The netroots made the front page, first story, above the fold, of the Charlotte Observer this Sunday with
Decision 2006: Politics Spins a New Web
I love how it starts...
When Democrat Larry Kissell started running for Congress a few months ago, he'd never heard of a couple of guys called "Anglico" and "Targator," or their new project, BlueNC.com.
You were credited, and rightly so, with giving my campaign a huge boost. The Southern Dem was featured, as was the hard work of the rest of the crew at BlueNC. I was so pleased to see some well deserved credit go to these folks who have believed in me and our campaign from very early on.
What was also highlighted though, and demands more attention, was my opponent's comment when asked about blogging, "I know it's something on the Internet." I'm sure he was just attempting to be folksy, as multi-millionaire Duke Graduates are prone to do. However, it concerned me and should concern most people in our District and across this nation if someone serving us in Congress doesn't keep up with even the most basic technology.
How is a Member of Congress supposed to fight child predators or terrorists if they don't know what is happening in cyberspace? The Internet is now the frontline in fighting to keep our families safe, not to mention being the hub of commerce and information. We need Members of Congress that understand the technology and can balance our sacred right to privacy with keeping our families and Country protected. The Congressman seemed to dismiss blogging as some new fangled fad that a man of his stature wouldn't be involved with. He currently serves as my Congressman and it bothers me that he votes on legislation and has responsiblity for Federal laws impacting the Internet if he doesn't even use it.
I'm the father of two young daughters and even though I didn't grow up using computers my wife and I make it our business to understand where my girls go when they step into cyberspace. Our Members of Congress must understand the Internet if they are going to sucessfully fight credit card fraud, fight terrorism, or fight child preditors while respecting the rights and privacy of law abiding American citizens.
When I am your voice in Congress I can assure you I will know what I'm voting on when issues such as these come to my desk. You should expect nothing less whether you have a computer or not -- because chances are someone you love does.
Again, to all the netroots who have contributed, volunteered, and lent support -- thank you! You're making a huge difference, and it shows!