"But I would like to think that we could agree that American Democracy is strong enough for fierce criticism from her own citizens - right, wrong or whacko." - artandsoul

I don't care what Wright says about America. God Damn America. There. I said it. Who cares?

"and we rise up in disagreement with him and shout him down and rally around another view of America" - artandsoul

Yeah. Look. I grew up in a black neighborhood. I've been stabbed by black nationals, nearly to death. I don't care about rallying. Dirt bags like Wright need to be put down. He's a criminal. A hate monger. A racist piece of garbage who inspires, incites, and directs hate. The End.

"[...] but rather we listen to Obama define his OWN reactions and thoughts and beliefs [...]" - artandsoul

I have. Obama claims in his book that he cried when Wright described a world whose troubles could be laid at the feet of "white greed". Racist dirt bag (granted, Obama might just be deeply ignorant of the world - I'm open to the possibility). Obama describes the state of race relations in America as a stalemate. Where has this idiot been living? The only "stalemate" is between entrenched racist movements who are disgruntled at their many persistent failures. Racist dirt bag.

"[...] then we are participating in a lively, vibrant and sustainable American Democracy." - artandsoul

Is that when we start putting nuts like Wright in prison? Or does that happen after the vibrant part?