Netroots Nation Musings
So I have arrived back home from the big Netroots Nation conference in Las Vegas. Since it was the first one I've been to, I thought I'd share some random impressions. Now, I know this sort of thing doesn't appeal to everyone (which is why I didn't even attempt to "liveblog" the conference), because quite frankly if you weren't there then you probably don't want to hear about it. For those readers, I apologize, and swear we'll be right back to normal columns here starting tomorrow. This is also why I posted a column very late yesterday as well, to give you something else to read, just in case this sort of thing bores you.
In any case, these musings are mostly random and presented in no particular order whatsoever. This may be a little confusing.
Which is a good place to start. This wasn't just the first Netroots Nation I've attended, but the first convention of any type. So the entire thing was a new experience, and admittedly somewhat confusing in nature.
We missed the first morning by sleeping in (Vegas is a nine-hour car ride away, in mostly-100-degree weather, and we were exhausted). But once my wife and I got registered, we dove into the proceedings with gusto. The conference consisted of three main segments: an exhibit room filled with tables of an interesting mix of organizations, breakout training sessions and presentations in over a dozen small-to-medium-sized rooms, and major speeches in a huge banquet room that held everybody.
The breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics, and as we had been warned, there was at least once when two or more interesting subjects were being covered at the same time. Luckily there were two of us, so we were able to cover twice the ground, but there still were interesting sessions we had to miss. The selection was large and even the presentations we had to miss sounded very interesting, for the most part. The quality of people speaking at the sessions varied as well, in terms of both experience and knowledge, but at least for most of what I saw, the sessions were top-notch.
The exhibit hall was moderately large, and had tables staffed continuously throughout the conference. Of course, the first table we hit was to get our free "schwag bag" full of all sorts of stuff I have yet to read (conventions are a mad whirl of energy, where you don't have a lot of free time). I do have to single out one organization in the hall, who picked the perfect free gift for the schwag bags, though (at least as far as I am concerned). Working America -- in what even conservatives would have to admit was a politically incorrect (and bold) move for a Lefty convention -- provided us with two Lipton tea bags, which had liberal messages pasted on the packets (sample: "WALL STREET: I AM NOT YOUR ATM") as well as their organization's name. Now, in this political climate, tea (and tea bags) has taken on certain connotations, you might say. It's not even a stretch to say that tea bags are a political statement of sorts. But thankfully, Working America ignored all of that, and provided us with free tea bags for the entire conference.
Being a drinker of tea, and not coffee, I sincerely appreciated this.
The main speakers in the big room were mostly pretty excellent. We did miss seeing Van Jones, but did catch Ed Schultz, who was pretty fire-breathingly hot. There were too many good speakers to even list here (see the Netroots Nation site for the full list, and likely videos of all the speeches, by now), but the headliners on the last day were of particular note. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi addressed us in the morning, complete with a video from President Obama addressing the convention, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke in the afternoon, and Senator Al Franken was the keynote speaker in the evening. Pelosi and Reid were question-and-answer segments, whereas Franken gave the closing speech to the whole conference. All were very interesting to hear live.
But, while seeing politicians in the flesh was certainly a thrill, the best thing about the entire experience was meeting others in person who do what I do -- all the bigtime and smalltime bloggers. I met people I've only corresponded with via email, and was able to put a face to their names. I met people who I've never corresponded with, but whose writing I admire and respect. I met several fellow bloggers (and even employees) of The Huffington Post, which was fun just for the "club within a club" aspect (the conference is the brainchild of DailyKos, and the crowd was overwhelmingly Kos-centric, so meeting Huffington Post folks was relatively rare). And I met plenty of people I'd never heard of, but will be checking out online in the near future.
But the most interesting were the people you'd just bump into in a hallway and chat with for a few minutes. I experienced the range of opinion from "center-left" to "left" to "way, way left," which sounds like a joke but was actually very interesting. I'd hear people say of the same speaker "I don't agree with him, but I respect his speaking ability," as well as "I thought his talk fell flat, but I totally agree with his position."
OK, maybe it wasn't all that (to coin a phrase) "fair and balanced." But I'm not kidding, I found the range of opinions on issues and presentation to be fascinating. A conference, after all, is about getting like-minded people together to exchange ideas, and that was (to me) the most interesting part of the whole week.
