I watched you on Joe Scarborough this morning; your editorial is much different than your posture this morning would indicate. I'm very impressed with your interpretation of Reverend Wright in totality. Unfortunately, Joe and his crew from this morning are more interested in continuing to hype the story versus addressing the truth that they recognize (contextually) yet pretend NOT to understand. Excellent comments. I'm impressed, not being condescending, and am now a fan. I'll check in as often as possible. God Bless .

Sent by GREG DOSS | 2:14 PM ET | 04-25-2008

When I read the title of this post, its asymmetry startled me, that pro-blackness could be better than pro-whiteness. A theoretical argument could be made that they should be equal. That was my gut reaction (as a white person).

Upon reading the entire post, I found the basis for differentiating pro-blackness and pro-whiteness is based on the different histories those races have had in America.

The title makes sense to me now when considering the past, but my gut reaction was more theoretical than historical, which I find a bit disturbing when taken with George Santayana's, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

Sent by Steven Peters | 2:40 PM ET | 04-25-2008

I absolutely agree! I don't like the over-simplification approach taken by folks like Hannity when discussing race. I'm sure he was very proud of his 'gotcha' moment. Thank you for setting him straight.

Sent by Alina | 2:59 PM ET | 04-25-2008

Mr. Ridley, I have to say that I am in absolute accord with you on this one. I only wish that you would "break it down" like this when you're yuckin' it up on Morning Joe with Scarborough, Brzezinski, and Geist. And can you do me a favor and send this directly to Patrick J. Buchanan? Thanks.

Sent by Virginia Dem | 3:14 PM ET | 04-25-2008

Seems like that argument is just a round about way of saying you do defend Jeremiah Wright's calls for self segregation.

Sent by hizzonor the mayor | 4:36 PM ET | 04-25-2008

There is NOTHING to say in defense of this hateful, racist so-called preacher. Absolutely nothing.

Sent by Mo | 5:11 PM ET | 04-25-2008

I came to this country from Cuba at a young age. When my mother and I became homeless after being abandoned by my blonde hair, blue eyed step father, a black family took us in until my mother could get back on her feet. That allowed me a year to see what this black family went through on a daily basis. My skin is not black, but I am pro-black and to be honest with you,I sometimes say many of the same things Reverand Wright and many others say about the inequality and lack of fairness in this country. I have been to southern churches were the sermon discussed the moral wrong of black men marrying white women. Is this not true America? Sure it is, the same as the racial divide that exist and that White America refuses to admit to. Let's have open conversation and face this thing together, black and white, and perhaps then we can truly have an honest discussion about where this country is going in the future.

Sent by C.Sotolongo | 5:43 PM ET | 04-25-2008

"A commitment to the black community"... because of a pesky little thing called segregation..."

if that's your reason for why blacks should stick together, then you must agreed with me that, you're just perpetruating the segregation tradition by other means and reasons.

Sent by jenesus | 6:59 PM ET | 04-25-2008

Perhaps some of your comments in this piece were a bit tongue in cheek. Otherwise they imply a deep mistrust, or at least a deep misunderstanding, of white folks. When I was growing up, teachers did have to encourage us to believe that with hard work, we too, could grow up to be president. (That was because I did not live in even a middle class neighborhood, much less a wealthy one.)

A great many white folks, sometimes referred to as the silent majority, have been raised to believe that a person should be judged by character, not color. Although the idealism of that teaching has been tested as we have grown up, it is still a principle we believe in. With that in mind, please understand that even though some white folks may be deeply racist and harbor anti black sentiment, a great many more do not. Most of us will acknowledge that there are still some racial barriers, but that divisive wall is falling, and ever more rapidly with the passage of time.

Yes, the change is long overdue, but, I have estimated that the change we need to remove racial barriers would take at least four and probably five generations to wind its way through our society. We have only been two and a half generations since the meaningful change begun in the late fifties by the civil rights movement began winding through our society.

Keep reminding us that we still have a long way to go, but do it in a way that is earnest - not divisive. Instead of drawing sharp lines between our cultures of Black and White (and Latino, Eastern, and Native cultures as well), let's look at each other honestly, then try to take the best things each culture has to offer and incorporate them into a single blended culture. From a non judgmental perspective, that would be a true realization of Dr King's dream.

Also, please remember that our nation's founders understood that societal change is difficult and slow, so they designed our governmental system so that change would come slowly. Again, keep pushing for the changes we need, just don't be divisive about it.

I hope that in my lifetime, I see a nation where color is really irrelevant. Statistically speaking, I have forty or so more years before I die. That may be just enough time to see all the reasons for our current mistrust melt away completely. I see the beginnings of that already. Kids in schools really don't understand why 'older folks' have issues with other people because of their color. Hopefully, our children's children will only know prejudice as something taught in textbooks, and our children's grand children will be bored by it all when reading about it.

