As newly annointed Precinct 13 captains in Sioux Falls, S.D., my husband and I decided today was prime time to get out the vote. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing (really hard), and Obama signs are popping up like tulips along the streets. It was a good day!

My husband and I went canvassing for Obama today in South Dakota. The local Obama headquarters said that we might have been the first official canvassers in the state for Obama. We don't vote until June 3.

I blew it.
On a day when Sen. Barack Obama gave a historic speech on race in America, I had a chance in my own little world to stand up for what's right; to stand up for what unites us; to stand up for what's best about America.

But I didn't. Instead, I let my mother's racist comments stand unchallenged. If I had the chance to go back in time and change the conversation, this is what I should have said. And sadly, I am not making her comments up: