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Alegre's Corner
We're not finished folks - not by a long shot!

I got a job! What's next for Alegre's Corner?

by: Alegre

Thu Aug 20, 2009 at 12:54:46 PM EDT


After months of cover letters, resumes, applications, job fairs, coffee with friends to brainstorm and commiserate, blogging, tweeting, facebook, networking events, seminars, trainings and press conferences, I finally found a new job.  And not just any job - but one I can really sink my teeth into, utilize my writing and editing skills and help someone I really believe in expand their presence on the World Wide Web.

At 46, I've finally landed that dream job we all hope for and I couldn't be happier or more grateful to my friends and network of advocates.

Next Monday, I start working for a Democratic Senator as their Chief Legislative Correspondent.  Given the type of work I was going after, I somehow knew I'd have to scale back - or even give up my blogging on this site and others.  Although I'll be behind the scenes, I won't be able to push for single payer or call BS on the White House if when they let us down.   My words could be traced back to my new boss and I can't do or say anything that would reflect badly on them, or run counter to their position on any given issue.  There are differences by the way, but overall this Dem is one that I really believe in!

So that means I'll have to step away from this site and hand things over to some of the other front pagers here.

Make the jump - there's more...
Alegre :: I got a job! What's next for Alegre's Corner?
So what's next for Alegre's Corner?  If we can convince folks like MassLib, Pacific John and maybe even eventually Campskunk to take over the reins of the site, things will continue much as they have for the past 15 months.

MassLib's our resident expert on health care reform, and given that it's such a huge topic of conversation right now with things changing at the drop of a hat, she'll have a lot to add to the discussion here.

Pacific John's got a lot of background info on how the primaries went down, and will play a huge part in pushing for caucus reform some day.  We specifically kept things neutral here during the general election last year to make sure Alegre's Corner remained viable down the road when it comes to calling for the reforms we all know need to happen.  John's also super-savvy when it comes to political strategy and I hope he'll play a part in keeping up with the day's events.

We haven't heard from our good friend Campskunk in a while.  Everyone needs to take a break now and then - especially given the BS that went down in last year's primaries - but I'm hoping he'll pop in now and then with posts and comments.  He's been one of the most rock-solid of the 18 million HillFans out there, and isn't afraid to call BS when our party falls short (which happens more and more often these days!).  His voice is sorely needed on the blogs.

If you all have other suggestions as to who might fit in on the front page here, I'm all ears.  I'm going on the assumption that someone will want to continue to post fresh content here once I start my new job next week.  If no one steps up and it looks like things will just flop around here, we may need to shut things down for a while.  I really hope that won't happen and that we can convince our friends to help keep the conversation going here!

Sunday will be my last day on the site - after nearly 15 years posting to blogs and discussion boards, it's going to be weird going cold turkey.  I'll continue with my efforts at online organizing on behalf of my new boss, but you won't see me around here for a while.
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I got a job! What's next for Alegre's Corner? | 58 comments
So what do you think? (0.00 / 0)
And if any of the folks mentioned above are around, chime in!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner
Good luck - - (0.00 / 0)
can you say who the senator is?
[ Parent ]
Thanks! (0.00 / 0)
I might mention it here before Sunday, but right now I'm erring on the side of discretion.  For now, I'll just say they've got a 100% rating from NARAL and Planned Parenthood re abortion rights, and 100% ratings from AFSCME and SEIU.

Rock solid Dem and then some!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
You know what? (0.00 / 0)
Err on the side of discretion, and don't give in to my idle curiousity.  There's still lurkers out there wishing you no good.
Irony?  Other than the plants and paid bloggers, the most rabid folks and ringleaders on the other team were denied jobs by their hero's vetting squad after their blogging was investigated, yet you're getting the type of job they were all angling for.
I love karma.
[ Parent ]
really good advice, far (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Interesting point (0.00 / 0)
That's a key difference between them and us, we sleep well at night. I have seen quite a few orange posters regretting their vile behavior that forced the writers' strike. While BHO people used abuse broadly as a grassroots campaign tactic, the tone set on the HRC side frowned on it, and it was only the random person on our side who broke with civility. For example, in field offices, when the one in a thousand racist crazy showed up, we would quickly show them the door. In Iowa, HRC herself ordered field organizers to strictly follow the rules and not have out of state voters caucus, something we know the Obama people did commonly* ("we have to stoop to her level since she'll do anything to win, wink, wink.)

