I know many who read here have attended one or more Netroots Nationses, so will be quite familiar with the experience. This was my fourth foray into the breech, but they’re all special.
More below.
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This time, we got to meet John Webb! Top Comments hero extraordinaire! That was a special treat, indeed! (He’s every bit as wonderful in person as he is in Top Comments community!)
We got to see smileycreek and paradise50. At their first Netroots Nation since the catastrophic fire they were fortunate to survive. I found it very emotional seeing them, after their close call. paradise50 will always be a hero to me for that.
Of the Top Commenteers, Ed Tracey and brillig were there, along with gizmo and his husband. Comment threads suggested BoiseBlue might be there, but I never knowingly encountered her.
I have participated in online communities since the late 1980’s, I’m very comfortable engaging with and relating to people virtually. Usually, I am pretty good at avoiding some of the kinds of pitfalls that can happen when interaction is confined to that medium.
There is still something incredibly special about being physically in the company of so many truly fine and exceptional people. Seeing their smiles, hearing their voices, seeing how others respond to them and how they respond to others. It’s easy to see their hearts and minds online, but those are at least as clear in person, no question about it. It’s a dimension I would not trade for anything.
Yes, it was terrific hearing four of our presidential candidates speak to us. There were quite a few other speakers that provided major inspiration and motivation.
But, for me, the heart of the event was in seeing TrueBlueMajority, peregrine kate, gizmo and hubby, Ed Tracey, brillig and the other members from Casa brillig, John Webb, belinda ridgewood (so special!), smileycreek and p50, Neeta Lind, Meteor Blades, Laura Clawson, kos, Chris Reeves, my good friend Tom and his wife Sarah, Common Sense Mainer and BiPM, another special friend I would only mention with permission …
They are people with whom I will always stand proudly and happily. I can’t imagine the ‘other side’ having a group to match. I feel good about 2020.
And, honestly, I will feel better about it if we see YOU in Denver next year, that middle week of August. We will lay the final groundwork for HIS (and THEIR!) political demise. All while being in the company of brilliant people with magical hearts.
I hope you can make it!
On to tonight’s comments!
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From peregrine Kate:
Comes this excellent comment by high uintas, about a remarkable ‘look’ parents can make. Referring to a picture posted in OceanDiver’s Daily bucket posttoday.
Highlighted by Onomastic:
Is this delightful little video comment from Raptavio.
Highlighted by slothlax:
Is this comment by KingSweden, with a very important point.
Highlighted by TomP:
Comes this concise, but content-rich comment by koNko, about the brilliance of the four Democrats Trump attacked with his viciousness and racism.
TOP MOJO
Top Mojo for yesterday, July 14th, 2019, with first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
TOP PICTURES
Top Pictures for July 15, 2019! Thanks so much, jotter!