Sunday, September 7, 2008

About Community Organizers

The Republicans had their heyday digging in to discredit Community Organizers.
Palin said "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities."

As you might have guessed, community organizers are angry about the insulting remarks.

"Organizers described themselves as the antidote to big money lobbyists who wield so much influence. They talked about helping powerless people join forces to demand better schools and safer streets, often by working through churches. If people in (government) office were doing their jobs, perhaps we wouldn't need community organizers".
"I don't like seeing the really hard work that goes on in really poor communities being demeaned by cheap politicians", said Joshua Hoyt, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.


COMMUNITY ORGANIZING IS AS AMERICAN AS DEMOCRACY. IT BELIEVES THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.


Bob Marley~ Get up Stand up


These remarks are a slice of the republican mindset. People working together for a common cause, good of the neighborhood or community is a highlight of humanity. After all, each community is a part of the larger global community.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead ~ US anthropologist (1901 - 1978)

8 comments:

enigma4ever said...

I love the video- and that in matter of days so many amazing videos have come forward....and this Bob Marley song is PERFECT we should all post it..excellent post..thank you for this- very inspiring ;-)

Fran said...

The video gives us a reminder of what some little commuity organizer action can do.

Community Organizers Rock!

We need to reaffirm our roots & unite.

What a sweet tribute ~ I'm inspired.

Billie Greenwood said...

Fran, we're so like-minded. I just posted the 30 second version of the same video (not knowing you had already posted the full ad). They'd like to collect enough money to televise it. I'm not so much for that, tho. I'm cringing at how much money is spent on useless media ads for the candidates. Simply soundbites. I think of all the good that community organizers could do with that money.

Unknown said...

Wonderful video! Thanks for posting it!

Meanwhile Not only does McCain's VP not have a clue about the economy, we now hear former presidential counsel says Sarah Palin also does not qualify under the Constitutional standards - YIKES!


Hat tip to Enigma...

Fran said...

Hi BE ~ Great minds think alike! I do understand your angst overthe amont of money spent on campaigns ~ it's obscene, really. But of all the themes in ads- he said /she said, I like the ideology of this message-- that philosophically, how out of tune or touch the repubicans are with everyday people, and their struggles.
It gives strength to the concept that the little people, who are "nobodys" have forge great change because they worked with inner determination & cause. there are lots of unsung heros doing wonderful things to make positive changes, and right wrongs & injustices.
For Palin to think this is something to be mocked or looked down upon was significant in her opening intro speech to this country.
No doubt she has razzle dazzle & media appeal, but cute will get old quick when we change to topic from sound bites to her political voting & actions, history, and serious debates with substance.

To be honest, I was sitting here last night listening to the news & had this wave of feeling like *I can't even believe this is a viable, let alone close race*.
Considering just how awful the Bush admin was, how could the people of this country consider anything even remotely close to a Bush administration repeat?

Are they putting something in the water?

Fran said...

HB: I'm not sure about that, but there are PLENTY of *for real* issues about Palin's politics that need to see the light of day.

Gary said...

Right on Fran! And the best mayors (and there are few like this) seem to come from a community organizing background. They are the ones who see their town and city as a social, economic and environmental place - not just taxes, police and sewers.

Fran said...

Good to hear from you Gary. Love the View from the Canoe.
Must be amusing to watch your neighbors to the South mull about in their confusion in this election. Really? The Americans are confused over if they want more of the same type Regime? Crazy Americans!