TheDailyBanter.com

Wright is telling the truth about Obama

(Cross posted in the HuffingtonPost)

As a supporter of Barack Obama (and donor), it is hard for me to bring up issues that will damage his chances of election this year. But the truth is more important than politics, as Obama's former pastor hinted at in his speech to the National Press Club this week.

"Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls," said Wright. "Preachers say what they say because they are pastors. They have a different person to whom they're accountable."

Wright's comments are certainly ill timed for Obama's election campaign, but he is not wrong.

Obama won't talk to Hamas

By Ben Cohen

Although I hate to pick holes in the candidate I believe will be the best president in recent history, Barack Obama's stance on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is political pandering at its worst.

After winning major brownie points with the international community for expressing a desire to talk with enemies, Obama flopped completely when it came to the leaders of the democratically elected Palestinian group Hamas. Obama said that his willingness to meet with foes "does not include Hamas."

Bush announces Middle East peace proposal, but no one cares.

By Ben Cohen

Apparently George Bush now wants peace in the Middle East. Having invaded two countries in the region, and funded another (the Israeli invasion of Lebanon), Bush is casting himself as a leader dedicated to ending the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Announcing a Middle East Peace conference, Bush said:

"We can help them prove to the world, the region and Israel that a Palestinian state would be a partner, not a danger".

"We can help them make clear to all Palestinians that rejecting violence is the surest path to security and a better life,"

Rejecting violence? Is he serious? Given the United States has systematically ignored the plight of the Palestinians and bankrolled an Israeli military that has caused thousands and thousands of illegal deaths, not to speak of its own murderous policy in the region, it is beyond ridiculous that Bush would even attempt to speak about the issue.

With the death toll in Iraq rising, and a war with Iran being discussed, the United States has zero credibility when it comes to matters of peace.

Bush has 18 months left in office, and he should probably spend the time on issues he is better able to cope with. Walking his dog and running around the park take skill and dedication, something Bush would be well advised to concentrate on.