This is right  on in my book:

I mean, he’s criticizing the USA. He’s not patriotic. My friends, the pulpit is no place for patriotism. The pulpit is a place where truth is spoken to power. The pulpit is a place where God’s truth is spoken and it must never be tainted by the idol of nationalism.
The things that Rev. Wright has stated are clearly rhetorically bold for the purpose of being bold. They are to act as a contrast to the truth that is spoken by nationalist. I think they may be over the top, but suggesting that it is damnable for the United States to lead the world in the number and percentage of residents it incarcerated is worth contemplation. Furthermore, to assume that it is normal for one in nine black men ages 20 to 34 to be behind bars demands contemplation. What the Rev. Wright is stating when he says that some things America has done is damnable is that it is abominable that we don’t even bother to wonder what we are doing that could cause such numbers. We don’t repent, we don’t reform, rather we just continue on the same path and allow these tragedies to continue.

The Mundane Life of Thunder Jones

Absolutely.  “Rhetorically bold” is exactly the  right sense.

His statements are shocking because we don’t often hear them. They are not anti-American unless being American means attributing a near-infallible goodness towards America. America has clearly sinned and been a partner of oppressors for our own benefit. Preaching this only seems to be a proclamation of the truth.

Yes,  his contrast/retort here is targeted at “God Bless America”.  I go to the bathroom or go get something to eat when they play it at sports events.  It’s a part of the whole shrine of  America to shore up its base and create “national unity” that too many Christians absolutely eat up.  The sad thing is,  they usually eat it up with more gusto and  feeling than they do in the act of worship or liturgy.

Thanks Thunder Jones!  Great Post!