A few weeks ago, due to error, I ended up learning about Netroots Nation heading to Phoenix. I had time to speak to some of the individuals involved in those decisions and was told pretty point blank that Markos was very upset with the decision, however there were several factors that weighed in their decision to put the function in phoenix, ranging from ability of people to visit and the fact that those who lobbied hardest for this were Hispanic and immigration groups (thus the 'take the fight to them) argument.
What I guess I didn't understand from those brief discussions (outside of near threats to my life if I leaked, so I only clued in one person) was exactly how opposed Markos truly was to this change.
For those not at NN, in the DailyKos announced on Thursday that Neeta will lead us in our goal to build community level activism to help promote the Connect! Unite! Act! of this website.
I want to take a brief second to say something about your locals.
Over the last few days I've had plenty of time to talk to Kansans, Missourians and others who care about our states. We aren't a big group of people here in Detroit, but there are a few of us. I've had time to speak to outsiders - people who are in other states who care about 'What Happens to Kansas' and 'What happens in Missouri'.
I appreciate NN (I will have a diary later before I go on that) but I also recognize that NN is a networking place to gather information from those of us who do this on a day to day basis and for people who are political novices who want to do this more seriously.
As I look around the rooms and events, I have thought frequently of our community goal: Connect! Unite! Act! and I will tell you: if your local campaign offices, if your local district, if your local candidates saw the fervor the determination and the effort that I see in these rooms in their home districts we would have a chance at some change.
If I saw more of this in our events, more individuals who would say: I'll spend my travel $ and I will meet with Kossacks in Wisconsin who need my help; I will spend it to take a weekend to help my fellow Kossacks in Kentucky, in Mississippi, in Arkansas and yes in Kansas and Missouri and I will take my efforts and I will put what I have learned to the test and commit to change, then change is possible.
DailyKos doesn't need to go to Phoenix.. but Phoenix and Arizona democrats do still need our support for change. They don't need it in 2015 as a post mortem, they need it now. Right now. They have an election in a few months.. where offices from Secretary of State and house can change.
So, for those of you who read my pithy notes and who read Kos note this morning and say "Hmm.... I don't know what I do next".. I'm going to tell you: make change now. Be part of the change RIGHT NOW. If you don't know candidates you can donate your time and effort to, check the Connect! Act! Unite! diary and find some. If you have a specific issue or cause, check with any of the states organized under Connect! Unite! Act! and you find somewhere to commit some money and resources.
I almost never come to DailyKos and recruit money for candidates I'm backing.. but you want to ask me about places you can make changes? I can tell you in my state. And other state organizers can tell you in theirs.
If you aren't going to Phoenix (which is fine) I'm asking you: Be part of the change. Commit to action.
I'm 'All In' and I'm asking you: take the plunge with us. Commit to change. Not in a fight over 2015, but in the fight for our electorate. In the fight for our rights in the state houses. In the fight for the US House. For Governors. For Attorney Generals. Secretary of States.
Don't view DailyKos removing itself from Phoenix as a loss of community.. view it as our chance to really BUILD something special. This is your chance to do it.