Most of this post was not written by me. It comes from a friend who is a civil engineer and an Army Reserve Lieutenant deployed in Iraq in 2007. Hardly left of center as American politics goes, and not a blogger. But he did e-mail this to absolutely everyone he knows. I am posting it because it is original to Daily Kos, and because it expressed something that I have not seen on many blogs, although admittedly, limited time keeps me from reading all the information and ideas here.
The author concludes with a letter to the editor of the Kansas City newspaper. Beyond the dead-on worthiness of his topic, I think others at Kos might consider dropping a similar note to their own local papers. My friend - we’ll call him 1Lt J - takes it from here...
Last night as I watched the Republican National Convention, something affected me. For the first time in my life I was angered deeply and personally by something a politician said on television. I wasn't angered by the traditional pot shots and punches of the political arguments. I believe each side is entitled to present their points and criticize the other's presentation. No, what angered me was something I considered a dishonorable act by an American, no matter what party you affiliate with.
It was an anger born out of my own personal experience. Throughout my life I've tried to volunteer for my church and community in a variety of ways, and I even put my life on the line for my nation last year. I will never tolerate someone making light or insulting an act of service for others. Yet the Republican National Convention enjoyed doing just that on multiple occasions last night regarding Barack Obama's prior service as a community organizer for the Catholic Church. That in my opinion was not only insulting but dishonorable. It dishonors all who have given of themselves.
I wrote a letter to the editor that follows below. Also, here are two links about the work that Barack Obama did as a community organizer for Catholic Charities. I recommend reading what he did.
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallas...
http://www.time-blog.com/...
Dear Editorial Board:
Public service is one of the most honorable pursuits any citizen can participate in and should always be supported. I am proud of my service in the Army Reserve and my deployment to Iraq, and I would never denigrate another person's public service because it is different from my own. Yet last night at the Republican National Convention I heard the former mayor of New York City and the current governor of Alaska insult and elicit jeers from their listeners for the public service that Senator Obama performed as a community organizer in Chicago. Barack Obama as a young man could have pursued a lucrative career in law or finance, but instead he helped his fellow citizens recover from a plant closing in Chicago. We should always be supportive of any citizen who gives of himself or herself to help others. But instead former Mayor Giuliani and Governor Palin belittled Senator Obama's public service as a community organizer. Those insults are dishonorable and should never be tolerated.
Sincerely, 1Lt J