Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure

Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: headhuntersix on May 29, 2008, 04:08:07 PM

Title: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: headhuntersix on May 29, 2008, 04:08:07 PM
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/29/at-obamas-church-chicago-minister-says-clinton-felt-white-entitlement/



QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Another Chicago minister is causing headaches for Barack Obama after he gave a sermon Sunday at Obama’s church in which he said Hillary Clinton felt entitled to the presidency because she’s white.

Catholic pastor Michael Pfleger, who is white, issued a formal apology for his sermon Thursday after Obama put out a statement saying he was “deeply disappointed” by Pfleger’s remarks at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

“I regret the words I chose on Sunday. These words are inconsistent with Senator Obama’s life and message, and I am deeply sorry if they offended Senator Clinton or anyone else who saw them,” Pfleger said.

That was after a video of his sermon was posted on YouTube.

In it, Pfleger mocked Clinton for getting choked up on camera before the New Hampshire primary in January.

“When Hillary was crying … I really don’t believe it was put on. I really believe that she just always thought ‘This is mine. I’m Bill’s wife. I’m white. And this is mine’,” he said, shouting at times. “Then out of nowhere came, ‘Hey I’m Barack Obama’. And she said, ‘Oh damn! Where did you come from? I’m white! I’m entitled! There’s a black man stealing my show’!”

After that, he simulated Clinton crying and then said: “She wasn’t the only one crying. There was a whole lot of white people crying … I’m sorry. I don’t wanna get you in any more trouble. The live streaming just went out again.”

He also said at one point, “America has been raping people of color and America has to pay the price for the rape. “

The video was later posted on WorldNetDaily, which ran a story on the sermon.

The video was a reminder of the many sermons from Obama’s former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. that have dogged his campaign since March. In the videos, Wright described his country as institutionally racist and made disparaging comments toward Clinton that referenced the issue of race. Obama has rejected Wright’s controversial statements and his campaign issued a statement Thursday rejecting Pfleger’s.

“As I have traveled this country, I’ve been impressed not by what divides us, but by all that that unites us,” the statement said. “That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger’s divisive, backward-looking rhetoric, which doesn’t reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause.”

Pfleger is not a member of Obama’s church, but Trinity United confirmed he was a guest at the church Sunday.

Pfleger’s support of Obama is well known in Chicago, and an Obama aide confirmed Pfleger contributed to Obama’s state Senate campaign during his years in the Illinois legislature.

The aide told FOX News that when Obama was a state Senator in 2000, he secured a $100,000 earmark for the ARK Community Center, a center attached to Pfleger’s St. Sabina church. The aide said the initiative was awarded to help keep at risk kids off the streets by giving them a place to play.

Pfleger was also once a member of the Catholics for Obama Committee, which is a voluntary advisory committee to the Obama campaign, the aide said. But the aide said Pfleger decided to step down a few weeks ago from this committee, though the campaign did not request the resignation
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: 2ND COMING on May 29, 2008, 04:14:18 PM
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/29/at-obamas-church-chicago-minister-says-clinton-felt-white-entitlement/

stopped reading after that
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: youandme on May 29, 2008, 05:04:07 PM
what a bunch of crazies.

not a racist church?   ::)
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: youandme on May 29, 2008, 05:14:25 PM
Goes right along with his POS racist wife.

"That's america...ignorant"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BogJvgdH6eo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BogJvgdH6eo)
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: calmus on May 29, 2008, 05:17:28 PM
Hahaha. I don't know why, but the story made me LMAO
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: bigdumbbell on May 29, 2008, 07:09:50 PM
that catholic priest is is a screaming queen
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Tre on May 29, 2008, 08:17:23 PM

Churches are evil places.
Title: Re: Obama again apologizes for a pastor's comments
Post by: calmus on May 29, 2008, 10:47:26 PM

Repost.  >:(
Title: Re: Obama again apologizes for a pastor's comments
Post by: Bindare_Dundat on May 29, 2008, 10:48:14 PM
haha


 how did i know YOU would be the one to beat me to that answer?
Title: Re: Obama again apologizes for a pastor's comments
Post by: calmus on May 29, 2008, 10:50:17 PM

SOmeone leaked my identity as an Avidan undercover thread-police officer?  ??? >:(
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Bindare_Dundat on May 29, 2008, 10:51:26 PM
Churches are evil places.

