The Republican National Convention

Friday, September 5, 2008

I listened intently as Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin delivered a well-crafted, forceful and even entertaining speech on Wednesday at the Republican National Convention. But if she meant what she said, I was jolted by this line: "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."

The term "community organizer" may not be understood by everyone, especially those who do not work in urban environments or with low-income populations, but there is no mistaking the responsibility and intense planning and organization required of the job in an urban environment.

To bring leading voices of the "community" together -- pulling in individuals, local government, nonprofit organizations and businesses, and religious groups -- around the table to discuss local issues is a respected and accepted practice that, if skillfully conducted, gets positive results. The object is to open up communication, work toward legislative solutions and hold government officials accountable. How could Ms. Palin belittle that kind of work?

DIANA C. PHILLIPS

Arlington

The writer volunteers as a door-to-door worker for the Obama campaign.

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If the tone of the Republican speeches on Wednesday was a taste of what is to come in the general election campaign, count me as already disgusted. The speeches were mean-spirited and based on distortions.

I especially take offense at the notion that if I question my government's actions and lament its negative image in the world, I don't value my country and am unpatriotic. That was not the lesson I learned in civics class so many years ago. I value my country precisely because I have the freedom to question its direction and to participate in the public debate and political process affecting its direction.

JANE P. ROACH

Crofton

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I would have thought that the Sept. 4 editorial "Ms. Palin's Introduction," about Gov. Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention, would have pointed out the exceedingly thin résumé of Sen. Barack Obama as well as Ms. Palin's. The Post seems to forget that he is running to be president and that Ms. Palin would be president only if, as president, John McCain died, resigned or was removed from office. I think that brings Mr. Obama's lack of executive experience into greater question and shows that his deficiency is a greater danger to the country.

LEONARD WEISS

Haymarket

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I agree that Gov. Sarah Palin's family life is a private matter [letters, Sept. 4]. The pregnancy of Ms. Palin's daughter should not in any way alter Ms. Palin's role as the Republican nominee for the vice presidency.

Television and the online and print media have crossed the line as they constantly refer to how the pregnancy will affect the outcome of the election. That discussion has no place in the race for the presidency.

The media should lay off.

JUNE GANGLER

Chevy Chase

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Sen. John McCain's campaign should stop complaining about media scrutiny of Gov. Sarah Palin ["McCain Strategist Blasts Media," news story, Sept. 3]. A male nominee with an equivalent résumé would already have been laughed off the national stage. I conclude, therefore, that Ms. Palin is getting a good deal because journalists and the media are taking her candidacy seriously. I am grateful that this country still has a free press that provides the American electorate with the due diligence and information that the McCain campaign chose to overlook.

ELISABETH RUSSELL

Vienna

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I was disappointed to read that Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) has raised the possibility of disciplinary action against Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) for his comments in support of John McCain's candidacy [news story, Sept. 4].

Regardless of political persuasion, I hope that every Post reader will rise up in support of Mr. Lieberman's right to express his political views without fear of reprisal.

JASON DICKSTEIN

Washington