Pastor Muthee and Mayor Palin
A grainy 2005 video has emerged from the Wasilla Assembly of God featuring a Kenyan pastor named Thomas Muthee and then-Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin.
Some commentators have mocked the moment where Muthee prays to God to protect Palin from "witchcraft."
Catholic League president Bill Donohue said today that "for the past two decades, Americans have been lectured by educators and the chattering class that we must respect cultural, religious, racial and ethnic diversity. It seems that exceptions to the creed of multiculturalism are only made when it suits the ideological agenda of the left. … Witchcraft is a sad reality in many parts of Africa, resulting in scores of deaths in Kenya over the past two decades. Bishop Muthee’s blessing, then, was simply a reflection of his cultural understanding of evil. While others are not obliged to accept his interpretation, all can be expected to respect it. More than that — Muthee should be hailed for asking God to shield Palin from harmful forces, however they may be manifested. And for this he is mocked and Palin ridiculed?"
Perhaps of greater interest to others are the comments Muthee makes before calling Palin to the stage.
"God wants us, wants to penetrate in our society, is in the economic area," Muthee says. "The Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. It’s high time that we have top Christian businessmen, businesswomen, bankers, you know, who are men and women of integrity, running the economics of our nations. That’s what we are waiting for. That’s part and parcel of transformation. If you look at the — you know — if you look at the Israelites, that’s how they work. And that’s how they are, even today."
When Christian believers take over and become "the top transporters in the land … the bankers," Muthee says, "we will not have the kind of corruption that we are hearing in our society."
Some are interpreting these comments to be a slam on Jews, the idea being that Muthee is saying believers need to take over the economy from Israelites so as to end corruption. Others believe Muthee is saying Christians should model Israelites, who put people of integrity in charge of the economy.
What do you think?
PRE-EMPTIVE NOTE: Yes, Palin defenders, I blogged and broadcast about Rev. Jeremiah Wright as well as Father Michael Pfleger.
- jpt
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I think this video needs to be aired in Southern Florida to see what they think.
Posted by: ChrisNBama | September 25, 2008, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
He gave TEN sermons in her church in 2005!
And Muthee doesn’t just have crazy ideas about Jews running the banking system.
Muthee chases witches in Africa. I’m not joking. He actually chased one poor
woman (“Mama Jane”) out of her village!
Posted by: Matt | September 25, 2008, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make and issue of this. t will give McCain an excuse to start running the Wright and Phleger ads. And then the Ayers ads … and then the Rezko ads … well, you get the idea.
Posted by: ja | September 25, 2008, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
If this was in 2005, Palin was no longer mayor of Wasilla. Her last term ended in 2002.
Also, this was her FORMER church in 2005. She began attending the Wasilla Bible Church about ten years ago.
Posted by: SandyB | September 25, 2008, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm
Matt Blumenthal, attending a Muthee sermon at Palin’s church this month:
On the first night of services, Muthee implored his audience to wage “spiritual warfare” against “the enemy.” As I filmed, a nervous church staffer approached from behind and told me to put my camera away. I acceded to his demand, but as Muthee urged the church to crush “the python spirit” of the unbeliever enemies by stomping on their necks, I pulled out a smaller camera and filmed from a more discreet position. Now, church members were in deep prayer, speaking in tongues and raising their hands. Muthee exclaimed, “We come against the spirit of witchcraft! We come against the python spirits!” Then, a local pastor took the mic from Muthee and added, “We stomp on the heads of the enemy!”
Posted by: Matt | September 25, 2008, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm
“PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make and issue of this. t will give McCain an excuse to start running the Wright and Phleger ads. And then the Ayers ads … and then the Rezko ads … well, you get the idea.”
Don’t worry Ja, those ads are already in the can. McCain won’t release them until around October 15th or so.
Posted by: ChrisNBama | September 25, 2008, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm
Hey Obama fans – it’s a big trap! Pay no attention to that bright, shiny object.
You will try to take a little nibble out of the Republican VP – and you’ll get weeks of Jeremiah Wright in return. Come to think of it, you’ll get that anyway, so go ahead …
Posted by: ja | September 25, 2008, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
I donated some things to local religous groups recently.
The Assemblies of God group came back and asked to pray with me.
Nevertheless when they prayed for the health of my children and grandchildren I was extremely grateful.
They taught me something beneficial and sincerely wished for my family’s health.
No matter what they believe I respect them. Perhaps Sara was showing respect for another religion
Posted by: smith | September 25, 2008, 12:32 pm 12:32 pm
Forget Munthee…look at what Donohue said.
“Witchcraft is a sad reality in many parts of Africa, resulting in scores of deaths in Kenya over the past two decades.”
Is he serious?
Posted by: Ryan C | September 25, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
You go, Jake. We’re dying to replay the Rev. Wright tapes again. Remember GD America, Jake? Bring it, bud!
Posted by: Silver | September 25, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
Are you kidding Tapper?
You equivocate 20 years with Rev. Wright, complete with a 20K donation in 2007, as the same as Palin accepting a prayer from a visiting pastor from Africa?
Are you freaking kidding me?
Unbelievable bias. I hope that check from Obama cashes well.
How about reporting on the double standard of Dems and Reid – whining about McCain not supporting the bailout strongly enough one day and then castigating McCain for suspending the campaign to push a bailout deal the next?
Show some objectivity, please.
Posted by: JG | September 25, 2008, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm
Did this pastor curse America and spew racial hated for whites and Jews?
And did Palin willingly sit and listen for 20 years–then lie and say she never heard it?
And was he her spiritual advisor and moral compass for 20 years?And did she give him government grants with taxpayers money?
Hopefully Obama will use this so we can see the tapes of that charming Rev Wright again.
Posted by: riley | September 25, 2008, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm
America will have to decide which is more divisive,hateful, and intolerant.
This man who is a visiting pastor praying for Palin.
Or 20 years with Rev Wright and Pfleger
and those shocking videos of Wright blaming us for 9/11, calling us the USA of KKK, GD America.
Posted by: sally | September 25, 2008, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
What do I think? I think that witchcraft must be responsible for the economic crisis.
I also think that it would be great if we could leave ALL of this crazy pastor stuff out of politics. Good luck with that.
Posted by: Tungsten | September 25, 2008, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
Nice to see that ignorance knows no bounds.
Posted by: Gothfather | September 25, 2008, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
It does appear to be a slam against individuals who are Jewish. Come on, let’s get our heads off the sand… the entire so called “cultural conservatives” are angry at Hollywood and (though they don’t expressly say this, the Jews) for putting “filth” (their words, not mine) on the tv tubes. This isn’t something new. This is an ongoing thing. And there’s no doubt that that was a slam against Jews.
Posted by: David | September 25, 2008, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm
WAKE UP AMERICA…!!! For the love of pete, wake up…Rev. Wright is nothing compared to this stuff…
Posted by: BNA | September 25, 2008, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm
Hey Jake,
Let’s get this one up and running 24 hours a day like you guys did with Reverend Wright. Maybe you guys can even call you friends at CNN and they can loop it too – all day and night!!
I really like the part where the Black minister does the exorcism to get all the witch craft out of Palin!!
I am sure all the Republicans are loving this one!!
Posted by: Davis | September 25, 2008, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
Lol. This Palin woman is pretty weird. Rev. Wright is insane. But this is weird. Insane is better than weird.
Posted by: Kevin | September 25, 2008, 12:43 pm 12:43 pm
does the MSM really want to go here, do you really want to start this again, becasue it will get ugly fast.
Posted by: Kim | September 25, 2008, 12:43 pm 12:43 pm
There isn’t much that can compare to those shockingly hateful tapes of Wright saying GD America.
And then to see Obama’s fellow church members laughing and slapping Wright on the back.
Wright’s hateful DVD’s were for sale in the church lobby. But Obama said he never knew.
I don’t know why this election is even
close. It is amazing what voters will ignore about Obama.
Posted by: cindy in nc | September 25, 2008, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
Oh Barack Obama, God must be shinning his light of kindness on your campaign the last two weeks. You keep getting gift after gift after gift. Now my boy, Obama, there is only one more job left for you: make sure as many people that saw the Rev. Wright tapes see this Palin tape. Hahahahahahahahaha. At least Obama wasn’t in the Rev. Wright tapes. What a view!
Posted by: Kevin | September 25, 2008, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
IF PALIN EVER DOES A PRESS CONFERENCE…
I think this should be topic number one!!
Exorcism from witchcraft by a black minister from Africa? I think this should be playing in a continuous loop on ABC, FOX and CNN!!
Just like you guys did with Obama’s minister! Turn about is fair play Republicans!!
I bet you Republicans are glad McChicken picked Palin now, right???
Posted by: Davis | September 25, 2008, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
I just absolutely cannot imagine this woman being one heartbeat away from the presidency and thus, able to select supreme court justices… truly unbelievable.
Posted by: BNA | September 25, 2008, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
I think I have had enough of the right wing religious nuts.
One thing about them is that they pray that GOD does their will, and not that God tells them his. And when they decide that they are doing God’s will then they feel it is ok to ignore his will when it comes to execution of that will.
Posted by: Thinking | September 25, 2008, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
some of you may want to consider learning a little more about the culture and history of black churches.
Posted by: BNA | September 25, 2008, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
Jewish people will have to decide:
This incident w/Palin
Or Obama’s 20 years with RevWright and a church that honors Louis Farrakhan.
Posted by: meggie | September 25, 2008, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
CRAZY people. I was raised very Catholic, and Bill Donahue never fails to thoroughly embarrass me.
According to Merrium Webster:
“Witch Hunt” -1: a searching out for persecution of persons accused of witchcraft; 2: the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (as political opponents) with unpopular views.
From what I gather, this “witch” wasn’t accused of anything but reading taro cards and accidents happening “near” her home. This sounds like the classic “witch hunt.”
In this country, we have this thing called The Constitution that protects people from this type of relgious persecution. Palin, Donahue, and their ilk would do well to remember that, lest they be next.
Posted by: Teri B. | September 25, 2008, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
BNA,
‘learning’ is an 8 letter word,…isn’t it?
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 25, 2008, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
David are you kidding.
The left are the ones that can’t stand Israel.
The left wing blogs like dailykos and Obama forums are so anti semitic.
Obama’s top military advisor General McPeak blamed the jews in miami and new york for the middle east mess.
Obama in 2004 told a palestinian activist who said jews in america were to blame for the mess in the middle east to keep up the good work but he couldn’t say it publicly.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
Jake Tapper, thanks for bringing this to light. It gives us the perfect opportunity to bring up Rev. Wright.
Jake are you OKAY????
Posted by: Samantha | September 25, 2008, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
Wright’s hateful DVD’s were for sale in the church lobby. But Obama said he never knew.
I don’t know why this election is even
close. It is amazing what voters will ignore about Obama.
Posted by: cindy in nc | Sep 25, 2008 12:45:51 PM
========================================
Cindy, it is funny Palin never mention her “witch hunting” pastor either.
Oh ya, I forgot she has never had a chance, since she has never had a press conference!!!
Amazing what you Republicans will put up from you precious little wolf and Moose killing SARAH, isn’t it????
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Davis | September 25, 2008, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
Palin just took some questions.
In response to how she assessed the efforts on the war on terror, she stated we have to fight them over there.
Its like a freeper won some kind of raffle to be VP.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 25, 2008, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
the republican machine has jummped the shark….
Posted by: kent | September 25, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
“Jake Tapper, thanks for bringing this to light. It gives us the perfect opportunity to bring up Rev. Wright.”
Yes Samantha because you and the rest of the right wingers never ever mention wright.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 25, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
Obama nodded as Wright said zionism is racism.
Obama went to a place that gave awards to farakkan.
Obama called wright his mentor and wrote a book about him.
Obama called anti semite pfleger his moral compass.
Wright’s church posted newspapers that praised hamas.
Obama said Israel infects our foreign policy.
Obama is close with khalidi a palestinian terrorist.
Obama raised money for militant groups in the west bank.
Obama is close with ayres.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
This guy wasn’t her pastor. He visited churches all over the place.
He is from Obama’s Kenya.
She didn’t write a book about him.
She didn’t call him his mentor.
Obama had a 20 year close relationship with Wright.
This guy was a visiting pastor.
The media has destroyed Palin.
Obama has never been vetted. Never.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
So instead of “Barricuda,” maybe they should play the songs “Witchcraft” or “Witchy Woman” at Palin/McCain rallies….that is, if they ever have them again.
Posted by: Kitchen_Cabinet | September 25, 2008, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
She’s an odd bird.
Posted by: Annie | September 25, 2008, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
Jeff,
Obama wasn’t in the church when those things happened LIAR!
However, we can ALL SEE PALIN right up there on the stage getting an EXORCISM!!
Posted by: Davis | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
jeff,
where does all of that anger come from?
Your party had complete control for 6 years and has filibustered the last 2.
What is with the victim routine?
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Good. bring on Wright. fair game now.
Posted by: geevill | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
What next, snake handling and sacrifices?
Posted by: Phillip | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Lord, make a way for McKeating to show up at the debate tomorrow.
John did not “suspend” anything. He went to an interview with Couric, went to the Clinton Global Initiative, and yes, his ads are STILL on the air.
John is trying to “make a way” for the VP debate to be canceled entirely. He already had the rules for it changed, but after seeing Biden’s speech yesterday and knowing how little Palin knows about ANYTHING, his only hope is to get that VP debate canceled completely.
Posted by: Jade | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Rev. Wright at least was a U.S. Marine, but witchcraft? what the hell are you McCain supporters smoking?….
Posted by: kent | September 25, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
However you slice it, this is it for me with this McPalin ticket.
Are you guys kidding me?
Did you see the Pastor perform the exorcism?
I did not see Sarah shaking violently though, may be that part has been cut out.
Is this what we want in the White House?
I personally do not want a reharsh of the centuries old Harlem Witch Hunts in 21st Century America. Worst of all have them directed by the White House.
Who the hell vetted this woman?
I am now convinced McCain is truely senile.
Just plain madness.
Posted by: Steve_NJ | September 25, 2008, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
Hey Jake Tapper,
Obama top fundraiser Jodie Evans of Code Pink is an anti semite and blames jews for 9/11.
Jodie Evans of Code Pink is an Obama bundler raising money.
Jodie Evans just met with the Iran president.
When is Obama ever going to be vetted.
We need a balanced press corps instead of left wing media types who went to left wing east coast schools and are ideologically liberal and won’t cover the election fairly.
When is Obama ever going to be vetted.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
yeah, maybe you all can get back on your wright bandwagon just as soon as you figure out how the administration you voted for (twice!) got us into the economic crisis we are in today.
Posted by: BNA | September 25, 2008, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
I find it interesting -
Palin sees a reverend one time and gets a blessing, the libs cry about
Obama goes to a church with a reverend who Obama himself calls his mentor and the libs say that Obama did not know – well that actually also shows bad judgement on Obama, if he does not knw what goes on in his church over 20 years then how can he be expected to be President.
Next Palin a Governor (which 41 of the 43 Presidents have been) and a mayor does not have experience but Obama as a Community Organizer (around my area all the community organizers do is setup the sidewalk sale and parades) and Clinton had experience becasue he was a Governor
Obama changes his view and upon changing it he says he always had the new view thats ok, McCain changes his view on drilling and the libs call him a flipper
The media and libs which are one in the same are so hypocritical it is sad that we have so many uneducated people in this country that call themselves libs!
Posted by: spock | September 25, 2008, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
spock, palin was at that church for 20 years….
Posted by: kent | September 25, 2008, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Why are the major media soft-pedaling this? If it were Obama or Biden in the arms of a witch doctor who wants to preserve America for the Christians, they would be all over it.
Posted by: Dennis Mahler | September 25, 2008, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Davis wrong
A reporter saw him nodding as Wright was bashing America.
Obama found out about Wright’s 9/11 comments in February 2007 and then still praised him in july 2007.
Wright said America’s chickens came home to roost on 9/11 and Obama still continued to praise him.
I can’t take the media bias in this election anymore.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
This man was not bad mouthing Jews. He was celebrating the fact that their leadership are usually devout. Calm down!!
This is not a raging sociopath on a grainy dvd!
Posted by: al | September 25, 2008, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Obama had a close 20 year relationship with Wright.
Wright was Obama’s mentor.
Palin and this visiting pastor from Kenya weren’t close.
Palin never wrote a book about him like Obama wrote a book about Wright.
Obama has never been vetted.
Posted by: Jeff | September 25, 2008, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
i think all preachers are nuts,
i know that if this were obama or biden, or hell even mccain there would be a massive stink about it
i mean this surpasses rev wright easily, so why it gets no airplay is odd
but seriously leave the preachers at home
Posted by: Bhrandon | September 25, 2008, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
Jeff wrote:We need a balanced press corps instead of left wing media types who went to left wing east coast schools and are ideologically liberal and won’t cover the election fairlte:
We thought maybe you had found another line of work Jeff Gannon.
Posted by: Phillip | September 25, 2008, 1:04 pm 1:04 pm
A visiting Pastor = obama’s twenty year spiritual mentor
Are obama and his minions really that desperate? Looks like it.
Posted by: hadenough | September 25, 2008, 1:04 pm 1:04 pm
•-> makes sense tho’
Republican ‘Voodoo economics’
Palin needs to be saved from witchcraft…
‘values voters’ witch hunts…
sounds like regular Republicanism to me
Mission Accomplished
Posted by: Rex | September 25, 2008, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
Clarification: Israelites were a people-group in Bible times. They do not exist today.
Posted by: jay | September 25, 2008, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm
However you slice it, this is it for me with this McPalin ticket.
__________________________________
Now there is a surprise.
Posted by: Samantha | September 25, 2008, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
Obama is half Kenyan, no?
It’s a shame this Pastor didn’t say a prayer of protection for Mrs. Palin to protect her from far left Liberal haters and the mainstream media, which is in the tank for Obama.
Posted by: OxyCon | September 25, 2008, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
Rev Wright did not perform any exorcism or pray “God Damn America” over Obama.
This Voodoo priest from Kenya exorcised Palin and performed voodoo rights over her.
You can not compare the two except you are a hypocrite.
This has nothing to do with Christianity.
These people are not Christians by any stretch of the imagination. They are a Voodoo cult and the Pastor right in that tape ordained Palin as a Vooddoo Priestess.
Posted by: Steve_NJ | September 25, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
Hey, who cares, Obama and Biden are slam dunk winners of this next election! The tarot cards have spoken! LOL Lighten up all! :-)
JCS
Posted by: JCS | September 25, 2008, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
I am an observant Jew. The blog seems that all she is saying that everyone must be ethical for any society to see.
Bigots abound, but not under EVERY rock.
Posted by: Jeffrey C. Perlman | September 25, 2008, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
Muthee was already famous as a witch-hunter when the church invited him. Sarah Palin sat there as he preached that the country and its business should be controlled by Christians, and then she went up to be anointed by him and saved from witchcraft. Later on she credited him in part for her becoming governor . . . and to this day she has not repudiated a single thing he has said.
Posted by: Dennis Mahler | September 25, 2008, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
I say this is the LEAST OF OUR WORRIES with Sarah Palin.
Posted by: Truth Matters | September 25, 2008, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
I wish we did not have to hear about ANY candidates pastors in this election.
Posted by: DMR | September 25, 2008, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
Is it just me or is the video obviously out of sync with the audio – note at 8:45 where he obvious ends prayer and dismisses Sarah and deacons and back to preaching — yet the video still shows him praying and them standing for 30 SECONDS!!. Now that’s weird and may note some “editing” huh??? It’s not at all an original …… On comparisons to Wright – Get real, it just might be a comparison to Father Pfleger – that is a GUEST preacher not someone that is your spiritual mentor AND political associate for 20 years!! ……Also note the calm demeanor and reasoned exposition of scripture to current affairs however you might disagree with their import, as opposed to the ranting and demogogic incitement of our favorite Chicago imams I mean pastors…..I am sorry for the anti-semitic inference but it may not have even been intended that way but Palin simply is not responsible for how some one so wholly disconnected to her personal or political life chooses to talk about or how he chooses to “bless” her…….Like Pastor Muthee says “Is anyone hearing me?” or all the chickens roosting causing too much noise…..
Posted by: robert b | September 25, 2008, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
This is a “private” moment and should never be seen outside that church. But, since liberal media will stop at nothing to paint her as a ” right-wing freak”, I expect it to be everywhere.
It makes me want to vote for her even more. And, did you notice the “guest” preacher is black? She must not be a racist either! A good Woman, American, and next VP!!!
Posted by: Barry | September 25, 2008, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Am I reading this right? The head of the Catholic League is declaring that witchcraft causes scores of deaths in Africa? LOL! That declaration alone is newsworthy.
Witchcraft does not cause scores of deaths in Africa. What causes scores of deaths in Africa are witch hunts instigated by zealots like Thomas Muthee.
Mr. Donohue never ceases to amaze me.
TE
Posted by: The Eel | September 25, 2008, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
robert b
re: ” Palin simply is not responsible”
right, ..
neither is any other Republican on any issue, Republicans are always right and have everyone’s best interest at heart..last 8 years has been great.
yeeeeeesh
Mission Accomplished
Posted by: Rex | September 25, 2008, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Am I the only who thinks this is fake? There seems to be two different voices on this tape and his mouth is not matching up with the words.
I don’t think Sara is qualified, but this seems like it’s been doctored.
Posted by: Doubtful | September 25, 2008, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
Having watched the Macbeth Sisters on CNN take apart Senator Clinton and now stirring their pots against Palin, I just hope the prayer works.
Posted by: len | September 25, 2008, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
The only way this could bother me is if Sarah Palin was the person who picked out who would speak at this church. If I go to church and someone gets up to do a speach, I am not responsible for that speech, and YES, I say Obama was not responsible for the speech Jeremiah Wright gave, but what does bother me is Sarah Palin left that church of her own accord and made better choices, BUT Obama did not, even continuing to be close and supporting to Jeremiah Wright when the media discovered he had been sitting there for years listening to that poison. This is an example of Obama telling other people what to do, but not doing it himself. He is a great orator, but not a great doer. (I wonder how long it would have taken the North Vietnam & Viet Cong to get answers out of Obama if he was tortured like McCain was for 5 yrs.???) If no one every mentioned Jeremiah Wright’s inappropriate content, Obama would still be at that church. It really was the news media that forced Obama to put distance between him and Jeremiah Wright, and I do respect Obama for FINALLY doing it, but come on….you all saw how he hemmed and hawed and was forced to do it. Seems to me that Sarah Palin didn’t need the press to force her into that stance, as she did it at least 3 yrs. ago and this was her decision based on what she observed and based on her own views and as you can see, no one had to tell her the remarks were inappropriate by that pastor. Sarah just knew, and just left. By the way, I am not an Alaskan, I am in the state of Florida, and I will tell you this: I was totally prepared to vote for Obama, and was thrilled and looking forward to this, BUT…after watching how HORRIBLE he and his wife, and their supporters and staff treated Hillary, this got me thinking again about who to vote for. My decision about what to do was solidified when I saw how SEXIST Obama and his media buddies have behaved since the nomination of Sarah Palin. The SEXIST treatment of women must not tolerated, and this ceiling that Hillary put 18,000,000 cracks in MUST be broken. I still would have voted for Obama, had he selected Hillary, but when he “dissed” her, in front of the entire country, that was it! I predict at least half of those angry Hillary supporters will vote for Palin, just to break the glass ceiling, and perhaps that will get Obama’s attention. I think McCain will become President, not because of himself, but because Obama made a disasterous mistake and picked Biden, who cannot seem to keep his foot out of his mouth, like yesterday when he explained how “FDR was on TV” in the past discussing the nation’s problems. Boy, that was a miracel, since TV didn’t even exist when FDR was Presiident. I think it was Hoover. So overall, I can certainly understand why the media is afraid of Palin, and seemingly will do ANYTHING to prevent the McCain ticket from winning. No doubt there is corruption in the main stream media, and they are probably afraid Palin will “out” that too. To me, it’s comforting to think someone would actually go afraid all the earmarks, and get back to basics, like spending money on the real problems in the US instead of billions of dollars ending up in the hands of greedy Wall Street jerks while Main Street is destroyed. By the way, I do believe it was McCAin that has the ANTI-EARMARK history, while Obama has the “VOTING PRESENT” history. Obama just doesn’t understand, talk is cheap. Do the job…the RIGHT job and stop all that BULLCRAP in Washington. Obama would NOT do that but McCain & Palin are running on the idea of doing that, and actually both have a history of doing that, so on Nov. 4, 2008, I am going to be one of the women out here that will slap Obama in the chops for “dissing” Hillary. Don’t you get it? If Obama is not even capable of realizing Hillary was the RIGHT Choice, the BEST Choice, he is not capable of making even bigger decisions that affect the USA and it’s citizens.
Posted by: Barbara | September 25, 2008, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
This is nothing. I’m more concerned about the neo-liberal economic witchcraft that both parties have been pushing on us.
Posted by: CTurner | September 25, 2008, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm
I don’t think you mentioned just HOW many times you blogged on Reverand Wright. Did it hit 50? Including the church bulletins? It’s also not real clear to me why you include a quote from Bill Donohue – as if he represents the 70 Million Catholics in America – and Catholics believe that Satan and sorcery have taken over American education. Sorry, Jake, the Reverend is not insulting Jews – but you are insulting Catholics by insinuating that this weirdo represents all of us. There’s about 100 people in my extended family – I doubt whether a single one of them has heard of Bill Donohue. What is the point? That Catholics are raised to believe in sorcery? Guess again. Maybe even meet a Catholic for lunch. There’s plenty to chose from in New York.
Meanwhile, there’s a video of a woman who is running for Vice President of the United States, who may very well become President of the United States, in a church, being eiher exorcized or blessed by a nutacse who believes in witches, that sorcery has overtaken American education and is asking the people of the congregation to VOTE for her. And Sarah Palin is standing there as if this is normal or sane or acceptable. A woman who thinks the war in Iraq is “a task from God?”
Posted by: mara | September 25, 2008, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
Right, in 2005 she was no longer mayor of Wasilla. In fact, her only job then was director of Ted Stevens’ 527. That, and trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired.
Posted by: Ed | September 25, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Jake,
Thank you for pointing out the most important aspect of the Muthee sermon… the fact that Sarah Palin joins Thomas Muthee on stage for incantations right after he, using Dominionist lingo, flat out calls for theocracy.
Anyone who is familiar with Bruce Wilson’s research into Dominionism recognizes that Mr. Muthee’s call for Christians to infiltrate and take over 7 aspects of society is the hallmark of the Apostolic movement, a movement which is not known to most people.
Jake,
If you’re the type of reporter who likes to go down rabbit holes, then I suggest you investigate the Apostolic movement in the US. You will be shocked by what you discover.
TE
Posted by: The Eel | September 25, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
What is wrong with all you people? Where is the perspective? I thought the democratic party was somehow more inclusive than the republicans. Not to mention smarter, nicer, and friendlier to small animals.
The pastor clearly meant to praise how Jews handle finances. During his sermon, he is referring to a Christian belief that there actually are dark forces in the world and is praying for protection from them for Gov. Palin. That’s who the “snake” is – not Obama – go read Genesis.
Exorcism?? Good grief.
Last time I looked we have the right to worship as we choose. He’s saying that Christians need to step up and become a part of the economic picture to bring balance and integrity.
If the press would stop villifying Chistianity then perhaps we would all have a better idea of what we are talking about.
Not to get too far off topic but did you know that the Southern Baptists are the 3rd largest charity organization in the country? I guess you all just think we spend our days thinking of new way to boycott Disney…..
A large part of our economic woes have to do with government interference into the marketplace with quasi-governent private mortage companies who give campaign contributions to Illinois senators.
Why don’t you all fuss some more instead of focusing on real issues.
Like do you really want to be like France and give 40-50% of everything you make to the government and trust they won’t waste it. Oh. I guess those elected officials are better educated than the rest of us and can spend our money better.
no thanks.
Posted by: texaspragmatist | September 25, 2008, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
This is another sign that McCain/Palin have no interest in woman’s rights or issues. Woman are hunted down and killes in w. Africa over charges of being a witch. Anyone can point the finger and a woman is likely to die due to a false accusation. Just like what took place in Europe and here in the U.S. during the Salem Witch trials. Another form of hatred of woman. This is serious stuff and Palin should step forward and acknowledge what “holy” men like Muthee are really doing. This is insane. People really do die over this.
Posted by: Mrs. T | September 25, 2008, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
I am not sure of the value of any of this unless it manifests itself into how to address an issue. I am sure that Ms. Palin will not invoke voodoo or witchcraft to solve problems, Barry on the other hand clearly espouses the view of the Right Reverend Wright, Saul Alinsky and many other socialist radicals and will pursue these agenda if elected..welcome to Animal Farm 2009
Posted by: Larry | September 25, 2008, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
Did I see that someone thinks Jake Tapper is a member of the liberal media?
I am laughing out loud and falling off my chair.
Posted by: john | September 25, 2008, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
Ok, as a liberal, I really could care less about whatever religious things Palin is involved in. As a liberal, I believe that everyone has their freedom to believe whatever faith they choose so I also have little problem with the mention of witchcraft.
My problem with this whole thing is that this preacher, to me, does not preach the word of God. He preaches distorted capitalism and labels it with Christianity to manipulate people. I have never heard a credible Christian who said that the poor will inherit the rich’s wealth and will be wealthy themselves and will go to heaven and live happily ever after. I seem to recall that the meek, poor, downtrodden, etc were going to inherit the earth…in a spiritual sense. Silly me, I always thought that Christianity was about the soul rather than the body, the material goods.
And if Palin was there, well, she’s not too bright and people get suckered into all sorts of religious things all the time. I really could care less.
And also, there are a ton of comments about how the media picks on Palin ALL the time. Um, hello, have you guys been reading or watching the news at all? Palin had a ton of great press for two weeks. Everyone in the country was in love with her. But she blew it. She spent all this energy on making herself known and now has hardly addressed any issues when she absolutely needs to. You can’t sit there and tell me you’re not a little disappointed that she hasn’t done more.
Posted by: RobotsWillEatUs | September 25, 2008, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
BTW. Reverend Wright does not hunt down witches in Kenya like PAstor Muthee, so I would say speaking out against the policies of your governments actions as Rev Wright did, when they bring harm to others and harm to us, not as bad as hunting down and killing woman in Africa because you think thay are practising witchcraft.
Jake you should really look a little deeper into this if you have the guts to see some a very dark and ugly side of mankind.
Posted by: Mrs. T | September 25, 2008, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
What I find interesting is that people of faith are really the object of attacks. People who have invested NO time in attending a church service and being involved would have no idea about having a guest speaker, I suppose. Even Christians have different degrees of faith and thought and action. Seems agnostic’s like to paint a wide swath with their brush to make their point. What we need is a person who sits in a church with a man who preaches God D*** America and then doesn’t have a clue. People will attack Palin, for what in this article? Yet never lift a voice against Obama, the “Clueless” as he sits in church for years. Maybe we should give Obama the name “Clueless Obama.”
Posted by: Keith B | September 25, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
So wait. Her pastor thinks Christians should become multi-millionaire bankers and top executives? What happened to the Bible?
“go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven”
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Posted by: Former | September 25, 2008, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
And don’t bring up the Christian Science Monitor – basically it makes a quick reference that Muthee and spiritualist “Mama Jane” had a difference of opinion in Nairobi – she left town – no violence though mentioned……….
Posted by: robert b | September 25, 2008, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Do John McCain, Sarah Palin or conservative republicans respect the moral foundations of our country? The U.S. Constitution is abused by conservative republicans at every turn.
U.S. Constitution: Amendment I – Freedom of Religion
Because of conservative republicans, your tax dollars are funding religious groups you may not agree with. To add insult to injury, conservative appointed judges have ruled that you do not have a right to challenge this expenditure.
Amendment IV – Search and seizure
Under the guise of court action against abortion, Conservative republicans had John Ashcroft subpoena all the medical records of literally thousands of women like you and members of your family. Conservative republicans invade your privacy every day by browsing your email and phone records. Unfortunately for all of us, they don’t appear to care about our U.S. constitution, and they certainly don’t care about your privacy.
Amendment X – Powers of the States and People
John McCain and conservative republicans have tried consistently to overturn States Laws. They used your hard earned tax dollars to destroy the will of the people of Oregon, and the famous “Death with Dignity” law; they lost, but undoubtedly will try again. Conservative republicans and John McCain do not respect States Rights. If your state votes for something conservatives don’t agree with they will use federal powers to overturn it regardless of how you and your fellow voters feel.
Amendment VIII – Cruel and Unusual punishment
Would you rather die, or support a government which supported and sanctioned torture? The founding fathers would rather have died. The founding fathers were proud to fight and die for our government: A government which specifically outlaws cruel and unusual punishment. Conservatives don’t agree with this philosophy. Conservatives are at odds with our founding fathers on this score, and too many others to count.
John McCain, Sarah Palin, and the conservative republicans have already gone too far in destroying the moral foundations of our country. I urge you to keep this in mind in the coming election as we rebuild our nation together by voting for Obama, who stated that in his first 100 days he would eliminate all of Bush’s unconstitutional signing orders as a start.
Posted by: True Patriot | September 25, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Dear Samantha;
Israelites DO exist, only now, we are called Jews.
Point is, we all have to respect each other and work together, shoulder to shoulder. Blues and Reds, Dems and GOPs, and everybody-together.
Regards!
Posted by: Jeffrey Perlman | September 25, 2008, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
I don’t give a hoot what Rev. Wright or anyone else thinks, or what Obama thinks of them. I don’t give a hoot what some Kenyan evangelist thinks he needs to pray for, or what Palin thinks of him.
What I care about is this: Can McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden bring about real, lasting recovery from the quagmire this country is drowning in? Who can fix the economy, balance trade, minimize America’s risk from terroristic idiots, improve the education and safety of our children, achieve a workable measure of energy independence that’s not going to leave out poor people or make them even poorer in the process, shed some real light on environmental issues and restore the hope of the now one-foot-in-the-grave “American Dream”? These are the things that matter, not that Palin got “exorcised” or that Obama’s buddy has a twisted idea of patriotism!
So what do we say? We say, “It shows their judgement.” Bullswietz! I’m sure most of us have chosen people as friends that turned out to be rather thudheaded in SOME area or another.
While you fools are bickering and polarizing yourselves over the quirks of quasi-religious zealots, you’re missing the issues that actually affect your daily lives. If you’re going to dumb yourselves down to this level then do us all a favor by NOT bothering to vote!
Posted by: TheMokoda | September 25, 2008, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
Here ya’ go. This is what Jesus would do. He’d share the wealth. He’d give all the riches of any economy over to those that can’t provide for themselves. The least among us. I don’t really think Republicans would take kindly to this sort of Christian economic rule.
Also America had that sort of leader. His name was Jimmy Carter, it didn’t work out so well for him.
Posted by: ("\.:.:./") | September 25, 2008, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
I don’t see a single thing wrong with this video…this type of praying and prophesying goes on every Sunday in most Evangelical Churches. Our church welcomes visiting pastors from all over the world and look forward to the prayers. Also if you would read your Bibles you will note that the “witchcraft” that THIS Minister is referring to is–Rebelliousness to authority, strife, consternation, trying to impose personal opinions and thoughts…1 Samuel 15:23.
Also, lying and bearing false witness…Ezekiel 13:6
How much lying and false witness has been brought against this woman so far?
Looks like God knew what He was doing when He had this Minister pray for her, years in advance…God is Good!!!!
Posted by: Blondie | September 25, 2008, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
As a point of reference, there are about 66 million evangelicals in America – and I would guess that they are not all witchhunters – or at least I hope not.
There are 70 Million Catholics in America. There are less than 400,000 Catholics, again, out of 70 Million, who are members of the Catholic League. So why does the newsman position the leader of this detestable fringe organization to be the spokesperson for the Catholics of America?
Posted by: mara | September 25, 2008, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
As a point of reference, there are about 66 million evangelicals in America – and I would guess that they are not all witchhunters – or at least I hope not.
There are 70 Million Catholics in America. There are less than 400,000 Catholics, again, out of 70 Million, who are members of the Catholic League. So why does the newsman position the leader of this detestable fringe organization to be the spokesperson for the Catholics of America?
Posted by: mara | September 25, 2008, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Blondie, I agree that God is good – and I also agree that as an American – every American can disagree with that – it is guarenteed by the constitution. A separation of church and state is also guarenteed by the constitution – and that is certainly not what I saw in that video. I saw a minister in a church telling people who they should vote for, in no uncertain terms. Someone running for public office – whether its a small town mayor or VP candidate should have known that. Apparently Sarah Palin missed the classes at one of her 5 colleges where they taught anything about the US government.
Posted by: mara | September 25, 2008, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm
Isn’t there a clause in the constitution about separation of church and state? Wouldn’t calling upon “God” to put people in position of power and for those people to use the judgment of “God” to dictate how they rule against the rules?
Posted by: Gabriel | September 25, 2008, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
Donohue–talk about the “chattering class”–isn’t that ironic! From a religion that imprisoned Galileo for heresy (i.e. Science)
Yes, superstition is going to be mocked and ridiculed, and rightly so!
Posted by: rayy | September 25, 2008, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
Um, hello? Muthee was a VISITING pastor. People here are acting like he was Wright or something…
Posted by: pootats | September 25, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
The more I learn about Sarah Palin the more she scares me to death.
I am a dedicated Christian woman who serves my church and my community — in my time, my money, and in personal hard work.
SARAH PALIN IS A PHARISEE & UNQUALIFIED, INEXPERIENCED, & SHOULD NOT BE ELECTED TO THE SECOND HIGHEST OFFICE OF THE LAND.
Posted by: abby0802 | September 25, 2008, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Dear Mara,
“A separation of church and state is also guarenteed by the constitution”
Along with your Bible…please read our Constitution…No where in the Constitution of The United States does it state that there is to be a separation of Church and state…That comment was referred to in a letter written to another founding father by Thomas Jefferson. As a matter of fact our Constitution was founded on Christianity..By the way you might want to read the Declaration of Indendence while you are reading the Constitution…
Posted by: Blondie | September 25, 2008, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
I think the most important thing to keep in mind here is that those who live in glass houses should cast stones.
