Clayton News Daily

If you think you know a person well enough not to be surprised by something they do, say, or believe in, then, you probably don't know them well - at least, you don't know them as well as you think.

That's my thought about the increasing consensus about presidential candidate Barack Obama and his 'former' spiritual advisor Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

I believe there is truth in Obama's denouncements that Wright does not speak for him. But it is equally as unlikely that Obama doesn't share a more intellectual and less abrasive thought on a few issues.

Wright is no fool. And some of what the man says - between his declarations of governmental sabotage and conspiracy - are on point and well-thought-out, educated conclusions.

It is interesting, though, that as much as I have seen of Wright related to Obama, and how he supposedly hurts Obama's chances for his party's nomination, I do not recall anyone actually asking Obama what he specifically thought about the issues Wright has raised these past two months.

Moreover, I have yet to know exactly what Obama thinks about these issues - issues that, for some reason, have yet to be the concern of the other candidates.

If Wright's so-called "tirades" will affect Obama in his bid for the presidency, why aren't the other candidates subject to the same criticism. Do they get a pass for being more savvy at spin control?

One such presidential candidate I am learning about is the Libertarian candidate for president and perhaps - rather, so far - the closest thing to classical conservatism American voters have seen in quite some time.

I, for one, will be glad to be rid of the neo-conservatism that wears the hat of less government, while prancing the pot-hole-filled streets in splurgy stilettos and budget-deficit stockings.

Bob Barr is a former Georgia Republican congressman, and he is reportedly making a run for the White House.

I am interested to see what he has to offer against the powerhouses that are Bush-linked, McCain-Part II, and the "Obama and Clinton For Change" tandem. They are already making headlines for their high-profile associations. Perhaps, we will hear again from Zell Miller soon.

Johnny Jackson is the education reporter for the Henry Daily Herald. He can be reached at jjackson@henryherald.com or at (770) 957-9161.