I call for a DU Convention in 2006!

[redwitch]

The ultimate meetup- in a really, really big space. With name tags, and a talent show and a white elephant, oops I mean donkey table, and a kissing booth and guest speakers and an awards ceremony and really good food and drink. What do you think?

[Tiggeroshii]

1. I like it.

But don't know how something like that can happen. Guess we'll need ideas for a when and where and how and such?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

2. Face painting?

Funnel cakes? Petting zoo?

Count me in.

[redwitch]

Yes!

I am all about the face painting. Also, ETAwful can bring Quinn- Every time I see that cat's picture I want to snuggle him!

[XNASA]

34. Face painting like this?

:scared:

[TallahasseeGrannie]

69. Just like that!

I saw Boy in the same get up recently in a magazine but the eye patch was red. I liked that better. Maybe this is his formal face.

[Tigress DEM]

65. Hey Gran!

[TallahasseeGrannie]

70. Hey, Tigress

you know I am expert at tiger face painting. One of the skills you pick up after 30+ years with little freaks...um I mean kids.

[Tigress DEM]

84. Cool, I like Siberian White Tigers! Maybe I'll even buy some blue contacts

I'll put on my own clown white. I'd love to get a expert job done and pics then I can do it myself when I go on protests.

[tenshi816]

68. And pony rides, don't forget the pony rides. n/t

[ZombieNixon]

3. I'd go for that!

Where and how, though?

[crispini]

4. Well,

that would be fun. Can we have it either earlier rather than later? I'll be working hard on campaigns as the year progresses. :7

[Midlodemocrat]

5. How about a DU cruise?

Wouldn't that be awesome?

We could take one of those 3-4 day jobs to somewhere nice, or to nowhere and just relax and get to know each other.

[redwitch]

7. That would be amazing-but expensive

I was thinking a big campout/bbq place to make it more affordable for everyone.

[johnaries]

12. That sounds great! How about The Farm?

If you're not familiar with The Farm, it was started as a Hippie Commune by Stephen Gaskin and has grown to... well, check it out!
http://www.thefarm.org/

http://www.thefarm.org/general/visit.html
"We offer camping and lodging from $10 per night, guided tours, and group programs in renewable energy, natural building, organic gardening, constructed wetlands, and ecovillage design."

http://www.thefarm.org/general/farmfaq.html
"The Farm community is a cooperative enterprise of families and friends living on three square miles in southern middle Tennessee. We started the Farm in the hope of establishing a strongly cohesive, outwardly-directed community, a base from which we could, by action and example, have a positive effect on the world as a whole.

The Farm is a human scale, full featured settlement founded by Stephen Gaskin, and 320 San Francisco hippies in 1971 as an experiment in sustainable, developmentally progressive human habitat. Being "full featured," it has all of the usual implements of village life--grocery store, medical clinic, filling station, schools, water systems, pharmacy, post office, cemetery, and scores of businesses and residences. Being "sustainable," it attempts--in all aspects--to harmlessly integrate human activities into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future. Being "developmentally progressive," it has a history of constantly pushing the envelope of what is economically feasible or even possible. While failures are an integral part of the experimental process, The Farm's successes are numerous and dramatic.

Among ourselves we try to use agreement and mutual respect to generate a friendly working environment. We recognize that there are many paths toward realizing personal ideals and that people have a wide range of individual social values, but as a group, we do not accept the use of violence, anger or intimidation for solving problems. The fabric of our community is created by our friendship and respect for one another, and for our land. The institutions we have developed to organize our community have changed over the years and will probably change more. The Farm is not really what we are doing--it is how we are currently doing it. It is a process, rather than an end-result."

[redwitch]

14. Sounds like a perfect spot!

Would they let Matcom come? :-)

[johnaries]

17. They are very open and welcoming.

They would probably even let B* visit - in fact, I bet they would LOVE the opportunity to teach him the error of his ways!

[redwitch]

21. I am sorry, he will have to pick another week

I do not wish to party with dubya! Unless it's a farewell party!

[johnaries]

23. LOL! I most ceratinly agree!

Although I think a couple of weeks at The Farm would do him some good.

Hmmm, sounds like a Movie of the Week plot.

How about Presidential Survivor? See who gets kicked out first - Bush, Cheney, or Rove...

[hootinholler]

40. Not even if we put him in a ...

Dunking Booth? Perhaps filled with New Orleans Effluent, or a reasonable facsimile?

Just sayin, it could be positive.

-Hoot

[Samantha]

49. Do you think Al and Tipper would "mosey" on over from their neck of the

woods? How about Dolly Parton? And what would they say to Bill Frist if he should show up? or Fred Thompson? Would Al ask Fred about that aide of his who showed up to beat on the door of the Palm Beach County recount committee as they tried to recount the chads or would he let it slide?

[redwitch]

74. Al and Tipper can visit, Dolly too, she's a peach

Al and Fred should stay home.

[MelissaB]

15. OMG! That's close to me.

I'm excited that this is even being considered.

[redwitch]

18. Well I thought it was a good idea, who knows?

I have been kicking myself for not making a better opportunity of the DC protest. But the Hawk and Dove was really crowded for the number of DUers that came and we were so tired from the drive, I just didn't get to meet and talk with enough people. DU is a pretty important place for me, you guys have held me up through some bleak times, I would love to celebrate us more. Here's hoping this might actually work.

[johnaries]

19. Me, too - one of the reasons I suggested it. Seriously, it embodies

so much of what DU and DU'ers stand for, I think it would be PERFECT! And I think many of us would enjoy the many classes and programs they offer.

Plus, I always wanted to visit.

[GreenInNC]

28. The Farm

The Farm is very cool, been to several workshops there.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

30. Last time I was up there, it was a barn and maybe three or four

other buildings. Stayed in a bus.

Fun times and I'd love an excuse to see what they've done with the place.

[Tuesday_Morning]

52. I was just there!

Very inspiring.

And their organization Plenty has been helping with Katrina. They just bought a bus and started taking supplies in and taking people out.

[Tigress DEM]

66. Hey Tues! You were at the DC meetup, right?

Do you think we would all benefit from practising protest chants and songs so we can belt em out strong together in DC the next time we go?

[Tuesday_Morning]

80. Hey! Hi, Tigress!

Yep - DC was the best time, wasn't it?

The Mother of the Mother of all DU Meetups would be great.

[Tigress DEM]

85. Well, I was with the best people that's for sure.

I'm just crawling out of my depression after Waging Peace with 1/2 a million people and being blown off by the press in favor of a St Bernard that swallowed a 13" knife and lived to bark about it.

Someone put it in perspective for me the other day. A protest in April 2004 with 1.2 million people for Pro Choice in DC was so ignored even * I * hadn't heard about it. I've been digging up under reporting on protests constantly since M19 this year.

The Peace March and the civil disobedience in DC were important to me. My son is draft age and I have a grandson 1 1/2 months old living in MI on the UP where unemployment is 74%. Before his son was born he tried to enlist 3 or 4 times and various reasons held him back, and now he realizes that as much as he feels honor bound to serve his country this war isn't honorable at all.

I have survivor guilt because my son lives. I can't look Cindy Sheehan or Lila Liscomb in the eyes. I can't even mention their names without tearing up. Ever soldier who dies could have been my son and I won't get over it. I'm using it to fuel my desire to Wage Peace, but it takes its toll on me.

[Tuesday_Morning]

86. These are crazy times..

... and I've felt all sorts of things about it. Hang in there, Tigress.

We are making a kind of stutter-step progress, I think.

[tavalon]

53. I've met Ina May before

but haven't been to the farm. I've wanted to though, to see their midwifery program.

[Tigress DEM]

61. What is their capacity?

Wouldn't want to stample in like a horde and overwhelm them.

[adarling]

6. kissing booth?

well who should be in this booth? I want ideas people!!!!!

[redwitch]

8. cast your vote here!

LOL I knew this would be a popular idea!

[adarling]

11. Barbara Boxer :)

I think shes pretty :smoke:

[redwitch]

13. Ah, But does she DU?

That's kind of important!

[Straight Shooter]

24. Howard Dean for the k-booth.

Or, I don't know, maybe *cough* bluebear :blush:

[Poiuyt]

35. Wow! I can think of a lot of DUers I would like to see in a kissing booth!

[Griffy]

57. you know Keith Olberman would draw a crowd! nt

[ClassWarrior]

71. I vote for redwitch!

:*

NGU.

[redwitch]

73. awww

thanks :blush:

[dorktv]

48. Skinner.

[Kurovski]

56. Oh, c'mon now y'all. You KNOW Will Pitt has to man the kissing booth!

[Kurovski]

59. How about this? Someone in a Bush mask kisses your butt, AND

a digital photo is taken of the event and emailed to you and/or printed out on the spot.

Sounds like a real moneymaker to me.

But then I'm from a very, very bad and disreputable part of town.

Edit: alternates could be...kicking George in the arse, flipping him the bird, or any other vile thing that the law and safety will permit.

[Tigress DEM]

62. John Conyers! Everytime he stands up for US I wanna kiss that man!

Maybe he could make a brief appearance there on the way to the speakers platform.

[enid602]

9. party

Make it for after the midterm elections. We could either have one hell of a celebration, or an 'eat shit and die' party.

[redwitch]

10. I was thinking summer

sort of a 3 days of peace, food and music deal. I know I can get some great musicians to come! Think DU Woodstock! SpinArt, Tshirts, information/activism booths. Just 3 days- you'll be all rested for the long hard slog to the finish! I plan on working for the Spitzer campaign here in NY and fall will be very busy. But July, 3 days, come on, everyone needs a vacation!

[longship]

16. Don't forget the free popcorn.

:popcorn:

And doughnuts and coffee in the AM.
:donut:

[redwitch]

20. But of course, mon ami, le popcorn will be there too.

Where would DU be w/o popcorn? And coffee and doughnuts, breakfast of champions!

[MelissaB]

22. Check out the website redwitch posted above

http://www.thefarm.org/


I've heard about this place all my life, but I've never been there.

[redwitch]

75. jonaries posted The Farm

I hadn't thought of it in decades.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

25. I likes... you mean a NATIONAL meetup. Yes!

[loudsue]

26. And SPEAKERS??? Maybe like Conyers, Boxer, DEAN???

Wes Clark would come, surely!! He'd love it! Dennis Kucinich!??? And AL GORE!!! And John Kerry! :woohoo:

Skinner, EarlG & Elad would HAVE TO be there!

:applause: Good idea!!

:kick:

[Tigress DEM]

63. Ted Kennedy is someone we forget about, but his speaches move me...

to tears, deep thought, anger and action.

He might be out of our league, but we could ask.

[RagingInMiami]

27. I personally would rather us have a giant meetup

In another organized protest against the bush administration in DC.

[Catchawave]

43. DC would be great....

we can invite our favorite Dems to speak to us too!

[Tigress DEM]

64. Well, this could be the charging up portion.

I went to DC in Sept and I noticed so many groups and peoples all together but seperate... you know the whole "hearding cats" thing.

What I believe is needed is harmony in the numbers.

If we can get a solid core of about 1000 people who can all sing the same song at the same time, recognize a hand signal and say the same chant at the same time.... then if we get out there with the next huge protest group we can be the ones who bring out the harmony and strength of all those voices by giving them an example of how it's done.

Frankly being in the midst of thousands protesting was great in a way, but seeing that energy so inefficiently used made me frustrated.

[sweetheart]

29. sounds fun

It needs to be a space with a set of smaller discussion spaces, and
not the hippy organic thing... i require a proper hotel with good food.

Perhaps in a less expensive city like cleveland, or against the travel
flow like a ski resort in the summer sort of thing... nice accomodation
without major cost... and a few day event, with "live forums".

[redwitch]

45. that sounds excellent to me

because, quite honestly my idea of camping is when room service is late.

[bonzotex]

31. great idea, talk it up! n/t nom

[rateyes]

32. Cool. Let's do it. nt

[ladjf]

33. I'm in.

[Sgent]

36. It seems like

accomodations and access to The Farm maybe limited. No ability to get their from the airport.

I couldn't get a clear picture, but not everyone is going to want to camp, and accomodations are limited for non-campers.

[MelissaB]

38. It's easy from Nashville.

From North:

Nashville to Columbia: Take I-65 South. About 30 miles from Nashville, take Exit 53 at the Saturn Parkway. At the end of Saturn Parkway, follow US Route 31 South to Columbia. About 9 miles south at a major intersection, turn right (south) onto US Route 43.

Columbia to The Farm: Take Highway 43 South for 22 miles to the intersection with Highway 20 (at Hughes' Grocery), which is marked for Summertown. Turn right onto Highway 20; you are now in Summertown. Check your odometer. At 1.5 miles you will bear right at the Summertown Market.

*Two miles further on Highway 20, immediately after passing under some powerlines, take a sharp right onto Drakes Lane at the county line. Drive 1.1 miles, turn right where Drakes Lane takes a sharp left, and 0.4 miles later you will see the white gate and brick Gatehouse of The Farm.

*If the Gatehouse is open, stop to check in.

*If you arrive after hours and the Gate is barred, you will need to go back to the Summertown Market and make a call from their outside pay phone, so we can come open the gate for you. Please call your accommodations provider.

[johnaries]

55. Wherever the meet-up is, maybe we can have a pre-meet-up

for Southern DU'ers at The Farm. Spend a day or two there, and then charter a bus to wherever everybody decides to meet for the main event.

[meganmonkey]

37. Cocktail hour starting at noon!

I'm so there - even without all day cocktails. It's just so fun to party with all you DUers!!!

:toast:

[lonestarnot]

47. at 9 a.m.

[AuntiBush]

39. Excellent Idea!

And it would be nice if it would continue on an annual bases, regardless. I'd love to meet fellow DU'ers. This has been the safest port in this storm, by far.

Thank you DU, Skinner and Earl!

[WillyT]

41. It' Been Called Before, A Couple Of Times By Me... And I Still Wanna Go !!

Couple years back, we discussed various scenarios on doing this, everything from Las Vegas (because of cheap airfares ), to somewhere in the middle of the country, like Boulder, CO.

