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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.

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.

Ohio Opportunity. Call For Change ©

This weekend I had the opportunity to touch Ohio.  I volunteered.  With thanks to MoveOn.org, I “called for change.”  I shared my support for Democratic Senate, candidate Sherrod Brown.  Phew, what a relief this was, interesting, inspiring, and sadly, disillusioning.  Nevertheless, I was, I am elated.After decades of political activism, unexpectedly I participated no more.  The decision was not mine; circumstances led me down a path I did not relish.  I moved from Southern California, a place where activism was and is a constant, to Southern Florida. 

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