To facilitate this, with a liberal (so to speak) application of booze, I have to single out the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (or "P-trip" as they liked to call it, assumably for "P-triple-C"), who hosted the best party suite of the week. Actually, they put on a party for two nights running, but we stayed away the second night so we'd have the energy to get up early to catch Pelosi's breakfast address. This gathering was legendary, complete with meeting the strangest of people from the strangest of organizations, as well as more than a few nationally-known bloggers whose names you would likely recognize (sorry, but their names have safely "stayed in Vegas," so don't bother asking).
I'd be lying if I didn't say that it was fun to be recognized as well. [This whole paragraph is going to be written by Chris' Ego, so if you find that sort of thing too saccharine, please skip to the next one... you have been warned.] The first person in the entire conference we talked to was the woman who checked us in and gave us our credentials. She looked at my name and said "Chris Weigant... Chris Weigant... where have I heard that?" I tried a few suggestions ("Friday Talking Points?"), but it turned out she follows me on Twitter. This, I have to say, was kind of stunning, and totally cool. But the best of these "getting recognized" encounters was when I shook hands with the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, Bill Halter. I had to tell him that I had just given him an award in my column (see: FTP [131]) for being the best Democrat of the week. His response was that he knew, because he had read it. He thanked me for doing so, and I thanked him for being personally responsible for forcing Blanche Lincoln to champion derivatives reform. I have to say, that was a high point of the convention for me.
But the best part of the conference I've saved for last -- meeting Matt Osborne of Osborne Ink fame. Matt had been to Netroots Nation before, so he was invaluable for getting oriented in the chaos of such a large meeting. Matt is way more plugged in to the whole blogging world than I am, so this was appreciated immensely. Time and time again, he steered us in the right direction so we'd have a great time at the convention. While we did run into other people here and there, Matt was the only one we planned on meeting in advance. On the way home from the conference, we both had our share of car troubles as well. All told, though, we'd like to publicly acknowledge Matt for mentoring us and making our week at the big blogger wingding much better than it otherwise would have been.
With the shadow of the 2010 election season hanging over the conference, it was likely not as exciting as previous years have been, when Democrats were riding high on the pendulum of public approval. But the very first "YearlyKos" (as it was called then) was in 2006, before the Democrats took over either house of Congress. The first one was also held in Las Vegas, and we heard from many of the similarities between the two. But even with the damper of facing a tough election, it was great to be among so many like-minded people, all of whom realize that politics isn't a sprint but a marathon at times. The energy was pretty amazing, and the attitudes of most were positive and forward-looking. Next year's Netroots Nation will be held in Minnesota, and we're looking forward to (events willing) attending it next summer. If this year's was any measure, it will be an exciting week.
-- Chris Weigant
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
Yay!!
I was hoping you'd write about your trip, and this is a great start (hint, hint). Glad to hear Mrs. CW accompanied you, and that your meeting with Matt went well.
Please let us know more about your adventure (pics would be great, you've done it before from the inauguration); maybe a weekend column from Mrs. CW on her impressions?
So glad you're back.
Kevin
Getting to meet Chris in real life was one of the highlights of NN this year. Hope to see you again next year in Minnesota!
Chris and Matt,
Without naming names, did either of you run into anyone at Netroots Nation who had the slightest amount of appreciation for what Secretary Geithner has done to save the world from the meltdown of the global financial system?
The answer to that question will speak volumes - to me, at least - about Netroots Nation.
But the most interesting were the people you'd just bump into in a hallway and chat with for a few minutes. I experienced the range of opinion from "center-left" to "left" to "way, way left," which sounds like a joke but was actually very interesting. I'd hear people say of the same speaker "I don't agree with him, but I respect his speaking ability," as well as "I thought his talk fell flat, but I totally agree with his position."
OK, maybe it wasn't all that (to coin a phrase) "fair and balanced." But I'm not kidding, I found the range of opinions on issues and presentation to be fascinating. A conference, after all, is about getting like-minded people together to exchange ideas, and that was (to me) the most interesting part of the whole week.
At the risk of being cynical or raining on your parade, I am sure everyone was chummy et al face to face..
But I bet those same people would try and rip people that they disagree with on a blog, a new one. :D
But I just have one question...
What was the crowd response to Reid's proclamation that there will be a public option?? :D
Regardless, CW.. Glad yer back... :D
Michale.....
