A daily series, Connect! Unite! Act! seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups regularly socialize but also get out the vote, support candidates and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers-that-be. Visit us every morning at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time to see how you can get involved. The comment thread is fun and light-hearted, but we're serious about moving the progressive political agenda forward.
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What was your firstfight you ever got into?
Physical fights are always bad, but the older you get the more there is the tendency to romanticize childhood fights. I know I am guilty of that. I did it in a DKOS
before about my 'titanic' first fistfight in the first grade.
Like it was yesterday, I vividly recall the outrage I felt when this Black kid knocked me to the ground. I was backing up to catch a ball and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back with everyone laughing at me. My fee-fees and my butt were hurt. I got up swinging at the culprit. Black and white fists intermingled and pounded on flesh as the crowd roared and cheered. I can recall the sounds of the grunts more than I can the pain of the blows. I was knocked back on my butt a second time, and this time my head hit the boiling hot and rock hard asphalt. Yet again I got up swinging. It was a desperate struggle on both our parts. When the authorities finally forced us apart I was relieved, but still enraged. I couldn't win, but I didn't want to lose in front of everyone.
at the time it was not like that of course. Like Hobbes' would say, it was
nasty, brutish and short. Luckily for me, so too were the negative3 consequences of fighting. My foe turned into a very longterm friend.
My son's first fight was a nightmare all around. No permanent injuries thankfully, but lots of hurt fee-fees all around and a major dustup with the school. Just all bad. Real bad. Even the memory of that experience starts to soften with age though. My son and I may laugh about it now, but I still recall how he felt at the time. He also didn't get the compensation of becoming friends with the person he fought. There always seemed to be the imminent prospect of a re-match until the other boy moved away.
If you never had a fistfight growing up I salute you. That represents the best of all possible worlds. Otherwise....
Are your childhood battles so distant that they seem quaint to you? Did you even have any? Do you recall them?
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Can Be Found Below the Orange Group Hug.
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
Where the Kogs Are: Index/Directory of the 130+ Localized Daily Kos Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
by ZenTrainer ♥ for Nashville KosKats
August 16th, the KosKats met up at the lake at Shipwreck Cove; Patrick is Lucky, Zen Trainer, Mr. and Ms. Sow Hat and 2 red county anonymous dems.
From Zen Trainer:
The Democrats aren’t even trying here. We talked about how to get someone with some sense in here running our state party. I had a name in mind - Mary Mancini.
[...] The other thing we talked about is Moral Mondays. I’d like to really concentrate on getting our legislature to force our Governor to accept expanded Medicaid for our state. I need big time help for that. Most of the KosKats who came to this meet-up don’t live in Nashville, they are on the outskirts. So we need some more local KosKats to step up.
L-R: Photo 1 - Mr. Sow Hat, Patrick is Lucky & Sow Hat Photo 2 - Patrick is Lucky & Zentrainer
Please visit ZenTrainer's diary for photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Nashville KosKats by sending a Kosmail to ZenTrainer.
by mimi ♥ for Maryland Kos
A joint meet-up of the Kossacks from Virginia, Maryland and DC happened on August 23rd. What a nice turn-out with great political discussion. Thanks to team leaders JamieG from Md and NinthElegy for organizing.
Here's one photo:
Back row: STI (JamieG's husband), Sturunner, jhutson, Uncle Cosmo, TRsCousin
Midde row: VeenaS1, Diana in NoVa, Aximill, mollyd, mdmslle, JamieG from Md, JG in MD, a gilas girl
Front row: louisev, patbahn, Laura Wnderer, BDA in VA
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Maryland Kos by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join VIRGINIA KOS by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC KOSSACKS by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by Sara R ♥ for Koscadia
The Kosacadia Kossacks (rsmpdx, winglion, loggersbrat & Sara R) got together at their local Food Truck pod. They stamped money to support the Stamp Stampede which was organized by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as a citizen effort to promote a Constitutional amendment to undo the pernicious effects of the Citizens United decision. Sara R has set up a Daily Kos group to rally others to this cause, please send them a Kosmail if you'd like to join in.
Please visit Sara R's diary for details. You can still REC it. You can join Koscadia by sending a Kosmail to Sara R.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Excerpts from John Crapper:
[...] Within minutes of my first conversation with Penny GC she said it best. "You know, I feel like I already know you from your posts and comments. Do you know what I mean?" And I immediately nodded my head feeling exactly the same way. That is the beauty of the Kossack experience!
[...] Finally, I gave each an assignment. I am a teacher you know so it's in my DNA. I asked each person to recruit one person in their circle of friends to become a Kossack and join Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. It's this simple. [...]
Thanks, Mr. Crapper for this excellent organizing of Seattle. We have big hopes for mobilizing all of Washington. So great of you to be on board here in the beginning with such an important metropolitan area.
L to R - Back row: Nelson (soon to be Kossack), Sarge in Seattle, Gemina13, bleeding blue, momomia,
Kneeling down, Yous truly John Crapper, Penny GC
Not in picture: LarissaW & John Crapper's SO
Please visit John Crapper's diary for many MORE details! You can still REC it. You can join
Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to
John Crapper.
by remembrance ♥ for Silicon Valley Kossacks
Last Sunday, Silicon Valley Kossacks had their first meet up right in the hub of Downtown San Jose, where plutocrats, technocrats, and college students gather over local brew. The patio of Gordon Biersch was the setting of our open air meeting that would give cause to our newly formed group and inspire us to reach out to voters about progressive candidates and policies.
[...] If you live in the 17th, 18th, or 19th district, please join Silicon Valley Kossacks. If you are not a Daily Kos user but would like to work with us, please make a user account and leave us a comment below. You can follow our group by clicking on the ♥ at the top of the page.
L-R: Back Row: fiercefilms, Senor Unoball, esquimaux, madhause, navajo, Glen The Plumber, Lusty Front Row: Mrs. Senor Unoball, slowbutsure, norm, remembrance, TLO™
Please visit remembrance's diary for more information. You can still REC it. You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Four Corners Kossacks Welcome Entourage from New Mexico
by Thinking Fella ♥ for Four Corners Kossacks
A last minute call went out to anyone interested in welcoming Land of Enchantment and jnhobbs to Durango. LucyTooners and Mr. LucyTooners rose to the occasion. A fantastic evening was reported to me by texts and lots of food pr0n as evidence.
Here's the group photo!
L-R: Mr. LucyTooners, LucyTooners, Thinking Fella, Land of Enchantment & jnhobbs
You can join Four Corners Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Thinking Fella.
by susans ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
More than 30 Kossacks from Southern California met in Los Angeles to strategize on organizing. California is going to be our first roll-out of organizing an entire state. navajo talked about the importance of having a group in each congressional district and how important it is for everyone in attendance to help by looking for potential members in the comments of each diary at Dkos. navajo also talked about using the latest tools available from HQ such as Chris Bower's Action Team's email list and Faith Gardner and Jen Hayden's facebook interface to send invites to potential members in So Cal to join in. navajo will coordinate this. Google groups for email list servs were recommended along with facebook pages set up for each district as an organizing strategy.
Meteor Blades, a precinct captain for more than two decades, reinforced the effectiveness of old-fashioned, low-budget, face-to-face, boots on the ground local organizing as a time honored way to make things happen.
Vyan spoke about how politics is personal and one has to take on that mantle to engage and influence others.
by benamery21 ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
After attending the 8/9 L.A. Kossacks meetup in Los Angeles, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to navajo, Meteor Blades, Vyan, susans, Shockwave, and everyone else who played a part in making the meetup a success. I am excited to be a small part of efforts to build Kossack groups in greater Los Angeles, and in all 435 congressional districts.
[...] If we vote, we win. Sometimes asking is all it takes.
[...] but don't forget there is also a lot of other electoral territory in SoCal where your help might mean the difference between a Democrat and a Republican.
L-R: Meteor Blades, navajo and Vyan addressing the LA Kossacks
Please visit susans's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Los Angeles Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to susans.
by mikejay611 ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by Vetwife ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by SemDem ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
65 Kossacks gathered at the home of Vetwife on August 9th to listen to four candidates in person and three other candidates skyped in. They each were allowed to speak for 10 minutes and then had five minutes to answer questions. Reverend Robert of NAACP AME Moral Mondays spoke along with veteran advocates, medical MJ leaders and an Occupier organizer. Gordon20024 deserves another Kossack Hero award for supplying ALL the food! Vetwife reports that several campaigns have been in touch with her for support since this meet-up.
