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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More Than 40 Kossacks Get High in Phoenix
Literally. Very high.
View from the rooftop terrace Last Sunday more than 40 Kossacks, and a lurker here and there, met in Phoenix to welcome navajo, who arrived that afternoon from her family reunion in Kayenta on the Navajo Nation.
navajo with her gift from Azazello ~Photo Courtesy of Thinking Fella
We met on the rooftop terrace of Phoenix's original residential high-rise, built in 1957. Yes, that's historic for Phoenix, which, in the 50s, was still a young community experiencing the early pangs of a post-WWII growth spurt that would continue unabated until today. Our high-rise meet-up site was constructed by Del Webb, who, as much as anyone, is responsible for the look and feel of the Southwest. He built military bases, the first big casinos in Las Vegas, and of course Sun City.
What started as a few small distant ranching communities in the 19th century (Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, etc.) eventually grew together and was dubbed by boosters as the "Valley of the Sun" in the 50s (while Ed Abbey called it a cancerous blob). The metro area is now home to more than 4 million people, with Phoenix the 5th largest city in the U.S. That incredible growth doesn't occur without problems, especially when crooked politicians and developers control the levers of power, and the region hasn't always grown smartly.
From the 50s until the end of the century sprawl defined much of Metro Phoenix, but in the last 20 years or so there's been a commitment to rebuild downtowns: walkable streets, urban housing, light-rail, museums and cultural districts, sports arenas, creative economies, universities. And, I should add, liberal districts that elect women, minorities, and gays. Check out this map, which shows how Maricopa County voted for Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the 2012 election. But enough about our town: 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.
Azazello, IT Dept., and Mrs. Z
More PHOTOS and the Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Can Be Found Below the Orange Group Hug.
The long-distance award, though, went to Thinking Fella, who drove from Durango, Colorado, to support other progressives in the Southwest. He's started a new group, Four Corners Kossacks. Cool.
navajo and Thinking Fella 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!
Mr. Dewey of the Desert and Dewey of the Desert Actually, there wasn't much discussion of Netroots Nation 2015 and the Daily Kos boycott over SB 1070. Many Arizona Kossacks understand Markos's position and some respect it, even if others think it's misguided. So be it.
Kane in CA and Puzzled However, some Arizonans can't or don't want to boycott their state, hoping Netroots highlights possible solutions to the problems that often give Arizona a national blackeye. We saw what the protest over water shutoffs did in Detroit. Imagine a similar march to Sheriff Arpaio's office or deportation central, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, both of which are nearby (granted, it'll be 110+ degrees).
dobleremolque and rasbobbo Local Latino leaders like Congressman Raul Grijalva and former legislator John Loredo, along with organizations like United We Dream and La Raza, are thrilled that Netroots Nation will be in Phoenix next summer. Already, a few Kossacks are serving on the host committee—as concerned Arizonans, not Daily Kos representatives.
itzadryheat and Sun Tzu Two important races sent representatives to the July 27 meet-up. ASU professor Dr. David Garcia is the frontrunner in the Democratic primary to take on Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. David's finance director, Hugo Polanco, didn't have a tough time convincing this crowd that Huppenthal has to go. Not only have Arizona's public schools experienced the third deepest budget cuts in the nation under Huppenthal, but student performance remains mired near the bottom. More recently, Huppenthal's racist sockpuppetry, wherein he tried to rewrite history, made him a national laughingstock. His new campaign billboards are a joke: this man who worked to purge Arizona's curriculum of cultural diversity sits surrounded by happy kids of every color. It looks like a United Colors of Benetton ad.
Your diarist and Hugo, from the Garcia campaign A more contentious Democratic primary defines the congressional race in District 7, which pits long-time establishment politician Mary Rose Wilcox against former state representative Ruben Gallego, one of the young Latinos who's helping to flip the state. The seat, which is safely blue, is currently held by retiring Congressman Ed Pastor, who endorsed Wilcox. In June, Daily Kos endorsed Gallego, and the race has turned ugly in the last couple weeks, with Wilcox sending almost daily mailers highlighting Gallego's B+ rating from the NRA. A gunshot victim herself, Wilcox is 5-10 points behind in recent polls, and, given AZ-7's liberal bent, she obviously believes the gun issue is her best path to victory. To support Gallego, Kossack RLMiller has created the Climate Hawks Vote PAC and hired another Kossack, desert dweller, who attended the meet-up, to oversee that effort locally. Only a few days on the job, desert dweller told the group that he's going to spotlight Gallego's strong environmental record, another plus in the district, as is his history on women's issues.
DaNang65 and desert dweller navajo ended the meeting by describing her work nationally—building community through meet-ups and other support systems, as well as Daily Kos's new effort to arrange mini-conferences. She said Netroots Nation has grown to the point that Kossacks can get lost in the huge crowds, and mini-conferences are one way to return to the more intimate setting that characterized the initial Yearly Kos conferences.
navajo talking ~Photo Courtesy of Thinking Fella Thanks to Daily Kos and navajo, the event was catered. The weather even cooperated: it was only 102 that day, a cold snap for July. Finally, we'll be helping David Garcia's campaign for school chief—along with governor, one of the more important statewide races. If you're in the area, please save the date for a meet-up with David on September 25. Details to come.
