Great diary, Josh (Kindler - 1/1/2007 1:30:21 PM)
2006 was a good year -- Return of the Progressive Jedi...
I've given it a lot of thought, and 2006 was my favorite year. It was a tight race.1977 was the year I spent sneaking in to theaters in Denver racking up viewings of the greatest movie an 8 year-old ever saw: Star Wars. In 1987 I finished High School early and travelled the southwest, hunting with the Navajo, bumming in Belize, camping on the beach in Mexico, everything from California to South Dakota filled with limitless adventure. In 1998 my consulting company was running strong, the tech bubble was rising and our company was filled with value and promise.
But this year, 2006, was my favorite year.
In 2006, my son learned to talk, run, smile, count, speak spanish, talk back, get a time out, climb the tallest slide in the playground and give the most perfect gentle hugs.
In 2006, a handful of us got together with nothing but will, guts, and stamina and managed to change everything. We helped convince a tough, honest, American hero to challenge the standard bearer of national Republican conservatism. Our small band grew to an Army for the common good, and helped Jim Webb claim victory over George Allen. We helped the Democrats reclaim the majority in Congress. What an amazing thing to be a part of. My dad was so proud, he got his favorite coffee shop to name a sandwich after me.
In 2006, I met passionate progressives, brilliant filmmakers, hardened strategists, beautiful visionaries, seasoned professionals, and enough regular, decent, hard-working, Virginians to rekindle my flickering faith in the future of America.
In 2006, I was allowed to participate in one of the most monumental moments in American history, to share the sweet taste of victory as the seas of change swirled around this nation bringing a new power, a new chance, and a new future to the country I love.
In many ways, the cost was high, the way was difficult, and the time too short. But looking ahead, I know that the spirit I saw in Virginia in 2006 is alive and well. I know that the faith and effort of the people who worked so hard this year for change in America is only starting to shine.
Next year, my son may learn to read, my nation will move towards the future with new leadership, and the progressive spirit that you carried so well will become stronger.
Thank you for everything you have done. The best is yet to come.
It was a very good year for the grassroots, the netroots, and democracy in Virginia particularly. Sounds like it was a good year for your son too. He sounds like a great little guy.
2007 is going to be fantastic.
My son really is great, but nobody ever told me he'd have developed his own personality, will and temper before turning 3. Every minute is a joy, even the really tough ones.
(I do love the LOTR trilogy though)
Happy new year, Josh. Give that handsome young man a big kiss for me.
You made 2006 better for everyone. Give that handsome young Thad a hug for me. ;0)
Lessons learned we can do this again and again, getting stronger with every victory, more determined with every loss.
And kids just keep getting better. My daughter is 24 and she is still doing things that amaze me. It makes me think I must have done something right.
Send me that sandwich recipe. I'm buying a small restaurant in Charlottesville and I'd love to put it on the menu.
Happy New Year.
My 2 year old has the will and singlemindedness of a teen. I'm terrified of what will happen once he gets his driver's license and discovers girls.
omg
Anyway, I think the sandwich is something like this:
Place the following on a whole-wheat roll -- mayonnaise, sliced Monterey Jack cheese, alfalfa sprouts, sliced tomato, and a sprinkling of dried parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano.
It used to be called the Paul Simon.
The teens are kind of like childbirth--it hurts like hell while you're going through it, but the pain fades as they grow and turn into people again.
I think the most important piece of advice I can give is to always make it easy for your children to be honest with you. If they can tell you the truth without fear of unreasonable retribution, you'll worry less when he takes that girl on a date in the car.
Thanks for the recipe--the menu needs a good veggie.
Oh, and you also braved the crazed libertarian society at GMU this year! You deserve some sort of shiny medal for that, I can't thank you enough for coming and not strangling anyone.
Nice folks, though.
I still want my $5.
Until very recently I believed that it was Jim who made all the difference for me, but without you the best candidate we've had in my lifetime and the Grassroots volunteers toghether couldn't have delivered on our promise to "Take Back Virginia". However trite the usual "We couldn't have done it without you" sendoff may have become when people move on to other jobs or retire I do believe that it's unanimous for all of us, obviously including Jim. When Jim hired you he sent a very powerful and inspiring message to us that he trusted you to show us the way. And that's exactly what you did.
Bless you, my brother. We've still got a lot of work to do.
... that said Tom Counts is a great guy and did a lot and seemed to be everywhere, and all the time promoting Webb.
Cheers to you Tom it was a pleasure meeting and working with you.
Thanks so much for all of your hard work. We all performed a major feat in the state of Virginia. Thanks for being the coordinator of Jim Webb's rag tag group of volunteers. How powerful we all were. It just goes to show you that someone without $$$$, not much name recognition, and enthusiastic volunteers can make a difference and show all things are possible. This wouldn't have happened without someone like you. I hope that 2006 goes down in history as continuing to be your favorite year. Our "high" will be culminated this week with Jim Webb being sworn in as Senator from the state of Virginia.
Enjoy your son. He's a cutie pie. They grow up very quickly. I hope you took alot of pictures during this election cycle that you can add to his scrapbook. I have a great one of the two of you at the Connolly event. Hope to see you soon.
Be well and thanks again. We couldn't have done it without you for sure.
Mary Lee and Andy
On to 2007 and electing Democrats.
This was a grueling endeavor, but the toughest job I've ever loved.
Without your support I'm sure I would have gone crazy about mid August.
Thanks for making this great and for all of your very real and much-apprecaited support.
Josh
He has seen that logo so much that he sees it on cars and "reads" it.
Cheers. Amazing thing this "Senator Jim Webb" thing.
1. Yeah Jim Webb!
2. Go away George!
Unfortunately, he got kinda confused and I had to stifle him at a couple of rallies where he yelled "Go Away Jim Webb!"
Good times... rofl