Vetwife introducing Joe Murray who is running for Congress
L-R: Vetwife, SemDem & byardl
Please visit the diary links above for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC all those diaries. You can join North & Central Florida Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Vetwife.
Also visit SemDem's diary for a great example of how to organize speakers and promote an event:
by SemDem ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by randallt ♥ for DKos Asheville
Asheville's second Mountain Moral Monday protest was [Monday, August 4th] and it was inspiring to say the least. The Reverend Barber delivered a beauty of a speech that kept most people on their feet the whole time. Kossacks from far and wide met up for the event with a few of us meeting ahead of time and a few of us meeting at the rally.
Here's one photo:
L-R: TexDem, Lamont Cranston, randallt, davehouck, new recruit
Please visit randallt's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join DKos Asheville by sending a Kosmail to randallt.
by Mother Mags ♥ for Phoenix Kossacks and Baja Arizona Kossacks
Kossacks attended the meet-up from around the state, helped out by strong recruitment from Azazello and other Baja Arizona friends south of the Gila River.
[...] A week before the meet-up fewer than 20 people had registered, and we anticipated a big table where we could discuss specific races and issues in our communities. Then something happened, and the RSVPs more than doubled in a week. Thanks, Markos, for the recruitment tool!
navajo: "I had a great time attending this meet-up. I chatted with almost everyone individually and then spoke to the whole group about what Daily Kos can do for them in terms of organizing and helping their ranks grow. Not one person wanted to rehash the online dispute. Everyone wanted to move forward. What a great group! The evening was extremely enjoyable and I look forward to working with Arizona Kossacks on ACTION items in their state going forward."
Here's one photo:
See Mother Mag's diary for individual headshots and usernames ~Photo Courtesy of Richard
Please visit Mother Mags diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Phoenix Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Mother Mags.
You can join Baja Arizona Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Azazello.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast the date of your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Saturday, September 6th
New England Kossacks Potluck & BBQ
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: brillig & mik's home
Address given privately to RSVPs • north of Boston
ORGANIZER: Send nhox42 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. nhox42
2. brillig
3. mik
4. Common Sense Mainer
5. Bill in Portland Maine
6. mayim
7. Jane in Maine
8. ellid
9. true blue majority
10. theKgirls
11. rubDMC
12. jplanner
13. CwV
14. knockbally
15. Greyhawk
16. DtheO
17. ialonelady
18. Noor B
19. Ed Tracey
20. northerntier
21. Danno11
22. debbie in me
23. chameo
25. the Marti
26. Simple
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: C+J/NE Kossacks Meetup September 6th!
Saturday, September 6th
Sacramento Kossacks Meet-up
Potluck with BYOB
Special Guest: Derek Cressman
TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Kestrel's home
Address given privately to RSVPs • Sacramento
ORGANIZER: Send cooper888 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tgypsy
2. cooper888
3. gotmooned
4. Kestrel
5. shigeru
6. TrevizOlga
7. paradise50
8. smileycreek
9. merelyfearless7
10. Sycotic1
11. side pocket
12. Mrs. side pocket
13. navajo
14. Meteor Blades
15. aransdell
16. ushomeopath
17. Barbara Leary
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Maybees:
Laurel in CA
LinSea
timethief
DrPlacebo
Anthony Page aka SecondComing
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Latest diary: Sacramento (area) Kossacks Meetup With Featured Guest!
Join the Sacramento Kossacks Google Group to receive invites for future events.
Saturday, September 6th
Senate and Governors debate for the State Fair in Hutchinson
We'll be live-streaming, live blogging and keeping track of it, and Kossacks will also be occupying the booth spaces provided by local candidate Brian Davis, who is working to unseat Jan Pauls
TIME: 10:30 AM
LOCATION: Kansas State Fair
2000 N Poplar St • Hutchinson, Kansas
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2. Skohays
3.
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Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
Monday, September 8th
Stop Money in Politics Petition Delivery
On Monday, the Senate is voting on the Democracy for All amendment to overturn decisions like Citizens United and get big money out of our elections! Before the vote, we’ll be holding a rally outside the Capitol where we’ll be delivering to the Senate more than THREE MILLION petition signatures in favor of an amendment.
