St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

From a Friend of a Friend

I'm writing to share the text of a letter we received from Barack Obama. Our group of friends here in San Diego has a small community service group for our preschool-aged children. We call ourselves "Preschoolers in Action." Our kids (ages 2 - 5) have done beach clean-ups, food bank drives, and other community action efforts.

I've mentioned that the best way to understand what Obama is trying to achieve is to study Harold Washington. I have, myself, a big photo of Mayor Washington on my desk.

Two articles describe how Obama works. One is from Newsweek.

Jeremiah Wright has given several spirited and thought provoking interviews, talks and speeches. I have lots of disagreements with him, but I understand how he puts his logic together.

His presence in the media might cause a furor - people are wondering if his presence will harm the Obama campaign. But I suggest it will not hurt Obama. Because Wright and Obama will be revealed as two different people, in very different roles, the press will find it hard to attach the two.

I remember being told that if you want to be black and respected, you have to be twice as good as the white guy.

I think Obama demonstrates this.

He's not just smart. He's uber smart. He's got an analytical sense, and a remarkable (and not remarkable because he's half-African) command of the poetry of the preacher, of the orator. He's run good campaigns. He surrounds himself with good people. He's a writer.

A few thoughts: