I am a very appreciative and longtime NUVO reader. It’s great to have a local publication that is devoted to the arts, environment, peace and justice, and to bringing us solid, in-depth information on topics of much importance to us in our community. Today I want to specifically commend Steve Hammer for his article “Wright Is Right” (March 19-26). It took courage to write and makes a lot of sense. I think it has been so unfair to Barack Obama to “blame” him and try to discredit him for comments made by his pastor, but it also took courage for his pastor to speak the truth about the way the USA has behaved in the world. While I grieve deeply for the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks and feel deep sympathy for their loved ones, the pastor’s comments I’m sure were in no way condoning those attacks, but rather were pointing out the truth about our country and expressing the need for us to change our attitudes and behaviors. It’s time we stood for justice, peace, true democracy, integrity and care for the Earth, and to seek out non-violent ways to resolve conflicts.

Barack Obama’s association with this pastor is not, in my mind, something negative, although Obama’s approach is gentler and more positive. I think that’s good for our country right now — to try to unite us and bring us together to do good and positive things. But it’s also necessary to speak the truth and not be afraid to hear it, face our own participation in what’s wrong and change our behavior accordingly. Thanks, Steve, and to all of you at NUVO.