Last night I decided to leave Netroots Nation a little early. The little voice in the back of my head was saying that I should go home so that I could spend all of Father's Day with my son. I am glad I went home...my son's first words to me were, "Dad, I am glad you came home early...I did not want to spend just a half day with you on Father's Day."
That one sentence from my son meant more to me than the closing keynote. While I missed standing in solidarity with UnaSpenser - leaving at a little after five got me home before nine allowing my son to tell me how important it was to be home for him.
Some photos will follow - I just have a few things I would like to say about the conference first.
The two things people said to me after meeting me,
1) "You are from Madison? That is so cool, you are right at ground zero."
2) "You are Kodiak54, I loved your photos."
Number two...was very humbling, number one...I did not realize how big this thing happening in Wisconsin was.
When I arrived in Minneapolis I knew no one. By the time I left, I left with several new friends. I met Matt Szafranski of Western Mass Politics and Insight, Malika Taalbi, a fellow DFA scholar and who worked on the Feingold campaign. UnaSpenser and her sister who were amazing people to talk with about politics and the world around us. I spent twenty minutes talking politics with Jim Dean as we walked back from the DFA scholarship luncheon to the Hilton. I got to meet one of my journalistic heroes, John Nichols of the Nation and The Capital Times. I had lunch with Teacherken at the DFA scholar's luncheon...my impressions of him, a very smart man, a very good teacher and a wonderful person.
The most amazing person I met, I would have never been able to speak to or have a conversation with had it not been for the ugly incident that occurred on Thursday evening. Sana Saleem the two hours I spent speaking with the most intelligent, articulate woman I have ever encountered - changed my perceptions on Pakistan, the Middle East, Islam and the one item that triggered Thursday evenings nastiness, the hijab. I will admit I was anti-hijab before meeting Sana...after speaking with her and listening to her I realize the error of my ways. She is a feminist who chooses to wear the hijab so that men do not objectify her. She is a brilliant young lady (who is about to become an M.D.). I assure you, this young woman is going places in this world - hers is a name that I am sure we will hear again as she does the great things she is destined to do.
I also had a chance to sit down and speak with Meteor Blades...he was extremely busy that Thursday afternoon; however, he took time out of a very hectic day to sit down and have a casual chat with me. I am grateful to him for that. I chatted with Markos for a bit - what a nice guy. Being veterans, we talked about where we were and what we did when we served.
I was amazed at the knowledge people have who attended this conference. During the Chairman's pub quiz a gentleman from Sydney, Australia joined us. He was the only one at the table who could name all of the living former Senators from Minnesota. He knew more about our political system and the players in it than anyone at our table.
I should have taken more photos...I should have asked for photos with all of the people I met - but I was so busy talking to everyone, I kind of forgot to take pictures. My impression of the conference, I enjoyed it. I met some great people. I learned a lot. Funny thing is, I learned more outside the seminars that I did in them. Will I go back...if I can afford to, yes. I will.
Now...the photos
DFA Scholar's meet and greet
John Nichols of the Nation and Capital Times talking to Sly of WTDY's Sly in the morning show.
A shot of the vendor area
Jim Dean of DFA speaking to the DFA Scholars.
DFA Scholar's luncheon...just look at the diversity...
DFA Scholar's - Not pictured...Kodiak54 (Mark Andersen) as I was taking the photo. Again, look at the diversity of the group...a true cross section of America...unlike the Right Online conference which appeared to be a group of 50-60 year old white men.
Sorry this photo is so dark...my flash never went off.
Julie Gulden and me...
Waiting for the keynote speaker...Russ Feingold
Sana Saleem in white, I cannot remember the woman in green's name...both gave very powerful speeches.
Russ...he is still my Senator...and I hope starting in January, that he will be my Governor!
Angry Mouse going after Dan Pfieffer(sp) I wish that he would have answered some of the questions...he tap danced around them.
Sana Saleem and Me
I took this because I just thought it was neat...this was the view I saw every day on my way to the convention center...
Al Franken...best line of his speech..."For a person to be able to pull themselves up by the bootstraps, they must first have access to the boots."
I do not remember her name...but I will never forget her story. As a nurse in a nursing home, caring for dementia patients she was fired from her job for trying to organize a union.
Al Franken...I almost got a photo with him...but his handler pulled him away :(
Van Jones...one of the best public speakers I have ever seen. After hearing and being inspired by his speech...I have this to say - Van Jones 2016!
11:00 AM PT: Well, time for me to get one of my Father's day gifts...I am heading out to watch my son mow the lawn!