In 2004 we started a journey together. It's been seven years of huge victories and a couple pretty heartbreaking defeats. Netroots Nation has been at the heart of this movement we created, and I can't think of a better place for us to come together, take stock, and look down the long horizon of where this movement is going.
Will you join me to have a conversation about our values and where we are going in 2012 and beyond?
Since we started working to change the Democratic Party and the country from the ground up, you have been out there knocking on doors, making calls, and organizing for everything from marriage equality to campaign finance reform to ending climate change. Some of you have even made the commitment to change the system by running for office or taking on major roles in your local parties. Good for you! You do have the power.
Netroots Nation is the place to get together with others from all 50 states who share your commitment to social change. Join us for a conversation on where we are going next.
This year at Netroots Nation, I want to start a conversation about how far our diverse movement has come together and the values that unite us. I hope that you will join me for that conversation on Thursday night.
In spite of some setbacks, and in contrary to what the 'hate wing' of the Republican party may say about us, Progressives are deeply committed to our shared values because we know what we believe.
We believe in community. We care about our neighbors and we help each other. We believe in security. We will create a secure future by funding schools and investment in green jobs over bombers and missile defense our military doesn't even want. We believe in liberty. We will fight discrimination everywhere it exists and deliver on the promise of equality for all Americans.
We believe in community, security, and liberty and we will never back down. We need to remind ourselves how the values that drive us have led to some serious progress since 2004, and we need to talk about what we believe with others who we need with us for the fight to come.
We do have the power to change to world. Let's recommit ourselves to that change this year in Minneapolis.
See you there.