Witchcraft is radically out of step with mainstream American beliefs.
Repubs should back off of Wright, and, hopefully, all of this will go away.
Posted by: ron | September 25, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
CORRECTED:
I think the most important thing to keep in mind here is that those who live in glass houses should NOT cast stones.
Witchcraft is radically out of step with mainstream American beliefs.
Repubs should back off of Wright, and, hopefully, all of this will go away.
Posted by: ron | September 25, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
Dear Gabriel,
“Isn’t there a clause in the constitution about separation of church and state? Wouldn’t calling upon “God” to put people in position of power and for those people to use the judgment of “God” to dictate how they rule against the rules?”
**Actually, the Bible does state that GOD always chose the Kings and Queens and Princes to rule the land. He chose them and the Prophets and Priests annointed them with prayer..David-Solomon-Saul just to name a few.**
Posted by: Blondie | September 25, 2008, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
Q: How is his prayer different from withcraft?
A: It’s not.
Posted by: yikes | September 25, 2008, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
I no audio genuis but is the voice in the first minute the same as the rest. It sounds completely different. I think this is doctored. Even if it was real, who gives a crap. There are much bigger things to worry about than she goes to church. For Christs’ sake she lives in Alaska and doesn’t believe in global warming. Isn’t Alaska the best place to see the effects most readily.
Posted by: Skeptic | September 25, 2008, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
Dear Dana,
YES! YES! YES! Anyone who has the mind of Christ is always in their right mind! Amen!
Posted by: Blondie | September 25, 2008, 3:41 pm 3:41 pm
He is no Rev. Wright.
Posted by: mike | September 25, 2008, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
the day will come when our world society will be literate enough we will not need the profession of “Preachers”
and they will need to find another line of work.
Posted by: j | September 25, 2008, 4:15 pm 4:15 pm
Most Christian African’s already have a profound appreciation of their Jewish brethern as a result of our common Christian ties. Through Messianic Judaism, most of Africa is learning the Biblical context and role the Jewish people have played in history and as a part of God’s plan. Replacement theologians argue Jews are no longer relevant while funadmentalist, evangelical, and messianic groups spawned from decades and decades of missionairy work throughout the continent have taken the opinion of Jewish people to one that counter balances the unabashed hatred that predominantly comes from Muslim based regions.
The Jewish people are a blessing to the nations, if you believe the Bible and there are many ways in whcih this has been accomplished thoughout history.
Posted by: Rick | September 25, 2008, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
Barack Obama’s grandfather, a Mr. Hussein Onyango Obama, was a “Witch Doctor”.
Look it up!
I wonder how many Kenyans he cast his spells on!
Posted by: OxyCon | September 25, 2008, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
“Witchcraft is a sad reality in many parts of Africa, resulting in scores of deaths in Kenya over the past two decades. Bishop Muthee’s blessing, then, was simply a reflection of his cultural understanding of evil. While others are not obliged to accept his interpretation, all can be expected to respect it.” Wait a second! Donohue thinks witchcraft is a “reality?” Accusing people of “witchcraft” is what gave Muthee political power and got those poor, elderly “witched” burned to death by superstitious mobs! That’s the sad reality if Africa today. Forget Muthee, he’s obviously a lunatic, but where is Donohue’s head? What can he possibly be thinking?
Posted by: Kristine | September 25, 2008, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
Did Palin ask him to pray about witchcraft, or is she just being respectful and polite to a representative from another culture (unlike those who are freaking out over this fairly simple and straightforward prayer)?
As for whether his remarks are anti-semitic or not, I can’t figure out a way to parse his remarks so they are. He seems to me to plainly be saying we should look to the example of the Israelites who put people of integrity in leadership roles.
But then, I go to a church most people would think fundamentalist, so I’ve heard this before.
This one time prayer from a visiting missionary is hardly the equivilent of 20 years of sitting under the teaching of an American marxist preacher who calls for the damning of America and uses racially charged epithets.
Posted by: deputyheadmistress | September 25, 2008, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
Such things as the legal intimidation of the organizers of the anti-Iran rally, as well as the lack of quotations in the reuters headline released after the speech made by the Iranian head of state, are more ominous and immediate in their implications than Muthee’s commentary.
Regarding the whole witchcraft video thing:
Perhaps it is the fact that this ceremony was in a Christian context that renders it so disturbing to some people.
Perhaps if the ceremony was evocative of African, Asian, or indigenous American cultures instead, then Ms. Palin–if she were not a Republican, that is–would be lauded for her cultural awareness, and any detractors would be denounced as ignorant and intolerant. Such is coffee-house hypocrisy.
I think that Governor Palin could be a very effective, positive diplomatic figure, particularly in conjunction with Senator McCain and others in McCain’s circle.
While pondering Governor Palin’s interactions with foreign leaders this week, I must say that those who would attempt to denigrate Palin as being somehow less cultivated because she lacks Ivy League certification or other such nonsense forget that many people in other countries and cultures appreciate those who they perceive as being grounded in and representative of their respective cultural traditions.
Even if certain manifestations of their respective traditions vary greatly, this mutual recognition of authenticity can effect a truer and deeper interaction than that effected through veneers of “correctness.”
You may be surprised at how this ceremony will resonate in Ms. Palin’s favor with traditionalist populations residing in the US and especially throughout the world who have their own cultural traditions that are subject to cynical derision.
The peoples of the former Soviet satellites, as an especially fitting example, recognize when an establishment wages war upon the peasants, and that is exactly what the Obama campaign and its surrogates have pursued for months, reported in the press for the world to see.
Dignitaries from agrarian and traditional cultures, and there are many of them, are likely to be supportive and defensive of a person of the American “Frontier” who is viciously and repeatedly castigated by the cosmopolitan, self-styled elite.
Thus, in many significant ways, perhaps Governor Palin and many people from other countries and cultures have more in common with each other than with over-cultivated armchair Levantines and corporate enthusiasts of the ersatz, whether they be in the United States or abroad as Global Citizenry.
Posted by: Laura Semilian | September 25, 2008, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
This witch hunter should be investigated by the IRS for giving a political speech in a Church. He is making hundreds of thousands of dollars by pandering to the extreme right.
What nonsense. It’s just amazing to me that reasonable Americans can listen to an obviously insane person and not be appalled by his rhetoric.
Elmer Gantry was a a better alternative than this deluded soul.
Posted by: Elizabeth Gilmore | September 25, 2008, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm
>What do you think?
Would “Bat-Crazy” be considered too agressive for this forum?
Posted by: Erich | September 25, 2008, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
Tapper wants to know what I think of all this?
From the BBC:
May 22 2008
“Eight women and three men, aged between 80 and 96, were burned to death by these so-called witch hunters. The BBC’s Muliro Telewa in the region says the gang had a list of the victims and picked them out individually.
“The mob dragged them out of their houses and burned them individually and then set their homes alight, our correspondent says. ”
Bill Donohoe thinks we should be tolerant of this “multi-cultural” practice? Hell no.
Thankfully, Kenyan police do not endorse this kind of mob violence and arrested those who incited the attacks on innocent old people. I choose to side with the police on this one. Not Palin or Donohoe or Muthee.
Posted by: Alleen | September 25, 2008, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm
Reply to “Elizabeth Gilmore” who said below:
“Perhaps it is the fact that this ceremony was in a Christian context that renders it so disturbing to some people. ”
Please read my post below about the problem of mob violence in Africa due to this kind of religious witch-hunting. If this was done by any group, Christian, Muslim, Voodoo, whatever! I think people would be horrified. Not everything MUST be viewed through a political lens.
Note, that when you open a paragraph with “Perhaps…” you are likely to be battling a straw man of your own construction. As in this case.
And what is “coffee-house hypocrisy”? Using Splenda in your cuppa and ordering a cheese danish?
