Obama and Wright, Snake-Oil Salesmen

Most of the commentators are misreading Jeremiah Wright and his disciple, Barack Obama. The commentators keep looking for lofty motivations for their crusades when they are just snake-oil salesmen. They do what they do for fame, fortune and power.

Wright made his outlandish statements in his pulpit because he knew it was what his congregation wanted to hear. He knew it was what got them revved up and caused them to put more money in the offering plate. He is no different than any of the high-profile, financially successful preachers around the country -- black or white. None of them got there by being unremarkable.

Obama joined Wright's congregation because he knew it would advance his "community organizing" efforts. He was working in a predominantly black neighborhood so it made sense to become involved in a predominantly black church. And when it worked for him then he saw no reason why it wouldn't continue to work. He either agreed with Wright's views or was willing to overlook them as long as he was getting what he wanted from the relationship.

But, you might ask, how could he not see that his long and close association with Wright would haunt him when he entered the national political scene? Perhaps because he didn't anticipate becoming a prominent national political figure until it was too late to disassociate himself from Wright. Remember, he was first elected to national office less than four years ago.

Politicians and preachers are pretty much alike. They both know that to be successful they have to tell their followers what their followers already feel to be the truth. Can you imagine a preacher telling his congregation that even if they attend church regularly, do everything he tells them and tithe faithfully it won't make any difference in their lives now or in the hereafter? Can you imagine a politician telling voters that even if they contribute to her campaign and vote for her she probably won't be able to do anything for them if she is elected? If one did he or she would soon find themselves having to sell used cars or shill for erectile dysfunction medications for a living.

I don't doubt that Pastor Wright has done a lot of good for his community, but I would bet my life savings that he has done the most for himself. I don't doubt that Obama will improve the lives of some if elected, but I would bet my life savings that he will do the most for himself, his backers and other favored special interests.

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