 I wouldnt call this one evil but dont they ever stop talking about race issues over there?
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: mac7000 on May 29, 2008, 10:56:06 PM
Why is a catholic priest giving a sermon at a protestant church?

Im Catholic and from Chicago this guy is a well know nut case and civil rights activist around here.

Anywhere there is a video camera rolling you'll see this guy.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 30, 2008, 07:16:39 AM
It doesn't matter, in this case, what news organization is reporting.  The clip speaks for itself.  The church invited him.  This church is racist, period.  There should be no more doubt. Another preacher with the same damning views.  What is with these Chicago preachers???

Saying Hillary feels entitled may actually be true...but to say that she feels entitled because she is white is f'n ignorant.  She probably feels entitled because she was the clear front runner for the past 2 yrs, because her husband was president, and because she has a strong & historical presence in the democratic party.  Now, if he said she is a ruthless power hungry politician with a sense of entitlement...many wouldn't have batted an eye, but his focus and damnation is on race, again from this church.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: youandme on May 30, 2008, 07:47:32 AM
Why is a catholic priest giving a sermon at a protestant church?

hate knows no boundaries
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: headhuntersix on May 30, 2008, 08:18:51 AM
Pandering bullshit. The catholic church in the US should stick to helping the poor and teaching, polictics and the Church don't mix. What an asshat. If i were in the Vatican, this moron would be getting a phone call and a pink slip.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 30, 2008, 03:15:39 PM
I watched again.  Did you see him bringing down the house again with the people present?  The people that attend this church love this shit.  I have no tolerance for this bullshit, just like I have no tolerance for racists, of any color.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: OzmO on May 30, 2008, 03:22:01 PM
Pandering bullshit. The catholic church in the US should stick to helping the poor and teaching, polictics and the Church don't mix. What an asshat. If i were in the Vatican, this moron would be getting a phone call and a pink slip.

ALL  churches should do just that.   T
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: calmus on May 30, 2008, 03:52:10 PM
I watched again.  Did you see him bringing down the house again with the people present?  The people that attend this church love this shit.  I have no tolerance for this bullshit, just like I have no tolerance for racists, of any color.

Oh, really? I don't recall you saying a thing about the racism that is rampant on this board? 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 12:35:04 AM
Good grief.  What an embarrassment. 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: 240 is Back on May 31, 2008, 12:37:36 AM
remember when everyone said Rev Wright ruined it for mccain?

Today's polls say he didn't.

You can tote out dozens of obama's priests.  People dont' care.  They're tired of the war, they're tired of being broke, they're tired of $3.93 gasoline, they're tired of Bush.

So go ahead, get all excited about another priest story, beach Cum.  Whip out your kleenex and crank one out in your bathrobe, why dont you.  This issue is irrelevant and the only "pole" that's moving is the one in your hand.  Perv.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Hedgehog on May 31, 2008, 07:55:07 AM
What a fcuking tool.

Good to see this shit getting some press.

Obama needs to deal with his connections to this bullshit, seems like a bit of a religious zealot if you ask me.

Obama = Bible thumper?
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Tre on May 31, 2008, 08:48:00 AM
Saying Hillary feels entitled may actually be true...but to say that she feels entitled because she is white is f'n ignorant.  She probably feels entitled because she was the clear front runner for the past 2 yrs, because her husband was president, and because she has a strong & historical presence in the democratic party.  Now, if he said she is a ruthless power hungry politician with a sense of entitlement...many wouldn't have batted an eye, but his focus and damnation is on race, again from this church.

Again, 100% correct. 

