Steve Hanson is the founder and editor of Uppity Wisconsin. He is also a web developer in his spare time.
Growing Distress over Bloggers Picked for Democratic Convention
Posted May 20th, 2008 by Steve Hanson
I shouldn't be biting the hand that feeds me, but there has been a growing amount of unrest about some of the bloggers who were selected by the Democratic Party to attend the convention in the State Blogger Pool.
Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased as punch that Uppity Wisconsin got the nod (I'd be happier if I thought anyone else had actually applied :-) ). But the selection process was less than transparent, and apparently there was more input from the state parties than we'd suspected. In any case, I think the party should come clean on how we were all selected so that this unrest can be settled. I don't think that most of the unhappy bloggers are unhappy that they were not selected so much as because they can't figure out why in a number of cases.
There is a good article in the Atlantic on this - and yes, the blogger from Wisconsin mentioned in the article is me. Full text of the letter to Howard Dean and the current signers follows:
|
Governor Howard Dean Monday, May 19, 2008 Governor Dean: Let us begin by noting our respect for your position at the Democratic National Committee and the reforms you have made. Your efforts to rebuild the Democratic Party in all 50 states has reinvigorated the political debate across the country -- and strengthened not just the party, but our country as well, in the process. We write to you today out of concern that the same principles that have strengthened our party are today being ignored in the state blog credentialing process for the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer. As long-time progressive state bloggers, we have now witnessed many of our well-respected colleagues from crucial states be passed over. In many states, it appears that parochial politics and hurt egos played a role in these decisions. These concerns run counter to our shared goals of using programs like the state blogger pool to "tear down the walls" in Denver -- and better connect the American people with the events on the ground. The Democratic Party endangers its own long-term viability when it makes fealty a criterion for inclusion. Instead, the Party should act to ensure that it includes its ideological media allies, even if those allies are occasional tactical or strategic critics. We, the undersigned, have been included in the state credentials pool, despite our own history of criticism of local Democratic actors. This speaks well to the character of our own local parties. But while our peers in other states are being excluded, we'd be remiss in staying silent. We encourage you to review the selection process undertaken and reasons given by state parties for excluding some of America's most respected state level progressive blogs. We believe a fair and thorough review is necessary to ensure success for this promising experiment in shining a light on the Democratic Convention. Sincerely, |
|
|
Charley Blandy, Blue Mass Group (MA) Robert Cruickshank, Calitics (CA) Dave Dayen, Calitics (CA) Lowell Feld, Raising Kaine (VA) Jon Flack, Tondee's Tavern (GA) Matt Glazer, Burnt Orange Report (TX) Steve Hanson, Uppity Wisconsin (WI) Matt Jerzyk, Rhode Island's Future (RI) David Kravitz, Blue Mass Group (MA) Brian Leubitz, Calitics (CA) Phillip Martin, Burnt Orange Report (TX) Ryan McLeod, Daily Kingfish (LA) |
Kyle Michaelis, New Nebraska Network (NE) Karl-Thomas Musselman, Burnt Orange Report (TX) Bob Neer, Blue Mass Group (MA) Chad Nodland, North Decoder (ND) Lucas O'Connor, Calitics (CA) John Odum, Green Mountain Daily (VT) Kenneth Quinnell, Florida Progressive Coalition (FL) Julia Rosen, Calitics (CA) Matt Singer, Left in the West (MT) Joe Sonka, BlueGrassRoots (KY) Jay Stevens, Left in the West (MT) Jeff Wegerson, Prairie State Blue (IL) |
Bookmark/Search this post with:
![[]](/sites/all/modules/ecommerce/cart/images/cart_empty.png "View your cart items"){kind=spacer}
Just a thought
As we've gone along throughout this campaign and endured the viciousness of those who are "supposed" to be our own, it's more than encouraging to see those who stand up, not for themselves only, but for everyone. I stammer to find the words which could express what I see in those who are standing together for principle.
I for one, would like everyone who has requested the facts and verification concerning the issue to know that their leveling of the playing field and request to ascertain the truth of the matter is outstanding. As I said, the verbiage eludes me, but the point has not. Take care. Hang tough.
Post new comment