Crashing the Party
On Saturday, I will be representing the good folks at Delaware Liberal and Delaware progressives in general at Netroots Nation convention in Austin, Texas. I will be on a panel titled Crashing the Party: Transforming Netroots Activism into Grassroots Action Within State and Local Parties
We will be discussing the problem with working with such Democrats as Harris McDowell and Thurman Adams. Democrats that have become entrenched in power and are from a different time. Democrats who are as conservative as the Republicans they are supposed to oppose. As we all know, the establishment resists when any new activist tries to get involved and change things.
I have a few stories to tell, notably the journey that was Bluewater Wind, and how some Democrats actually were obstacles to our bringing progressive change to Delaware. Eminent Domain is another example. As is Open Government.
Tell me some other stories about how you tried to “crash the party” in Delaware and were rebuffed.
The SEU board would come to mind. So would fusion and OOGA. I suggest rooting through Thurman Adams’ drawers for things. Pun intended.
There can be times when ‘go-along, get-along’ politics can serve some very narrow and selfish interests.
Opposing any ‘establishment’ is not the way to win friends in certain high places but it can be a lot of fun.
I’d note that it is deceptively easy to break into the district level party (RD committee’s in Delaware).
I say deceptively because the RD’s need new people so it is easy to be welcomed in even to take committee offices. However, as one progressive among a dozen or so reactionary Democrats it is pretty hard to have an impact and nearly impossible to keep ones enthusiasm for “crashing” the party at the district level.
J330…..not so for joining the city committee. That is a tightly controlled band of dirty dems.
Jason, they just let you in because you’re so pretty.
Alec Baldwin like.
Try to get the SEU / RGGI money story into the dialogue. That is the most important thing we have on the table besides the non-action on open government.
Thank you, Nancy, that is another good suggestion.
Atrios’ site has a link up (by Jay) where people can participate over the internet. I haven’t checked it out yet.
Karen Peterson could fill up a book for you of being rebuffed by fellow Dems in the Senate when she tried to “crash the party”. Most recent, trying to get the FOIA legislation to the floor for a vote by petition (as a last resort) and only 3 Dems would sign. What a disgraceful bunch!
I crashed DonViti’s party. Does that count?
The 23rd RD has 19 members, including many progressives/liberals. The chair Mike Gritz does a great job at listening to all members. We were able to show our backbone in sending a letter to GA leadership requesting that they move forward with open government and offshore wind. Our meetings are a pleasure to attend.
We were one of only three or so RDs that endorsed Jack Markell.
I have attended many New Castle County Executive Committee meetings (with RD chairs). in the past year or so. That meeting is no pleasure.