New York state governor David Paterson and presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama kicked off the "ServiceNation Presidential Forum" on the campus of Columbia University on Thursday night. The forum was held on the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which led to one of the greatest examples of relief efforts and community service in American history.Whether it's teacher or a fireman, police officer or hospital worker, movie star Tobey Maguire , R&B sensation Usher and Caroline Kennedy led a star-studded cast that gave thanks to all people in our society that make a difference daily.
"I applaud Barack Obama for his community service, " said John McCain which comes in stark contrast to controversial comments about community service his running mate Sarah Palin made just one week ago in her Republican National Convention V.P. nomination acceptance speech. McCain then went on to speak of his great respect for community organizers, saying that small-town mayors have some of the toughest jobs in the world.
Inspiration to serve your country or community was the prevailing theme of the forum.
"Its not about the individual, it's the quality of service, " said John McCain.
He then went on to add, "Americans are ready to be inspired, once we restore trust in government, create jobs with a reasonable future, the citizens will have incentive to volunteer in their community or join the military."
Meanwhile, Barack Obama said we needed an "all hands on deck approach to service." Everyone should contribute to our society.
"Young people should join FEMA, Peace Corps, and the military," said Obama.
"Inspiration" is the key component of community service that Obama stressed. According to him, the government should increase avenues of opportunity and provide inspiration for people to serve."
"Public service has built this country, and every bit of progress in this country has made is due to public service," said Obama.
For more information on "Service Nation" or to find out how you can help in your community, log on to servicenation.org.
Comments: (58)
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By: Bayo on 9/13/2008 11:29AM
Spare me, it's war...time to be the true warrior you are!!!! The glove are off, time to kick ass---don't be fool by the fakeness...Give them hell....
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By: The Bu on 9/13/2008 8:44AM
Is that the same thing that YOUR party said at YOUR convention? I don't think so, McLiar!!! You guys made fun of people who do community service, as if that's a job that's lower than anything. You guys make me sick!!!
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By: charles on 9/13/2008 9:00AM
Obama, you should not fall for the fake apology from McCain, after they discredit everyone who serves in a community related field, he comes back door with a weak apology. Sarah was script to say it, alone with other GOP, but it backed fired. Because each minister, social worker,and blue colar worker was slap in the face with that insult. Obama, is such a classey man, and it shows that the GOP, are very out of touch with the average person. Well, only 20% of american make over 100k a year, 15% makes about 100k and only 5% makes over 1 million and the rest are involved with social services in one aspect or another. Obama, put the nails in the coffin and bury these liars, double standard and hypocrites.
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By: Cassie on 9/13/2008 9:14AM
Mccain is too senile to remember that his pit bull just attacked Obama for community service.Mccain is so fake and he needs to keep his dog muzzled. Mccain's campained insulted half of America and now he wants to clean it up. Too Late!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: Ally on 9/13/2008 9:27AM
McCain has told the truth for once since he has been campaigning. Community Service is great. That was one of the wonderful things that Obama did after completing college. He could have had a job on Wall Street make lots of money. He is a very smart man and so is his wife, Michelle.
Where is Palin graduate from? I would like to know that myself.
Palin needs to take a lesson from Obama. He has served his community and wants to serve his country as President of the USA. He was an organizer, a Governor is also supposed to be able to organizer, but she hired an administrator.
McCain.. what can I say about him, well what are you doing about the immigration problem, economy, social security, forclosure, better education, giving more to the lower income or poor people, etc. Stick to issues.
Obama is trying to stick to issues, Republican bring up petty stuff, so they don't talk about the REAL issue, we want discussed.
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By: Bucknaked 2 on 9/13/2008 9:42AM
Excellent comment ALLEY!!!!
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By: Robin Oden on 9/13/2008 10:24AM
It is about time that McCain told the truth. This election shows me how big a liar McCain can be. If you remember his 2004 bid for President, he critcized George Bush for lieing about his birthing of a black child. He was so angry that he vowed that he would never run such a negative campaign. Now, in 2008, he has hired the same people that Bush used to bash him in 2004. What a hypocrite! I wonder why so many McCain supporters are so gullible to believe all of the lies and distortions of the McClain campaign? Why can't you McCain supporters see what he is trying to do? Why can't you see that he is trying to distract you from learning and understanding the issues that are most important to the American public, like taxes, the economy, the irag war, etc?
Please wake up America and vote for Barack Obama. He is trying desperately to keep you foucused on the issues. All you have to do is listen!
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By: george on 9/13/2008 10:53AM
Ever Since George Bush, We Have Crashes, Fires, Floods, And Bad Economy, Foreclosers, Bank Failures, Enron, And Lots more Failures, Remember Phorah. When Moses Said Let My People Go, He Refused, It was Bad Then , I think God is talking to Us, as he did Then ,Lie and Steal We will pay the Price. americans are a Praying Nation, And God has Heard our Plea.
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By: Anutha Brutha on 9/13/2008 12:23PM
As much as I admire Sen. Obama, the fact remains that his election will not change one blessed thing for the average black family.
Unless we STAY IN SCHOOL and encourage our children to become educated, we will continue to be shackled by the chains of ignorance and poverty.
Unless we GET A JOB (and actually keep it), we will continue to be crushed under the thumb of the white man's charity.
Until we STOP MAKING BABIES WE CAN'T AFFORD TO SUPPORT, we will continue to doom our children to lives of neglect and imprisonment.
Until we TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN BEHAVIORS, we will continue to be held in contempt by every civilized culture on the planet.
Unless we STOP MAKING EXCUSES, we will forever remain our own worst enemy.
Obama/Biden '08
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By: Fierce on 9/13/2008 12:52PM
I am so sick of McCain and all this heroism Bullshit. According to McCain himself (on the view), he was just a victim of circumstance. He said his farther forced him into the military and HE REBELLED against it. After that he said, “I better not say anymore.” So he was forced into the military and captured. See sometimes sh!t just happen. He had no other choice but to stick out. Any one in that situation would have done the exact same thing! He is no more honorable than all these veterans; especially the ones that actually died or returned disfigured and handicap. Give me a break already. How much longer is he going to milk it? Honestly I am s-o-o- sick of hearing about his heroism.
He himself would tell you he is not hero. He is just a VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE. We should give thanks to ALL veterans. No one veteran is worth more than the other.
And certainly his service is no nobler than Barack Obama's Community organizing, not if you live in that community. The huge difference by the way is, Barack CHOSE to do community service than work at Wall Street, McCain was forced. Whose character is more admirable? So cut it out already!
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