But the best of these "getting recognized" encounters was when I shook hands with the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, Bill Halter. I had to tell him that I had just given him an award in my column (see: FTP [131]) for being the best Democrat of the week. His response was that he knew, because he had read it. He thanked me for doing so, and I thanked him for being personally responsible for forcing Blanche Lincoln to champion derivatives reform. I have to say, that was a high point of the convention for me.
I DO have to say that I think it's pretty kewl that you're getting the recognition we all know you deserve..
It's not such a far stretch to think that Obama himself might actually be hitting up CW.COM on Fridays for hints and tips.. :D
Michale.....
wasn't there a major piece you left out in yr reporting. you had a meltdown when asked to show yr id to get in, as part of the political conscious raising of immigration and racism euros were asked to show id as a way to emphasize how people of color feel when profiled and criminalized in the name of justice). your unhinged tirade at a woman of color was very revealing,and the finger pointing and statement of what a friend you are to the community. yr provocative screaming taunts, threats to call the police creates even further racial polarization. a white male threatening to call the police because his privilege had been momentarily questioned. wow, you are exactly the poster child for duplicitous alliances. unbelievable! well on second thought, no it isn't. so each article you write now is suspect and not to be believed. don't get it twisted, you have been exposed!!!
ai -
This will require some explanation for people who don't know what you're talking about, but it is you who have your facts wrong.
At one of the events in the big room which fit everyone, there was a bit of political theater at the doors to get in. Some people with paper-cut "badges" which said "ICE" (I believe, but I don't exactly remember what was on their toy paper badges...) stood at the doors with people videotaping what was going on. They asked people for ID, and play-acted the part of cops searching for illegal immigrants and demanded "papers" from everyone walking in.
I was one of the first to attempt to get in the room, so I was one of the first to face this political theater. At first, I played along good-naturedly, and showed my convention badge to the guy. This is the first factual problem with your comment -- I talked exclusively to a male, who may have been white or possibly a light-skinned person of color. I did not interact with any "woman of color" at all, which (if you have access to the videotape) you can verify quite easily.
As I said, I played along with the guy, right up to the point where he assaulted me by physically grabbing my arm and preventing me from moving forward through the doorway. The first time he did this I raised my eyebrows, looked down at his hand on my arm, and continued to try to play along, without (of course) giving in to this blantant infringement of my rights. The guy said he had to send me to his "supervisor" for further ID checks.
The second time he grabbed me and physically restrained me, I got annoyed, and began to inform him that what he was doing was illegal, and could be classified as kidnapping, or at the very least, simple assault. There is freedom of speech in America, he is free to say anything he wants to me, but physically restraining another person in public is against the law, which I informed him, rather pointedly. He was also guilty (although I'm not sure I informed him of this one) of impersonating a federal police officer, also a crime (he could have plead "political theater" right up until he physically manhandled me, but not after, especially since he himself kept pointing out "I have a badge" and other comments to the tune of "I'm a federal officer"). He finally backed off and let go of me, once he realized I was serious, and since he had already threatened to handcuff me and haul me away (check the tape), I told him that if he persisted in physically assaulting me, I would find a real police officer and have HIM led away in handcuffs. Which would have been my right, and the video they made of the entire scene would have guaranteed his conviction on any of these charges. After all, I was the victim of a crime, and the tape would clearly show this crime happened. Of course, I knew he was just an inexperienced political theater actor, so I did not actually call the cops in on him, as he was just overplaying his part, and really didn't intend me any harm (which I, of course, knew).
I then proceded into the luncheon, unmolested.
I did threaten to call the police, not because any "privilege" I had was called into question, but because I was becoming the victim of a crime, by what appeared to me to be another white male (pretty hard to call me on sexism or racism on that one). Are you saying that victims of physical attacks should remain silent while the attack is taking place? Or should they loudly protest when a crime is being committed against them? Again, I say look at the video tape. Compare my behavior before the guy grabbed me and restrained me and prevented me from walking where I wanted to, and after he grabbed me. Compare my reactions before a crime had been committed, and after.
And suppose I had been female. What would you have had me do then? A large male with a fake badge physically grabs a woman, and she's supposed to just do what he says? Really?
