A Call to Convention

Elizabeth Warren didn't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to buy her way onto the ballot. Doing so, in fact, would have been much easier than organizing the tens of thousands of supporters and volunteers who have been electrified by the Warren campaign.

We haven't seen this kind of engagement by the activist base of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 2006, when Deval Patrick did something no one has since the Dukakis era: created a massive volunteer army.

In fact, with all due respect to the Governor, what Warren's been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time is even more impressive -- and I don't say that lightly. No one's attracted so many people, so quickly, as Warren has in Massachusetts. It's unprecedented and it's our best weapon against Scott Brown.

So, the question is, where does Marisa DeFranco fit in with all of this?

I'd like to say this primary is useful, like in 2006. Back then, the Governor benefited from being able to build up steam in the primary, igniting something that fascinated the media and enraptured hundreds of thousands of voters who were "checked out" for decades of voting before.

All of that happened, in part, because of the primary. Yet, Marisa DeFranco is no Tom Reilly or Chris Gabrieli. She isn't even a Christy Mihos. She's a comical sideshow that's raging behind the scenes, for anyone aware of the show. She's spouting Scott Brown lines, one after another, hoping one will stick and bring her act to Broadway. That dog ain't hunting.

The ultimate embarrassment is her continual campaign spiel about how she's the real grassroots candidate, but admits she only has 40 volunteers and has only raised only $40,000, the vast majority of which would have been needed to buy her way onto the ballot via paid signature collecting.

Years ago, I decided a barometer I'd use for any campaign in the state would be paid signature collecting. It's simply a disrespectful act toward democracy to go out and buy some private company to pay people a dollar a signature (or more) to put someone or something on the ballot. It's led to extreme abuse and has been the constant tool by bigoted or corporate groups to get things on the ballot.

DeFranco may be shocked to learn this, but she isn't entitled to be on the ballot. Buying signatures alone isn't enough. Thankfully, we -- the activist base of this party -- have an opportunity to do what party leaders can't and tell DeFranco she's toast, by denying her access at the convention.

If any of your delegate-friends waver, feeling guilty about dropping someone from the ballot for the first time in a long time, remember to tell them just what kind of a campaign DeFracno's run. Remember to tell them just what's at stake in November. Only one candidate at the convention can take on Wall Street and actually act as a force of nature to give everyday American families a fair shot. Any other vote is a vote for Scott Brown.

The Massachusetts Miracle?

I'm not quite comfortable talking about what's going on in Massachusetts -- treading water -- as a "miracle," but it's a helluva lot closer to that than what Texas has done.

Today's LeftAhead: US Senate Race w/Candidate Bob Massie

Today on LeftAhead, we had Bob Massie on as our guest, the first announced candidate running for the Democratic Primary to face Senator Scott Brown in 2012. Massie has degrees from Princeton, Harvard and Yale and has a wide variety of experience, is a published author, and helped developed tools which enable corporations to become greener and save money at the same time.

You can listen to the podcast using the player below, or head to LeftAhead.com. You can also get the show at Blogtalkradio.com/lefties, or download and subscribe at iTunes.



Mike and I touched on a a broad range of issues, from jobs and the economy, to the environment, to health care. Massie laid out his vision for where he thinks this country needs to go to ensure it remains competitive in today's world, and so we can strengthen the middle and working class.

We also talked about the campaign itself and Bob gave us his pitch for the race. Bob is clearly in the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party, and will be tapping the grassroots across the state to build momentum. I hope everyone will listen to the show and see what they think.

Town Democratic Websites

I have to say, having spent an hour or so looking at the various town committee websites across Massachusetts, I'm most impressed at how our party's base activists have quickly taken to technology. I've been fairly involved with the development of my town dem committee's website (at least insofar as offering input, etc.), so I know it's a tremendous amount of work for any town committee to undertake. Few have the funds to hire out a professional website, but nevertheless, the websites really run the gambit. Several are quite good in terms of the content they offer and the way they're presented, even if they aren't professional sites.

I have to admit, especially given the fact that they have a cable access show to post there, my favorite town dem site -- from just the time I've spent now digging up what town dem sites I could find -- my favorite site is Acton's. I think they have a good layout, make a great case on why you should join, and I can't get over how much I enjoyed their "Local Impact" show (they get bonus points for linking to LeftAhead).