She definitely feels entitled, but it has everything to do with her character and ambition and nothing to do with her race. 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 11:06:28 AM
What a fcuking tool.

Good to see this shit getting some press.

Obama needs to deal with his connections to this bullshit, seems like a bit of a religious zealot if you ask me.

Obama = Bible thumper?

How do you define Bible thumper?  He claims to be very religious:

"I've been to the same church _ the same Christian church _ for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

. . .

One piece features photos of Obama praying with the words "COMMITTED CHRISTIAN" in large letters across the middle. It says Obama will be a president "guided by his Christian faith" and includes a quote from him saying, "I believe in the power of prayer."

A second piece, which like the first doesn't mention the Muslim rumor, includes photos of Obama with his family and a caption that says they are active members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. It explains how as a young man Obama "felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22767392/
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: youandme on May 31, 2008, 11:32:03 AM
How do you define Bible thumper?  He claims to be very religious:

"I've been to the same church _ the same Christian church _ for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

. . .

One piece features photos of Obama praying with the words "COMMITTED CHRISTIAN" in large letters across the middle. It says Obama will be a president "guided by his Christian faith" and includes a quote from him saying, "I believe in the power of prayer."

A second piece, which like the first doesn't mention the Muslim rumor, includes photos of Obama with his family and a caption that says they are active members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. It explains how as a young man Obama "felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22767392/

I thought you said he was not very religious like two weeks ago when I tried to tell you he was very religious (whatever that may mean these days)

Religion aside, what he really should explain is why he is around these people that talk bad about the US, and are radical protesters (that priest guy is friends with Sharpton.....they have both been arrested when defacing property and protesting together)
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 11:41:17 AM
I thought you said he was not very religious like two weeks ago when I tried to tell you he was very religious (whatever that may mean these days)

Religion aside, what he really should explain is why he is around these people that talk bad about the US, and are radical protesters (that priest guy is friends with Sharpton.....they have both been arrested when defacing property and protesting together)

No.  You said he was religious his entire life and went to a religious school.  I pointed out he went to a non-religious private school (Punahou) and was pretty much agnostic early in his life.   
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Hedgehog on May 31, 2008, 12:26:44 PM
How do you define Bible thumper?  He claims to be very religious:

"I've been to the same church _ the same Christian church _ for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

. . .

One piece features photos of Obama praying with the words "COMMITTED CHRISTIAN" in large letters across the middle. It says Obama will be a president "guided by his Christian faith" and includes a quote from him saying, "I believe in the power of prayer."

A second piece, which like the first doesn't mention the Muslim rumor, includes photos of Obama with his family and a caption that says they are active members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. It explains how as a young man Obama "felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22767392/

Thanks for those quotes.

Seems like the next US president may be some religious nut, just like the current.

Is he gonna "hear the voice of God" about decisions just like Bush did as well? ::)

Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 31, 2008, 12:32:57 PM
If Obama is who he says he is, he should break ties with this radical church.  There is no more arguments about this church...they are radical, overly dramatic, critical with negative generalizations about whites and mix religion with left wing politics.

Calmus, you sure like to follow me around here & criticize.  If you think what this church is doing is good for this country, you and I are from two different worlds.  Apparently, you enjoy seeing our country crumble from the inside.  To answer your question, I have written criticism about some racist remarks here but some are so stupid, I just ignore them.  This issue with the church is different because it is public and concerns someone who very well could be our next president.  Believe me, if some racist mother f-cker insulted one of my black friends in my presence, I'd knock their jaw through the back of their f'n head.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 12:37:03 PM
Thanks for those quotes.

Seems like the next US president may be some religious nut, just like the current.

Is he gonna "hear the voice of God" about decisions just like Bush did as well? ::)



No problem mang. 

Every serious presidential candidate and every president in recent memory has publicly proclaimed to be a Christian and/or have a belief/faith in God.  It's an unwritten requirement to run and be elected in this country.  (And yes there is a prohibition on religious tests for public office in the Constitution.) 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: calmus on May 31, 2008, 12:37:59 PM
DOn't flatter yourself. I just saw a statement in one of the more recently posted threads I thought was hypocritical. 