The problem here was that whoever coached these political theater folks had not done their homework and informed their players of what was and what was not permissable, by law. I would be willing to bet dollars to donuts that that guy didn't physically grab anyone else walking in after me, and that no woman was treated as I was (if you really want to talk about sexism). Did I make a commotion? You bet I did. As I do whenever anyone conspires to deny me my rights as a US citizen. That, too, is my right, and I even see it as my duty.
I do object to your characterization of "euros" as it isn't exactly descriptive, but maybe it's a PC term I just haven't heard yet.
As for being a friend of the immigrant community, well, all I have to say in defense of that one is that if I wasn't a friend to immigrants, then I never would have married one. I've dealt with the INS, I've dealt with border guards more than once. Just shows what happens when you assume things you have no knowledge of. Or what happens when things get "twisted," as you put it.
-CW
AI,
At the risk of jumping in the middle of something I know NOTHING about (at this point, I should just leave it at that.. But, of course, I am going to pull an Obama) I have to say that, what you describe is so absolutely and so completely out of character for CW that the ONLY possible explanation is either A) you must have zapped to the alternate Mirror universe where the Borg invaded Montana or 2) CW has an evil twin somewhere...
Michale.....
Michale -
Oh, I can get pretty pissed off at times. You don't see it, because I rarely type it out.
But when my personal freedom is being infringed in an illegal manner (especially one doing his best to impersonate a federal agent), then I loudly proclaim my indignity. For anyone around to hear. I would think that anyone on the Left or the Right would support that, in concept at least (probably using different reasoning).
Legally, I would have even been justified using force against this guy (taller and bigger than I), in self-defense. I didn't even consider doing so, but instead merely pointed out to him the laws he was currently breaking. Loudly, as I said. I didn't even try to remove his hand from my arm, though. He was, after all, just a poorly-trained actor/activist. And once he really realized how serious I was, he eventually did back down, stop repeatedly grabbing me, and let me in.
If the videotape ever surfaces online, you can see exactly what happened, and how it exactly matches my description of the event. I have no problem with this, since as I said, up until the point where he grabbed me I was playing it for laughs as well. After that point, though, I got rather irate in demanding my rights. As I would expect anyone else to do in a similar situation, no matter what their politics.
:-)
-CW
Michale -
Hey, wait a minute...
Didn't (in the alternate mirror universe) Zefram Cochrane blow the Vulcans away who landed in Montana (for "first contact") with a shotgun?
Oh, wait, you're talking about the alternate movie universe, and not the alternate television universe, aren't you? Gets confusing at times, I have to admit...
Heh.
-CW
If the videotape ever surfaces online, you can see exactly what happened, and how it exactly matches my description of the event
Viral Video!!! Can't wait!!!! :D
Didn't (in the alternate mirror universe) Zefram Cochrane blow the Vulcans away who landed in Montana (for "first contact") with a shotgun?
Oh, wait, you're talking about the alternate movie universe, and not the alternate television universe, aren't you? Gets confusing at times, I have to admit...
Actually, both...
Ignoring Star Trek 90210 for the moment.. :D
In the unaltered time line, Earth moved out into the universe after First Contact with the Vulcans in Montana. Earth was the driving force behind the Federation...
But when the Borg interfered with First Contact, THAT is when the timelines between the "real" universe and the Mirror Universe diverged..
After the events depicted in the movie FIRST CONTACT, Earth moved out into the universe with a more military bent. Emphasis was on conquest, not exploration... Thus, the Empire was born...
Now, the REAL brain teaser is this.. Since it was documented in the events of STAR TREK:ENTERPRISE that Borg survivors were found on Earth.... Does this mean that the entire STAR TREK:ENTERPRISE universe was actually the Mirror Universe???
I'm sorry.. Did you want to talk about Starfleet/Federation history?? Or were you just making chit chat?? :D
hehehehehehehehehehe
Michale.....
The guy said he had to send me to his "supervisor" for further ID checks.
I'm not following. Who was this guy? Just a rent-a-cop? Like, a plain old security guard?
The problem here was that whoever coached these political theater folks had not done their homework and informed their players of what was and what was not permissable, by law.
They were ACTUAL threater folks, putting on a show/demonstration? If so, it's not only not cool but stupid to single someone out and spotlight them in a faux situation in front of a crowd. What if you had a bad ticker? What if you had become irate enough to have a heart attack? Doesn't sound like these people who set it up were blessed with much common sense or foresight.
