I Went to Bed Angry

I went to bed angry last night. Gov. Sarah Palin's acceptance speech was, simply put, insulting and demeaning to any American who has worked to improve his or her country through community service or volunteerism. Remarking that a former community organizer like Sen. Obama doesn't really have any "actual responsibilities" while serving his or her neighbors and fellow Americans is downright wrong. But what other viewpoint can we expect from a member of a political party that has single-handedly smeared the good name of the United States over the past 8 years?

Republicans are quick to tout the military record of Senator McCain as reason enough for him to be the President of the United States. While the military has a very important role in maintaining peace and security throughout the world, joining the armed forces is not the only way that an American can serve his or her country. Unfortunately, Bush-McCain Republicans don't seem to understand this and look down on Americans who contribute their time and energy in other ways.

Ms. Palin, don't tell me that community organizers, civil rights activists, environmental advocates, and soup kitchen volunteers don't have "actual responsibilities." As someone who spent the year after graduating from college working countless hours in an inner city high school in Boston, I can say with confidence: "You just don't get it."

I don't normally read the e-mails that Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe fills up my inbox with every week (I'm sure you get them, too). But today I happened to read the one he sent out early this morning. His response to Palin's comments were right on the mark:

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies. And it's no surprise that, after eight years of George Bush, millions of people have found that by coming together in their local communities they can change the course of history. That promise is what our campaign has been about from the beginning. Throughout our history, ordinary people have made good on America's promise by organizing for change from the bottom up. Community organizing is the foundation of the civil rights movement, the women's suffrage movement, labor rights, and the 40-hour workweek. And it's happening today in church basements and community centers and living rooms across America.

The GOP does not have a monopoly on the idea of "service." All of us can contribute to this country in our own way - it can be with a gun and a Humvee or it can be with a piece of chalk and a blackboard. We need leaders who understand this. We need leaders who understand that the promise of America is built by all kinds of Americans, with different talents and skills.

McCain and Palin don't understand this. Obama and Biden do. Where do you stand?