On Easter Sunday the new Paster of Trinity United Church of Christ, the Rev. Otis Moss claimed that the treatment of the controversial pastor Wright by the press was akin to a, "lynching." Although this statement did not seem to gather a lot of attention, it could be another thorn in the side of Barack Obama's campaign. Barack needs to distance himself from the Rev. Wright if he wants to gain the trust of moderate non-black voters. But if he does that what will happen to his support from the Black community? Will he be caste aside as a sell out?

By speaking on behalf of the Rev, Wright, the new pastor brings up the question again if such views are common to members of the Trinity United Church of Christ. And if they are common, then how much of those views are shared by Barack Obama. But I think it also brings up another question about race relations in America. For at least 50 years, the White community has had to come to terms with the injustices and racism against Black people. Since then most White people have taken great effort to try and change their racist behaviors and attitudes. I think of jokes that friends and family would casually make 30 years ago and cringe at just how inappropriate they were and how much they promoted racial ideas. Racist behavior is a group mentality, to eliminate it, you need to get the group to change their perceptions and stereotypes. Like an alcoholic that must first admit to being addicted, the group needs to admit that they are harboring racist ideas. I don't think the Black community has ever owned up to their part of the racial problems in this country. The only way to end a conflict is to have both parties come to an agreement.

- Thomas Paine 2

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