Empty Vessel
Gilmore and Judy
ramara
Mr. Cindy V and Cindy V
BlueJayRN and Mr. BlueJayRN
sneakers563 and baby sneakers563
Suzie and Mr. Suzie
Phoenix Kossacks and Baja AZ Kossacks ~Photo Courtesy of Richard
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
Uniting Kansas: Recap of Meetup, Hutchinson (Video)
by tmservo433 ♥ for Kansas & Missouri Kossacks
tmservo433 organized a successful event featuring 3 candidates and a AFL-CIO endorsement.
Despite 100+ degree temperature, and a normal size crowd (about 50/60) the event in Hutchinson quickly went viral, with a few thousand watching the streams online, thanks to agressive sharing, emailing and people encouraging others to spread the live stream of the video.
Please visit tmservo433's diary for the videos of this event. You can still REC it. You can join Kansas & Missouri Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to tmservo433.
Connecting Kansas: Democrats Unite in Emporia
by tmservo433 ♥ for Kansas & Missouri Kossacks
So our latest hero, tmservo433 provides a great re-cap to the event we promoted here for him.
At the time Paul Davis spoke, I had an in room headcount of 166, which is a heck of a turnout. Sam Brownback couldn't bring in 200 in the Kansas City Metro when Rick Santorum came to town.
Kossacks showed up. Several Kossacks were in the hall, as well as individuals who noticed I still had on my Netroots gear, and were happy to come and tell us how they are working for change in our communities.
tmservo433 is doing great work seeking out Kossacks and moving his state's progressive agenda forward. Please visit tmservo433's diary for more photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Kansas & Missouri Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to tmservo433.
Los Angeles Kossacks June 28th Meetup Report
by susans ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
The Los Angeles Kossacks ranks have increased by 40% in the last few months. New members attended the latest recreational field trip to see the retired space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center in Exposition Park near downtown Los Angeles.
Back Row L-R: Vyan, Chiwere, susans, Otoelbc, mommyp00ka, Ducktape Front Row L-R: Robin, 714day, Little Loner, Moody Loner, jakedog42 and grandaughter, SanFernandoValleyMom
Please visit susans's diary for details on the Space Shuttle. You can still REC it. You can join Los Angeles Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to susans.
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!
Monday, August 4th Asheville Kossacks Connect for Lunch Before Moral Monday's Event with Reverend Barber! Followed by a stroll through downtown to the Mountain Moral Monday event TIME: 2:00 PM LOCATION: Rosetta's Kitchen 111 Broadway St • Asheville ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. randallt 2. davehouck 3. Joieau 4. DawnN 5. Lamont Cranston 6. Gordon20024 |
Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Saturday, August 9th Northern & Central Florida Kossacks Meet-up with (D) DC Koller who is running for House Representative against Rich Nugent TIME: 10:00 AM LOCATION: Vetwife's Home Kosmail Vetwife for address • Inverness ORGANIZER: Send Vetwife a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. Vetwife 2. Vet 3. Gordon20024 4. nancyjones 5. |
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Fl Meetup update.. Short diary..lots of Info
Saturday, August 9th Kansas Missouri Kossacks Picnic - Local Candidate Speaks Meet at the Hays city park to enjoy a free hamburger/hotdog/watermelon feed. Jim Sherow along with other local candidates will be speaking. TIME: NOON LOCATION: Municipal Park 1st and Main • Hays, Kansas ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. tmservo433 2. Skohays 3. |
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
Saturday, August 9th LA Kossacks Meet-up TIME: 2:00 PM LOCATION: Guild Restaurant 611 W. 7th St • Downtown Los Angeles ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. susans 2. Shockwave 3. navajo 4. Meteor Blades 5. Knucklehead 6. SanFernandoValleyMom 7. Otoelbc 8. Chiwere 9. Vyan 10. 714day 11. Ducktape 12. Mugwump Blues 13. Just Saying 14. Just Saying's friend 15. Panorama City Chick 16. jakedog42 17. Santa Susanna Kid 18. La Gitane 19. Susan from 29 20. gmats 21. Dave in Northridge |
Maybees: Joe Bacon Bruin Kid |
Latest diary: Los Angeles Kossacks June 28th Meetup Report
Saturday, August 16th Nashville KosKats Meet-up TIME: 2:00 PM LOCATION: Shipwreck Cove at the Elm Hill Marina 3361 Bell Road • Nashville ORGANIZER: Send ZenTrainer a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. ZenTrainer 2. Jon Sitzman 3. |
Maybees: Patrick is Lucky Sow Hat |
Latest diary: Nashville KosKats Meet-up. August 16th
Saturday, August 16th DC Kossacks Meet-up TIME: Noon LOCATION: National Mall at the Smithsonian Metro stop • Washington DC ORGANIZER: Send NinthElegy a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs: 1. NinthElegy 2. 3. |
Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Sunday, August 24th NYC Kossacks Meet-up TIME: Noon LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner 101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs: 1. kathny 2. belinda ridgewood 3. rubyr 4. joanbrooker 5. mconvente 6. ericlewis0 7. No Exit 8. sidnora 9. gchaucer2 |
Maybees: BaritoneWoman jfdunphy David Nir Lysis |
Latest diary: NYC Meetup Sunday August 24 at Spitzer's
Saturday, September 6th Sacramento Kossacks Meet-up Potluck with BYOB 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 |
Maybees: navajo Meteor Blades |
Latest diary: Sacramento (area) Kossacks Meetup With Featured Guest! Join the Sacramento Kossacks Google Group to receive invites for future events.
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. |
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Our First Meeting: An Announcement
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. 3. |
Maybees: |
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.