I just spoke with a representative of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement

[Subdivisions]

and he expressed his disappointment in Sarah Palin's comments re: Community Organizers. "Her comments last night to the RNC demonstrate that she has no idea how hard a community organizer works to improve the lives of people and her comments were very disrespectful to the community of volunteers that sacrifice their time and give of their hearts to improve people's lives."

Here is Mrs. Palin's comment: "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities."

"We have enormous responsibilities and if she doesn't think so then she obviously has no idea what being a community organizer or volunteer is all about," the ICCI said.

He had plenty more to say about what it means to be a community organizer and volunteer and how distasteful and disrespectfu Palin's comment was. And he sees a concensus nationwide of community organizers with regard to Palin's statement.

He didn't declare his politics saying "We're a non-partisan organization. However, community organizers come from across all political, religious, economic, and racial backgrounds and I'm sure most, dispite their affiliations, would take offense at Gov. Palin's comment."

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1. Nothin'? n/t

[Arctic Dave]

2. I will bet money she rues the day she said this.

Like your post says "community organizers come from across all political, religious, economic, and racial backgrounds and I'm sure most, dispite their affiliations, would take offense". That pissed off a lot of people, who by chance, are active and respected in their communities. Major f**k up on her part.

[Subdivisions]

3. He was genuinely insulted. I suspect he has repulican leanings,

but without getting partisan, he very definately expressed his disappointment.

[Arctic Dave]

6. I would say in the next day or two she will learn the art of packpedaling.

Never piss off organized and active people. You will always come out a loser. :)

[RaleighNCDUer]

8. Particularly since the repubs put such an emphasis on

'volunteerism' - which I have often regarded as their way of getting people to work without pay.

[radfringe]

4. ....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3923640

[EFerrari]

5. She can't be for small government AND against community organizers.

I hope they kick her ass.

[SCDem]

7. I am a community organizer - tasked with job that govt doesn't do

I am an Executive Director of a community resource center for an impoverished community. The community does not have water or sewer or healthy housing.

Not only do we provide youth programming that has had a great measurable impact with the kids of the community and their achievements, we also provide family and adult programming. Furthermore, it is my job to advocate and write grants for Community Development Block Grants for the acquisition of water and sewer lines.... right now they go to the bathroom in donated porta-jons.

This community is 25 feet from city limits and is surrounded by the city on 3 sides but is officially not inside the city. The city and mayor make it their point to tell me repeatedly that the community is outside of their responsibilities because it is outside city limits.

Now I am working with the county council and they say the community is number one priority but without our organization there used to be no central advocating voice.

My responsibility is to get $3 million in infrastructure to this community - don't tell me I have no responsibilities.

[Subdivisions]

9. Amen! And Thank You! for your service to community. n/t

[FatDave]

13. Please, make that a letter to the editor.

Choose your favorite paper. They will almost assuredly print it.

[kwolf68]

10. People like THIS

are the real heroes. Not just soldiers who go and blow up brown people.

Sorry, but ANYONE who is doing ANYTHING to make the lives of the less fortunate just a wee bit better are heroes in my view.

yet, they deserved to get trashed by a major political party? it makes no sense.

[Contrary1]

11. K & R

[pleah]

12. I think (hope) that the Palin selection is going to backfire on the rethugs.

It just might take a little time for it to sink in with some people.