We’ll be joined by Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, who introduced the amendment, and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), who introduced its House version, as well as other members of Congress, including Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jon Tester (D-MT) and possibly many more. Join them -- along with other leaders and activists from the movement to amend the Constitution!
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Outside of the U.S. Capitol Building
Meet us outside the U.S. Capitol on the Senate side, at the intersection of Constitution & Delaware (across Constitution Ave. from the Russell Building) Map • DC
The closest metro stations are Union Station and Capitol South
Carissa from the Daily Kos Action Team will be there. Please send navajo a kosmail for Carissa's phone number if you'd like to connect with other Kossacks.
Organizations contributing petitions include People For the American Way, MoveOn.org, CREDO, Daily Kos, Public Citizen, Public Change Campaign Committee, USAction, Common Cause, Democrats.com, Free Speech For People, Coffee Party, Center for Media and Democracy, Brave New Films, Progressive Democrats of America, Sierra Club, US PIRG, Communications Workers of America, Wolf PAC, Move to Amend, Food and Water Watch, Corporate Accountability International, Greenpeace, Public Campaign, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the League of Conservation Voters, and the Story of Stuff Project.
Monday, September 8th
SFKossacks In-District Meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein Re: Net Neutrality
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: San Francisco Office
One Post Street, Suite 2450 • San Francisco
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. kimoconnor
3. dharmasyd
4. linkage
5. EagleOfFreedom
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Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Saturday, September 13th
Pikes Peak Region Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up!
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Panera Bread
7344 North Academy Boulevard (general address) or 7351 Atlas Walk Way (mall address) • Colorado Springs
ORGANIZER: Send thanatokephaloides a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. thanatokephaloides
2. tmservo433 (visiting from Kansas)
3. AmberChaos
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Our First Meeting: An Announcement
Announcing Mojave Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Mojave Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Subtitled: Us Poor Bastards what Gotta Live in Teabagger Districts
Moody is looking for Kossacks in the CA-23 area, Antelope/Aerospace Valley, Bakersfield, Mojave, Barstow, Victorville/Apple Valley, and any other Red State SoCal Kossack willing to make the trip to Lancaster.
It's a potluck and if enough people sign up Moody will BBQ some New England style pulled pork.
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Lancaster City Park
43063 N. 10th Street West • Lancaster
ORGANIZER: Send Moody Loner a kosmail to attend.
Latest diary: Okay, Let's Do This: Mojave Kossacks Meetup 9/20 2PM
Announcing Coachella Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Coachella Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Calling all Kossacks in Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Westfield Mall Food Court
Monterey and 111 • Palm Desert
ORGANIZER: Send Susan from 29 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. blue drop
2. ruscle
3. Susan from 29
4. susans
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Maybees: |
Latest diaries: Coachella Kossacks Sept 20 Meet Up
SERIOUSLY SEEKING Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley Kossacks
Attribution: Jetsonorama
Sunday, September 21st
People's Climate March
TIME: Midday, TBD
LOCATION: Columbus Circle
Central Park West and 59th • New York City
Join hundreds of environmental and climate justice groups and tens of thousands of individuals on the streets of New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for the People's Climate March. The march is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where political and corporate leaders are meeting prior to the December 2015 UNFCCC COP21 in Paris. It also precedes Climate Week NYC.
The links below provide information on transportation to New York, volunteer opportunities, events in New York, and other ways you can become involved in your local communities.
• Getting There: Links to available buses, trains, ride boards and creative group transit ideas near you to get the NYC for September 21st
• How to Get Involved
• RSVP and volunteer/donation opportunities
Latest diary: UN Climate Summit: What To Expect and Why it Matters
Sunday, September 21st
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with boatsie!
TIME: TBD, sometime after the march
LOCATION: TBD
TBD • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. boatsie
2.
3.
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Saturday, October 4th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2.
3.
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Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bywater
796 Riverside Dr. • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
8. swhelden
9. Ottery Scribe
10. Burns Lass
11. Family guest
12. Smiley7
13. people power granny
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Maybees:
munchkin
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville: Weekly Open Thread
Sunday, October 19th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with navajo
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. ericlewis0
3. belinda ridgewood
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Saturday, November 8th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2.
3.
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Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.