Get Vito Lopez Out

Good riddance.  Sexual harrassment and backroom dealing aside, the last thing Brooklyn needs is someone whose political priority is behaving like a cast member of The Wire or Goodfellas.

I am loving the article in the Times today outlining just how ridiculous Lopez behaved as a "public servant."

I personally came up against Lopez's power monopoly in '08 when I tried to relaunch the Brooklyn Young Democrats.  Everything was a pretty simple and direct process - I had everything ready to go for the charter - but nothing could happen without Lopez's direct approval, which was going to be a series of jumping through hoops and pledging allegiance.  No thanks.

Way to make New York a better city, Lopez.  Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

YDA Style Awards

It was widely agreed that fashion sense was a distant second to political sense, but kudos to these Democrats with style:

Colorful accessories - easy way to pump up the classic wrap dress.

Three-piece seersucker suit - not just for plantation owners anymore!

At the Women's Caucus, no less!

2011 Conference... Style Caucus formation? Possibilities = endless.

YDA Summary & Call to Action

Attending the Young Democrats of America conference was certainly a learning experience. I'm grateful to have met so many smart, interesting, and truly passionate people, including the incredible New York delegation, a diverse group with a bright future.

My pride in being affiliated with the Democratic party is also reinforced. I simply cannot understand why any thinking, feeling person would not want to be affiliated with the party that believes everyone has a right to getting help when they're sick, positive global relations, long-term view on taking care of our earth, that people of all backgrounds and circumstances deserve choices, and above all, that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated as such.

[I'll link to the YDA statement of values as soon as I can find it online]

But my primary complaint with the conference, and concern with the organization and its future, is this: so much time was spent and so much energy was focused on elections, titles, rules, beaurocracy, and comparatively little on action, strategy, training, and recruitment. It's both lucky and comfortable to be the party in power, but we're not going to stay here for long if all the incredible youth energy in this country is plundered on old-school processes and stroking egos by awarding titles. Just because something is the tradition doesn't make it the best way to do something. A four-hour voting session for national officers could have been much better spent voting online and then staging a rally for marriage equality or phone/email campaign in support of Obama's health care plan. What's more, I heard this exact sentiment from everyone else except those running for or holding office. The YDA is going to lose active members if it doesn't conduct itself as a youth organization of the 21st century.

I'm excited about the newly elected officers, including President Crystal Strait, EVP Rod Snyder, VP Coleman Elridge, VP Isaac Robinson, VP Renee Hartley, Secretary Emily Robinson, and Treasurer Mark Newman; they all seem to have a track record of action and those I talked to were very smart and poised. I hope they will turn some of that incredible energy and intelligence outward and work to not be swallowed by the organizational bubble, that their dedication will be to leadership, not titles; action, not activity; service, not self-service.

Here's to a strong party, promising leadership, and the passion of youth in America.

This Morning at YDA

Great speeches on the state of liberal/progressive values and the global inspiration from the US youth mobilization and corresponding election of Barack Obama from the lovely Paola De Silva of Columbia, Prez of IFLRY, and the debonaire Aloys Rigaut of Belgium.

NE Represent

At the NE region meeting hearing updates from our neighbor states. Particularly impressed with New Hampshire, who did significant work this year to secure marriage equality and continues to actively support getting young people in office.

The Young Dem Agenda

Tonight at YDA...

A very enthusiastic crowd, welcomed by outgoing prez David Hardt... Speech by NY prez Matt Silverstein... NY delegation properly seated at the front, holla.

The buzz issues are marriage equality, passing Obama's health care bill, sustainable energy, women in leadership.

Most moving were speeches by two exceptional soldiers that were forced out by Don't Ask Don't Tell - Stacy Vasquez, who fought her case all the way to the Supreme Court and lost, and Alex Nicholson, who speaks 5 languages including Arabic and was kicked out six months after 9/11 just because he's gay. Guys, this is so wrong; this bullshit should not be going on in 2009, I hope you actively agree.

NYSYD Breakfast

Meeting the other NY Dems and hearing from some of the candidates for national YDA office. Particularly impressed with with Coleman Eldridge, a Kentucky Dem who I predict will have a bright future in politics...

YDA Intro

Imagine college, in a hotel, with no homework. Welcome to the Young Dems of America conference.

Checked into Hyatt (paid for by various NY elected officials), dinner w the NY Delegation, health care Q&A with Howard Dean, now drinking Jameson w five other delegates. Cue Annie tune: I think I'm gonna like it here...

And to answer your most press(ler)ing question, yes, I am dying to makeover 90% of these people. Holla at your Mayoress.

Legally Brunette

Meet the Presslerians, get ready for some action. I'm packing right now for the Young Democrats of America conference in Chicago, which I will of course cover with the same dedication as last August's DNC. Windy City, here I come!

Holla at Ya Delegate

Well, well, guess who has been chosen as an official New York State Delegate for the Young Democrats of America Conference 2009? You know it! I wonder if they will put "Mayoress" on my name tag... if not, forget it.