Obama has invited legitimate criticism

After reading Chuck Goudie's column, "Critics off base with the "Obama Commandment," I don't think he understands why people are criticizing Sen. Obama over his long-term relationship with Rev. Wright and his church.

I agree with Mr. Goudie, if you belong to a church in which its leader's views are hateful and racist, quitting may not be the best solution.

What I don't agree with is sitting in the pew and doing nothing and saying nothing.

It took 20 years and a media spotlight on Rev. Wright for Sen. Obama to acknowledge that sermons Rev. Wright gave were "rough."

What Sen. Obama lacked was moral courage to confront Rev. Wright about his sermons at anytime.

My guess is either Obama saw nothing wrong with Rev. Wright's sermons or was afraid that his views would make him unpopular in Rev. Wright's church and hence lose local voter support among parishioners.

Obama's platform is change. So what kind of change will Obama bring as president when he's afraid to challenge and seek change within his own church?

Lastly, I also agree with Mr. Goudie's opinion that one should not disavow one's faith or place of worship based upon unacceptable behavior of its leaders.

I do encourage everyone to speak up and take action and insist on change whenever their leaders engage in hateful, racist, criminal or immoral behavior.

If you choose just to sit in the pew and do nothing, you only condone the behavior.

Ron Feldman

Roselle