Oddly, both campaigns were influenced by Saul Alinsky. Obama, did by taking the tack that anything short of breaking the law not only could be done, but should be done. If you can't play tough, you don't deserve to win, he said. Hillary, who studied under Alinsky in Chicago, took a counter example, that it's only really worth winning if you play by the rules within the system and treat the opposition with the respect you'd want.

But the Alinsky rules turned countless Obama volunteers into thugs and borderline criminals, unemployable in politics. Karma sucks if you don't live by the golden rule.

* see the documentary linked on the upper left. We talked to witnesses from most caucus states who tell the same story, that Obama organizers counted or attempted to count ineligible BHO voters and turned away HRC voters, especially older, vulnerable voters. As we know, in the four states that also had primary votes, BHO's numbers plunged by an average of about 20% when he couldn't manipulate the process. HRC lawyers still have hundreds of affidavits describing wide scale fraud, but they'll never see the light of day.

[ Parent ]
like Hillary (0.00 / 0)
we accept the outcome, and work within the system, but that does not mean that we weren't fully aware of transgressions, and we didn't like the sexism, mainly from the media but not stopped by our own party leaders.  It was a bad time, and while I'll always be glad McCain/Palin aren't in office, I won't stop holding Barack's feet to the fire, on positions.  Hillary was prepared for day one, meaning she had people lined up for administration positions, and they were raring to go. She respects professionals and experts ,and she had no ideological litmus test that would keep out the best qualified positioned to be most effective appointees.  He's found himself needing to go back on his 'strict' reading of who isn't eligible to serve in his administration, any litmus test is a mistake, it's ideology over performance.  Right now I want to know why there isn't a secretary or whatever the title, over medicare. I fear that this is ideological, and he's only going to accept someone who is ready to make cuts.  I don't think cuts are necessary, I think monitoring what doctors do and what they charge and riding herd on them is what's important. If they can 'show' it's necessary and not just a way to pad their own paychecks, then it should be done.  The 'cuts' ought not be lopped off the entire body.  

Hillary - alternative energy
[ Parent ]
You're right (0.00 / 0)
the other shoe to drop is Medicare cuts. The problem is broadly, insurance inflation and hospital inefficiency. Without real, natural competition from open enrollment Medicare, rates will not fall, so the only way to cut the healthcare budget is with an ax. This is an attack on the symptom not the cause.
[ Parent ]
what's the name (0.00 / 0)
for that bed that mythical guy would make his 'guests' sleep on, and if they were too big, he'd chop off the head and feet?  If medicare were open enrollment, and I could pay, my high premiums even, to medicare, which I'd gladly do, that would help lower income people, who also won't' use their entire premium on services, that's why insurance is so profitable, and iit would also shore up medicare.

I think medicare needs help, but not chopping off the head and feet, having oversight, something the pugs were never interested in, so much did they desire to show the inefficiency of government run programs they rewarded inefficiency.  

Hey, we agree on something, cool or what?  

Hillary - alternative energy

[ Parent ]
Procrustes, was his name-o (0.00 / 0)
I'd forgotten that part of the myth of Theseus.
[ Parent ]
yes, thanks (0.00 / 0)
i was all, Etruscan?  Not even close!!!  

Hillary - alternative energy
[ Parent ]
I love Karma too (0.00 / 0)
I think a lot of his supporters got left out in the cold - especially the more abusive folks on the blogs.

We tried to keep things civil.  Didn't always succeed but we tried - a great alternative to abuse was humor and snark.  Humor diffuses things and when all else fails - mock, point and giggle.

I'll never forget the way Campskunk shut Bob Johnson down cold whenever he posted that great picture of a young Hillary (admit it Bob - you want me!).  That was a total CLASSIC!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
You were a class act from Day One (0.00 / 0)
and a real role model that some of us failed to follow. You're one of the leaders that I am most proud of in the past election.

Congratulations on getting a dream job. You've earned it.  

[ Parent ]
Thanks Lorelynn (0.00 / 0)
Haven't seen you around in a long while.  I hope you stick around and take part in the conversation!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner
[ Parent ]
Are you kidding? (0.00 / 0)
I'm in here fifteen times a day. LOL For real.  
[ Parent ]
Glad to hear (0.00 / 0)
you got the job of your dreams.
Conratulations Alegre (0.00 / 0)
You deserve it.
Thank you for everything you have done !
We will miss you !
withdrawal symptoms (0.00 / 0)
of course you'll be busy, but it will be a change.

