Hi everyone...it’s my pleasure and honor this morning to be here to host a Live Chat with Rep. Raul Grijalva, Co Chair of the Progressive Caucus and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Many of you know a little about Rep. Grijalva, but follow me below the fold for some additional insight.
Many of you will know that I grew up in Tucson, home of Rep. Grijalva and his beloved 7th Congressional District. When I think back I can’t remember a time when Rep. Grijalva’s name wasn’t in the news for doing this or that with this or that community group. I remember when he first ran for school board and I remember stuffing envelopes when he ran for County Supervisor in the late 80’s. After college I moved away from Tucson and lost touch with the world of politics for a bit...but I was pleasantly surprised when I got re-involved a few years ago to learn that Rep. Grijalva was now not only a Congressman but also co-chair of the Progressive Caucus.
I was lucky enough to run into Rep. Grijalva and some of his staff at Netroots Nation 2010 in Vegas this year. After a pleasant conversation and a picture opportunity
I exchanged business cards with his staffers and went on my way. Now, I’m working with Rep. Grijalva’s office on a number of things, including helping them to navigate this world we call the blogosphere. What really impresses me about Rep. Grijalva and his staff is how much they actually want to engage with us. Not the usual superficial come to Daily Kos and ask for money after a few words about this issue or that, but honest to goodness engagement. They care what we think. They want our input on the issues.
Most importantly, they want to be held accountable for their actions. They want to share their knowledge with us, and expect us to share our knowledge with them. When I offered to do a Live Blog with Congressman Grijalva here on Kos, there was no need to beg or offer twice.
So without further ado...I present Rep. Grijalva. He will be here for an hour or so to answer your questions, to talk about whatever you want to.... and you can then continue the conversation by going to his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter.
The floor is open...