Dear Governor Sarah Palin
Dear Governor Palin-
I want you to know how happy I am to live in a country where a woman can be so close to one of the most powerful positions in the world. Being married to an “Alaska girl” myself, I feel like I have some sort of understanding of where you come from. I think it is a wonderful thing that you are a Christian seeking to live out your faith in the public sector. You have devoted your life to God, your family, and the American public (specifically Alaska right now). This is a commendable thing and I applaud you for this. You have allowed no apologies for being a mom of 5 and a woman in what is considered a man’s game and I commend you for that as well.
I took a good hour of my time to listen to you and Rudy Giuliani last Wednesday night. I was mostly impressed. You were strong and poised all throughout, while also letting your personality come out. I think you made your home state very proud and you spent lots of time showcasing your family. It is clear they are your first priority. I am concerned, however, about your words on “community organizers”. I know you meant to only discredit Barack Obama, but in doing so you discredited millions worldwide. I work at a church, and to someone who isn’t religious, my job probably looks like that of a community organizer. I take exception to your idea that this type of job comes without responsibilities. I wonder if those words were truly yours or were put in by a speech writer. I want to give you the benefit of the doubt because I find myself confused by this. Many community organizers are seeking to live out their beliefs in their communities just as you are within the government. I’m not trying to stand up for Barack Obama, but I will stand up for the people you insulted. I think they deserve an apology. Being that you are in big game politics now, they probably won’t get one and that is sad to me.
Sincerely,
Tyler Braun
Some links on all this:
- Dr. Soong-Chan Rah with his thoughts on Palin and community organizers.
- A Time article on the man who wrote Palin’s speech.
- Jim Wallis has some excellent reasons why community organizers are important.
- “Why Obama’s community organizer days are a joke”
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Tyler Braun.
You are a GREAT community organizer, Tyler, but I am not sure I want you to be president. Sorry.
fair enough. no way i could get elected running independent anyway.
Seriously, were you REALLY offended by her comment? It was crystal clear that her remark was a direct shot at Obama and his “credentials” and trying to turn it into a slam against anyone who “organizes” or coordinates groups of people is silly.
I wrote the post because I was offended. I would not have written it just for grins.
So I am back reading your blog {applause}
and I had to laugh that this was the first entry I read…
tyler, if i had a letter for every time a politician “offeneded” me with a comment such as that…well, there’d be no floor stand on. it is unfortunate that political language is what is-but getting offended- in an of itself, is a choice. don’t get offended…sure, i think this is topic worth a blog and i see you point…but show the quote- then the ways it is wrong- then why you’re right….for me- it was the delivery style.
Tyler
Are you serious?? I think you need to swallow your pride here buddy and stop taking life so serious. If the comments Gov Palin offended you then I think you must be wearing a chip on your shoulder. Where is the humbleness or the “grace” you speak so often here on this blog? I agree with Jos here and agree your being petty and silly.
It would be different if she had come out and said “all community organizers” are pointless and silly, then you might have a dog in that fight, but I really think your reaching here. Besides, have you sent Obama a letter explaining how “offended” you are about his voting record on abortions and homosexuality? Are you more offended that your pride has been hurt here versus Obama’s voting to kill countless of unborn children? Let’s set our priorities here brother.
Preston-
What I wrote had absolutely nothing to do with Barack Obama’s voting record.
Tyler,
I was one of your first babysitters about 22 years ago. I don’t expect you to remember me
I’m sorry you were offended by the remark. I didn’t take her remark as an insult against “community organizers”, but rather as a response to his statements that made light of her experience as a mayor.
All I want to say on this is that you should check out Matthew Paul Turner’s post on this… well, really, just check out the button.
http://jesusneedsnewpr.blogspot.com/2008/09/oh-political-commentary.html
I’ve seen this talked about around the web this week and I’ve been confused by it.
I know why she said this, but it seems that people do not. Obama’s biggest ethical issue is his stint as a community organizer in Chicago. It’s common knowledge, but seems to be one that is not known by everyone.
I can see how one would be offended by this if they did not understand the details around Obama, but it was clearly a shot at Obama and not community organizers.
Of course, I am not interested in lessening what you felt about this, just coming from a different angle because of where the statements came from.
I was bummed however, that Giuliani and Palin were cocky and rude with there speeches.