Be-Think [Please visit BeThink.org]

Netroots Nation 2008; A Dream Realized

Netroots Nation 08 - Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi Keynote

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Welcome Home Netroots Nation attendees. You may recall, it began with a dream, an impossible hope for a future unforeseen. It was your wish, his want, her desire, and my aspiration. Together we were the inspiration. We imagined greatness would be if we worked together. The issues of import to us were and continue to be the Environment, Education, Energy, Ethics, Wars in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and of course Peace. Health Care, and the fragile nature of medical coverage in the United States, does not escape our gaze. While we may embrace Free Enterprise, we are not ignorant of the inherent flaws within a system that rewards the rich and punishes the poor. The Courts, and Congress do not escape our scrutiny. Those of us who are far from apathetic examine the Executive Branch of government as well. Indeed, citizens that actively care inquire of and study every subject, deeply.

Democrats Debate at Yearly Kos 2007 [View Video, Complete Coverage]

PoliticsTV @ Yearly Kos '07: Debate Intro

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

For those of you unable to attend Yearly Kos, I offer the Presidential debate. Just as the discussion was divided into four parts, so too is this video presentation. The first film functions as an introduction. Following the forward, the fun begins.

The final portion of the exchange is as full, fulfilling, and informative as Parts One or Two of the dialogue are. Perhaps, it is a pitch more powerful. There is much to consider. These moments are more than monologues with thanks to the brilliance of the moderators. Matt Bai, New York Times Magazine Journalist, I appreciate your candor.

Cindy Sheehan. The Plea, Promote Harmony Peacefully

Cindy Sheehan Quits

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Dearest Cindy . . .

I meant to write this letter days ago after reading your farewell "Good Riddance Attention Whore." I watched as the number of electronic communiqués in response to your essay mounted. I thought my message might be lost and perhaps was not important. I decided to forego a seemingly fruitless endeavor.

War of Words. Bloggers, Broadcasters, Rappers Code of Ethics

Oprah on Imus (Public forum with Russell and others) 2

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert
In this tome, I am not advocating autocratic censorship. I ask each of us to look within and consciously choose an empathetic ethical code.

"There is a problem." However, Americans do not agree what the problem is. Sexism, racism, homophobia, violence, or the words we use to promote such social ills. For weeks, language has been in the news, on the blogs, in the airwaves, and in music-industry executives meeting rooms. Free speech is the topic in question, as is the power of words. As children, we learned that "Sticks and stones may break our bones; but names will never hurt me." In fact, the opposite is true. Words and the inferences can cause greater, and more last injuries than twigs or rocks might. The body heals far better than the heart does.

You Do Not Understand! Communities and Communication ©

This was intended to be a short statement, a response to a discussion. I was writing a missive on the subject, similar in scope, though not in tone. My intention was to offer a well thought out essay. I was going to present political posturing as evidence for what we as humans do. However, once the comment was complete I concluded the personal might be more effective.

I wrote more than I thought I might and realized, as an observation tucked neatly within a thread few would read this. I think this treatise addresses more than what takes place at My Left Wing. It speaks to an archetype. This essay looks at communities and communication within these. My experience and sharing is likely applicable to world politics and to national interests. This tome is about life, yours, mine, and ours. It discusses what we do to destroy the connections we as living, breathing, and loving beings crave.

I invite you to share your stories, your thoughts, the lessons you learned. Teach me; I am your student.

Media is Missing The Message. First Yearly DailyKos in Las Vegas ©

It is not the first time; nor will it be the last, Daily Kos and bloggers throughout the globe are making the news. Yesterday was the first day of the annual Yearly Kos. Bloggers are big; they are making front-page news. Some have done so individually in the past. Maryscott O’Connor is among these. This wonderful woman appeared on the front page of the Washington Post less than two months ago. As a group, we have arrived, or some of us have. Many are convening in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend to celebrate the prominence of people powered news.

It is Friday, June 09, 2006 and the first annual Yearly Kos is barely covered by the Mainstream Media. Not being at the conference, I cannot compose detailed prose on the topic. I went looking for the words of others. As a subscriber, a blogger, and user of the Kos site, I wondered of the event. As an acquaintance of many in attendance, I was more than casually interested.

I opened the front page of the New York Times web site and there it was, Yearly Kos. The article was short and those I have met personally were not featured.

PDF of Liberal Bloggers Gather in Las Vegas