The American Spectator

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p> DEFENDING DONNIE McClurkin br> Re: RiShawn Biddle's Do the Wright Thing : /p>

While I agree with much of what is said in the Biddle article, especially that black politicians must broaden their bases to win state and national elections, there are some things that bother me in the article.

First, there seems to be an undercurrent of disdain for the black church which is expressed by linking "many" black churches and "old school" pastors to the lunacy that is Black Liberation theology. While I am sure that there are some churches and pastors who embrace it, I don't think that it is a prevalent as the article makes it seem. And I know of many "old school" pastors who came of age in the 1960's who have never embraced separatism in any way, nor have they condemned whites, nor have they damned their nation. Just because some "old school" ministers have does not mean that "many" have.

Also, I do not consider Donnie McClurkin to be a "gay bashing clergyman" simply because he cannot support the homosexual lifestyle. And if you were going to reference him, you could at least be more detailed in relating his struggles against his homosexual urges. He has told the story of his abuse as a child by a male family member, and he has told of his overcoming the homosexual urges and activities that he had engaged in. He has not condemned homosexuals in any way other than to state his belief that homosexual behavior is a sin before God, as he has also spoken out against adultery and fornication. So according to your logic, McClurkin must also be a "straight bashing clergyman" as well!

p>And while I agree that in order to win national elections a politician must have a broad base, in order to win at the local level a politician has to court those constituents that will likely be voting for him. If that is primarily a black constituency then the black church is going to remain a key component in building support. Blacks are a churchgoing group, for the most part, and it is important for any politician to be able to relate to those people in order to win. br> -- Eric Edwards br> Walnut Cove, North Carolina /p> p>

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