By Jon-Christopher Bua, Sky News political analyst

Across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, just steps from the Liberty Bell, Barack Obama exposed the festering wound of racism in America.

With four weeks to go before the crucial primary in this state of Pennsylvania, Senator Obama was forced to come to terms with a 20-year relationship with his controversial pastor and mentor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

In an attempt to extinguish the raging firestorm over his relationship with Reverend Wright, Mr Obama chose to courageously address the issue of race head on reaching into the hearts and souls of his audience in the most important speech on that issue since Martin Luther King Jr’s  "I have a dream" in 1963.

Rejecting Rev Wright’s view that sees white racism as endemic, Mr Obama said: "It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress had been made; as if this country… is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past."

At the same time, Mr Obama refused to denounce the man and the good that he has done and continues to do in his community.

He chose to see Rev Wright's inability to look beyond his personal pain and anger in perspective of the history and times that shaped him - slavery, Jim Crow, the segregated South and the Civil Rights movement.

Mr Obama acknowledged the debt he owed those who struggled in prior generations to make his very candidacy a possibility. 

He has lived in both the black and white cultures in America and abroad.

So, in his quest to fulfill the promise of the Founders to "form a more perfect union", he chose to expose the dirty little secrets that neither group reveals in polite "mixed company".

Despite the 140 years since the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves, black and white Americans live in different worlds.

Although they work together, they do not live or pray together.

The two most segregated hours of the week in America are those spent in the houses of worship.

Mr Obama gave legitimacy and voice to the grievances of the black community as well as those of the working-class white community whose ancestors also arrived by ship although not shackled.

He placed us all at a crossroads and appealed to our "better angels". 

He implored America not to continue down the path where race has been used to divide people but to choose a different direction where blacks are not paralysed by their history, and whites are recognised as having legitimate grievances that are not racist.

He challenged his fellow citizens to take this moment in this election to come together and reject the cynicism of the past, saying: "Not this time".

This time, it is easy to hear the echo of Robert Kennedy during his campaign forty years ago, imploring us to listen to our "better angels".
   
"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?"

Comments

[Khalid 25 Mar 2008 14:37:20]

Sir
having watched many a wanna be presidential speeches, heres a [Sum 41]
If the electorate know that racism existed, still exists and is hidden under many a carpet, what does the panel feel would have been achieved by virtue of the passport activity most recent, notwithstanding the fact that such information is already in the public domain?
(For the liberlally minded, when will the campaign for the good of the USA begin, or is personal publicity it?)
[I'm Still Waiting]........

[Terhemba Gbashima, Abuja, Nigeria 25 Mar 2008 08:40:56]

Barack Obama is not just a candidate but a desirable and unstoppable wind of change that cannot be stoopped by the cheap politics of blackmail of the Clitons.

[Christopher Holmes, Port Elizabeth, SOuth Africa 24 Mar 2008 18:49:04]

Mark H Lent wrote: "Zimbabwe would not be at war with its neighbors".
WRONG! Zimbabwe is not at war with its neighbours, but Mugabe is at war with his own country, once known as the bread-basket of Africa - it's now the 'basket case' of Africa with inflation at 100 000%! Because he's black, other African countries have failed dismally to criticize him.
As a South African (with a white skin) I am praying that Obama wins the presidency. He is a man who can rise above race, and prove he is a person worthy to lead the most powerful nation in thee world!

[Joseph Adewole, London 23 Mar 2008 21:16:38]

I know there are lots of uneducated people in the world today but one thing comes to mind daily: Is it possible for someone you claimed has been a member of a church for twenty years still be a muslim? Also, is anyone right to judge Obama's pastor....The Bible says: Do not judge so that you will not be judged;...Why not leave the judgement to Him that is able to judge the world...GOD?
I expected Americans to know better because they say.. we love God.

[anna, england 23 Mar 2008 17:49:08]

Sadly, prejudice and racism lives on in the world. Had Obama been white, he would have already beaten Hillary. He sounds sincere, whereas she does not, and he is a uniter. Sadly, he has a muslim past, and the blame for this prejudice is squarely on the muslim extremists and the moderates who have failed to condemn the muslim fanatics openly and actively.

