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Published - Sunday, September 07, 2008

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Community organizers are community cornerstones


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Verbally attacking community organizers is a poor tact for the Republican Party to take, even if it is done while taking pot shots at your key opponent at a partisan political convention.

As an independent voter and someone who approaches the conventions for both the Democratic Party and the GOP with interest, I was disappointed to hear that the role of community organizer is one that should be mocked.
This occurred twice Wednesday at the Republican Party’s convention in St. Paul, Minn., during speeches by former New York City Mayor Rudi Giuliani and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

While Giuliani and Palin attempted to point out that being a “community organizer” is a position that doesn’t require answering to voters, they are wrong to assume that it doesn’t require responsibility or accountability.

Furthermore, the Republicans may not understand that throughout the country, on virtually every block in small towns and cities in all 50 states, there is a “community organizer” or closely related volunteer.

Community organizers are people who direct chambers of commerce, environmental groups, faith-based initiatives, food pantries or relief for the unemployed or disabled. Community organizers serve as members of planning commissions, zoning boards of appeal and in other administrative capacities that exist outside of the realm of officially elected representatives.

It’s one thing to use the term community organizer as a put-down for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who has proudly spoken of getting his start in the public arena as a community organizer in Chicago.

It’s certainly fair for the Republicans to use their convention as a platform for taking shots at the Democrats. After watching the over-the-top Democratic convention from Denver in August, I was mildly alarmed by the multitude of promises Obama made and the rock star persona he has acquired.

That said, mocking anybody who is a community organizer is a move that lacks foresight. It points to the fact that those doing the mocking might be out of touch with the role community organizers play.

Community organizers are the cornerstone of many communities. To hear of them referred to in a way that belittles their efforts is something that deserves a quick, corrective response.

Matt Johnson is the managing editor of the Vernon County Broadcaster, Viroqua, Wis. He can be reached at matt.johnson@lee.net.
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Phil O'Bates wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:53 PM:

" Hey common sense, I just found an interesting story on one of Obama's accomplishments... State Senator Obama built a gazebo....for $100,000. What was originally supposed to be a $1,100,000 city improvement project never happened.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2008/09/07/barack-obamas-1-1-million-botanical-garden-er-100-000-gazebo

Of course the main stream media wont tell you this, but they'll spread an unsubstantiated rumor that Palin was part of the Alaskan Independance Party.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/alaska-party-official-says-palin-was-not-a-member/ "

Common Sense wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Yes JTB, isn't it comical to see the hypocrisy come pouring out? Between the democrat party and National Organization of Women, they are becoming so transparent it's just funny. If Palin were a democrat, they would all be talking her up. But she would have to have been willing to abort that baby she just had and take her daughter for an abortion to get in good with them. "

Phil O'Bates wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Matt, you are mischaracterizing what was said at the convention. People, Democrats and their supporters, where getting their "knickers in a twist" by claiming that Sarah Palin lacked experience. Well, as soon as that argument is raised it gives the Republicans the right to compare experiences. Palin was a mayor and a governor. What was Barack Obama? A community organizer and a Senator. It's ridiculous to compare a community organizer to a mayor or a governor. Even if you look at Obama's Senate record, you see alot of 'present' votes.

The point being made at the convention was that she has more executive experience then the Democrats Presidential nominee, not that community organizers are bad or worthless. You know that, but like the rest of the liberal media, you just want to distract people from Obama's faults. "

Common Sense wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Palin was just illustrating that being a "community organizer" is a far cry from being president. And, by the way, what exactly did Obama accomplish as a community organizer? "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 1:58 PM:

" Matt- We have community organizers here in the Lacrosse area. It just is very hard to identify them with their heads down far in the public trough. Like Brian. "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Just curious Brian. When did 'anti semite' come into the picture regarding Palin? "

J.T.B. wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:14 PM:

" To Brian "Liberal" Smith: Nice try. I guarantee I have many more years of education than you, and I have never heard any reference in any of my higher education classes; to a community organizer. I find it interesting how you liberals were all for Hillary to be the first female President or VP, but now you are going out of your way to destroy a Woman who actually has executive experience, and has actually held a real job. As usual your party is all talk and no substance. "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Might I add on the City Ambulance business issue at the only public forum to two minutes while we were subject to tow pro PowerPoint programs after being in closed meetings for over a year? Given two minute for counter. Then inexplicably 4 Fireman from out of town were allowed to rant on at City J&A the other night by the Chairman Becker, with a gavel, for quite some time? These puzzle pieces do not seem to fit Fred? Obstructionist or Organizer? "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Instead we have the option of approaching the caustic to some individuals Tribune, or approaching Record's media business in fact who are always receptive to help in that regard. Then there is the City Clerk to whom it has been mandated that she charge for that information? Organizer or Obstructionist Brian? Moderator Fred Kusch? Ignorant or blinders on? I will pay for our City leaders to attend a short, PowerPoint program/seminar from a certified parlimentary procedurist. I will provide refreshments and donuts. Where is the courage when it is needed? Fred, Dick, anybody else. Well we can always count on Richmond and Bloedorn and a few others. Organizers or Obstructionists? "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Even yesterday Brian we had a retreat with a Moderator picked by Council President Harnden. Fred Kusch, from JFK Associates. A former Illinois School Superintendent, and friend of Council member and former school superintendent Dick Swantz. Fred seemed to prod those attending to move on the business of the City quicker. Illustrated in statements like "Let' get on with it", :pound the gavel" in regard to future City Meetings. When in fact Roberts Rules are not adhered to leaving huge holes in the rights of some of those present and those that are not present. While we pay big money to conduct a City IT Department who cannot post minutes, Agendas, resolutions, and information pertaining. "