I'd like to revisit the primary days, when you were making those great posts on dkos with substance and vitality.  It was great reporting and you got picked up on hillary hub lots.

but, mostly let's recall our strike.  You were the face of it, posted the diary that got publicity from Colbert, who claimed to have read all 1000 plus comments.  And you've continued to get misunderstanding and hate from those big orange kids.  You were under a microscope as were some of the rest of us, our words picked over, taken out of context, and with some threats that were so small and angry and misinformed.

Now of course everyone loves Hillary and it's clear we were supporting the best candidate and had real reasons, not being against anyone, but for her.  Things have changed.

Best of luck in your new job, and you'll be so busy, maybe you won't notice withdrawals.  

Hillary - alternative energy

Yeah, but I'll miss my online friends (0.00 / 0)
I won't be able to blog, but no one says we can't still stay in touch via email (hugs).

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner
[ Parent ]
As for the primaries (0.00 / 0)
It was definitely a team effort.  I may have been a cheerleader and a target of the orange weenies, but we were working side by side to get Hillary's message out onto the blogs.

I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
and we were successful (0.00 / 0)
we followed her positions and reported them accurately.  We answered snarks as if they were real questions, with real and substantive answers.  We had a great candidate, and she kept everyone informed of her positions.  It was easier before Edwards dropped out, then they were fighting with each other, and only few bothered to insult us.  Now it seems the Edwards supporters are blogging for public option and some of Barack's supporters are saying one reason they supported him was they want real choice on health care, which means the choice of medicare.  

I hope that this  place lasts, and we keep the message of accountability, and experts/professionals and best science in making decisions that affect all of us.

I rather think we and the others may have had some impact on Hillary being asked to serve as secretary of state.  We kept the message of her abilities and experience, not only what an inspiration she was to women, who watched her get 'smacked' and come back smiling, professional, on point.  How she did it I don't know. she has real stamina and real abilities and she's really a public servant.    

Hillary - alternative energy

[ Parent ]
Congratulations; good luck; thank you (0.00 / 0)
Take care and continue to influence the world around you.
I am so happy for you and the family (0.00 / 0)
We've been through alot together so I just have to drop in and say a few words.

You will be sorely missed but I bet the extended vacation from here will do wonders for you.

You, Alegre, were my saviour when I felt lost in the Internets.  You were and still are an inspiration to those of us looking for the secret of civil discourse among those who may agree on the goal yet disagree on methods.  Our band of monkeys may not have always been nice to the young, F word prone cheetos but we could always rely on Alegre to elegantly state a case.

You are a wonderful writer.

Thank you dear friend for all you've done.  We had a blast didn't we?

Your friend always,

Don Schwartz
NewHampster
http://www.partizane.com

Fighting for women at Partizane

well said (0.00 / 0)
a job well done.  

Hillary - alternative energy
[ Parent ]
Congratulations (0.00 / 0)
I'm so happy for you.  I know how concerned you have been, and now you not only have a job, it's the job of your dreams.

How wonderful that this is the door that opened when the last one closed.

I don't post much, but I do read often... (0.00 / 0)
Best of luck to you.  The senator is one lucky guy. It is great to know that your smart voice will be guiding him/her.  

I really appreciate your efforts for Hillary and our democracy.  

or girl (0.00 / 0)
one lucky person.  

Hillary - alternative energy
[ Parent ]
Congratulations (0.00 / 0)
Read your post all the time but don't always comment. Hope the blog survives. Great source of info particularly on the health insurance legislation.

You will be missed.

Hey MO Blue - Glad to hear from a lurker! (0.00 / 0)
I hope you stick around and post a bit more from here on out!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner
[ Parent ]
Congratulations! (0.00 / 0)
Congratulations!  And some more congratulations!  I'm so happy to hear that, and even happier to hear that it's not just any job, but one you wanted.  Also that it's one where you can keep being effective for truth, justice, and, well, can't really call it the American way anymore, but you know what I mean.

I'm so pleased for you and for us, I don't know how to tell you!

alegre, thank you and congratulations. (0.00 / 0)
Congress just got a little bit better and it could surely use it!

Your strike diary marked my permanent exodus from the  abusive orange, too. I had gone to your posts every day as a refuge from the bullying and the horribly disappointing twisting, lying, manipulating.....well. you know.  I really admired how you and some meaningful others stood up to it all and still produced thoughtful, balanced work every day.  And Anna and others faithfully worked through the comments in many diaries trying to offer facts and reason and encouragement to people with genuine questions and concerns.

