A Day On The Hill
It’s been a dark and stormy winter that fell into spring for the state legislature.
(I used to tell writers of mine at the magazine and at the paper if they could get dark and stormy in a lede that I’d give them fifty bucks. Heh, I never had to pay.)
Today was Progressive Bloggers Day on the Hill in Tennessee. I took my unemployed hiney up to Nashville with the Memphis Steves where we met the KnoxViews folks, White Creek, Sean, Ilissa, Aunt B. and Mary Mancini. The only sad thing is that I wish there had been more of us.
Mike Turner met with us and explained a bit of the strategy of the democratic caucus and I think that much of the conversation was a getting to know us, as we were getting to know the caucus, kind of introduction. The thing for our democratic representatives in office, is online folks are new to them and we are kind of new (well, I can only speak for myself) in getting to know them. Two years ago, if I mentioned blogger to anyone in Nashville, there was sort of a pat on the head. I haven’t really heard a conversation that wasn’t placating in awhile.
We are learning as they are. It’s a new world, campers.
Today, it was a matter of Turner learning what we needed, and in return, us learning to listen to what he was saying. It went in varied directions that weren’t always comfortable, but I do believe that with a bit of work in the long run, maybe (I am actually saying this) we might be able to work together effectively.
Every instrument in a symphony is needed. Every voice in a choir makes a beautiful aria. Each note is important.
The key is simple. This session has been a time where distractions have kept me from seeing some of the good because there has been so much that has been very disappointing.
The reality is that democrats have gone through a lot since November in Tennessee. And, as I can only speak for myself, I’ve been a bit disheartened and disenfranchised. But, I’ve felt that way with family and friends before too, but eventually we work it out. If you care about something or someone, you tend to blow up, you eventually get over it and then you come back together.
Redistricting is on the horizon, political strategy is always changing and in the future, we are looking at hard times in this state. (And for some of us, those hard times are reality. Read earlier in this post.)
The key is that we need voices. Many voices that are sometimes supportive, sometimes hard-hitting and at other times, analytical. We need everyone’s voice in Tennessee right now.
So, it was a pretty good day for this girl in Hoots. And I’m worn out.
Remember guys, I’m an old lady that looks fabulous, but still, I’m no spring chicken either.
Time to pet Mabel as she is demanding it as that is her way in the middle of the night.
I’d like to address two issues.
First, every single day is blogger day on the Hill, and anything less is accepting a blogger is less than a journalist.
For those who live out of town, it’s a good thing, but for those who live here in Nashville, there’s no excuse not to go there when they have night sessions, Saturday sessions, etc…there’s something to fit every schedule, and lobby for what you want. If one has time to hang at the Flying Saucer or have house parties, then one has time to lobby and scheduling isn’t a problem for the reasons I just mentioned.
Secondly, you said, “The key is that we need voices. Many voices that are sometimes supportive, sometimes hard-hitting and at other times, analytical. We need everyone’s voice in Tennessee right now.”
I agree.
Until a few bullies who email others they won’t attend if so and so attends and good people like you and Cracker stand up to them, that won’t happen. We have to work together and put personal differences aside. Unfortunately, at least one person, who seems to think s/he is an important leader bullies everyone and in the process, hurts everyone because s/he is very inexperienced and doesn’t know what s/he is doing, and irrationally won’t participate with those of us with a lot of experience.
That just hurts everyone. And it’s irrational.
So first thing, demand to be treated as an equal and understand that everyday is blogger day, and second, don’t follow anyone–work together whether you like the individual or not for the good of the party, not the good of a particular individual.
I had a press conference to attend on immigration reform. I had to make a choice between that and BDOTH. Truthfully, I really wanted to see the girls at Thistle farms graduate, and I had to miss that as well.
That said, the circle is getting smaller, not growing. I have some ideas why I think that is, but there is nothing to be gained by sharing them. You are right, though. Not nearly enough people show up. Small numbers only reinforce the notion that we are indeed the fringe…
If the TNDC doesn’t get it’s act together and soon, you can expect the Gerrymanderers to draw up one democratic congressional district that runs from West Memphis along I-40 in a 5 mile wide swath until it ends in Belmont/Hillsboro Village.
I’d still vote for Steve Cohen.
All of the comments here are excellent. Thank you guys for responding. I’ve tried to be very positive on yesterday.
I’ve been to the legislature several times but this was the first time that I participated as a “blogger” and it was rather intriguing. I think members of the House Dems are trying to understand us a bit better than they did a few years ago and that is positive.
Redistricting, as CeeElCee cited, is a very big deal as we all know. Lord knows I’ve been critical on the blog and in my non-virtual life, but I saw a candor yesterday that my old bones believe was a step in the right direction for activists, bloggers and those of us seeking information regarding the party that I hadn’t seen before.
Thanks for the wonderful feedback.
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