Hackett, Schultz, Jim Dean speakers at DFA Miami Leadership Dinner.

[madfloridian]

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/007695.html

"DFA Miami had their 1st Annual Leadership Awards Dinner on Sunday that proved to be an entertaining and productive event. Keynote speaker Paul Hackett, progressive talk-show host Ed Schultz, and DFA Chair Jim Dean gave amazing and inspiring speeches to the group that gathered to raise money to take back an important Congressional district. Also at the event were mayors, county commissioners, state senators and representatives, and a gubernatorial candidate. As members had the chance to meet and speak with their elected and aspiring to be elected officials, the speakers had a chance to network also; Talk show host, Ed Schultz subsequently invited Senator and Attorney General candidate, Walter 'Skip' Campbell to speak on his nationally aired show about immigration two days later.

DFA groups and candidates continue to find creative ways, new and old, to deliver the progressive message. Some groups are turning their volunteers over to campaigns, while others choose to advocate for candidates as auxiliary entities. The one thing that is clear is that the progressive movement gaining momentum and growing like wildflowers."

[liberalnurse]

1. That had to be a terrific Awards Dinner

to attend. A great gathering of like minds. I'm envious!!!!!!O8)

[rpannier]

2. All three rock

Good time must have been had by all.

One interesting point: I'm pretty sure all three are former Republicans. Ed is. I've heard Paul is. And I'm guessing that Dean is too.

[madfloridian]

3. Yes, I think Jim changed over several years ago.

Howard Dean was the first to go Democrat, and his mother voted Democrat in 04. I don't think their dad ever changed from Republican.

[madfloridian]

4. Another write-up about the event....with a super picture of the 3.

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/007707.html

Friday, April 07, 2006
DFA Miami Leadership Awards Dinner
Dave Reiter is a member of DFA Miami-Dade.

"With the view of a perfect sunset overlooking a tranquil, sailboat filled bay, the lights of downtown Miami shimmered in the setting sunlight. The room was filled with community activists, democratic leaders, candidates for office, and elected officials. Enjoying the beautiful centerpieces, surf 'n turf, and inspirational speakers, people from all over the community came to enjoy DFA Miami's 1st Annual Leadership Awards Dinner. The honorees received awards for progressive leadership and distinguished public service."

Taking the microphone off the podium to speak comfortably with the guests, DFA Chair, Jim Dean thanked the activists for continuing to build this movement from the ground up, motivated everyone to continue their engagement in campaign activities, and encouraged the candidates running for office to deliver the progressive message needed to retake our democracy.

Keynote speaker, Paul Hackett urged the need for more unity and strength behind the issues we know are right, such as censuring the President. He stressed the importance of separation of church and state, the freedom to have one's own belief system, and sent a message of how we should address the radical religious element... or rather how not to address the religious right.

Radio talk show host, Ed Schultz, orated a powerful message about the dangers of monopolistic media ownership. He pointed out that liberal programs are outnumbered 10-1 (440-40), and that media owners do not want to disseminate the progressive message as readily as they do right wing programs, generally as a result of the political leaning of the media company(s) owners.

L to R Schultz, Hackett, Jim Dean

You just never know who you will find at such events. This sounds like fun.