Here's a list of (a few) other town dem sites, in no particular order.

http://www.democratsoflexington.org/
http://www.framinghamdems.org/mainpage.html
http://www.arlingtondems.org/
http://www.attleborodemocrats.org/
http://www.southwickdems.org/
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeuueah/grotondems/
http://www.wdtc.us/
http://www.amherstdemocrats.org/
http://www.dracutdems.com/
http://www.plymouthdemocrats.org/towns/plymouth/

Which are your favorites? What do you think makes a good town democratic website? What features are you looking for? What features aren't you looking for? Why does it seem like small towns across Massachusetts are leading the way? (The Boston website is scary bad -- even some of the ward committees have better sites. The Springfield committee looked fantastic -- until I realized I was looking at Springfield, Virginia.) Most importantly, do these websites have any impact on you as a grassroots activist? I think Town Democratic Committees are one of the most important parts of grassroots governing, so it's important that tools are created which help them thrive.

Pretty Shady

This is one of those things that may even be making a lot of money, but the lack of transparency and the mountain of secrecy is disturbing. I don't mind that someone's being well compensated should he be bringing around a 100 fold return on investment (in his salary and expenses), but for Massport to deny the media things as basic as his resume is, well, pretty shady.

The Stimulus Bill

The Bay State's getting at least $11 billion - and could be as much as $16 billion. The Globe has a neat graphic showing where the money will go in Massachusetts. It includes $1.3 billion in 'stabilization funds' to help offset next year's budget. The state faces a whole that's an additional billion larger than that, though.

Some random thoughts,

• The Republicans aren't faring well from their obstruction. Their critiques on the bill just don't add up. On the one hand, they say there isn't enough infrastructure spending. On the other, not enough tax cuts. Moreover, there's all too much spending. Huh? So they want a bill with more infrastructure spending, more tax cuts - and it should cost less? Like I said, insane it just doesn't add up.
• More on their complaints on 'spending.' The point of stimulus is to spend money, right? The point of this whole thing is to create jobs. Well, the Globe says the current bill will create nearly 95,000 in Massachusetts alone - when Massachusetts has roughly 240,000 unemployed. Not too shabby. What's the Republican Party's problem again?
  
• They are right in that there should be more infrastructure spending. It's pitifully low, actually. It makes me think that there will be an infrastructure bill worked on over the year, too. If not, shame on DC, because our roads and bridges are falling apart all the while our public transportation is falling behind the rest of the world.
  
• Put some of these tax cuts as infrastructure spending. Really, the tax cuts don't help that much. What really, really doesn't help, though, are the business tax cuts. That's $20+ billion right there that could be added to public transportation projects, which will, you know, help businesses.
• If the Republicans aren't going to vote for the bill anyway, definitely axe the bad business tax cuts that don't create jobs. Please!
• One more note: 60 Senate seats here we come.
  

People Want Public Transit

David Luberoff, of Harvard, pens an excellent opinion piece in today's Globe arguing that new construction projects for public transportation are actually very popular. According to Luberoff, 80% of public transportation ballot questions across the country, questions that raised taxes to fund public infrastructure projects, were ultimately victorious on election day. Unfortunately, we can't put such measures on Massachusetts ballots:

Because our state constitution neither requires nor allows such votes, Bay State voters won't get the chance to vote on a similar measure. But the state's elected officials still can learn four important lessons from the long history of successful - and occasionally unsuccessful - bond referenda from around the country.

Thus, we rely solely on Beacon Hill, the MBTA, Pike and Washington to solve our transportation problems. Yikes. Now, while many are usually skeptical about ballot questions, putting big projects on ballots seems a great idea, so long as they include a funding mechanism. It's similar in ways to the good part of Prop 2 1/2 - the authority of the voters in a town for building a new school or library is often granted when the needs are great and the plans are strong.

Politicians are always wary to raise taxes for anything, despite the fact that polls have shown in the past that people are willing to pay for whatever's important, including investments into the public infrastructure. Thus, we've seen only minor improvements to public transportation in the past half century. Giving Massachusetts citizens the right to put these projects on the ballot would encourage groups, voters and politicians to come up with good designs, ideas and funding mechanisms that would improve lives, communities and the economy all across the state. Inclusive, well-designed measures that show where the money will come from would pass, more often than not. 80% of them passed this year, in a bad economy, despite the fact that they raised taxes.