Sent by Don Green | 10:04 PM ET | 04-25-2008

Finally, the voice of reason!!!! To suggest that pro-Blackness is the same as pro-Whitness is lunacy! How far from an intellectual arguement can you get?? You can't simply reverse the phrases and make a comparison! When I hear (read) people say (write) this it's as if they have no meaningful understanding of our own nation's history! Are we really incapable of understanding not everyone has had the same "American Experience"? Mr. Ridley, thank you for bringing some light into this discussion! I neither defend nor condemn Rev. Wright. But, with staggering numbers of African American children being born out of wedlock, there needs to be a focus on stregnthening African American communities. Why not by African Americans? I'm glad their church is trying to do something about it and some of the other issues faced by underrepresented groups.

Sent by Psmith | 1:33 AM ET | 04-26-2008

Listen to the song "The Death of Emmett Till" by Bob Dylan then comment about Rev. Wright

Sent by Sara Jane | 11:14 AM ET | 04-26-2008

It's sad that this "freedom" and "pro-blackness" over the last 40 years for Black Americans has resulted in 50% of the violent crime in the U.S. associated with Black America- a mere 12.5% of the population; low graduation rates for Black males and illegitimacy running rampant- all of which- of course- is attributed to White people, or Hispanics or slavery or welfare or hurricanes. Keep blaming others and perpetuating the stereotypes. Keep up with the acceptance of "pro-blackness." It's worked out so well so far. The Klan couldn't have done a better job of keeping Blacks "down" in America than Blacks themselves. Who needs rope, when you can just get the "victims" to immolate themselves.

Sent by Hamal | 11:58 AM ET | 04-26-2008

I just wish we were at a place where we didn't need special help and special organizations for ANY ethnic group. Sadly, we have a long way to go yet, as the posts by Mo, jenesus, and hizzonor, among other things, so clearly indicate.

Also, this - "... the whole concept of having to be pro-white is redundant. It's not as if, in the normal course of events, white folks as a race really need that much encouragement" is spot on.

Keep telling it like it is. It's the only way we can ever start to get past this kind of stupidity.

Sent by Annon Amos | 1:52 PM ET | 04-26-2008

Wonderful, insightful article. After watching Moyer's interview with Rev. Wright, it's not difficult to understand that he is not a racist. I think Rev. Wright is a champion of african-american culture, a culture which, as he explained in the interview, was/is being suppressed by rich white men. History is constructed, no doubt. Rev. Wright's view of history is born of his circumstances and those of his parishoners, but it is a history that must be told. These sorts of ethnic resurgences are not and were never uncommon in the world. In the present day, I think of Tibetens, the Huaoroni of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and other ethnic groups who have decided to assert their right to be a distinct culture in the face of national forces that want to assimilate these cultures into a national story that tries to apologize for its atrocious history (Joanne Rappaport's "Cumbe Reborn" is an excellent read on this subject). What stories are we telling? Rev. Wright knows what story he's telling. It may be framed in a certain way, but it's still the truth, and I firmly believe that Afro-Americans have every right to assert their culture, and they have every right to remind this nation of what happened to them and what is still happening. And by the way, I lost so much respect for Obama when I heard his response to all of this. What a wussy. Wright is preaching it, and Obama KNOWS that. Politics certainly bring the worst out in people.

Sent by Chad S. | 4:09 PM ET | 04-27-2008

Wonderful article.

Sent by R Adams Hou, TX | 9:59 AM ET | 04-28-2008

It never stops amazing me the comments I read and hear from white people on this subject. Are they living on the same planet? Just because you act like the KKK, CoIntelpro, and lynching didn't happen, doesn't mean the rest of the world is that out of it! It's time to wake up and take it on the chin, white folks! White men that shot and unarmed blackman just got away with it again and none of you are doing anything but complaining about the truth!

Sent by Alisia | 10:05 AM ET | 04-28-2008

You hit the nail right on the head.

The sad thing is I was almost convinced that what the Reverend had said was 100% wrong and irrational.

Taken out of context and given a short sound byte it sounds awful, but coming from someone that grewup in the church. I can relate entirely to the Reverends ethics.

Very good points. I feel like you scratched an itch I couldn't reach.

Sent by Rashid | 11:17 AM ET | 04-28-2008

Rev. Wright says "We aren't better or worse, we are just different". So how is that working out for you?

I work with people of all shades, all engaged in the enterprise we are pursuing, contributing to society and making a reasonable living out of it. We are located on the edge of one of the worst ghettos with the highest substance abuse, crime and murder rates anywhere. I lived in one of those ghettos some years ago and saw first hand the pride and the self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate failure. I used it as a learning experience, picked myself up from dependence, depression and poverty and made a good life for myself. What is the difference between me and my co-workers success and the failures on the other side of the parking lot fence? It isn't color, it is culture.

If White Americans do things one way and succeed, then some Black Americans seem to think they have to do things the other way and fail just to be true to their heritage. They are missing the point. Color doesn't matter. The culture of families staying together, respect for and pursuit of education, thrift, saving, hard work, deferred gratification, respect without pride, not trying to climb the ladder over your neighbors back, or pull him back down, instead climb along side each other while encouraging each other, pushing each other up , those are some of the ways successful individuals and families get ahead, no matter what their color or their history. Do I need to enumerate the behaviors that lead to failure?

