We have seen some amazing days in Egypt, and it's provided a better lesson than anyone could have ever wanted for how taking action, against long odds, can really get something done.
A secret police mechanism has been pushed aside, an Army has chosen not to attack The People, and a President who was backed by the "full faith and credit" of the US Government on Friday was being told by that same US Government on Tuesday that it's time to go.
The People, in fact, spoke so loudly that Mr. Mubarak has informed Egyptians that he's going to "pursue corruption", which, if taken literally, could eventually look like a puppy chasing its own tail.
The People, however, are unhappy with his answer, and they're speaking even louder yet...even to the point of being willing to take beatings, gunfire, and, believe it or not...camel charges...to make their voices heard.
And that got me to thinking about Social Security.
You know, we are facing the potential for a great big Social Security fight for pretty much the entire term of the 112th Congress-and it seems to me that a series of great big "Cairo-style" marches might be the way to make our voices heard, so that this Congress understands that great big benefit cuts are something that we will not tolerate.
(I updated/changed the video of Franken's speech below.)
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas to attend Netroots Nation 2010, the largest gathering of progressive activists and bloggers ever - around 2100 registered! I had a great time and met lots of passionate, progressive folks from across the country. I also had the chance to catch up with several friends that I've met and worked with through my involvement with New Leaders Council, the Truman National Security Project, and the National Democratic Law Students Council.
While I was there, I represented the Daily Kingfish as the leader of the Southern Caucus discussion, and we were honored to be joined in our roundtable talk by Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter. For more on my personal experience, check out my tweets @MattBailey and @DailyKingfish.
The conference included dozens of fantastic panels, trainings, and speeches. President Obama even recorded a message for the occasion:
If you are involved in progressive politics or activism, I would encourage you to consider attending next year's Netroots Nation in Minneapolis - June 16-19. While I wasn't sure what to expect, I found out that it is not just for bloggers. Indeed, it is a very valuable experience for anyone interested in being a leader in the progressive movement.
Finally, check out some great outtakes from the closing keynote by Senator Al Franken in which he called this year's convention "the most exciting political gathering of the year without guns." It was serious yet comical, engaging, and motivational. Enjoy:
Just in case you missed it...and don't forget to vote in the poll at the end of the article.
I'm going to tell you a secret about one of the political parties in Louisiana, although anyone who keeps up with state politics in Louisiana already knows what I'm going to divulge.
As you may know, progressive bloggers and activists gather once a year for a huge national convention called Netroots Nation:
Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate. Through our annual convention and a series of regional salons held throughout the year, we strengthen our community, inspire action and serve as an incubator for ideas that challenge the status quo and ultimately affect change in the public sphere.
The fifth annual gathering of the Netroots (formerly known as the YearlyKos Convention) will be held July 22-25 at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Netroots Nation 2010 will include panels led by national and international experts; identity, issue and regional caucuses; prominent political, issue and policy-oriented speakers; a progressive film screening series; and the most concentrated gathering of progressive bloggers to date.
The Daily Kingfish will be represented! Keep reading below...
The next edition of the Louisiana Progress Journal will be devoted to a review of the 2010 session from a progressive policy perspective. In this issue, we will provide analyses of positive steps forward made by the Legislature on progressive issues, discussions of setbacks to progressive goals, ideas for building upon gains, and reflections on lessons learned, all with an eye to advancing policies that will have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Louisiana.
We are seeking persuasive, relevant, and concisely written articles with a focus on this legislative session written from a progressive point of view. Articles may address a particular piece of legislation, a group of legislative initiatives, a particular policy issue, or any other topic relevant to this session.
As you may know, progressive bloggers and activists gather once a year for a huge national convention called 