Imagine a vast expansion of the MBTA for the city as well as suburbs, a New Bedford train, more Worcester options and a train linking Springfield to Hartford. Massachusetts would be a much more prosperous place. Everyone would benefit from such a wide range of projects; no one would be left behind. New neighborhoods would emerge; thousands of businesses would be created. Areas across the state that have been stuck for the past 50-100 years would suddenly become reinvigorated, from Lynn to Springfield to New Bedford. They'd be affordable places to not only live, but live well. After long years of decline, they'd see major growth - our former mill towns across the state finally seeing the benefits of living in what has otherwise been a prosperous state.

Beacon Hill needs to get over its irrational fear of raising taxes, or it needs to give the people the ability to pass our own transportation plans at the ballot box. We're not afraid of paying for something when the plan is good, even if it scares the whits out of Beacon Hill. Someone needs to bring Massachusetts and its infrastructure forward; perhaps, sadly enough, the electorate itself is the only credible entity left with the will to do so. We're just lacking the legal ability.

Widmer on Next Podcast

He's on to talk about Prop 1 - the ballot question that would end the income tax and thus 40% of this state's budget.

The show goes live at 2:30 on Tuesday, or you can catch the mp3 anytime at LeftAhead.com or on iTunes (just search for LeftAhead in the podcast section).

I'm sure I'll ask him his thoughts on the current mortgage crisis, as well. Should be an interesting show - I don't always agree with him, but what he says certainly matters in this state.

Carla Howell and "Waste"

I hate to say it, but I'm just plain-old forced to question her intelligence.

Carla Howell, of the Committee for Small Government, who put both the 2002 question and the current tax measure on the ballot, said it would finally force state lawmakers to cut waste and inefficiency from state spending.

"It is normal to find waste in just about every government budget," Howell said.

Normal? Well, it's certainly not extraordinary to find a little waste here and there. However, the average town has pared its budget down to nearly nothing at this point. The state's done a lot of paring, too.

But all of that's missing the point. If people want to debate whether or not there's a lot of waste in the government, it's the losing discussion - no matter the answer. It's allowing Carla Howell and her allies to dictate the parameters of the debate. It's the kind of discussion that could enable this to be a fiercely close ballot question.

Here's the better question: if Carla Howell maintains that there's waste in "just about every government budget," why does she think there will cease to be waste by cutting the income tax? If there will always be waste in budgets, that's not going to suddenly stop after the income tax stops. Do New Hampshire voters think they're free of waste, since they have no income tax? Or Texas?

The truth is this question isn't about waste, it's about people who just don't want to pay taxes on their income. That's it. If this question was truly about waste, we'd be voting to create citizen panels who could axe waste from the budget and override the legislature - or something along those lines. The truth of the matter is that people like Carla Howell think spending their money on roads, schools and bridges is wasteful.

If she truly cared about government waste, she wouldn't force this stupid ballot question on us - a question that will cost this state hundreds of thousands just to put on the ballot, only to lose one way or the other. In fact, Carla Howell is a waste. For all that is holy, I wish she'd stop wasting this state's time and energy.

Best Political Event Ever

Well, at least of this political season.

Hello Ryan,

In what we all hope to make one of the most forlorn of his campaign offices, John McCain is opening an office right here in the Bay State tomorrow evening.

So we're having a Push Back On Mac event at his new office to welcome them to Massachusetts.

Let's show his campaign what we really think by showing up at his new office, registering voters, and showing our support for Barack Obama, John Kerry, and all the other great Democrats up and down the ticket.

We're meeting at Park Street Station in Boston at 5 o'clock. Bring your homemade Obama signs, and be ready to grab a clipboard and help register voters.

Follow this link to RSVP for the event and let us know you're coming:


http://www.johnkerry.com/page/event/detail/volunteerjohnkerrycampaignevent/rtd

The McCain camp has been airing ads here in Massachusetts, and we should show them that this is blue country. We're tired of the GOP politics of smears, and we reject the policies of the Bush/McCain foreign policy and the disastrous economic policies.

If you've never done it, there's nothing quite like a fun activist event showing the spirit of the Democratic Party.

Hope to see you there!

Brian Young
John Kerry for Senate

Seriously, this cracks me up so much that I may even just go - and bring my camera.

Health Care Absurdity

The business community can learn to live with a little disappointment.