Chris1962 -
These were political activists, I'm not sure if they were volunteers (that'd be my guess) or actual actors. Whoever they were, they were not very well instructed as to limits.
Picture a door to an auditorium. In front of the doors, there are three folks with obviously fake "ICE" badges (I mean REALLY obviously fake, so everyone would know it wasn't really real), blocking the way. I didn't really get a good look at the other two, because I was focused on the guy repeatedly grabbing my arm and blocking my progress. One of these three fake ICE agents was the fake "supervisor." Just inside the doors, were actual security (could have been rent-a-cops hired by NRN, and could have been casino security guards, not sure, but they were the "real" security -- who had been checking all the events, but who would allow you inside once you showed them your convention credentials).
These would have been the first guys I could have complained to, if necessary. But the Vegas cops are only a phone call away as well...
Oh, forgot to mention, behind the three fake ICE agents was a guy with a big video camera. I knew I was on camera, and don't believe I ever even used profanity, but I did let the guy know in no uncertain terms that he needed to get his hand off my arm toot sweet, or I was fully prepared to take things to the next level, since what he was doing to me was flat-out illegal.
As I said, I was like the first person to attempt entry, so they hadn't really practiced their shtick yet, which was likely a large part of the problem. But, seriously, you bring up a good point as well. I did not see any of these guys lay a hand on anyone else, but it wouldn't surprise me to hear that they had.
I'm actually a big fan of political theater, even when I'm being made the butt of the joke. But there is a legal line, which they crossed, when it no longer became amusing at all.
Also, they were kind of preaching to the converted. The whole point of the exercise was to make you think about the Arizona law -- "what if white folks had to put up with this sort of thing?" in other words.
But few attendees of NRN really needed this lesson, I think. I don't think there were a whole lot of fans of the AZ law in attendence, in other words. And, after making their point, they shouldn't have allowed it to get as far as it did, at least with me (I can't speak to anyone else's experience, as I said I was one of the first in, so didn't see what the rest of the people had to put up with).
Maybe it comes from reading too much Heinlein at too early an age, but I don't put up with that sort of thing from ANYone, no matter WHAT their politics are. I was right, he was wrong, as the unedited video will clearly show.
-CW
[6]
The individual responsible for this asinine comment should know that they have stepped into an enlightened corner of the blogosphere where we do not appreciate your special brand of nonsense nor will we tolerate any further imbecilic outbursts from you or your ilk.
The kind of behavior you have demonstrated here reflects extremely poorly on you and does NOTHING to diminish the integrity and character of Chris Weigant. Consequently, you should refrain from any further comments which will only expose your own glaring ignorance and unpleasant nature.
What SHE ^^^^^ said..... :D
Michale.....
Maybe it comes from reading too much Heinlein at too early an age, but I don't put up with that sort of thing from ANYone, no matter WHAT their politics are. I was right, he was wrong, as the unedited video will clearly show.
I don't like that this was video-taped for all the internet to see (which I, personally, am not going to watch, because I don't want to support this type of thing). I find the videoing just as violating. It was an obvious attempt to make a spectacle of somebody (you, as it turns out, unfortunately). Sounds like you handled things like this old hippie would've, except that I'd still be screaming and someone would be in jail — myself, possibly, from kicking the crap outta whomever had dared to lay hands on me. That's where they very much crossed the line in a big way.
I also agree that it's a pretty strange venue for making the point about the Arizona law. Talk about preaching to the choir.
Hey, wait a minute...
Didn't (in the alternate mirror universe) Zefram Cochrane blow the Vulcans away who landed in Montana (for "first contact") with a shotgun?
You and Michale owe it to yourselves to see this:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/167211/psych-not-even-close-encounters
I don't ordinarily watch the show, but somebody told me to catch this particular episode, dealing with UFO's. Frickin' hilarious. And such a good ending.
CB,
Yea, PSYCH is on our list of shows that we watch every week.. :D
It's a pretty hilarious show... :D
I don't like that this was video-taped for all the internet to see (which I, personally, am not going to watch, because I don't want to support this type of thing). I find the videoing just as violating.
In Japan, you can get arrested for taking photographs of people without permission..
Michale.....
Here, you can hardly walk down a street without Big Brother videotaping you.