[Anamiks 23 Mar 2008 09:47:50]

The whole world is looking forward to seeing Obama as the next US president. This great nation has lots to be proud of. Americans should not make the same mistake in electing the right people. The ultra conservatives are the real problem. This forthcoming presidential election is the best opportunity for the ordinary peace loving Americans to get rid of the ultra conservatives whom McCain represents. Please elect the best candidate as the US president and make this world safer. The world is not safe with ultra conservatives, as with extremists.

[Monty, Craghead, Co, Durham UK 22 Mar 2008 14:52:38]

Obama looks to be for real,If he is, that could be just what the USA HAS TO HAVE TO BE A GREAT COUNTRY AGAIN, FORGET THE PAST move on.

[Mark H Kent 22 Mar 2008 12:18:51]

Racism exists in all nations all colors and in all creeds

It is not an isolated evil that is specific to one nation against another

If it was then Tibet would not be fighting against China

Afghanistan would not be fighting against the USA

Nigeria would not be at war with its own people

Zimbabwe would not be at war with its neighbors

Muslims would not be at war with Hindu's

It is inbuilt into every human being alive and is natures defense method of illuminating an opponent a desire to suppress, a method to control and rule our fellow man and drive them some form where the dominant nation exerts power and forced control over another human being

It is normal for people to find some method to achieve this desire after all we are all animals who exist by force and not by peace

[John B Sheffield 21 Mar 2008 13:44:45]

If Barack Obama stoops so low to play the same dirty tactics as Hilary and Bill, then we are not getting CHANGE!

Hillary still tried to change the rules in Michigan for her own self interest, all this shows is desperation. But why did Hillary not tell the people that the Ten Rich Democratic Backers willing to finance the re-vote are All Clinton supporters, five of them are listed on her website as Major Campaign Backers, this is so typical Clinton, money talks.

The other problem currently is everyone seems to be trying to dissect each and every word Barack Obama says, what it may or may not mean! -of course the Clinton campaign team want to make a Mountain out of a molehill.

[John B Sheffield 21 Mar 2008 09:02:00]

Jon,

It is so good to hear a fellow voice of reason. I hope I will never be held responsible for every action that my Pastor may or may not do or say.

Barack Obama's speech was Historic, "Straight From The Heart" - no script writers needed here or script to be read from like some.

An Election should be based on Policy not the nasty personal attacks, smears and lies that this has now developed into. Hilary got off to such a good start but as the losses started to mount up, strategy started to change, why? but throughout Barack Obama remained dignified. Some of my Friends work for McCain, we have debates and laugh with each other, but do not trade cheap and dirty shots at each other.

So many in these last few days have said to me Barack looked like a True President in Waiting, but still lies and smears continue to be peddled. Each day my in-box is full of email's filled with hate, stating the latest so called exposure on Barack, many video's of proof have been doctored what a sad reflection of our Country in 2008, but then again when rules agreed such as with Florida and Michigan do not fit your agenda and self interest, foul is called what example does this set.

The Democratic Party is being seriously damaged, how much longer will the Grandees of The Party sit and watch this happen?

[George USA 21 Mar 2008 08:27:12]

Obama addressed the issues that are dividing America. But it is to bad that here in the United states winning is more important than giving a brave speech that Obmama gave. Ultra conservatives are already blasting him as a racist with out even listening to his call of reconciliation. The regular Americans often get drowned out by American extremists on the right (and yes even on the left but that is another story)

[Elisabeth 21 Mar 2008 06:38:09]

He conveniently forgot though in his speech to add his muslim contacts when he spoke of living in both black and white societies. Elisabeth (Italy)

[Ben, Los Angeles 21 Mar 2008 04:17:09]

Obama has referred to Rev Wright's comments as controversial whereas in fact they are vile. He has tried to rationalise them.

The comparison he has made with comments made by his grandmother is cheap.

Americans are not sold on Obama's speech and one can forsee a McCain victory in the general election

[sunny, INDIA 21 Mar 2008 03:06:56]

He is making up all again ...
I think he is not real and same old promises....He is playing the same old dirty politics .....he is bluffing ...

[kennedy, holland 20 Mar 2008 15:19:37]

this proves that obama is for real, he could have played the game of politics like the clintons. he chose to adress the issue and let america know where he stands. sometimes the truth hurts. america needs obama.