Business and insurance industry leaders are opposed to Patrick's plan, saying it is unfair to ask them to pay more, especially during an economic downturn.

Sheesh, tell that to the people who have been paying 10% more each year for their health insurance, for around an entire decade.

How ridiculous are their complaints?

Lord said the proposal would hit retailers especially hard, because many of them face such high turnover that they do not typically offer health insurance to full-timers until after 90 days.

Like I said, absurd. We're supposed to feel bad for them because they don't offer their employers insurance for an inordinately long time (and then typically make it too expensive for their employers to afford)? Extra bonus points because many of these employers want their employees to have a high turnaround, just look at Walmart - a company that decided too many people were sticking around long enough to accrue raises and health care benefits. How do you resolve that situation? Create company policy that messes with their job descriptions, making sure everyone has to stock the shelves and do the manual labor, not just stand at the register all day. It was a good way to get the less healthy to quit! (Update: here's the link, pdf.)

The worst about all this is the HMOs are going all 9/11 on us. Apparently, Governor Patrick's plan is unpatriotic or something.

Patrick's plan would raise another $33 million from an assessment on insurance companies' reserve accounts. But Dr. Marylou Buyse, president and chief executive of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, said that the money is needed by the companies to cover catastrophic health costs in the event of a flu pandemic or a terrorist attack.

First, does anyone believe the HMOs for a second? Record profits... they can deal with that $33 million to keep Massachusetts insured (which surely affords them with far more than $33 million in profits). Rest assured, MAHP, in the event of a flu pandemic or terrorist attack, Beacon Hill will step up to the plate and release new funds to make sure everyone's covered. I have a funny feeling they'd have done that irregardless of this $33 million. However, it's surely a low point in American history when corporations are throwing out the 9/11 card to avoid a small tax increase. Shame on them.

Almost as bad is Mass Hospital Association.

The state's hospitals are supporting the request for more money - $28 million from hospitals - with a caveat. Hospitals are willing to pay more to make near-universal healthcare work, said Lynn Nicholas, chief executive of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, but she tied the organization's support to the defeat of an unrelated measure pending in the Senate. That bill would set minimum nurse staffing requirements and require hospitals to hire more nurses.

Apparently, they'll support this policy... with a quid pro quo. Who needs more nurses anyway? It's not as if anyone wants high quality health care! Still, though, at least they're not throwing out the 9/11 card.

Now for the people who really matter:

Consumer groups are enthusiastically supporting Patrick's plan. "Consumers have already stepped up to the plate," said the Rev. Hurmon Hamilton, president of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization... "I would strongly urge the business community, insurance, and hospitals . . . to come forth and do their part."

The bottom line is that, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, three-quarters of the population said they support making sure businesses have to contribute more if they don't offer insurance - a cornerstone of Governor Patrick's plan. 61% favored insurance companies kicking in more, as well. The people are speaking; the Government would do well to listen. It's what we have to do to save the Mass health care gains long enough to fix the systemic problems in health care that are increasing costs. It's not the long-term solution, but it will do in the medium term so long as we're investigating true ways to lower health care costs - even if that means single payer.

Ouch: Building Their Own Casino Stumbling Blocks

Apparently, there's a building history of violent leadership from the Wampanoags trying to secure a casino in Middleboro. A long history. Will the third chief be the charm? It seems like the House needs to get its house in order before it can even think of building a Massachusetts casino.

Seriously, if they can't manage to have a leader who isn't a convicted rapist or an alleged wife beater, what makes people think they can run a casino? There are people going to jail and pleading guilty to casino-related crimes all across the country from the allures getting lots of cash surrounding a small number of people - what have the Wampanaogs done, so far, to inspire confidence that their leaders aren't going to follow in the same suit pursuing casino dollars? It's not as if they're being wholly honest now, even to critical members of their own tribe. Heck, the FBI's been involved. This is not a good track record, to say the least.

EaBo's Prophesizing Again

Hooray! There's a whole 47 Republicans on the ballot in Massachusetts - RedMassGroup was ecstatic. I couldn't stop laughing. It's not as funny as this, though...

2010 will be a watershed year. think long term people. - EaBo Clipper

How many will there be, EaBo? 50? Maybe by 3010, you'll have a whole 55! I'm just thinking long term...

Why are Casinos like the Borg?

