Markos' decision to sit out NetrootsNation15 has set off a storm of acrimony the likes of which probably hasn't been seen since the infamous pie wars. We all need to remind ourselves that the site is his and as such is his to guide and arbitrate as to what is acceptable and true to his reasons for founding it. I for one am grateful that Markos has such a clear idea of what he wants this site to be and that he has very well defined political values that do not waver. If you want to be part of this community and call yourself a Kossack then you have tacitly agreed to Markos' intended purpose for Daily Kos' existence.
Daily Kos was created by Markos to empower the Democratic Party and to promote the election of Democrats. Period.
It's our responsibility to demand accountability and reform from the Democratic Party and allied organizations that claim to represent us...This is our movement. We have to take hold of it and ride it to victory. --Markos Moulitsas, YearlyKos Convention '06
Markos' decision was in no way a slap at Arizona Kossacks. It is directed at the very real and open abuse of and discrimination against Hispanic people in Arizona, documented or not, by the bigoted right wing elected officials who sanction this discrimination by passing laws that give legal permission and the obligation of law enforcement to proactively harass mostly Hispanic people.
Let us not forget that Markos' family are immigrants and he took his daughter back to El Salvador to meet her grandmother just a few years ago. This is not just a political position for him. It is personal and visceral in its intensity. Having been born in the U.S, he lived a few years in El Salvador during civil war and as a child witnessed people being shot for their political views and his family fled back to the U.S. because they feared the same fate.
The only thing that has worked in Arizona to push back at the most egregious behavior of the Arizona powers that be is the boycott. If Markos gave his blessing to these schoolyard bullies with his money and name, then we give up the only weapon we have to fight back here that has proven to be effective.
I sincerely hope that my fellow Arizona activists will take this passion and indignation and put it to good use. We are having a very important primary on August 26th. Your help is urgently needed to get good Democrats elected to face the well funded Republicans in November who keep this state the butt of a big national joke and enable the open discrimination and harassment of Hispanics and other people deemed the wrong color or ilk.
Those of you who will make it to the gathering that Mother Mags is hosting will be a stone's throw from the state and county Democratic Party headquarters. I'm sure Daily Kos is home to many committed Democrats in Arizona that work hard for the cause. We are outnumbered and it will get better only by talking to people one to one about why we need to elect Democrats in Arizona. In statewide races, as Maricopa County goes, so goes Arizona. We will surely lose ground if we become splintered and at odds with one another. If you don't have the ability to actively work then donate so we can keep the lights on and campaigns funded. Contact the party to find out where and when your district Democrats have their monthly meetings. You won't regret it and will meet wonderful people committed to change. Any registered Democrat can still become an elected Precinct Committee Person August 26th by write in. Having people agree to run for this is vitally important to maintaining the strength of the Democratic Party. This is the group from which the State Party Members are drawn.
Our Chicago convention had a Presidential debate and we might see another happen at next years convention. It speaks volumes that candidates consider the netroots so important to their success. The resolution of this controversy could very well affect the decision of candidates whether to participate. Contrary to the opinion of many, the right wing media will be paying attention to this convention and will exploit any remaining discord among us. Let us show a united and energized party. As Reagan, Rove and Lee Atwater taught us, it is the perception that counts when persuading the voters and many just want to cast their vote for who they think will win.
Go or don't go to NetrootsNation15, it's an individual decision. Markos has made his decision according his own moral yardstick. Please accept it and move on.
And big thanks goes out to Mother Mags for his steady contributions of news and information about our home in this great stinkin' desert.
So let us circle the wagons and take aim at the real bad guys. We need all the strength we can muster to restore to Arizona to some level of sanity, good government and solid American values.