Yesterday, I attended my first Coffee Party in New Paltz. Actually there were several parties going on that day. Here is the notes. I see potential in this movement.
We met Saturday at the Muddy Cup in New Paltz The Muddy Cup is a local establishment that serves coffee lattes etc at half the price of Starbucks.
http://www.muddycup.com/...
It also has a stage for musical performances (pretty big one it can even fit a drum trap kit)
I was not sure what to expect. I anticipated a lot of college students and this would be an extension of the DNC
I was wrong on both counts
- No students were there. The students did not want to discuss events with other students so none of them showed up _ go figure
- Most people there, were registered Democrats there were two Green Party members and everybody was critical of the DNC establishment
Everyone were there because of health care
Evey-one was concerned about the Tea Baggers but was not sure how to
counter them.
Everyone felt Washington was not listening to them.
We talked about the civility pledge which I was not totally on board with.
It seems the people here want a actual discussion about whats going on and not get into a shouting match. While I am not sure that is totally possible, I am willing to give it a try.
Everyone there had progressive views. Everyone gets their news from Huffington Post and many posted, or were familiar with Daily Kos.
What is the coffee party?
Well I can tell whats its not:
- Its not a counter to the Tea Party
- Its not an extension of the DNC
- It does not have an agenda as yet.
- It has no corporate sponsors (Dick Army drop dead I know thats no civil but I hate the guy)
I brought along the NYT article about the Tea Baggers collecting unemployment and it generated a lot of interest. Some were shocked while some were not surprised at all.
http://www.dailykos.com/...
I was fascinated with everone's knowledge. Everyone read Thomas Frank "Whats the matter with Kansas" Everyone was aware of Ayn Rand and her toxic culture.
Personally, I beleive this movement could become something powerful overtime. Its in the developing stages and it can be whatever the growing members transform it into. I encourage everyone to join and get involved.
http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
PS Demera sugar and cinnamon is a great combination in any dark roast