Well, time for my YKOS reflections. Not in any particular order.

There are a lot of passionate people out. Really, covering aspects you can only imagine. A few years ago, a buddy referred to blogs as political crack. He was right. I can’t imagine stopping now and all I want is more. There are a lot of talented posters out there and unfortunately not enough time to read them. In the coming days, I’ll summarize a few seminars I attended - Framing, Foreign Policy, Avian Flu, and Global Warming were the topics but they were rich with content. Rich enough to make your head explode and ask for more.

People really care. I mean - if YKOS reinforced anything is that people are generally good. I shook hands with famous people like George Lakoff and Juan Cole, National bloggers, famous reporters. All were eager to talk, and most without attitude.

We are actually lucky here in WNY. We rightfully complain about our congressmen and most of Monroe County’s political leadership. Well, there are people out there who are significantly worse off than we are. That doesn’t mean stop fighting the good fight. It does give you perspective.

I got into a lengthy discussion about voting machines with a Florida reporter. She was interviewing us and we ended up interviewing her. She runs a polling place in Florida. I assure you she was flabbergasted at the differences in our system vs theirs. Bipartisan commissions, old style lever machines etc.

The candidates are getting the netroots. I was pleased that the candidates were there. I was pleased the the Dave Pollack was there from the New York State Democratic committee. He and June O’Neill invited us to the State Dem meeting. People are starting the get it. That there are a group of informed, vocal, and passionate people who engage in active dialogue with the elected officials who make decisions.

I was surprised at who I believed did well and who didn’t (Clinton, Edwards and Dodd - did the best at YKOS Presidential forum). I was in the break out with Obama. I didn’t get the spark but my options are wide open.

Finally - we have the power. That phrase may be credited to Howard Dean - He doesn’t get credit for inventing it. It comes back to empowerment and creating easy on ramps to involvement. Maybe long ago the Dems in the 60’s like Kennedy or McGovern sparked you. Maybe Wellstone or Sanders, even Dean sparked you recently. Maybe now it is Obama or some different candidate. None of these people own the spark. You do. There are groups, and sites where you can get involved. Getting involved is the first step to making a difference.

Heck I look at me. Personally, I was sparked by Ronald Reagan long ago. Now, with all I’ve done in the political realm, I’ve added the title of blogger- not just any blogger -a front pager on Rochesterturning.com. The site meter keeps growing and we we at RT know those hits aren’t mercy visits from our mothers.

People are getting connected and looking to make a difference. I’m happy to be part of that movement. YKOS was a collection of great people in one place all striving to make a difference. I can say that barring some significant obstacle, I’m already making plans for a return in 2008.