Democracy for America at the 2007 Take Back America Conference

Written by: linda b on Jun 23, 2007 4:11 PM EDT

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2573696435964689350 28 min - Jun 21, 2007
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What a wonderful and informative three days in June.. www.ourfuture.org

First and foremost, the fact the DFA was going to sponsor a table, Jim Dean would be on a blogging panel, and Howard would speak at the closing rally, was enough for me to get enthused about the conference this year.

But the agenda and speakers were all first class and almost too much to take in.

The first day, after registration, there was the opening plenary with Robert Borosage, co-chair of the Campaign for American’s Future.

During lunch there was a presentation on Apollo: New Energy and New Jobs http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5108839728286303540

 I think most of you would be interested in this project. http://www.apolloalliance.org/

There were multiple plenaries throughout the afternoon but our afternoon was centered on going to Capitol Hill to talk to Jim Webb’s staff about the right for DC to vote.  I met up with Keshe Laudduwahetty of DC for Democracy, Rachel Rifkind, Chair of the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus, Jim Dean of DFA, and my husband Wayne. On arriving at the Senate office building we were heading down the hall and there was Jim Webb walking toward us. He stopped to talk to us and said he would be voting for the DC Vote initiative.

That evening, after a great BBQ with our new friends, we went to a plenary with Senator’s Sherrod Brown, Amy Klobuchar, and Bernie Sanders on the new Populist Strategy. I was taken aback when Sen. Brown said he has initially voted to take away Habeas Corpus when he was a Rep. and now regretted it. I couldn’t believe my ears!! A democrat voting to take away one of the basic rights that is the foundation of our country. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-350640067067836268

This day was a barnburner.

Began with a speech by Mike Gravel and who introduced him? Ralph Nader, who was not given much applause. He droned on and on and finally introduced Sen. Gravel.

Well you tell me what you think. The guy is kind of quirky in my opinion.. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3451295081780279647&hl=en

Then Bill Richardson spoke and told us how qualified he was and how others weren’t qualified. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6486942379186999280

Following the speeches we went to the panel on The Blogosphere, From Ideas to Activism.  With our friend Jim Dean. . http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1361142536354646888

.While I continue, here are some great photos from the conference http://flickr.com/search/?q=tba2007

I was able to stop by the DFA table a few times and every time I was there, it was manned by volunteers from multiple DFA groups in the DC area. Thanks to all those who worked, you are invaluable

Speakers at lunch were Senator Barack Obama – passionate speech. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=956538877666825429

John Edwards who I think gave the best speech of all. No notes just facts, thank you. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2971642080006973987

After lunch we went to Capitol Hill for a rally for the Employee Free Choice Act. While there we ran into Harry Reid who told us he wanted Mark Warner to run for senate in Virginia. Then we talked to Byron Dorgan, who is quite funny.

This Tuesday evening was the Gala Awards Dinner with Jason Alexander who was  funny and poignant with a talk on “Who Took America”.  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3316129511262190332

Awards were given out to Barbara Boxer http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3689892642490823477, Roger Wilkins http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6237237000995983587&hl=en

And to the Progressive bloggers led by Digby who gave one of the best speeches of the conference. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=860546376283859020

After the dinner I sat down and had a wonderful talk with Rep. Maxine Waters. We talked about Katrina and all the many other problems our country is going through. What I came away with is don’t ever give up. Keep fighting for what we believe in. I love Maxine Walters.

How would you like to start the day with a speech by Hillary Clinton? All the press coverage says she was booed. She was when she said that the Iraqis are in charge of getting their country in order. People were upset that she was blaming the Iraqis for the civil war they are now in. Code Pink was there and I can tell you, they are making complete fools of themselves. I came very close to dragging some of them away from the photographers they parked themselves in front of.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5971463117959424862

Next Dennis Kucinich. Good speech, right on. Well received. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5971463117959424862

Then my favorite Nancy Pelosi. Again the Code Pink ladies were out in force, even when Nancy practically addressed every issue yelled at her from the audience. And she was introduced by my hero Jack Murtha. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3820979840867021375

After lunch was the highlight of the conference – our Howard Dean. The place was packed and he got a 5 minute standing ovation. Speech was centered on morals in our country. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2573696435964689350

This conference, which I have attended for three out of the last four years, gives one access to speakers, politicians, authors and the media. A place where you can speak your mind (or even yell questions from the audience).

Interaction, workshops, documentaries, and networking keep you going nonstop.

I  hope next year, an important election year, more of our DFA bloggers can attend.

Thanks again to Jim Dean and Sheri for being there and making DFA an important presence this year.

Jim has already said we will be back next year. So see you in Washington D.C  next June!!

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