Myturn wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Well Brian, in town one side of 'community organizers' are referred to all often as 'obstructionists. As we raise our hands in organized motion on fast tracking a $15.9 million dollar creatively financed project in two days, Councilman being kicked out of City meetings, Mr. D's, spot rezoning, and satellite parking, empty Council Districts, and inability to fast track formation of Neighborhood Organizations meeting informally with record breaking attendance just before election time. Add to that individuals responsible for two City Departments 'hollering' at a Chairman of Redevelopment Authority immediately after a meeting "you do not have to talk to them". Regarding a media representative with simple questions? Community Organizers? Seems you almost have to be on one side of the political aisle to be called a Community Organizer, rather than an 'Obstructionist'? Get ready for the Obstructionist tag in Lacrosse as the election approaches. "

just the facts wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:01 AM:

" BGS, take another valium . The name calling isn't necessary to refute facts, but thats the nature of you liberals. Of all the U.S. history classes I attended I fail to recall any of the patriots you mention as," community organizers", nor can I find any references to such until this clown showed up! Perhaps you meant to call them patriots, but then that description would not fit Obama. "

random annoying bozo wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:23 AM:

" and BGS since you brought up the National Enquirer. what's new in the Edwards saga? the 'news' media of this nation sure dropped that story like a hot potato didn't they? "

random annoying bozo wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:18 AM:

" methinks BGS may be a sexist. or maybe the whole liberal movement is. they sure threw Hillary under the bus, and the rants and 'news' coverage concerning Palin are mind numbingly sexist. "

BrianGSmith wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:04 AM:

" "Executive experience"???? That was the selling line for Dubya Bush, the 1st Prez with an MBA.....and look at what a total flop andfailure he and his "executive experience" have brought us. We're looking for someone with a brain that cares about the entire Nation not narrow minded idealogues who only serve the corporate puppetmasters....Palin is a fraud......60 days will expose her as nothing more than a living...breathing Nat'l Inquiry magazine. "

BrianGSmith wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:59 AM:

" "Belittling" Sarah Palin's "experience"? That's a hoot. The lady went to 5 different colleges to get a degree....Obama graduated #1 in Harvard, edited the prestigious Harvard law Review and has experience teaching Constitutional Law. The latter truly counts exponentially more than Palin's welfare style leaderhosen. The US Constitution....remeber it? There is no State in the Union that gets more government welfare per person than Alaska. She gets $22,000 this year alone.....we don't need no secessionist (anti American), anti-semite welfare Mommies with pit bull lipstick ruining our Nation.....Obama has worked for the people his whole public life, he's worked with churches and the struggling and has achieved remarkable results. You'll get to like him when peace and fair prosperity returns to this great Nation. "

random annoying bozo wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:59 AM:

" well, since Obamas claim to fame is that he 'was' a 'community organizer' he could put a lot of conjecture to bed if he just told us what he 'organized'. but i haven't heard anything about that yet. and for 'executive' experience, when all you can say is 'i'm running my campaign' that doesn't cut it either. Obama has left way too many holes in his 'story', it sure would be nice if the 'news' media would question him to fill some of those holes. but i won't hold by breath waiting for that to happen. "

BrianGSmith wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:52 AM:

" Dear "just the facts"....If you don't know what you're talking about it's best to sghut up. You've never heard of community organizers? What moldy rock do you live under? It was community organizers who put together the Boston Tea Party......community organizers who rallied the commonfolk to fight the Brits.....community organizers who rallied citizens to plant 'victory gardens' in WWII.....communtiy organizers who fight unwanted construction....pollution.....racism. Calling Mr. Johnson a 'bald faced liar' for his essay is typical extremist right wing hissy fitting. Keep it up, it serves to isolate you loonies from the herd. "

just the facts wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:22 AM:

" I am embarrased for the LaCrosse Tribune!MY god this "STORY", is not even close to believable! This guy is really out of touch! His ,"MADE UP", description of a community organiser describes people with actual "JOB" descriptions and specific responsibilities! Nobody ever heard of a community organiser until this clown came along! For a guest editorial this is, LAME. "

just the facts wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:09 AM:

" Mr. Matt Johnson is a "Bald Face Liar". The facts revealed in your "STORY", and your biographical background, reveal you to be anything but independent! You pathilogical liberals call yourselves "Independent", because you say," I voted for Reagon". Hogwash! Name some of these local"Community Organisers". And please do not confuse and embarasse local volunteers and agency directors. I suppose you will have a quick corrective response to the democrats belittling of Sarah Palins experience? "


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