Posted by: Alleen | September 25, 2008, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
Donahue is an idiot. Nobody in Africa has died of witches or witchcraft. However, people have died of mob violence because religious fanatics like Muthee continue the myth that witches exist and thus foster an atmosphere of irrational fear. Also, liberals are advocates for religious diversity, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be advocates of psychotics like Muthee who preach fear in order to control their followers. You can chuck Jim Jones into that group as well as Bin Laden…and probably Donahue, as well.
Posted by: Jeremiah L. | September 25, 2008, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
As for Reverend Wright, at least he was crazy talking about racism in America, which, unlike witches, is real.
Posted by: Jeremiah L. | September 25, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
Want to know if Palin approved Muthee’s message and prayers…there is a video on the net saying so..it was recorded this June ’8…google it and you will find that she thought it was great.
It is her and her own words.
After all, she did become Governor did she not?
Obama/Biden ’08
Posted by: Bev | September 25, 2008, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
As a Jew, i did not take this Bishop’s comments to be anti-Semitic; I took them to be anti Animist. The religions that we call ‘Voodoo’ in Southern US “Santaria” in Haiti, Puerto Rico & ‘Macumba’ in Brazil are the Western transplants of African indigenous religions. What this Christian bigot was saying was that his Christianity gave him the right to persecute and torture (look it up — that is the history in Kenya) practitioners of the ancient animal-spirit religions of his country.
According to adherents.com there are “100 million members of African Traditional & Diasporic” religions. The goal of African Christians is to guilt-trip and intimidate native Africans into abandoning their old religion and turn to J-E-S-U-S. Please study the history of the methods these enlightened souls have used to facilitate that transformation, then comment on this “sermon.”
Not that we can hold Governor Palin responsible for any of those actions, but it would have been nice if she knew about it before she prayed with this predator.
Posted by: Joey Tranchina | September 25, 2008, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
This is very unsettling, and it does appear to be a slam on Jews.
Posted by: Dave | September 25, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
JAKE:
*Thank you* for pointing out the anti-Semitism in Muthee’s remarks — and anti-Semitism it is, of course. When we still hear the canard about the need to wrest control of the international money supply from “the Israelites,” we know that not much has changed in the past seventy years, or for that matter from the centuries before.
I had not seen this video. I did hear audio of David Brickner, of Jews for Jesus, addressing her church when she was reported to have been there. Again, some of what he said has been called out publicly (e.g., the Israelis killed in Jerusalem by the Palestinian who mowed them down with a bulldozer deserved to die because they would not worship Jesus). But he made other statements that went unremarked, the kind of lore that brought us the Protocols and pogroms. For example, he claimed that the way Jesus’ name is pronounced in modern Hebrew is “a malediction.”
It is telling that Palin has not denounced either Muthee or Brickner. What standard fare is served up in her church when there are not guest speakers?
You’ve blogged about the skittishness of some Jewish groups over Obama. Occasionally I hear those same fears voiced quietly among acquaintances and even extended family, a vague mistrust, as if his DNA will out and he’ll be revealed as one particular embodiment of the “Muslim enemy” in the aggregate. I keep wanting to shout that it’s not Obama, but Palin we should fear.
Palin’s apparent immersion in this dreck needs more light on it, so please, *please* continue to blog about it, Jake. Does she believe Jews are responsible for the financial crisis? Does she think she’s about to be elevated to the presidency (should the proverbial heartbeat fail) in order to destroy Israel and fulfill end times prophecies?
We need to know. Not only those of us who are Jewish, but all of us, since world war hangs in the balance. Short of that, do any of us want to risk our own version of the Nuremberg Laws?
Posted by: Jill Nikolaides | September 25, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
You can’t help but laugh at how utterly pathetic some folks are……I have to ask. If Vice-Presidential candidates being protected from “witches” isn’t a deal breaker for you I’d surely like to know what is? (LOL)
Posted by: Dems | September 25, 2008, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
How much Bank scandel actually follows McCain? Well, He was investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the ‘Keating Five’. His connection to Rick Davis, who imbezzeled money from Fannie Mae, as early as last Month. And one of McCains sons, who was a bank auditor, mysteriously left his job , two months before the bank went bankrupt. Even another Senator from an earlier speech, connected McCain to the scandel in the 1980′s. The ‘Keats five’. McCain has told us, he has been in contact with the Senate, but even the Senators said, they had not spoken to him. He just heard of the plan two days ago. McCain has lost Touch. Being touched by CORUPTION, must make him feel a little numb. If he can still feel at all.
I have a question, about any other organizations, he may be a part of.
Americans may be curious to know which one. I suggest transparency be implemented. At least that is McCains platform. It still is, Right?
And guess what, about Todd Palin?
:)
Of course, Sarah could not join. But she could speak at a group meeting. She’s a Female. Only Men join this group. Women join the OTHER ONE.
Who is Senator Richard Shelby…
Who wants the answers?
So McCain sides with FOREIGN CAPITOLIST NAZIS. The Far Right Republicans have voiced their opinions, about America. They ‘Do’ want it to fall. And they said IRAN was bad. CAPITOL TERRORISTS ARE ALREADY IN AMERICA. They are just waiting for Middle America, to kill eachother, trying to get to them. How much ‘Chemicals’ are YOU going to dump on us?
A ‘CHEMICAL WEDDING’, is the story of Far Far Right Republicans. The NAZIS. Do you want more? Palin was right when she said she gets to deal with Russia. Now Richard Shelby, are you sure you are ready for more news about YOUR History. Or McCains? Or shall we reveal more about Palin? We will NOT let you commit Genocide on AMERICANS. NO MIDDLE EASERN CAPITOLIST WILL GET A GOLDEN PARACHUTE. No Believer in God would stand for your Genocide.
Do people really want to know of your Chinese Genicide Plans? Is there an ‘Ear at the Door’? Have you had your ‘FLU’ shot yet? You are not a Republican. You are a Far Out of Touch Nazi.
‘A Chemical Wedding’= Rise of the NAZIS.
Every Free America should read this.
Posted by: historyforgotten | September 25, 2008, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm
P.S. The video is a fake. A Certain Group Helped Palin. This group is holding your Morgages as colateral, for an argument. A Stall Tactic. Want to know more.
Posted by: historyforgotten | September 25, 2008, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm
So…let me make this straight. Gov. Palin now is responsible for what a visiting Bishop had said?
I’m waiting for endless left Obama apologists who came out in drove to excuse Rev. Wright’s and Fr. Pfeiger’s much worse words by saying “the video did not provide contexts…” I can’t wait for them to come to Gov. Palin’s rescue!
Posted by: Mineko | September 25, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
I must respect the right for anyone to worship the way he or she chooses barring animal and human sacrifice. The government also states the it is unlawful for believers to use certain drugs as part of their sacrament even if those drugs were part of their sacrament before laws against them were passed.
I definitely do not have to vote for someone who accepts protection against witchcraft no matter how many people are suggestible enough to die from it.
I do not have to respect the whacked out superstitions of some people nor do I have to respect racist, sexist, or other discriminatory content of their religions. As far as I’m concerned others can believe whatever they choose to believe, I just don’t want them getting any of it on me.
Posted by: purpleOnion | September 25, 2008, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
I don’t see how this reflects poorly on Palin at all. She graciously accepted a prayer offered in good faith by a pastor from a very different place. Given Obama’s heritage I hardly think that mocking Kenyans as a bunch of superstitious savages is a positive message for anyone.
And the anti-semitic angle is really a stretch. English is not his native tongue, but it’s clear to me that it was meant as a positive example and not a slur.
Posted by: Bryan Costin | September 25, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
Bill Donohue isn’t just president of the Catholic League. He is the entire Catholic League.
