I write this to you from Chicago.
I just came back from a field trip to the Southside, including going by Obama's house and then meeting in a church basement with local community organizers including a young Muslim that is mentoring black and latino kids... Also heard the Executive Director of the Alianza Hispana here in Chicago give the most eloquent history lesson about community organizing I've heard!... Now, why is THAT not on YouTube?
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So, Gov. Palin has totally dissed my chosen life passion, professional pursuit, and civic commitment… To remind us, she said:
“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities.”
I wonder how it would have landed had she said:
“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "teacher," except that you have to actually know something.”; or,
“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like most "oil companies," except that you have to actually care about who you do business with.”; or,
“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like some “CEOs," except that you have to actually account for your results.”
Her direct affront on “community organizers” reaffirms her negative perception of those of us who care – and have empathy – for others; those of us that believe that together we make a grander whole; and those of us that see the discernment of individuals and self interest as prerequisite and complementary to (not in lieu of or independent of) constructive collective action.
I wonder how she thinks the evangelical right and the anti-abortion forces have been so successful if not by doing incredibly successful “community organizing”?… I wonder how SHE got elected if not by the efforts of her own “community organizing” friends?
Unfortunately, this rhetoric takes me back to when working in Mississippi in the early 80’s, I was told by local officials to “never, ever use the term ‘community organizing’ around here… You can use ‘outreach staff’ and/or volunteer coordinator… But, never, ever use around these hills that ‘commie’ term from them northeaster lefty loonies: community organizing.”… That was told to me by a small town mayor in Mississippi. He also happened to have been a key David Duke supporter. (For you younger guys, Google David Duke and you'll see what I mean!)
Obviously, Palin is trying to appeal to that segment of the American voter who want to reject anything resembling urban America – and all that implies. She is also trying to appeal to the rural, gun-trotting, SUV owner who wants to reject anything resembling the intellectual, broad-minded, educated America – and all that implies. Finally, she is obviously trying to appeal to the simple, conservative, narrow-minded electorate who want conservative, simple-minded solutions to complex problems… Evil exists? Defeat it!; Want health insurance? Pay for it!; Want oil independence? Drill! Drill! Drill!; You don’t like me? I’ll fight you!; Fight! Fight! Fight!
According to Palin – and by inference, her ticket - it seems we need to forget about talking through possible solutions, alternative options… Forget about listening to those that you disagree with; understanding their position… Forget about bringing people together that are being impacted by questionable policies and programs - or economic decisions - beyond their control… And, if you forget about all of this, of course there is no need for ‘community organizing’!
…And, I’d be remiss if I did not highlight the incredible lack of diversity in the crowd, the speakers, and the “thinking” of the Republican convention… Frankly, if America had a “White” Party, would it look much different? … THAT is a scary thought for the year 2020!... It may just be that demographically, the politics of fear the Republicans are presenting may just convince enough whites that this is their last best shot at remaining in power for just that one more election cycle… And, we all know where all those ‘community organizers’ work, right?
This gets personal in another way . I am the product of a system that bastardized the highest concepts of community organizing and turned a potential exemplary bottom-up system into a top-down authoritarian regime. (Yes, I am referring to Cuba, of course.) So I am hyper-sensitive to this issue, I know...
Community organizing is a real change agent - and both candidates seem to know it! It just happens that one party seems to know how to do it and the other is afraid of it!
The bottom line is: Will the number of Americans voting out of fear exceed the number of Americans excited about the possibilities of a new direction?... It truly seems to boil down to who is going to do a better job getting out the vote. And, we all know that to get out the vote, nothing works better than good ol’ community organizing!
Reemberto Rodriguez
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Here is a cutting, humorous and insightful 60 second analysis of Palin and Guiliani's remarks as only Jon Stewart can do...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BebFHpfLYXI
Pretty “Hot” Organizer
I listened to Gov. Palins’ speech Wednesday night. During the few days leading up to her speech, I tried to avoid the spins and sound bites that were unfairly whirling around her and her family. I wanted to hear Palins’ breath of fresh air and respect what was an historical moment. I was inspired by her presence when she approached the podium. She was poised, confident and ready. She had a tough job, as would anyone. She was being charged with inspiring and motivating her party. I clung to her every word. I tried to filter her mockery and insults and I saw a woman rising to the occasion. As a woman, I felt proud. Good for her!!
But....
I was absolutely shocked that she would use her moment of introduction to disrespect Community Organizers so profoundly. I have worked as a Community Organizer in every region for the past 18 years. I’ve provided organizing training to Organizers in almost every state of our country including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. I was offended and deeply hurt by the context and content of her references to Community Organizers. Giuliani was made accountable by organizing efforts for many issues in NY prior to 9/11. Maybe that was his motivation. What in the world was hers?? There are so many Americans that give up more "elite" options to follow their convictions of helping to create positive changes as Community Organizers. They work side by side with good, hard working Americans who are often left out, pushed aside and left behind. If she wants, someday I’ll share with her what the job entails.
Wednesday night Palin and Giuliani mocked the struggles of people all over this country to survive, thrive and make their communities better. These folk are working with organizers to prevent foreclosures, improve their communitys’ façade, leverage millions for affordable housing, train for jobs, create job opportunities, work with young people to get them committed and excited about learning. These folk are “mavericks” speaking truth to local power in their cities. Community Organizers are knocking on doors getting people registered to vote and inspiring them to engage in the political process. As before, we will be there helping in the aftermath when the stage lights go out in St. Paul and go back on in New Orleans. Hope is not just a word for organizers. It is a light that shatters apathy and ignites a spirit of participation. With seemingly whimsical comments, Palin and Giuliani disregarded the legacy of organizing movements that are held dear in the hearts and minds of many Americans. At least two organizing movements from which I dare say she has benefited….. The Civil Rights Movement and The Women’s Movement. Community organizing efforts paved the way for her to speak on a national stage at a RNC. You might say she did not have to “earn” that podium largely because of the work of organizers. They owe an apology to the countless number of people who do this work. Is organizing a legitimate qualification for our Commander-in-Chief? Palin has a right to ask that question. My guess is Obama can and will answer her. But to make a mockery of an honest and noble American profession and to discount it by the use of her body language and tone is shameful. It was an authoritarian posture. It was a misuse of the platform and the power she and Giuliani has as public officials. I found the references to Community Organizers careless, unnecessarily nasty, divisive, and elitist.
I am an educated woman, a mother of two beautiful young boys, a member of the PTA, a wife, a national trainer and a very proud Community Organizer. I know I’ll talk, text, chat, blog and email with other Community Organizers across the country about the references made by both Palin and Giuliani. Not knowing about someone’s work and/or not liking the work they do does not grant Palin or Giuliani the privilege to do what they both did with no regard for fellow Americas who happen to be organizers. Thanks but no thanks!
God Bless the Obamas and God Bless America
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