Is that middle, LOL?

Never could come up with a viable time and place, but I think ya just gotta gather up interest, get enough commitments for a place, and then just go ahead and do it.

Otherwise it's like herding cats.

But don't tell CatWoman I said that.

:scared::wow::scared:

[redwitch]

78. Maybe DC before the next protest

But just find a bigger venue to meet. That really makes sense because buses will be coming from everywhere making it doable for a big chunk of the country. Plus, I wanna do it again!!!!! Herding cats is the perfect description of the Democratic Party as a whole, not just DU.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

42. Columbus - Election Reform Rally

and have it soon! We need to spread the word of what Sir Blackwell has done to our election system. He is running for Governor of Ohio and is currently ahead of Strickland in the polls.

The meet-up could serve a dual purpose and with the media finally pulling their heads out of the sand, maybe we can obtain coverage for the atrocity of the 2004 election.

[Road Scholar]

44. I wanna be a delegate!!!!

:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:

[shance]

46. Great idea. Why not have it in D.C. and lobby Congress?

n/t

[Griffy]

58. I like it,.. food fun and then get something DONE..

it would be good if we had something to DO befroe or after the party! I mean we all in same place and have similar objectives and ideals! lets get our voices heard!

[Hissyspit]

50. Daily Kossacks meeting in Las Vegas this year.

I meant to post for a DU convention after I got back from D.C. Thanks for doing it!

[sepia_steel]

51. A carnival would be a fun setup

we could use it to raise money for different causes.

and DON'T FORGET THE FUNNEL CAKE!

[More Than A Feeling]

54. Let's do it in Chicago

I'd love to meet y'all in person.

[driver8]

60. Oh man...Chicago would be perfect! Great food, great bars...we

could do it during the summer -- schedule a DU outing to a Cubs game! Plus, since Chicago is a major hub flights might be cheaper.

Put me down as an "aye" for Chicago.

[hfojvt]

67. sounds too much like a carnival, hootenanny or

frat party. Are we political junkies and activists here, or hedonists (or both?). "really good food and drink" sounds quite elitist to me, either expensive, esoteric, or both.

Whether we can travel and entertain each other seems to be a moot point to me. However, if we can do something similar in an internet environment, perhaps hammer out a platform and nominate some people that we would like to make delegates to the state and national Democratic conventions. Takes away the time and gasoline expenses.

[redwitch]

76. oh lighten up bub

The idea is to celebrate each other and DU. And we are political junkies, we also love life and care about each other- It is possible to be political and fun at the same time, in fact it is necessary, IMO. I would go crazy w/o a sense of humor.

[hfojvt]

79. Humour - ar ar

Only where is your punch line?

I am from the Puritan wing of the Democratic party, and we have fun by wearing black clothes, and sitting on hard wooden benches and listening to someone trying to channel Jonathan Edwards. (Okay we really eat Krispy Kremes and drink sodas while discussing the ontology of Shakespeare and playing chess, but the other caricature seemed funnier.)

Also, I love the sound of people calling me bub in the morning. It sounds like, like someone caring about me.

[redwitch]

81. I never call anyone bub without a great deal of affection

:loveya: I guess the Dems need the Puritan wing too, we have every other kind of wing known to humankind and it IS a very big tent after all.

[AnnInLa]

72. In New Orleans??

Lord knows, we could use the $$

[medeak]

82. mardi gras!

[symbolman]

77. Personally

I find Hawaii to be a very relaxing place, that way I wouldn't have to drive so far :)

Mai Tais, watching the sun coming up from a Volcano, seeing Humpback Whales jump out next to your boat from water that is so blue it looks like Tide E Bowl..

Tropical breezes, plumaria/flower smells drifting all about, bathtub water you can just walk into, sunny all year round.

There are places upcountry (that means up the side of the Volcanoe) where the temps are decent and it's more like farm country in the midwest - there are places that are there for retreats, make all the noise you want, get rowdy, see more stars than you may have ever seen in your life..

The smell of the ocean, snorkeling, shave ice, kayaking, deep sea fishing, dinner/sunset cruises (take over the whole boat, especially during the humpback whale season.

Buildings that come from the Whaling days, that make it look like a New England town in the tropics - one tree that covers a whole block that grow up and back down again (Banyan)..

Skidooing to another Island..

The list goes on - sometimes there are cheap fares to Hawaii that rival continental fares - if we bought a BLOCK of them somehow..

But that's just me, looking for an excuse to get someone to drag me away from the computer and down to the beach :)

I'll bring a guitar if someone (hey EarlG, YOU play Bass) will bring their instruments..

Could be a pretty unforgettable experience... personally, I've had it with the Mainland..

[La Coliniere]

83. Great Idea!

I'll be there. I need to make a few new friends.