(afertig provides bullet points. - promoted by Charley on the MTA)
As many of you are probably aware, the Democratic National Convention is in one year. It'll be held from August 25-28 in Denver, Colorado. I've had this idea that I've been kick around for some time, and I thought I'd throw it out there and see if anybody is at all interested.
The DNC strikes me as an opportunity to do something unique in the MA-netroots: organize a group of local bloggers to become delegates to the national convention. Here's how to become a delegate.
When I think of all the MA netroots have done in the past few years, I'm amazed. Blue Mass Group, sco, TER, Left in Lowell, LeftAhead, Dick Howe, beyond495, and so many others have been a vital part of the political conversation here in Massachusetts. Together, we were a force in getting Governor Patrick elected; we've done fantastic analysis that you cannot get in the mainstream media; we've paid attention to races that have gone unnoticed; we've had strong and vigorous debates on almost every public policy issue; and we've liveblogged everything from committee hearings to rallies to canvasses. The Editors of BMG and the creators of other blogs have made spaces where ordinary citizens can have their voices heard. Even more important than that (I think) is that everybody who posts and comments -- the regulars and the new comers--make up a real community. We maintain our spaces and thrive.
Part of why we do all of this, I believe, is so that we can help change the Democratic party. This change ought to be recognized by the national party as well.
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Why be a delegate?
I know Charley likes bullet points, so maybe that'll score me a recommend or two.
So, Why should the MA-blogosphere organize now?
Because the process takes a long time, and unlike many establishment folk, we don't make our living doing this sort of thing.
Cool, so I'm thinking about going. What do I have to do?
Here's how to become a delegate. We should check the state rules, talk with our local Democratic Town Committees and so on.
Recently, Tom Hughes of Democracy for America sent out an e-mail urging people to become a delegate to the convention. Here's what he said: We have been reshaping the party for over four years. Thousands of us joined the local party and ran for leadership roles. Hundreds of us ran for office in districts that hadn't seen a Democratic challenger in years, sometimes decades. Together, we elected our founder, Governor Dean, to Chair of the Democratic
Party.
We've worked to reenergize the party from the bottom up and the top down at the same time. Thanks to our boots on the ground and Governor Dean's 50 State Strategy, progressives made incredible gains in 2006, but we still have a long way to go.
Delegates participate in developing the national platform, and help chart a new direction for America and the Democratic Party. Let's make sure our progressive voices are heard. This is just right on the money. I say, it's time to strengthen the netroots and send people to the DNC.
I don't really know whether this idea is just out-of-the-blue or if there's interest. I guess that depends on all of you. Is this a project you're interested in? I can't think of a time, off of the top of my head, when the entire MA blogosphere has worked on a specific project other than general election grassroots campaigning.
What do you all think? |