Neighborhood thugs hide behind their color and justify their behavior citing exploitation their ancestors endured but thuggery is thuggery no matter the color of the perpetrator. When the minority community comes to terms with this and stops excusing it then that community will find the differences between itself and the rest of the country dissolving. At some time or other every culture has been enslaved by some other one.

Is there a vociferous group that is cashing in on the tensions between the cultures, attempting to perpetuate them in the name of religion and heritage for personal gain? Sure, and as long as their words drown out the efforts of those who want to reclaim their lives from the failures of the past there will be very limited progress in that direction.

Sent by James House | 10:00 PM ET | 04-28-2008

To be Pro-Black is not to say that we are Anti-White. As a people we have had to rely on church and self not church and state so more power to us and may we press on with pride.

Sent by Anthony | 10:02 PM ET | 04-28-2008

Most preachers have some sort of "Hustle" to get attention that will ultimately get their pockets' fat. What about the 3 million dollar mansion he is building in chicago? I'm sure there are members in his church that could use some of that 3 mil! It's a sad truth the way african americans act like crabs in a barrel. It is obvious that Jerimiah Wright is not a man of God becasue if he were, he would be focusing on the word of god rather than politics.

Sent by Michael | 7:22 PM ET | 04-29-2008

HAS THE CHURCH REALLY CHANGED OR ARE WE NOT DOING ENOUGH TO DRAW THE PEOPLE BACK TO THE HOUSE OF GOD. I KNOW I NEEDED HELP WITH MY PASTOR BECAUSE HE WAS NOT ALWAYS EXCEPTING ABOUT WOMEN MINSTERS BUT EVEN FOR ME WHEN I TOLD HIM THE LORD HAD CALLED ME TO PREACH AS WELL AS MY HUSBAND THE DOUBT AND FEAR SHOWED UPON THEIR FACES. BUT I KNOW GOD NEVER FAILS- WE NEED TO PUT ASIDE OUR PERSONAL FEELINGS AND GATHER AT THE TABLE OF TRUTH BECAUSE I WOULD QUESTION THOSE WHO PREACHED AND SAID JESUS LOVES ME BUT LOOK AT THE COLOR OF MY SKIN. THERE IS NO ENTRANCE PASS FOR YOU INTO HEAVEN BUT I LEARN OVER THE YEARS THAT WE FOLLOW WHAT WE SEEN AT HOME AND WAS TOLD TO BE QUIET EVEN IF THE ELDERS WAS NOT RIGHT WELL. I WAS CERTAIN THAT THEY WERE NOT PREJUDICE BUT YET WHEN TESTED THEIR ACTIONS WERE DIFFERENT. AND WHEN APPROACHED IT WAS ALMOST LIKE A SLAP IN THE FACE BUT NOT TO THEM BUT TO ME WHEN THEY SAID DON'T BRING THEM TO THIS HOUSE AGAIN. BUT WAS IT BECAUSE OF THERE SKIN COLOR OR BECAUSE
OF GENDER. I TRIED TO TEACH MY CHILDREN TO CHOOSE A PERSON FOR THEIR HEART AND NOT BECAUSE OF COLOR AND I WAS TESTED AND CAN SAY THANK-YOU LORD THAT MY KID WAS SATISFIED EVEN THOUGH I HAD BEEN BRUISED BY THE ACTION OF RACISM BUT THANK YOU LORD YOU KNEW MY HEART. GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSON. THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB WASH US CLEAN WHITE AS SNOW AND NOT AS WE ARE IN THE FLESH HIS GLORY SHINES BRIGHT OBAMA SHOULD BE FOLLOWING THE LAWS GOVERN BY GOD BECAUSE GOD HAS TO DEAL WITH REV. WRIGHT IF HE IS WRONG

Sent by LOVER OF CHRIST | 7:52 PM ET | 05-02-2008

This is a great article. I don't understand why some people see Trinity UCC's black value system as racist. Rev. Wright is saying the same thing that Bill Cosby is saying in regards to blacks taking responsiblity for our community. I'm writing this after Obama denouced Rev. Wright. It's a shame that these two stong, smart black men couldn't work their differences out. They could really be a powerful force together.

Sent by Sharon J. | 8:19 AM ET | 05-30-2008

Enjoyed reading all the comments of diverse opinions .......I must say that senator obama at this time needs to think collectively thus allowing himself to become the first african american president ...............as an african female I am well aware of the emotional social spiritual and physical state my people and it is very important to me as well as rev. wright and bill cosby but as a candidate for the president and being an african american male he cannot win the popular vote only talking about what he can only do for african americans that is not practical in american society maybe rev. wright and obama can agree to disagree and work together at a later time the end result they want is the same except obama wants to bring all people together and there is nothing wrong with that either

Sent by Aisha | 2:58 PM ET | 06-02-2008