Congressional Campaign Update September 17, 2008
Posted by aaronjmarquez in Uncategorized.add a comment
As of September 17, 2008, the following candidates from both parties have signed the Congressional Pledge to Expand National Service:
Senator McCain’s Acceptance Speech; controversy September 5, 2008
Posted by zachmaurin in Uncategorized.add a comment
Senator McCain officially accepted the republican nomination for president last night. McCain is a veteran and champion of all types of service having authored legislation to expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 members to 250,000 members after 9/11. However, my predictions of how often service would emerge in his speech fell very short. I was 1-for-3. However, this doesn’t reflect his support in the least. Just noting.
Odd Controversy?
Governor Palin’s speech has stirred controversy when she mocked the community organizing experience of Senator Obama, saying:
I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a “community organizer,” except that you have actual responsibilities.
Hopefully this was simply a rhetorical jab at her opponent and not her true feelings about those who serve their community and fellow citizen. Why she chose this topic is odd, especially since she has supported service programs in her state:
I encourage all Alaskans to join me in commending AmeriCorps volunteers for their dedication to Alaska communities.
- Governor Palin, Alaska Proclamation for AmeriCorps Week 2008
Plus, Alaska’s Office of Management and Budget that in 2007, 128 AmeriCorps members generated 5,759 additional volunteers. Seems like community service and community organizing are doing good work in Alaska and are taking on the responsibility of recruiting and managing volunteers at a ratio of 1 to 45.
Predictions: Final Evening of the RNC September 4, 2008
Posted by zachmaurin in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
The RNC will culminate tonight when Senator McCain officially accepts the nomination as the Republican candidate for the presidency. The convention’s Day Two theme was “Service” which was fantastic to see. We heard from an incredible array of people committed to the idea of serving community, country, and fellow citizen. Here is the Day Two Wrap-Up.
As for tonight, what should we expect from Senator McCain’s speech? Will he discuss service? The answer depends what type of speech he gives. Will it be more about details of policy or more about lofty themes? More about defining John McCain or attacking Barack Obama? With that said, here are some not-so bold predictions:
- Senator McCain will mention one of his go-to phrases about how he would have called people to serve in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and the military after the attacks of 9/11.
- He will implore people to serve a cause greater than self (hopefully multiple times!).
- He’ll say the word “AmeriCorps” twice.
Tonight will also feature Governor Pawlenty and Senator Lindsey Graham – both are supporters of service programs.
Anyone else have predictions?