Everybody's got a best friend who's black who makes it all right for them to ignore racism on institutional and other macro levels.  Guess what? No, it doesn't.  it's a wrong that needs to be addressed at every level. i see it here all the time, and I've never seen you once do a thing about it.  I'm not saying you're a racist, as you probably are not. I'm just saying you need to do more to help. We all need to do more.

P.S. I actually don't have any black friends.  There's a dude whose mom is from W. Africa at the place I work, but he's not very friendly. Apart from that, i rarely run into black people.  There's a reason for that- institutional racism.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 31, 2008, 12:56:09 PM
Fair enough.  There is still some institutional racism, but this country has come a long way!  There's far more fairness than racism.  In the hospitals and gov/city jobs I've seen, it can work the opposite with reverse racism as well. 

You gotta get out more man.  Actually, I find that many people on the far left have very little in common or experience with the poor or poorly educated people they fight for.  FYI, I grew up straight middle class in a family with old European values.  I spent a lot of my time in the boxing gym, wrestling and lifting...I didn't have some of the nice things other kids did, I didn't want them even if I could have afforded them. 

When I went to college & post grad, I lived in the city for several yrs.  I also bounced in a huge dance club dowtown for several yrs, which was pretty rough.  Lot of gang bangers came in.  One of the houses my buddies & I rented was a few blocks out of a ghetto area...we were the only white kids on the street.  That was an eye opener, to see how different some poor people live.  We got several windows broken in our house, caught a guy trying to steal one of my roommate's car, other various shit like that.  First day moving there, a crack dealer asked if we needed any drugs...hahaha.  The guy across the street had some mental condition and used to yell at the birds.  Cars with bass driving by at all hrs, empty 40s constantly left in the streets.  Then I moved to an appt right next to section 8 housing, a similar experience (it was cheap & I had no $ at the time).  So, I've seen the uglier side.  Also have had the great experience of having many close black friends who I had tons in common with, usually met though a connection in weightlifting, fighting or music.  Experience is the greatest teacher.

I was taught from a young age to have an insane work ethic, to sacrifice, to better oneself and those around you, and to acheive.  Those are my core beliefs.  I don't understand entitlement, laziness, racism of any kind, overt materialism, or poor efforts.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Hedgehog on May 31, 2008, 12:58:58 PM
I definitely believe that there are structural problems that prohibits the blacks and the hispanics from succeeding in life.

I recently came across a study that showed how expensive it is for the state to let a person grow up into a criminal life.

The missed tax, the crimes commited et al, the total cost for each of these individuals is cerca $5-6 millions.

The investment it would take is in comparison minimal: the study suggested that a targeted investment in problem kids and youths with $ 200 per year would be effective.

Used for social workers, special teachers, et al.

The fact that blacks and hispanics are lagging isn't just a black and hispanic problem.

It's a big ass problem for the US economy.

Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 01:03:07 PM
Experience is the greatest teacher.


Absolutely. 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 31, 2008, 01:04:23 PM
Absolutely...but its a cultural problem more than anything these days.  You must have good core values, good work ethic, want to do well, have good role models that encourage & give hope, an atmosphere that supports education and family to have successful people.  You also have to get beyond collectivism as they have done in some other countries/large cities.  
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 01:19:36 PM
Absolutely...but its a cultural problem more than anything these days.  You must have good core values, good work ethic, want to do well, have good role models that encourage & give hope, an atmosphere that supports education and family to have successful people.  You also have to get beyond collectivism as they have done in some other countries/large cities.  

I agree for the most part.  I don't think any culture teaches people to be underachievers, criminals, etc., but I agree with everything else. 
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on May 31, 2008, 01:26:57 PM
Well, criminal behavior is mostly learned.  Some criminals steal to survive, but thats a minority.

