Dex:
You presume a priori that the content is "wrong". I cannot claim to have heard all of Reverend Wright's speeches, nor, I suspect, can anyone else on this board, so I don't know whether this represents a weekly occurrence or once in a while. I have only heard the few clips that have been played on the news, which have undoubtedly been cherry-picked for sensationalistic value. With broader context, I might have a different view of Reverend Wright's words. As might you.
But based on the little that I have heard, I don't find anything particular disturbing. It is a historical fact that black Americans have suffered horrific treatment at the hands of white Americans over the centuries. Even today, blacks are incarcerated more frequently and for longer periods of time than whites for identical crimes. The disparity in sentences for crack cocaine versus powdered cocaine is viewed by many as an effort directed specifically toward destroying the black community. When the pretty blond white girl goes missing, it is national news; when the young black girl goes missing, no one notices. No one with their eyes open can miss the fact that racism continues n our country. And we have, in fact, encouraged and supported despots and dictators around the world. It is not entirely unreasonable to view some of what has occurred lately as the "chickens coming home to roost".
The Bible is replete with stories of God punishing his people for their transgressions. Read any of the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.) in this regard. That is the biblical context for Wright's use of the phrase "God damn America". And he lists the reaons why God should damn America: for treating part of its people as less than human, for oppression and injustice. It is not an unreasonable conclusion to draw (I believe that God will do as he pleases regardless of Reverend Wright's imprecations, but that is another matter).
Reverend Wright serves a black congregation, many of whom have felt the sting of injustice and oppression on a personal level. I do not find it surprising that he speaks to the issues that they feel are important in a manner that they can accept. Is he florid and over the top? Perhaps from my white, suburban, privileged point of view, yes. Might I feel uncomfortable with some of the things he says? (if nothing else, the shouting would turn me off). Again, yes, but it is not his job to make we white people feel comfortable. In fact, we probably should be uncomfortable, because only then will we change.
I return to my earlier argument. Reverend Wright's words should not be ascribed to any one of his congregation, be they senator or sanitary worker. They are his own views. And trying to coerce a man to leave his church because YOU find his pastor's words uncomfortable is just plain wrong. Obama has stated what HE believes and has decried some of Reverend Wright's comments that he does not believe. That should be enough for anyone.
Gumby
P.S. - As Lawrence noted, many, if not all of the people who raise a hue and cry about this issue weren't going to vote for Obama anyway. This just gives them cover. If it weren't this, it would be because he is a secret muslim. I really don't know why I even bother.