I’m going to let all the things I could say about Palin’s speech pass today, and let FactCheck.org (and Media Matters and The Progress Report) point out lies and distortions, of which there were many. There was a whole bunch of snideness, and even more dishonesty. But… I’m on board in one way.

Why? Because there is one thing she said that gives me long-term hope.

She encouraged people to stand up and speak, and if some do, so will others. If there’s an energy to participate in the democratic process, maybe it will encourage more Americans to do the same. We’ve become timid and fearful and paranoid about our freedom and our duty as Americans.

Rather than parroting what some leader says, look up your own concerns and issues and the things that make a difference in your life. Really look. Really research. Really think.

And speak… and work… and think… and vote for your interests. And talk to your friends. And clear the air with realism, not paranoia.

Politics is messy – but democracy allows all to speak.

Update 2/8/10: FactCheck.org’s analysis: http://factcheck.org/2010/02/tea-party-fact-checking/