One year ago today, I put up the first post on this blog. Now, one year and 430 posts later, I have to say that this site has become a lot more than I ever imagined it would, and it's taken me places I never thought I'd be.
Thanks to loyal readers, commenters both regular and infrequent, anonymice and everyone else who has contributed to making this site what it is today. This place has become more than just a blog--it's a forum and a community, too.
There's a lot to look forward to in the coming year, including more candidate interviews, more live Q&A sessions with candidates and other political figures and, of course, as much political and election analysis and commentary as you can stand (and then some).
So thanks again, everyone, for such a great first year, and here's to the next one!
46 comments:
It's a honor be the first one to post what many others will today. This blog is the class of the field around here. It's a vital and very necessary forum, run in a classy, fair and intelligent manner.
Thank you.
"an" honor, I meant
Thanks, Colin, I appreciate that. It means quite a bit to me, coming from you.
Congratulations on hitting the one year mark. I learn so much from this blog. Keep the quality coming.
Thanks, CGG! Glad to hear it.
GC:
Though it pains me - worse yet, scares me ;-) - to agree with Colin, he put it best: You are the class of the field. The political press monitors this blog, and with good reason. The discussion here is generally informed, reasonable and on-point.
Sure, there is partisanship and the occasional irrational zealot. That's politics.
But this much is clear: It is the premier site of its kind in Connecticut.
Although a relative late comer to this blog, I want to add my appreciation for the work you do in keeping this up, and the always interesting posts. Terrific work!
Different Anonymous: If I can get you to agree with Colin on something, I must be doing something right.
Thanks, Independent1! I appreciate your contributions!
Congratulations Genghis! You certainly have created a vibrant community with a wonderful range of voices. I think one of the big reasons people feel so comfortable threading here is because of your tone- restrained, deliberate and straight. Plus, you have an insider's knowledge of context and political relationships, but you stay grounded, ie. you don't get caught up in the 'game' of politics. Well done.
Genghis: Amazing what you can accomplishe when you simply throw out some decent ideas with good links and let the disccssion flow.
Congratulations
Thanks, Dan! May I also say that I appreciate what you do on your site as well.
Thanks, Daffy! I appreciate it.
And, as one of the irrational zealots, let me say that I really appreciate have such a great place to rant!
Happy Anniversary!
Aldon,
You're hardly an irrational zealot. Thanks! This place benefits greatly from your knowledge and opinions.
Nor did I mean Aldon when I referred to IZs ... DF84, are you out there? ;-)
Genghis and a different Anonymous,
I am glad that you find my zealotry rational, or at least that I'm not a zealot about irrationality, or whatever. I do try to keep some of the irrational zealotry at bay with my feeble attempts at humor.
On to a more important topic. Today, in Branford, Rafael DeGennaro launched ReadtheBill.org.
Read the Bill is a new organization which advocates that all federal legislation should be posted online 72 hours before coming to the floor of Congress. I've been helping Rafael a little with the website and I'm very excited about its launch.
In my discussions with him, I've also suggested that we should be advocating for this not only on the Federal level, but also on the State level, and perhaps even on the Municipal level for large municipalities.
I hope that everyone stops by and reads a little bit about ReadtheBill.org.
it would be great just if the legislators got to see the bills more than 72 hours before they had to vote. but I was keeping quiet on serious stuff today since I thought this should be Genghis' day!
Hmm, that's a pretty interesting idea, Aldon. There's a lot of merit to posting bills online a fixed period of time before they are considered--the blogosphere, specifically, has been very good at deconstructing bills rapidly.
I could see some problems at the state level because of the time limit our legislative sessions (and a lot of other states' sessions, too) have, but that could be solved by going full-time.
Like Daffy, I think it ought to be GC's day ... but if he has no objections, I'll agree in part and disagree in part - it is a good idea, but doesn't necessarily require a full-time legislature; they can still dither til damn near the very end of session, just as they always have, but would have to get their act together on the budget, etc. three days earlier than they have in the past.
Genghis Conn: You should truly be proud of what you created. This blog is the talk of the town in the political arena. Happy One Year Anniversary! Looking forward to the commentary this year!
Thanks, Anonymous!
Me too GC. A great example of individual civic leadership and democratic discussion. You are first amongst equals.
Here's to year 2!
How is Alito a Fascist? Please explain. I had no problem supporting him but now that you say that. Could you elaborate? Thanks!
Happy Anniversary, Genghis.
I saved this from a long time ago. Think it might fit the bill for the spirit of your blog:
"Partisan fervor and personal good will can -- in fact, must -- coexist, and the heated controversies over specific policies should never transcend the ultimate respect (affection) for individuals."
That was from Bob Michel, the House GOP Leader back when comity--not comedy--was the rule in DC.
Here's to fervor and good will!
