Hey there dkos community. Well it looks like we have a winner in the contest we held recently to help my partner James Perry. He's the true progressive who is running for Mayor of New Orleans.
In case you've forgotten, about three weeks ago I announced right here that anyone who became a member of James Perry's "Foundation for Change" would be entered in a drawing to win dinner with James and me. The "Foundation for Change" is an effort by his campaign for Mayor of New Orleans to create a core group supporters that commit to contributing to his campaign in smaller amounts but on a monthly basis.
Who won? We'll you'll have to join me on the flipside to find out!
Before we get to the announcing the winner I just want to tell you how humbled I am by the response from all of you.
While I don't exactly have a lot of time between raising a kid, teaching at Princeton, writing for The Nation.com, working to help James Perry become the next Mayor of New Orleans, and of course hanging out on MSNBC with Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann -- I do stop in here as often as I can to hear some the smartest and most committed progressive voices in America:
You.
I know that we are part of a movement. There is no single leader. There is no single issue. We are all working together to create and sustain progressive momentum on many fronts. I know we have sustained some setbacks, but I still believe we can be responsible for substantive healthcare reform with the public option. I still believe we can force more responsible environmental policies. I believe we can create a more racially just nation and that we can broaden our definition of human rights. I am constantly amazed by the work that ordinary Americans are willing to do to change the direction of our country.
Honestly, that is a large part of the reason that I support James' bid to be mayor of New Orleans. I am inspired by his willingness to step forward to fill the great need for leadership in his city. That willingness inspires me to keep working on many fronts.
The fact that so many of you have responded to help support James' campaign suggests to me that he also inspires you.
So now, who am I having dinner with besides James to talk about the future of New Orleans?
His name is Justin Massa and he lives in Chicago and he had this to say when he joined the Foundation for Change:
"I’m working hard to get my non-profit off the ground, and we’re counting our pennies and cutting back while I’m only paid for a small part of my time."
"Despite these constraints, Abbie and I joined James Perry’s Foundation for Change and will be donating $50 to his campaign every month from now until the election (or run-off, whichever comes last). You should too."
So what about those of you who who entered but didn't win?
Well, we're going to announce something equally exciting in the coming days ahead that you're automatically eligible for so stay tuned!