Paul Hogarth: Netroots Nation 2012: Where I Got My Hope Back

[marmar]

Netroots Nation 2012: Where I Got My Hope Back
by Paul Hogarth‚ Jun. 11‚ 2012


From June 6 to June 10, I attended my sixth Netroots Nation in Providence, Rhode Island – an annual gathering of the liberal blogosphere with dozens of workshops, panel discussion and appearances by various politicians. With Republicans running Congress, the President having angered much of the Left, and Governor Scott Walker surviving last week’s Wisconsin recall, it could have been really depressing. Instead, meeting up with engaged progressives who are making real change online and offline has invigorated me. I learned more about why we lost Wisconsin, but also how labor scored a victory in Ohio. Marriage equality will be on the ballot in four states this November, and with coordinated efforts we can finally end our losing streak. Celebrity appearances were far less glitzy than prior conventions (when presidential candidates came), but we met with our allies who really matter – like Elizabeth Warren, Van Jones & Senator Sherrod Brown. It was a contrast from last year’s convention – when the netroots “broke up” with Barack Obama.

The netroots have come a long way from its first Convention back in 2006 – or even my first attendance in 2007. Back then, the netroots was mostly independent bloggers who spent hours of their spare time generating a “media buzz” on crucial stories.

Today, it’s far more institutionalized – with most bloggers working for various liberal organizations who have integrated new media strategies. “It was easier writing for Burnt Orange Report when I was in graduate school,” noted Phillip Martin at a panel on local blogging.

........(snip)........

But I can’t say that I necessarily trust the White House to keep its word – at least, not without significant pressure from the Left. Which is why Van Jones’ speech on Saturday night set just the right tone for the challenge progressives face this year.

“We have to fight in November,” said Jones, “but then the fight will be in December (when the Bush tax cuts are up for renewal.)” Rather than lecturing disillusioned progressives that we just need to get behind Obama because Romney is dangerous, Van Jones urged us to engage and then fight in December when the tax cuts happen. ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=10230

[Larkspur]

1. I was at Netroots too! It was my first time.

And I agree, Van Jones's speech was inspiring.

I also learned things in some of the panels I attended. It was an excellent convention.