“I’ve watched complete 45-min sermons by Wright. The full sermons are actually *more* America-hating than the commonly quoted clips.”

Perhaps Mark could clarify what he means by “America hating”.

I find compelling similarities behind how American patriots react to criticisms of policies of US politicians, and how some parents react to criticisms of their children’s misdemeanors.

Some parents initially dismiss or discount any reports their kids broke a window, stole a chocolate bar. Other parents, who love their kids at least as much, accept that kids have to learn a sense of morals, and that many kids commit transgressions on their way to doing so.

I’d rather have as a neighbor the parent who can consider the possibility their kid committed a transgression than the parent who practiced total denial. I would rather have the parent who makes the kid return the chocolate bar as a neighbor.

I know some of those parents who practice public denial tell themselves they will get to the bottom of the accusation — in private. I know some of those denying parents never get around to getting to the bottom — while others administer private cruel and unusual punishments.

Whose kid is more likely to grow up to have a realistic, dependable, moral sense?

And, so far as I concerned, the American patriots who are able to consider criticisms of American policies on their merits, are much more likely to actually help fix problems than those who practice total denial.

How many of Wright’s criticisms hold merit? I dunno. But I do know that the USA has a serious case of boosterism and complacency.

Regarding the similarities and differences between Obama’s relationship with Wright and McCain’s relationship with Hagee…

There are multiple reasons someone joins and stays in a LOCAL CHURCH. Trust in the judgement of one’s pastor is one reason. Appreciation for the church’s local charitable projects would play a part. One’s relationship with fellow parishioners has to play a part — as would the relationship of one’s spouse and children with fellow parishioners.

McCain did not seek out Hagee’s endorsement because of his parish’s charitable efforts, or because of the personal relationships he or his family had with Hagee’s parishioners.

Regarding McCain’s superstitiousness, and the Reagan’s faith in Astrology. It is scary when Life imitates Art. When I was a kid I read a Science Fiction story by Robert Heinlein, where the President’s wife let her astrologist’s advice guide her maneuvering of her husband the President. It was one point that strained my willing suspension of disbelief. As a young person I never thought a US President would let Astrology guide his decisions. I was shocked — remain shocked — that this actually happened in the Reagan White House.

As I said before, the “liberal media” are an outdated myth.