It's about time the Democratic party started paying more attention to the grassroots than they do to Limbaugh and O'Reilly. Once we rid the DLC of its Deanophobia, we can go to work on America.
It is unfortunate but the DLC needs to be neutered.
It's more fun to envision a 'DFA/Reform' vs. 'DLC' epic smackdown, but that's not really needed or useful.
What's useful is to integrate the active online community, one by one, into the stale or defunct precinct / town Democratic committees and incalcitrant state parties, fully in contact with each other along the way.
I know this process is already in full swing, but there are lots of well-meaning and blog-unsavvy DNC folks who don't really understand where Kos and MyDD folks fit in to the big picture. There shouldn't be a doubt in their minds in the months and years ahead.
Staying positive, staying focused...
We could do worse than emulate Hoho. There is a reason why his supporters would walk through hell for him.
Since March 2003, I have seen him grow in stature and credibility, and look forward our friends finding out about Dean what the rest of us already know.
Of greater importance is strengthening the Party at the local and state levels. One of the reasons I am fully on board with Democracy for America is the drive to get grass/net roots folks to take seats on their local town, city, and county committees as well as running for local office wherever they are. This can result in nothing but goodness for all concerned. Our experience here in New York is that in many places we are welcomed with open arms but in others it is the "barbarians at the gate" syndrome. We're working on it though and enough are open to us, and enough existing committee people supported Dean and us, that I have no fear but that we and the Democratic Party will come out much stronger for the relationship.
I strongly encourage everyone here to contact their local committees and find out how to get involved. Most committees have open seats available to be filled.
As for blog-unsavvy DNC folks and elected officials... there is much work to be done but some folks are starting to get it. See my comments on fear. It is a work in progress but we are succeeding.
My own experience with the New Haven Town Committee and others in CT is that the average age is somewhere near 105 and their eyes popped out when a handful of young folks walked in the door.
I imagine also that, despite all the differences across regions (organizing in Manhattan vs. Cobb County, Ga., for example), there are a LOT of shared problems with jumpstarting (or modernizing)old precinct bodies.
What's the best way to share strategies and stories about local organizing? Is DFA already doing a good enough job here?
Anyway, glad we see eye to eye...
