.
A congregation actively seeking RECONCILIATION.
A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.
A congregation committed to BIBLICAL EDUCATION.
A congregation committed to CULTURAL EDUCATION.
A congregation committed to the HISTORICAL EDUCATION OF AFRICAN PEOPLE IN DIASPORA.
A congregation committed to LIBERATION.
A congregation committed to RESTORATION.
A congregation working towards ECONOMIC PARITY.

In order to clarify the confusion--please see the United Church of Christ website: www.ucc.org
The United Church of Christ has a long history of involvement in cutting edge transformation. Please read its history to understand more about Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Barack Obama is an exceptional human being, and I can only hope that his candidacy continues to thrive.

As an original Midwesterner understanding the culture and as an American (white) having living in Cleveland Ohio and in Oakland,Ca. I feel that this man could and can certainly inspire the American culture we are evolving into. On the positive side, we should be inclusive of all and not taking advantage of the poor disadvantaged but spiritually bringing them back to a place of hope and motivation. Acknowledging education as freedom and a sense of consciousness to do the right thing in society. The African American culture especially in Oakland is very proud and embraces diversity of all sorts but what stands out the most is education and being a productive part of society. This needs to be reinforced through church, schools and parenting. This man as a role model, which a president should be, seems to represent those values and have a lot in common with many youth who are struggling to better their future. Most are concerned for their families, healthcare, affordable housing, good jobs, decrease in violennce/crime. what are they in store for?
You have to make the future hopefull, not full of greed and selfishness, everyone is affected by the culture of our government. This current Administration seems to represent the most narrow minded greedy ignorant lot we have had ever. The billions of dollars of spending on nothing wasted, when we have a culture that does not care about education and values and human rights! Lets hope that in the future we are ALL envolved in saving the world not destroying it cultures and societies so that they loose their dignity like the we has. set the example for our heirs please don't leave a mess for our children...I am off the soapbox now!

Sorry about the run-on sentences and the words left out!
Basically we need to think about the future and who can lead us into this morally and intelligently.There is hope with this man.

Sorry about the run-on sentences and the words left out!
Basically we need to think about the future and who can lead us into this morally and intelligently. There is hope with this man.

Substitute the word "women" for blacks and you would represent my belief system. As a scrawny white kid growing up in mostly-hispanic southern and central California, I experienced extreme discrimination. Then, I became a business owner in a male-dominated profession and suffered more overt discrimination. Rather than whine, I have made it my life's mission to excel, forgive ignorance, and bring other women up the economic ladder with me. Unless you have been discrimated against, you can't understand the need to fix the problem from within. Because of my desire to see women at the top, it pains me to not lend my support to Hillary Clinton. But she voted to give Bush unilateral authority to go to war in Iraq and hasn't been truly repentant. Barack Obama's my top choice. Even my 75 year-old Mom (a registered Republican) loves him. I'm more worried about the religious zeal than the desire to see blacks excel.

What I get about Baracks campaign is HOPE and in present America it like a breath of fresh AIR. I will continue to support because I already see the signs,the rainbow spectrum of people in Oakland , the blogs about religion, My America where mainly the HEART and the mind shows. Let me dream and HOPE it becomes a reality. He is smart, he has a heart,and he has energy.
God willing he is President.
David

There is nothing greater than Faith! I have been blessed in so many ways just by believing in God. Before the "06" campaign I remember writing on a blog telling them that a change was about to happen. I prayed for this and somehow knew that God was about to make the changes happen. Well during the election day I watched some of the results and the person whom I voted for was not ahead.(Senator Webb) As I prepare for bed I said my prayers and then mention to God that you assured me that a change was about to happen. Only you God can make this happen. So I expect to wake up in the morning and Webb be declared winner. I went to sleep and when I woke up I thank him for allowing me to wake up. I then turned on the tv and heard Webb being declared the winner. God is truly good and He never let you down when you just have "Faith!" I said all of this because I truly believe that God placed Obama in this race for a reason. Have faith people because we are about to witness history in the making! Obama will be our next President! What is sad is that the media refuse to give him any air time. But what they don`t realize is that God is in control! You see that by the crowd Obama draws. Thats why I`m so glad I serve a greater power who holds all power in his hands than any human! Just keep supporting our future "President," and always keep the "Faith!" Many blessing to you all!

I've been sitting on edge of my seat, waiting in great anticipation of Obama's pronouncements of how he is going to implement those great plans we are all waiting for. But nothing came. I feel like I was stood up for a date. He looks great. He sounds great. He motivates. He excites. But inside there is nothing. He talked a little about raising taxes. He talked a little about wage fixing (did not work very well in the Soviet Union). He talked a little about making one person pay for someone else's healthcare, but said nothing about addressing the underlying costs, just who pays for it.

I did a little investigation on how he became senator. Apparently, he won by default because his opponent's campaign imploded over some messy divorce issues. His lack of experience is starting to show. Apparently, he has never been in charge of much of anything. Not sure he has the right stuff.

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