Congrats! Gengis - well done. You have created a terrific blog - its hard to believe that its only been a year. As to the read the bill.org. Haven't gone through the site too much yet but having spent time in congress I know you can find any submitted legislation on the Library of Congress's website. http://thomas.loc.gov/home/c109bills.html
All legislation has to be presented to the floor before it can be sent to committee or added to the calendar for a vote. Hope this helps. You can search by topic, or by bill number. This link is to the browse by bill number, so you can see what has been introduced lately. :)
It is especially appropriate to be celebrating the first anniversary of Connecticut Local Politics today for another special reason. Three hundred years ago today, Abiah Franklin gave birth to her sixth son who she named Benjamin. One of Ben’s first jobs was working for his brother James, who published the New England Courant.
Later, Ben and some of his friends began the first public library in Philadelphia.
Today, they are celebrating the birth of Ben Franklin in Philadelphia and around our country. It is only fitting that part of the celebrations include the celebration of the first anniversary of Connecticut Local Politics.
Chris MC,
I appreciate it. Thanks for contributing so regularly to the site!
DeanFan,
We couldn't have a site without you, We may disagree, sometimes, but I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Brass Tacks,
Thanks, and that's a great quote. Very true. I'll remember it.
Becky,
Thanks! And you're right about Thomas, it's a great service. Much easier to search than the General Assembly's site.
Silence Dogood,
I always thought that Franklin, were he around today, would be very, very interested in blogs and online news sites. He was always a man who valued free access to information and the exchange of ideas. I hope we can do a little of that, here.
DeanFan 84, just so my comments don't get lost. You have me concerned over Alito. Can you please explain the Fascist thing? Sounds interesting. Thanks again!
becky, I believe that Thomas would be a great tool to facilitate the sort of sunshine law that ReadtheBill.org is advocating for.
My understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that there is no law requiring that a bill be posted online for at least 72 hours before it is voted on.
The ReadtheBill.org website claims that:
The House of Representatives still has a rule on the books requiring proposed legislation be available to members for three days. But the House waives this rule routinely and rubber stamps huge bills in the middle night, clueless of their content or cost. Senate rules are fuzzier but the result is the same.
Even if the bill is available to members for three days, that doesn't necessarily it is up on Thomas for 72 hours before the vote.
So, it would seem as if the goals of ReadtheBill.org are actually fairly modest and easily attainable, yet they would close a loophole in the current rule making process which would encourage better laws to be passed.
OK, Aldon, you wer a big supprter of CT's CFR legislation. It wasn't in the hands of the rank and file 72 hours before the vote or the debate on the floor according to my info. So what's up, doc.?
This story just hit the wire
U.S. Repeating Arms said Tuesday that it is preparing to close its flagship factory in New Haven, where Winchester rifles have been made for 140 years.
The announcement touched off a lobbying effort by city officials and union leaders who hoped to find someone to buy the plant before it closes March 31.
Thanks, MVD!
Thanks Deanfan! I'm not sure I agree with the fascist statement. He really didn't come across that way during the hearings. Too many people, from the left and the right said he was fair.
I just remember when Souter was confirmed a lot of close-inded people branded him a conservative and he turned out to be an impartial judge.
Congratulations, Genghis Conn - you put this old history major to shame.
Genghis, happy anniversary. i think the gift for a 1st year anniversary is supposed to be paper, but this being an internet blog i suppose this electronic acknowledgement of work well done is more appropriate. thanks for providing this forum of open discussion and diversity of opinions.
Thanks, Conn-Tiki! Thanks, Proud Moderate Dem! I really appreciate it.
Genghis,
Thanks for your innumerable hours of daily work on this site, your even keel, and your thick skin. I don't know how you do it. Thanks also for providing a great public service and an open "town hall forum" for Connecticut residents. More important than your role as a good blogger, you are a good citizen.
Oops! That last "good citizen" anonymous was me.
Thanks, Mike. This place wouldn't be nearly what it is without your insight and knowledge.
Congrats and thanks for this place.
I've been one of your harshest critics and even got you to call me a troll about 10 months ago (LOL) but it's only because you started off doing what was easy instead of what you were capable of.A good weblog takes work,time and alot of complicated relationships and your willingness to put more into this place is certainly showing,
THANKS
ctkeith,
Thanks to you, I've developed a marvelously thick skin! Seriously, I do appreciate your comments and your acid tongue. Thanks for keeping me honest.
Class has made me a day late anda dollar short - Congrats, GC and keep up the good work!
(and, the kind of class you go to, not the kind you have)
Yes, bugs, I did support CT CFR legislation, and I still do even though it wasn’t available online for 72 hours before hand. I even support the Constitution, even though it wasn’t available online for 72 hours before hand. I also support legislators who were elected before the CFR legislation was enacted.
If we only supported things that were perfect and were enacted by a perfect process, we would not be able to support anything. Instead, we need to work together to take every opportunity we can to improve the political process and the political outcomes.
Thanks, Gabe!
Aldon: you missed my point on the CFR, or I didn't explain myself well. The legislation wasn't even available in print to the rank and file 72 hours before they voted.; forget about being on line.
And you're old if you supported the Constitution.
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