A) They just keep coming back.

B) They both think resistance is futile.

C) Their aims are so devious that they make you feel dirty inside.

D) All of the above.

The answer should be pretty obvious after anyone reads this report (pdf), from Common Cause. It's a detailed listing investigating the amount of money casino lobbyists have spent in this state, as well as the influence they wield because of it.

Powerful interest hired top-tier lobbyists in 2007, expending a total of $1.5 million, combined with another $258,222 in campaign contributions from these lobbyists to our public officials, and another $63,000 in campaign contributions from gambling executives, for a total of $1.8 million spent to expand gambling in Massachusetts. The effort has so far failed, but with the deep pockets of the industry, they are sure to mount another campaign soon.

From 2002-2007, Treasurer Cahill received the second largest sum of campaign contributions from the gambling industry. During that same time span, Attorney General Reilly received the largest sum - which shouldn't be surprising, given the fact he was the presumptive next-in-line for the Corner Office until Governor Patrick stormed in. The result? Cahill is pushing casinos with a gusto seen by few others in this state, while Reilly included expanding racetracks to allow slots as part of his platform to the Corner Office (no surprises here that he lost).

Obviously, given the casino battles of the last few months, this list would look very different if 2008 was factored in. What we do know is that 2007 set a record for casino-lobby spending, at $1.485 million. Surely, 2008 - with not one, but two major slot votes - will set a new record by the end of the year.

This is what the Bay State would look like under Governor Patrick's plan. The circles represent where the rate of problem gamblers would double and where crime will go up.

My friend and fellow anti-casino warrior and radio host Leo Malley has long said that "casino lobbyists only need to win once, while we need to win every time." Not only is he right, but he's not the only one who gets it. Here's a quote from former AG Scott Harshbarger from the report.

I think the reason we don't have a casino today in Massachusetts is because, in fact, the people have decided... The only people that won't accept it are the people who want the casinos. Because they figure they can stay at this longer. The Legislature and the Governor move on to the other issues, but they never stop. They're constantly focused with highly paid lobbyists - the best in the state - whose job it is to stay focused on one central goal: to get that door open.

So why, if we keep defeating casinos, are these battles such a big loser for all of Massachusetts? Not only could some form of slots slip through at some point, but all this fighting is a waste of our time, as this blog has been saying from the beginning. It's an argument the report makes, as well.

The state and local governments have spent considerable time and effort on numerous proposals to expand legalized gambling. There are, however, opportunity costs in politics, just as there are opportunity costs in business. Time and effort to consider casino and gaming legislation takes away from time available to spend on other issues. Professor Richard Hall of the University of Michigan, who has studied the role money plays in politics, has concluded that '[c]ampaign contributions and lobbyists do not buy politicians' opinions as much as they buy their priorities.' The problem, as Hall sees it, is 'that by focusing on some constituents, the politicians no longer have the time to focus on issues that help other constituents.

It's a phenomenon that even happens in states with casinos - where lobbyists continue to argue for ever more expansion, especially in cases where the continuing expansion butts heads with other states. That's not a new argument, either: New Hampshire's already made it clear that if Massachusetts legalizes slots, so will NH. And then Maine will expand, as will RI. Connecticut is already expanding in anticipation. The pie-slices get ever smaller, so the gambling industry continually asks for more and more, just to try to keep up with the profits they enjoyed in previous years.

As the report suggests, since there are other, better proposals on the table than casinos, it's the public that's truly paying the price - we're the one's losing out on the good ideas, while the politicians and lobbyists hobble about bickering and wasting time over the bad ones. Massachusetts expects - and should demand - better. After all, this isn't some cheesy sci-fi flick at the cinema - it's the future of our state that we're talking about.

Economy Not All Bad

At least in Massachusetts.

The Wampanoag's Leadership: a Soap Opera

In today's episode of As the Wampanoags Turn, the big, mean boss man is dealing with the aftermath of throwing out an 85 year old tribal elder. Here's a brief recap of what happened last fall:

Scene 1.

[The Wampanoag Tribal Council is meeting and discussing today's current events with visible disappointment. Camera closes in on one tribal leader, complete with blank, vacant expression. Cue the inevitable cut scene into the past, with actors who are just as blank and vacant, and hazy, harp-filled music in the background.]

[Cue overly slow and dramatic music.]

Glenn: "Don't you bring us any trouble at all, Amelia, ya here? We're going to build this casino with or without you."

Amelia: "All I want to know is where the $14 million went, Glenn, our culture is already being subverted by your casinos."

Glenn: "So you are going to give us trouble then. Well, fine. You and your son are gone - we don't want to see you in these parts anymore, or else."

End scene.

Scene 2.

Amelia and her son get a lawyer.

The Binghams have been members of the tribe's governing body, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, since its creation in 1981, and Amelia Bingham had been named a clan mother, a position of respect in the tribe, according to the lawsuit.

But the Binghams are ardent opponents of a tribal casino, and Amelia Bingham in particular "has spoken out against gambling interests and expressed concern about big money interests corrupting tribal values," Altman said in an interview yesterday.

In January 2007, the Binghams received letters from the Tribal Council informing them that they were banned from council meetings for seven years. The "shunning order" came just days after the Binghams sued in Barnstable Superior Court to force the council to account for $14 million that the tribe had received from Herb Strather, a prominent developer of a Detroit casino.

Of course, this is just the latest episode in a long-running series. Who could forget all the wonderful episodes where the Wampanoag's former tribal leader was being investigated by the FBI, as he was later revealed to be a convicted rapist. But that's not all - federal law was allegedly violated by another tribe that's promised to seek a casino in Massachusetts if slot machines are passed (you know it's got to be bad for the Globe to write about it!) - there's nothing better than a little villainous competition. All this, so Massachusetts can own have no control over the world's largest casino along with another 2-3 of them. Just imagine how expensive the set designs would be!

Now, this same leadership - which has been proven corrupt over the casino issue time and time again - has decided to pick on a poor, old lady who was a tribal elder (can anyone get them a Day Time Emmy?). They kicked her 85 year old self out, as well as her son, just days after she spoke out against a very reasonable request - an account of where $14 million dollars went. Imagine that - not a single casino has been built and $14 million dollars is already being hushed up. The same people who won't tell Amelia Bingham where the $14 million's at are also the ones who are asking Massachusetts citizens to trust them to build and operate a fair and reputable establishment, a casino Massachusetts would have almost no regulatory power over. Massachusetts citizens should know the answer to that question - let's cancel this Soap and get on with our lives.

BlogLeft's Next Big Action

First, I wanted to issue a big thank you to everyone who came to last Saturday's event - and all those who were in there in spirit. We definitely represent some of the most active, hardcore citizens in the state - and it's that 20 person dinner and a discussion in life that so often is the catalyst for change. I apologize that it's taken me a few days to get this info and wrap-up out, but I've been waiting to hear about exciting news that I'll detail below.

First, however, let's give a brief wrap-up for those who were there in spirit only, or who had to leave early. It was big (22 people!), it was messy and it was fun. It couldn't have turned out better, from my view, because it accomplished all of Lynne and I's goals: it was a great opportunity to match names (and screen names) to faces, meet up with old friends in the community and, most importantly, to see where we're all at. Now we know what people are interested in doing both short term, medium, and maybe even long.

Saturday was step one in reaching our community's promise in the effort to create a better Massachusetts, and since then step two is well on its way. The basic gist of what most people were interested in last week was creating more events across the state that would expand and empower the grassroots and netroots to those who'd like to be involved, but aren't. Specifically, most people were interested holding forums that would teach people the blog and netroot ropes. To that end, many of us who attended the meeting have been very busy since: last Saturday, it was the group's wish to hold its first such forum at the State's Democratic Party Convention. It's not official yet, but it's looking like that's going to happen (still ironing out some details).

So that's the short term goal. The medium term goal would be to take the first forums we hold at the convention as a concept test run and create a version meant specifically for local communities, where any blogger would be able to host a small group and show them the ropes. For example, if there aren't any blogs in your community - and you think that's a bad thing (it is) - why not talk with the Town or Ward Democratic Committee, or another local activist group, and see if they'd be interested in a how-to-blog event? It may be enough to kick start a new town blog, or to bring that citizen base and grassroots talent to already-existing local community blogs like Below Boston.

If anyone is interested in this, please let me know. We're still looking for a few volunteers to give the group input and insight on exactly what to talk about - both in terms of blogging in general, as well as the technical side of blogging - and there's still talk about whether or not to hold a booth at the convention, which would take even more volunteers as well as a small fundraising effort, since booths do cost money (not too much though). I hope people enjoyed themselves last Saturday, will be looking forward to our future meet-up events and, most importantly, are excited for all the focused, organized, efficient and effective work ahead - I know I am.

Saturday's Blogger Fiesta Unveiled!

Because we're all super cool... wait a minute, is that Sco? (Joking!!)

It's no big secret that Lynne, Mike and I are hosting a big blogger get together in Lowell, but I've been having trouble thinking of exactly what to call it. Yes, there's going to be a brief presentation, but the event is more meant to be a fun chance to meet up with old friends and network with the bloggers, commenters, readers and members of the progressive, netroots Massachusetts community. So, really, this is one big party, right?

"Blogger Conference," sounding too much like a total drag, I thought: why not call it a Blogger Fiesta? The whole thing makes way more sense wrapped around the fact that we've officially ordered some real-live, authentic and awesome Mexican food from one of Lynne's favorite Lowell localities. We're also ordering some equally awesome and authentic Thai (including vegetarian, we think of everything!) and I'm making my home-cooked batch of famous (I swear!) Chicken Marsala to round the whole thing off. Mmm...

Seriously, there's going to be way too much food, so I'm hoping even more people will come (sign up now!). We have around 15 registered guests, including names that everyone will know, and another 5-6 people who have said they'd come... but just haven't made it official. Add to that various politicians and activists who want to stop by and chat, it's promising to be a great event already - but, seriously, the more the merrier! Lynne's house is huge. If you want to come and haven't signed up yet, Lynne would like to know by Thursday - that's tomorrow. Sign up via paypal, by clicking the link, or by contacting either Lynne or I personally if you have any questions. It's only $10, but if that's too steep, let us know (I've been there!).

While Saturday's event itself isn't a big secret, there are a few things we've kept slightly under wraps. I've billed the event as a pseudo brain-storming session where we can help create ways to both "expand and empower" the Massachusetts netroots. You see, we've elected some candidates, but failed to elect others. We've had some success on some issues, but not many recently. Anyone else get the feeling that if we were a tad, bit more organized, we could get a lot more accomplished as a movement? Both Lynne and I have a few good ideas and will spend a few minutes talking about them on Saturday, but we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas too.

If anyone is curious about how the day will unfold, here's the gist:

The event starts at 1pm at Lynne's home. You'll have to email her for directions (lynneATleftinlowellDOTcom). From around 1-2pm, we're going to gouge ourselves with food, chat with each other, catch up and do what we please. Feel free to play fusbol, a have Hillary/Barack Dance-Off, Pin the Tail on the McBush, or the always fun "What Will Romney Say about Massachusetts Next?" If none of those ideas are appealing, you can also match (in)famous names with faces, network, or even talk politics - heavens forbid.

From around 2-3pm, we'll restore a little order by starting with a very quick presentation of what Lynne and I have already brainstormed (and we're ambitious), then we'll open the whole thing up for discussion.

From 3-4pm we'll finish whatever we didn't already finish, talk amongst ourselves again, this time maybe bringing these ideas to a personal level, and most importantly make sure the place is a mess and accidentally leave it for Lynne and Mr. Lynne to clean up. Of course, this is just how I envision the day going. I'm not actually going to bring a gavel, though I will wager a guess that at some point Lynne may want her house back.

Some Important Notes:

When: Saturday, April 19th, starting at 1pm.
Where: Lynne's house in Lowell, Mass. Email Lynne for directions at LynneATleftinlowellDOTcom.
HOW: You can drive or take mass transit: the train from Boston comes very close to Lynne's home in Lowell and there's a train that arrives just before the Fiesta will start. There are a few people willing to carpool, too, just email me and I'll try to find you a ride. If you're from the North Shore I'll bring you myself.
Do: Come with an empty stomach. We're providing lots of food and drinks, but no booze. BYOB.
Don't: forget to sign up! We're asking everyone to sign up by tomorrow, Thursday, April 17th (my birthday!). Or at least let us know you're coming by then.

Tourism is Alive and Kicking in Mass

One of the points some of the pro-casino people tried to make was that, apparently, our tourism industry sucks, or something. Because we're not the spitting image of Las Vegas, we're "not fun," according to the testimony of the head of the AFL-CIO at this week's casino hearing. Obviously, it was a losing argument, as the House has just crushed the casino bill into smithereens. That said, to kill that argument once and for all, I figured I'd point out just how fantastic the Massachusetts tourism industry is - through the awesome and powerful website run by the State's Office of Travel and Tourism, massvacation.com.

