Announcing the 29th Blogging Irregulars!
I’m very pleased to announce the kickoff of the 29th Blogging Irregulars! This is a group of blogs in NY’s 29th district, who, like RochesterTurning, will be focused on talking about progressive issues, candidates, and the news from a progressive viewpoint you won’t hear from the corporate news outlets, print or broadcast. Obviously, we’re supporting Eric Massa, him being the only sane choice for working folks in the 29th, but we’re going to start conversations about progressive issues that aren’t getting talked about enough in the Southern Tier. We’re also going to provide a safe place where disenchanted GOPers can come to talk about where the heck their party’s going, and what ever happened to Teddy Roosevelt- or even Nixonian-style Republicans.
This is exciting stuff, and the fulfilment of a dream I’ve had for some time, since a lot of the Southern Tier has no forum or outlet for progressives, instead they’re constantly steamrolled by right-wing hate radio and, at best, corporate media. It’s time for some balance, and since there’s no-one else stepping up, time to be the change we want to see.
I’m proud and excited to announce the first of these blogs. It’s called The Rural Patriot, and covers Allegany and Cattaragus counties. It’s run by someone with a lot more blogging experience than me, and it shows in the great posting already out there. I was amazed to find a progressive in Cattaragus county of all places, but I’m coming to find we’re everywhere, especially as the Kuhl-Aid wears off, and decent GOPers awaken to the fact that their party is being controlled by right-wing extremists. I encourage everyone to stop on down and show some love– this is a blog truly on the front lines of democracy.
Going forward, we’re looking to set up a blog for the Elmira/Corning area, and also the Finger Lakes area. So if you know of any folks who might be interested and up for the task, we will help them every step of the way.
This is what the 50-state strategy is all about. It’s not a bunch of Rochesterians going down to the Southern Tier to tell them how it is, it’s about neighbors talking to each other, over the fence, by the store, at the race. It makes for stronger communities, and isn’t that a big part of what we want as progressives?
Well said.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m exited about this opportunity to offer an outlet for progressives and for those who are not satisfied with the current state of the GOP here in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.
Traditional republicans in this area were used to having Amo Houghton as their congressman. I don’t believe that they are truly aware of how much our current representative, Randy Kuhl, is different from Mr. Houghton. Kuhl’s interests are much more aligned with the current administration’s interests, which is apparent when you review his voting record. Mr. Houghton stood on his own ideals and principles, even when they were against the party line.
I hope to help the residents of the two counties I am covering to understand and realize the extent of Randy Kuhl’s “rubberstamping” House votes - votes that do not reflect the best interests of this region.
I am also covering national and state issues. I believe in the statement, “knowledge is power”, and feel that an informed voter casts a vote that will be in the best interest for not only themselves, but also for their communities.
Thank you again for welcoming me to your community. Please feel free to visit the site and participate in the discussions.