Rather than focusing on how to change the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years, Sarah Palin used her speech at the Republican convention to launch cynical, negative attacks on Barack Obama’s work as a community organizer.

Barack passed up a big paycheck to work in an economically disadvantaged part of Chicago where steel plants closed down. He worked with members of local churches to set up a job retraining program that still exists today, 20 years later. Being paid little and working alongside laid off employees is one reason Barack Obama understands what it means to face challenges, making ends meet.

From the beginning of America’s history, community organizers have made good on this country’s promise by organizing for change from the bottom up. Serving our country and our communities should be something both parties can get behind, but apparently Gov. Palin prefers to mock community service. It’s now clear that John McCain’s campaign decided that, instead of talking about the issues that are important to the country, personal attacks and name-calling is the only way it can win.

Nathan Bond

Sophomore

Environmental science-Liberal Arts and Science