A Civics Lesson for Sarah Palin

A lot of people are commenting on Sarah Palin's speech from last night.

I've seen commentary on the tone of meanness (and the strategy behind it), several fact checkers pointing out obvious falsehoods, commentary on the whiteness of the RNC, on Palin's personal appeal, on the speech's partisanship and lack of real content.

But the bit that stuck out to me? Palin's dismissive comment on "community organizing".

Now it has been revealed that Obama's community organizing was working for a group of Chicago churches helping their parishioners to get job training, help with housing, etc., from the local government after they were laid off when steel mills closed. Catholic Democrats is not amused by mockery of the struggle against poverty.

As a grassroots activist and community organizer myself, Palin's comment hit me on a personal level, but it also goes against the principles on which our country was founded. After all, who were our country's Founders but community organizers? What was the Boston Tea Party if not a political protest?

And speaking of violating the spirit of our Founders, I can't help thinking that the folks who made the decision to raid the homes of activists suspected of possibly planning protests at the RNC might want to take a look at this:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

and this:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

For a party that claims to be upholding the principles our country was founded on, they seem to do a pretty poor job.

More great info on what community organizers do from WOCPhD.

Here's how you can get active:

Tell Palin to respect community organizers.

Ask Sarah Palin where she stands on support for other working mothers.

Contact the St. Paul Mayor, Sheriff and County Chief to protest the treatment of activists at the RNC.

Mayor Chris Coleman: 651-266-8510
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher: 651-266-9333
Ramsey County Chief Judge Gearin: 651-266-8266

Ask for :
Medical attention for arrestees due to injuries from police brutality.
That arrestees be allowed to meet in groups with their lawyers.
Non-hostile areas for queer and transgendered arrestees.
Release of all minors from the adult correctional facilities and that they be tried in juvenile court.
Dismissal of all charges and that the arrestees be released from custody without paying bail.

Read more about the raids and police brutality here.

And if you aren't already, Register to Vote in November!