Its not that a particular culture strives to teach one to be an underachiever, people usually adapt and learn from their surroundings.  If thats the prevailing attitude around you, its hard to break the cycle.  Thats not specific to any race...but it is common with socioeconomic class and some inner city areas.  The people that I've seen break that cycle & succeed either had good families, good teachers, mentors, learned behaviors from certain groups or sports, etc.  Thats why throwing $ at them problem, particularly when it is not used correctly, rarely helps.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: 240 is Back on May 31, 2008, 01:28:17 PM
Is he gonna "hear the voice of God" about decisions just like Bush did as well? ::)

before he invaded iraq, bush did NOT consult with Defense secreatary Donald Rumsfeld.

but he admits he did ask god for advice.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on May 31, 2008, 04:54:52 PM
Well, criminal behavior is mostly learned.  Some criminals steal to survive, but thats a minority.

Its not that a particular culture strives to teach one to be an underachiever, people usually adapt and learn from their surroundings.  If thats the prevailing attitude around you, its hard to break the cycle.  Thats not specific to any race...but it is common with socioeconomic class and some inner city areas.  The people that I've seen break that cycle & succeed either had good families, good teachers, mentors, learned behaviors from certain groups or sports, etc.  Thats why throwing $ at them problem, particularly when it is not used correctly, rarely helps.

Ah so.  I agree.  I thought you were using "culture" to define race or ethnic groups. 

I have spent a lot of time in the inner city and rural, low income areas I know exactly what you're talking about.  It is a vicious cycle. 

[Edited for the grammar Nazi]  
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: calmus on May 31, 2008, 04:56:25 PM
Ah so.  I agree.  I thought you were using "culture" to define race or ethnic groups. 

I have spent a lot of time in the inner city and rural, low income areas I know exactly what you're talking about.  It is viscous cycle.   


Yeah, the viscosity is amazing.   :-*
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: shootfighter1 on June 01, 2008, 12:31:07 PM
Grammar Nazi!  hahaha.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: calmus on June 01, 2008, 12:32:48 PM
that's not grammar. it's not even the same word.  It's a sign of someone who uses spell-check to sound smart.
Title: Re: At Obama’s Church, Chicago Minister Says Clinton Felt ‘White’ Entitlement
Post by: Dos Equis on June 03, 2008, 07:17:23 PM
Jun 3, 9:29 PM EDT

Priest who mocked Clinton told to take a leave

By SOPHIA TAREEN
Associated Press Writer
 
CHICAGO (AP) -- Cardinal Francis George asked a Chicago priest on Tuesday to temporarily step down from his post to "reflect on his recent statements" regarding Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and her bid for the White House.

Last week, the Rev. Michael Pfleger mocked Clinton at Sen. Barack Obama's former church, saying the New York senator felt "entitled" to the Democratic nomination for president.

In a guest sermon at Trinity United Church of Christ, Pfleger pretended he was Clinton crying over "a black man stealing my show."

Pfleger's sermon, along with past controversial statements by Trinity's former longtime pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, led Obama to resign his membership at Trinity. Pfleger apologized for his comments Sunday.

George asked Pfleger to take leave from pastoral duties at St. Sabina Church in order to "reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the church's regulations for all Catholic priests," according to a statement Tuesday from the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Officials have said the Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates.

The leave was effective Tuesday and was scheduled to last about two weeks, said Archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt.

"This is the Cardinal's way of hopefully relieving some of the pressure, to step away and reflect a little bit. That is the intent here," she said. "This has been a difficult week in light of everything that's happened."

Pfleger, who has promised George he would no longer mention any presidential candidates by name, did not believe "this to be the right step at this time," according to the statement.

"While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect," George said in the statement. "I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns."

A message seeking comment was left for Pfleger.

Pfleger, a 59-year-old white priest at a largely black parish, has gained a reputation for impassioned sermons and activism. The Archdiocese said his temporary replacement is the Rev. William Vanecko, pastor of Chicago's St. Kilian Catholic Church.
 
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_PFLEGER?SITE=HIHAD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT