I attended my first Netroots Conference a couple of weeks ago in Pittsburgh. What an experience to be able to walk up to any of the 2,000 people and have an intelligent discussion.
One of the striking aspects of the conference was the prominence of labor. They were financial backers, spoke on many panels and had some lead speakers. One of these was Richard Trumka who is slated to become the head of the AFL/CIO. At the start of the conference he was handing out hard hats to show support for labor.
I have had the feeling that NN09 just might be a catalyst that made a difference in the health care debate. Getting these 2,000 activists/bloggers on the same page is a huge step.
Howard Dean gave a wonderful presentation that pointed out that the only part of the health care bill left that could provide competition to the insurance industry is the progressive option. It clarified the issue for me and he continues to speak out clearly for this position in the midst of a mindless media that is unable to articulate difficult issues to the citizens.
Today is an article in the WAPO about Trumka's meeting today, labor day, with Obama. I can think of no one better able to deliver a strong message to Obama than Trumka who gave an incredible speech at NN09.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Maybe we will really make a difference.