My first thoughts about Netroots Nation (updated)

I am sleep-deprived and pretty brain dead after spending 3 1/2 days at Netroots Nation. But I wanted to put down a few thoughts about the experience. I felt everything from joyful celebration to extreme frustration. As I rest and recuperate, I'm going to try to find some themes for the later that I can talk about...they're probably jumbled and too fresh to address at this point. But I can share a few of the joys.

First and foremost was the speech delivered by Van Jones on Saturday. I haven't been able to find a video of the whole thing, but will definitely post it later if I do. Here's how he ended it:



It was perhaps linked to sleep-deprivation, but I can tell you that overall I was moved to tears by this speech. One of the people I "hung" with throughout the conference is a Daily Kos blogger who goes by the screen name shanikka. She ran into Van after the speech and had the opportunity to tell him that she appreciated how he managed to channel both Malcolm and MLK all in one speech and bring it all together.

My thought was that he's the perfect book-end for President Obama. While Obama has to work within the confines of elected office and our democratic institutions, Van can be the activist organizer. What a team!!!!!

The other joy was the small but amazing group of people I spent most of my time with. We raged and laughed and learned from each other. The hearts are large and the brains are gifted. Here's a peak at the few times I thought to get out my camera.


Deoliver47 and shanikka











UPDATE: I guess Common Sense Mainer holds the title of "Best Hugger at Netroots Nation." This year he got a challenge from Deoliver47. Here is evidence of the hug-off.



The picture is a bit blurry because Deoliver brought her secret weapon...rocking. But there are no losers when it comes to hugging, are there?