Sometimes I wonder how the power of netroots activism is perceived by the media and political establishments left, right, and center. Examples of our influence can be seen daily for those interested in looking, but if anyone was inclined to write off the Netroots as a flash in the pan, you only have to point out the million dollars raised online almost overnight by Rob Miller, opponent of Joe "You Lie!" Wilson of South Carolina.
A majority of the promotion of the Act Blue page and the cause itself were done online and over a quarter of the money raised was by a group called "Kossacks for Democrat Rob Miller". For anyone who had assumed we'd retreated back to the ether from which we came, this was a loud wake up call that the Netroots is alive and well.
You can help support Netroots activism and activists around the country by taking part in the Netroots Nation online auction. This is an important and fun way to support the organization that supports us and to make sure that the Netroots thrive and remain a potent force in American politics in the future.
The right wing pushed back hard this summer as a result of the progressive resurgence that has occured over the last six years. A resurgence which has been anchored in large part by Netroots activism.
We've taken back the presidency, both houses of Congress, and are making gains across the country, but are in danger of losing ground if we fail to sustain the cohesion and activism which got us to where we are now.
Netroots Nation is uniquely positioned to play a prominent role in achieving this critical goal, both short term and in to the future. In a short period of time we've become a force to be reconed with on the national political scene and have put grassroots and online activists firmly on the radar of the Democratic party and politicians around the country.
We can't take these gains for granted though and if we fail to continue growing and making ourselves heard, we run the distinct risk of having politicians run back to the all too familiar and comfortable top down, corporatist model that has dominated in the past.
You can play a role in the fight to fund the important work Netroots Nation does throughout the year. Netroots Nation is holding an online auction and I'd like to encourage everyone to check it out and place a bid on some of the unique items that are being offered there.
Here are links for the main auction page and some of the great items that are up for bid. The auction ends this Tuesday, September 29th, so don't delay.
Main Page: http://bit.ly/...
Barney Frank Poster: http://bit.ly/...
1988 DNC in Atlanta Poster: http://bit.ly/...
50 Ways You Can Help Obama Autographed Book: http://bit.ly/...
Ask Me How Many Houses I Own Button: http://bit.ly/...
Friday Backstage Pass: http://bit.ly/...
Saturday Backstage Pass: http://bit.ly/...
Thur Backstage Pass: http://bit.ly/...
Framed WaPo from the Day after Obama's Election: http://bit.ly/...
Advomatic Click to Call: http://bit.ly/...
Nadler Signed Constitution: http://bit.ly/...
Dancing Deer Baking Company Brownie Cake and Cookie Tower : http://bit.ly/...
DKos Logo Banner: http://bit.ly/...
Sestak Signed Constitution: http://bit.ly/...
2009-10 NY State Senate Photo: http://bit.ly/...
NN Front Row Table: http://bit.ly/...
GWB Horse's Ass Award: http://bit.ly/...
Inauguration T-shirt: http://bit.ly/...
Autographed Nancy Pelosi Book: http://bit.ly/...
Kansas Democratic Party Grab Bag: http://bit.ly/...
Lance Armstrong Autorgraphed Hat: http://bit.ly/...
LOOK Magazing with Jackie on the Cover: http://bit.ly/...
Lunch with Nate Silver: http://bit.ly/...
Lunch with Rick Perlstein: http://bit.ly/...
Mark Sanford for Prez Tote Bag: http://bit.ly/...
Mark Warner YearlyKos T-shirt: http://bit.ly/...
Masquerade Suite at NN10: http://bit.ly/...