Did the benediction contain some racist statements? Did I hear that right?
I thought I heard Rev. Joseph Lowery (sp) say something like, “White must choose to do what is right?”
White chose right in 1964, Rev. Lowery, and a vast majority of Americans continue that tradition.
That was quite a sweeping statement.
I caught that bit on the radio during my lunch break. It came at the end of a long sentence in which Lowery spoke of the roles he envisioned for blacks, for Asians (“yellow”), for Indians (“red man”), and for whites, with a humorous rhyming phrase associated with each race. While I personally find it tasteless to assign social roles based on race, it’s not as if he was singling out whites.
Yea, I was listening on the radio and that guy definitely sounded like he had a few screws loose. That was supposed to be a prayer! The blacks, the yellows, the redman, the whites…that whole thing was messed up.
dare…we…say…not…unlike…wait for it…Rev. Jeremiah Wright?
Demonstrating yet again, that it is the Democratic Party seeing race/color first and separating folks into factions.
Barack Obama, making some more poor choices in affiliation.
Impeach Obama!!!
I think theres a pretty big distinction between someone who is “Racist” and someone who is a confused, loony old reverend, really.
Both are kinda sad though.
here’s the quote:
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen”
All the other colors callled out, seem to be in a positive light. The premise of the sentence is that white is NOW, right NOW, doing wrong.
that’s messed up, considering where the guy is standing, giving the benediction to the first Afr. American POTUS inauguration.
Feel free to get upset about it, hes just a loony old man they throw up there because hes black and religious and americans lub their jeebus
here’s the quote:
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen”
All the other colors callled out, seem to be in a positive light. The premise of the sentence is that white is NOW, right NOW, doing wrong.
that’s messed up, considering where the guy is standing, giving the benediction to the first Afr. American POTUS inauguration.
I, too, thought the whole passage was awful. While white and black are widely accepted descriptions of those two races, yellow and red have certainly gone out of style. I think his choice of words was terrible, but I don’t think he really meant to single out whites for comdemnation. I think it was more a light hearted (and light headed) effort at rhyming. His line “yellow will be mellow” could also be read as some attack on unruly Asians, who I doubt that’s what he meant.
** Feel free to get upset about it, hes just a loony old man they throw up there because hes black and religious and americans lub their jeebus**
Well, that, and the fact that he was a contemporary and confidant of Dr. King, who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with him.
Hey, don’t disparage Dr. King.
It seems that Dr. Lowery is stuck in 1958. I can understand and appreciate that it was difficult back then. But it’s 2009.
It just seems he might take the occasion to be happy for the racial progress that the day demonstrates. Rather than harken back in bitterness about how things were 50 years ago.
Like Jack said, kinda sad.
And a poor reflection on President Obama.
Not in any way a poor reflection on President Obama, any more than Warren’s likening of gays to child molesters reflects poorly on President Obama.
But, that line from the benediction had no place in this event. Or in this millennium.
This is what happens when you let people have the freedom to say what is on their minds. It’s terrifying, isn’t it?
Did Warren say that today at the invocation?
I guess I missed that.
Hey, don’t disparage Dr. King.
It seems that Dr. Lowery is stuck in 1958. I can understand and appreciate that it was difficult back then. But it’s 2009.
It just seems he might take the occasion to be happy for the racial progress that the day demonstrates. Rather than harken back in bitterness about how things were 50 years ago.
Like Jack said, kinda sad.
And a poor reflection on President Obama.
Actually that is not much diferent than all those jews who are still whining about the holocaust.
Don’t be daft. Obama didn’t write today’s benediction, nor did he author Warren’s idiotic statement. He gave both men of God approval to speak to the nation based on their service and their standing in the American religious community.
But I understand the need to pick at President Obama on his inauguration day. Please, don’t let me stand in your way.
let it be known im not picking on Obama.
I’m picking on the kooky old guy
mellow yellow
Don’t be daft. Obama didn’t write today’s benediction, nor did he author Warren’s idiotic statement. He gave both men of God approval to speak to the nation based on their service and their standing in the American religious community.
But I understand the need to pick at President Obama on his inauguration day. Please, don’t let me stand in your way.
Noted for the record.
I’m white, and trying to do right myself. 
nor did he author Warren’s idiotic statement
What did Warren say in the invocation that was idiotic?
Lowery, King’s colleague, gave the benediction that referenced the various skin colors.
Sorry, didn’t mean to be snippy. Just getting tired of the pile-on on a day we should be celebrating the process. I was referring to Obama choosing Warren despite his previous divisive remarks about gays. Warren gave a most excellent invocation this morning. Lowery, not so much. Neither should be of any consequence to Obama or his presidency.