Posted by: Cogno | September 26, 2008, 12:08 am 12:08 am
someone should ask if she ever figured we’d know so much about her so soon.
since she avoided talking to the press, is it any shock we find about how she prayed with muthee to remove the evil spirits from her life.
figures that it’s someone who only got a passport last year and called henry kissinger naive…
Posted by: kravitz | September 26, 2008, 12:26 am 12:26 am
This is not Sarah Palin’s pastor.
This is not Sarah Palin’s church.
I don’t share Palin’s politics, but this is a hatchet job.
Posted by: Nijma | September 26, 2008, 12:29 am 12:29 am
It’s time to stop this nonsense and focus on the issues. It’s appalling that she would be held accountable for something someone else said. Let’s stick to relevant issues- like her views on domestic as well as foreign policy.
Posted by: Dave | September 26, 2008, 1:36 am 1:36 am
Well, I’d say it looks like Muthee’s 2005 prayer is getting answered.
Sarah is being lifted up as a beacon of righteousness — and to hold a high position of leadership in the U.S.
Hallelujah!
Posted by: Lulu | September 26, 2008, 1:42 am 1:42 am
This appears to be a flagrant breach of the rule that in exchange for tax exempt status prevents religious organizations from directly endorsing any political figure or party.
Posted by: Robert J | September 26, 2008, 1:50 am 1:50 am
Palin’s Vice Presidential candidacy was launched by an undergraduate student interested in “Politics, Foreign Affairs & Zionism…”; perhaps, because she only knows about Politics, but nothing about Foreign Affairs & Zionism, which are crucial to a person a heartbeat away from the Presidency!?
Posted by: T | September 26, 2008, 10:04 am 10:04 am
As a lifelong agnostic, I really want to encourage Obama’s media henchmen like Olbermann and his more masculine protege Maddow to hype this non-story. I hope it riles McCain up enough so that we start to see some prime-time campaign ads starring Obama’s shrieking, deranged and racist friend and pastor of 20 years and his creepy pal (and fellow member of the Farrakhan reverence society) Pfleger.
Posted by: JSmith | September 26, 2008, 10:11 am 10:11 am
Isn’t it funny how religon of any kind scares the hell out of liberals. I watched the vid,nothing about it was shocking.
Posted by: Frankie | September 26, 2008, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Let’s get church out of state, pronto, and focus on the numerous pressing issues. The whole world is watching, folks — and they are laughing in horror. It’s 2008: Wake up!
Posted by: Lynn C. | September 26, 2008, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
Muthee said in the same service:
“We need believers who are educationists. If we had them we would not be talking about the Ten Commandments being kicked out of the high school. They would still be there…We need a core taking over our education system. If we had God in our schools we would not have kids being taught how to worship Buddha, how to worship Mohammad. We would not have in the curriculum witchcraft and sorcery.”
Wow, I didn’t realize Buffy needs to do some vampire slaying in Alaska’s high schools. And doesn’t freedom of religion in this country include Buddhists and Moslems? Wow, as a Jew I didn’t realize I’m corrupting society and controlling all the money. Uhhh.. actually I don’t control any money at all and certainly haven’t corrupted anybody. Well at least Palin showed she is incoherent when talking to Katie Couric. More interviews please!
Posted by: Josh | September 26, 2008, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
I don’t know – after last night’s performance with Katie Couric – she sure did sound like she was speaking in toungues! Dang witches! They got her!!
Posted by: Firth Davenport | September 26, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
I don’t believe that Palin’s religious beliefs are relevant other than to women who seek choice or all those who abhor creationism as religion not science. The one exception is her possible belief in “The Rapture” common to many Pentacostals. Rapturists pray for Armageddon to cleanse the world and bring their instant ascent to heaven (kind of like the extreme jihadists). We cannot afford a Rapturist in the White House. She should renounce such beliefs before the election.
Posted by: jefflz | September 26, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
In this video and the Alaskan Indepence Party video, both speakers praise Palin, and say that it is important for their groups to infiltrate mainstream America. It offers the possibility that Palin thinks that she should just pretend to be mainstream until she gets into power. It suggests the possibiilty that Palin may be some sort Manchurian candidate.
Posted by: iguana | September 26, 2008, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
There is no reason why we should respect ANYONE’S religious beliefs.
Posted by: Rik | September 26, 2008, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
Muthee is praised by conservative Christians for getting rid of witches. As Donohue’s comment demonstrates, certain people believe witchcraft is a “sad reality” rather than a dangerous myth that causes power-seeking people to scapegoat vulnerable women. It reminds me of CS Lewis’s attempt to defend the witch-hunters, when he said, “Well, if there really were such things as witches, wasn’t this a reasonable way to behave?” No, it wasn’t. If you accuse someone of having supernatural powers, you had better have sane adults with no motive to lie who can witness that the “witch” was able to move inanimate objects. Relying on the testimony of hostile neighbors and hysterical adolescents isn’t reasonable. Similarly, blaming a series of car accidents on the mystical powers of a single woman requires a very high burden of proof. That is the rational way to behave before driving someone out of town. Pity that even American conservatives are willing to accept witchcraft as a “sad reality.”
Posted by: PG | September 27, 2008, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
McCain already has run the Rezko ads. He included poor Bill Daley, Clinton’s Commerce Secretary and an upstanding businessman in the ad too. Apparently now guilt by association works in reverse: first Obama was guilty for associating with Rezko, but now Daley is guilty for associating with Obama.
Posted by: PG | September 27, 2008, 11:30 pm 11:30 pm
Is it just me, or does Pastor Muthee sound like Linda Blair in The Exorcist?
Posted by: Commontater | October 5, 2008, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
As someone said, yes, WE(the world)are laughing ; but it’s a kind of nervous laugh mixed with extreme fear that these people will be in charge of the the world’s police force, the world’s army, the world’s department of culture, the world’s department of the treasure….. and we hope YOU guys are clever enough not to put such responsibilities in dangerous clown’s hands.
Posted by: Pablo | October 5, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
I’m a witch, a practitionner of Wicca. We certainly do not kill anyone, nor do we pray for anyone to be killed. I won’t pray for your death, but you would pray for mine… and you think you’re reasonable?
(1) Learn what Wicca really is
(2) Stop wishing death on people, it’s just not nice.
Posted by: Aleks | October 15, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
K…lessee here…
Frankie said:
Isn’t it funny how religon of any kind scares the hell out of liberals. I watched the vid,nothing about it was shocking.
Well, as a witch, I do.
Cogno said:
I don’t see how this reflects poorly on Palin at all.
Were we watching the same video?
Mara said:
I don’t see a single thing wrong with this video…Also if you would read your Bibles you will note that the “witchcraft” that THIS Minister is referring to is–Rebelliousness to authority, strife, consternation, trying to impose personal opinions and thoughts…1 Samuel 15:23.
Maybe so, but most people are too busy thumping their Bibles to read them, so it sounds to a lot of people like a justification of hatred based on religion—the old “appearance of evil” bit.
Just thought I’d stir the cauldron a bit.
Blessed be.
Posted by: Maelaius | November 1, 2008, 1:32 am 1:32 am
I don’t see anything wrong with this video and applaud Palin for embracing Christianity. The USA is traditionally a Christian nation. It is only through bombardment by a media rampant with a leftist agenda over the last 30 years under influence of the Bilderberg group, Trilateral Commission and their spin off groups who control media and politicians in America that witchcraft and satanic cults have become acceptable and the fad. Most Americans reject anti-Christian and anti-Christ ideologies.
Posted by: idbogue1955 | November 10, 2008, 5:15 pm 5:15 pm
So while inhuman scum like this “witch hunter” continue to cause the death and dismemberment of hundreds if not thousands of children in Africa the worst you people can come up with is how Liberals are slandering him. Pathetic. Truly pathetic. Apparently the lives of women and children mean nothing to you as long as your team wins the election huh?
Posted by: mudflappus | October 22, 2010, 2:51 am 2:51 am