I'm not going to write about Martinsville

By: Josh
Published On: 8/29/2006 11:43:37 PM

I'm not going to write about my experiences at the "Bloggers United for Free Speech" Conference that took place in Martinsville, VA.

There's no way for me to change the names in order to protect either the innocent or the very guilty.  Everyone knows everyone in this small curious little world.

Besides, there's just too much information.  There's no way for me to say what I need to say without making enemies of old friends or making new friends doubt my sincerity.

Kilo's writeup is excellent.  I was damned proud to meet him, Chris, Alton, Myron and a dozen other bloggers with whom I've locked horns in the past.  I hope it won't be the last time on either count.
There are too many stories.  The headings of the chapters of my tale may have meaning for some of those who attended.


I.  Dread
II.  The Snake Pit
III.  "Democrat" Party
IV.  Pajama Party Punch-off
V.  I Am an Ignorant A$$h*le
VI.  Anne and Mary Have My Vote
VII.  My New Uncle Karl
VIII.  Listening beyond Reason
IX.  The Red Queen Saves My Life
X.  Hope

It doesn't matter what I have to say anyway.  What matters is that there are now a half dozen leaders of the right wing blogsphere who know as I do that we are not enemies, but are fellow Americans who love our country and hope for a better world for our children.

I hope I'll be invited back next year, and that this Virginia blogsphere continues to grow in significance and impact.  There is no group of people more capable of learning that there are men and women of good conscience on both sides of these arguments.  If these fine people who are the thinkers, warriors, and organizers of today become the leaders of tomorrow there is hope for our Commonwealth and our country.

Thanks to Alton, Barnie, Anne, and Mary for your gracious hospitality.  I hope to see you next year at Sorenson and again in Martinsville.

Comments



Wow, Josh (lwumom - 8/30/2006 12:01:25 AM)
sounds like an emotional upheaval.  Just glad to have you here with us to share your insight and experiences.  :)


I was (Josh - 8/30/2006 12:17:42 AM)
Surprisingly, the guys on the other side of the aisle were more pleasant than some of those who are supposedly on our side.  It's a great thing to have your illusions stripped away, but I was predisposed to have that happen.  I really went down to meet Will Vehrs, who I've respected and admired since I started blogging.  His wit and insight have been an inspiration to me for a long time, and I've modeled my style on his in many ways.  His exile is a grave disappointment to me. 

I wonder, if there was a conference held up in NoVa that was as left-leaning as this one was right, if we would be as hospitable and decent to our guests as people like Alton, Mary, Carl, Chris, Myron, and Anne were to me.  In no time, I knew I was among friends and compatriots.  Kilo reminds me of my uncle, also named Karl, who recently passed away.  Myron (republitarian) is the kind of guy I would have spent a lot of time with in High School, and Chris (std) is like every little-league coach you've ever had a great tailgate party with.  Great people with guts and faith who are on the other side of critical issues.

I listened a lot more than I spoke, and I think that's to my benefit.



My Regrets to FT Rea (Josh - 8/30/2006 12:21:38 AM)
You woulda loved my 3000 word piece on Martinsville.  It was like something Cameron Crowe would have written in Rolling Stone. 


Josh (lwumom - 8/30/2006 12:55:57 AM)
My mother used to live in Martinsville, and because she is not the mother who raised me, I can guess what you experienced there.  Send your 3000 word piece to me via e-mail...dontvoteinthedark at yahoo dot com...I'm sure I would appreciate it....as would others here.


I'm holding it until after November (Josh - 8/30/2006 10:55:10 AM)
It should make good reading after the election.


I Concur (elevandoski - 8/30/2006 7:50:15 AM)
As an attendee from the same side of the fence, I completely concur with your sentiments, Josh. I didn't really "report" on the conference either. I rather just ranted about one particular aspect of the conference, but for the most part it was a good conference. It goes down in the "Would Do It Again" column.  Next time though I hope Squeaky Wheel can join us. Him there this year would have been icing on the cake. LOL.


What a pleasure to meet you (Josh - 8/30/2006 10:50:59 AM)
Eileen, thank you so much for you everythign youre doing at VABDems.  It was a pleasure to meet you.  I really do hope that you'll continue to comment here and hopefully add some of your wonderful writings as crossposts.


10th Chapter (Red Queen - 8/30/2006 8:36:35 AM)
Josh, I for one an anxious to read the 10th chapter.  I was blessed to be able to share a part in your weekend. Never forget what you are truly fighting for- its not always about what you are fight about. Be blessed and keep me posted.


The Graces (Josh - 8/30/2006 10:54:17 AM)
I think the entire affair could have devolved into a shouting match if we hadn't had the tempering presence of you, Anne, Mary, I'm calling you three "the graces", which I think is an apt description, and Republitarian's Wife.

God Bless



Did Net Neutrality come up (Eric - 8/30/2006 10:30:06 AM)
in any of the discussions?  I'm very curious to know how the bloggers in general feel about this one. 

Given that

1. Many bloggers at the conference are conservative
2. That Allen is against Net Neutrality
3. That the failure of NN will very likely have adverse effects (higher cost, slower connections, blocked sites) on all internet users, including bloggers

I'd love to hear how the conference participants felt about it.



There was an amazing presenation on NN (Josh - 8/30/2006 11:01:48 AM)
by steve minor.  it was brilliant.


Sorry I missed it. (Eric - 8/30/2006 11:30:18 AM)
So what were the blooger community feelings?  Split along party lines?  Unity against a change is the status quo?  Mixed?


Honestly... I couldn't tell (Josh - 8/30/2006 12:11:19 PM)
His presentation was after a huge lunch.  the material was dense and his handout was a 30 page detailed outline.  Between the food coma and the density of the material, I think we were all speechless.


Welcome back anytime.... (I'm Not Emeril - 8/30/2006 6:59:46 PM)
Josh,
It's quite revealing to see that the party of hate doesn't, isn't it?

All along you thought we conservatives had our own little air and water supply, so there's no real problem with fouling yours. Our children are born fully grown, so we can starve and deprive yours. I could go on, but that's enough absudity for now.

No, we live here just as you and your liberal friends do. We all want the same things for our friends, neighbors, and families. We just have different ideas about how to achieve those goals.

I wish I had had more time to spend one-on-one with you. But then again, maybe it's best. A double dose of Kilo in one weekend is quite a bit to take, right?

Come on down to Henry County anytime, Josh. You will be welcomed.