Just going to the front page, you can see how powerful the website is - and how many options you can search by. There's a few neat features on the front page that I'll get to first. You'll notice a quick calender right on the front page, so events can be searched by date and time, or a range of dates (taking a week off?). There's also a few special offers on the sidebar, like Amtrack discounts, as well as free travel information that can be mailed to any home.

The best two features on the front page, though, are the two best ways to search for particular places. Let's say you're the type of person who's most interested by certain activities - not necessarily any particular location. Well, then, on the very top bar of the website, you can search by a number of categories: arts, history, outdoor activities, science and nature, tours and sightseeing, or "family fun." Just click one of those categories, and you're sent to a page dedicated to all those kinds of activities throughout the state - including featured places, and ways to search for particular subgroups of activities (for example, if you clicked on the "history and heritage" option on the front page, you can further break that down into looking for zoos, sport museums, etc).

Or, maybe you want to plan a day trip to somewhere relatively close by and want two or three activities in one small town - just click on the front page's state map, which is broken down by regions. From inside those regions, you can essentially cross-tabulate your searches: you can look for one of the already-described categories of activities inside particular regions. But the regional sections do more than that: they give a general description of the prevalent types of activities in that region, as well as "featured" activities and spotlight communities.

Alright, at some point you picked something you wanted to search - and finally found something that interests you. Is that all the state website does? Helps you find things? Absolutely not. I'll use an example. A new friend has been raving about Tanglewood to me lately - where the Boston Symphony plays during the summer. It's in Western Mass, and is apparently spectacularly beautiful. In fact, the entire area has become a tourist must-see in Massachusetts for several years now.

I wanted to find out more about it, so I clicked on "arts" on the western mass page, then checked off music and clicked search - finding Tanglewood quite easily. Now that I found Tanglewood, there's a brief description of what it actually is, as well as some important contact and general information, as well as the official website. But there's also a few links on the page to find nearby lodgings, and other nearby activities and events. Even better, there's a Google Map of where Tanglewood can be found right on that very page, complete with a quick button you press to get directions to it.

Spend a few minutes on that website, and you'll quickly realize why tourism is Massachusetts's third largest industry. Contrary to what certain people think, there's no shortage of people who come to vacation in this state, and there's no shortage of Massachusetts citizens who take full advantage of everything we have to offer. We're truly a state that's a cultural and historical icon, complete with beautiful New England architecture and landscape, with one of the nation's largest state park systems. There's plenty to do for any kind of person - sports, museums, beaches and hiking - so next time anyone says Massachusetts is boring, or needs some kind of a spark, be sure to give 'em hell an earful.

Mass Bloggers Meeting, April 19th

It's been a long time since we've all had a joint bloggers event, and it's time to change that. On Saturday, April 19th, Lynne and I are hosting a Blog Left Massachusetts event in Lowell. It's mainly going to be for fun, but we also have some ideas we'd like to discuss with all of you to both expand and empower the Massachusetts Blogosphere. Not only that, but we'd love to hear from all of you on your ideas.

I don't think I'm alone in feeling that the spirit of civic engagement in this state, and the idea that we in the netroots are able to make a big difference, has at least been somewhat diminished. Part of that is because our community is starting to slip. We need to discuss ways of becoming greater than the sum of our parts - and Lynne and I have a few big ideas in that regard; we're hoping we're not alone. So please plan on coming.

A few quick things: we're still in the planning mode when it comes to food and such, but we're thinking of having it catered. Lynne knows some great places in Lowell that would have delicious food for us for around $10 each. If we charged $10, would that prevent anyone from coming?

Also, I know not a whole ton of people live in the Lowell area, but we wanted to make sure our first event wasn't in Boston, because Blog Left Massachusetts is an organization that represents the entire state, not just Greater Boston. We plan on doing events across the state. That said, I'll be glad to bring anyone from the North Shore and I know Mike Ball, from Marry in Massachusetts, will be attending as well - and he lives in Boston. So if getting to Lowell is a problem, don't let that stop you from coming - just tell us and we'll make sure you get a ride!