To my fellow "Deaniacs", whether you use that word or not. I posted this on the blog today and would appreciate backup from anyone who feels as I do...
For the New Year, I want, and I believe the blog needs, an honest-to-goodness Howard Dean pep talk. One that is addressed to us, the loyal blog community. Sure, it's nice to get first-hand descriptions from people who were lucky enough to have "face time" with Howard, and yes, we do appreciate transcripts and video links from his tv appearances and links to his opinion pieces.
I know that we may never again experience moments like the "turkey sandwich luncheon" (picture of Howard having a sandwich in front of his computer--low cost lunch with his donors). But I think it would even help to have a message of hope and encouragement addressed directly to
us.
It's been a long time, and we've been through a lot. Many people have left the blog, and others have commented about the level of bickering--which was always there, but seems to have grown more intense now that we do not have a common cause that unites us.
I imagine that someone out there will find reason to disagree with my request, but I'll just try not to let it get to me. People who know me and have read my comments over the past month are probably aware that I am one of the people who is feeling pretty conflicted about the blog.
This goes way back, actually, to the time when Howard Dean suspended his campaign. Demetrius and I turned our efforts to making posters and flyers letting people know that Howard was still on the ballot and they could still vote for him. No one at HQ ever told us this, but apparently they could never acknowledge the "delegates for Dean" efforts due to strict FEC regulations regarding suspended campaigns.
So we saw post after post from Zephyr about how many "Democratic wings" we had running for office.
That theme continued, and, please understand that I am very proud of those among us who somehow found it within themselves to run for office. But it's not something I can do. I guess what's missing is a real sense that all of our efforts are appreciated and valued--and we all find our own niches based on our interests and talents.
Please, whoever can make this happen, can we get a New Year's message from Howard Dean, addressed to us? We get our "Dean fixes" when and where we can, but I really miss hearing Howard speak directly to this community.