When the strike started, I saw that volunteering for that particular type of abuse so prevalent in the orange haze was not the only way to serve a cause or a campaign, and ,for me, not a healthy place to be at all, ever again.  Thank you for leading the way out of the quagmire and into a lovely light space in your corner.  I, too, hope the Corner stays around for a long time.

I have come here every day since the strike day. It was hugely important to us to have your safe place and it helped us through a terrifically hard time. I still make it the last of the blogs I check in on, because I know there will always be something good to read and I will always feel encouraged and a little better.

During these very difficult times, this has been a priceless gift. I hope the other site leaders keep it going.(Besides, it needs to be here for Hillary's next run, right?)

I am thrilled that you got the job and trust it will be the beginning of a great career.  You have been doing the work for so long and doing it so bravely and so well.

Thank you and good luck!

Ditto (0.00 / 0)
(And I don't mean ditto-head!)

What itsadryheat said.

Coyote

[ Parent ]
Congratulations Alegre ! (0.00 / 0)
Such a bittersweet moment, thrilled for your new position and will miss your thoughts and musings!

I'll stick around as a reader and commenter, I like the people here :)

Good luck with the jobber, and now when I hear a Senator say something intelligent.....I'll know you wrote it :)))

When I was a congressional staffer in the 60's, I couldn't protest the Vietnam war anymore, so I totally understand the lockdown .... lol.

No one deserves this more than you, Alegre. (0.00 / 0)
We'll miss you for sure, but I couldn't be happier for you.

Carolyn Kay
MakeThemAccountable.com

Alegre, (0.00 / 0)
We all knew you had it in you, and just think of all those angry little abusers of us Hillary people, and laugh.  They are the ones still blogging and abusing and will never amount to anything at all, while you the one they downgraded the most and are now high above them. ROFLMAO!

Anyway, I am grateful that you and the others here protected me from the big bad monsters and gave me company while I was licking my wounds.  We knew what we were doing all along.  

Have a great time, and send us a sign once in a while that we monkeys will recognize just to say hello.  Pull your tail or something in the background when the camera is on your senator.  

Good luck and have fun!

Hops

All My Best Wishes Go Out to You, Alegre (0.00 / 0)
My thanks also.  When PUMA types needed leaders you were there.  You showed us the way.

What a coup for your Senator.  What a loss for blogging.

I doubt there would have been a PUMA... (0.00 / 0)
if Alegre hadn't started The Strike.

I was so proud to leave with her and have followed her every step of the way this past 1 1/2 years.

I don't know what I'm going to do come Monday morning and I don't go to Alegre's Corner on my bookmark list.

[ Parent ]
You Are So Right, Coyote Creek (0.00 / 0)
I doubt if Alegre has any idea how much influence she has had on so many people. Her strength has been an inspiration to all of us.  

That funny, empty feeling at the closing of a beloved blog is familiar to many of us. You wonder if you'll ever find another site where you feel at home.  Maybe I can help.  I don't think Alegre would mind if I invite you to drop in at New Hampster's place...Partizane.  Hamp and Alegre go back a ways and they've always supported each other.  The conversation there is much the same as it is here.  

Here's the address:
http://www.partizane.com/

Stop by and say "Hi".  

[ Parent ]
We're NOT closing up shop here (0.00 / 0)
I hope everyone sticks around.  There's still a lot of work to be done re health care reform, caucus fraud, fighting for women's rights here at home and around the world, climate change, health care reform (did I mention health care?)... and lots of other progressive causes.

Your get the idea. :)

I really hope MassLib, Pacific John and a few other folks will keep the discussion going.  I'll be around through Sunday but if anyone wants to link up via Facebook (which I'll probably still use for non-political stuff), send me a note at...

alegrescornerATyahooDOTcom

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
I didn't think you were intending to close up at all. (0.00 / 0)
So creeper must have misunderstood.  There are people here who post all the time and I think they will continue.  I might even whip up a diary or two.  I don't think any of us have the desire to see this place fade away.  People writing on the side can always be promoted and it can be a community blog if nothing else.  We all have the same interests and desires.
[ Parent ]
That's a great idea Hop! (0.00 / 0)
In fact... (and I think you know where I'm headed with this one) your comment might make for a great diary in and of itself!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner
[ Parent ]
My Apologies, Alegre (0.00 / 0)
I should have paid closer attention.  What I should've written was that if someone came visiting here and there was no one home they would be welcome next door.

Thanks for straightening me out, Hoppy.

[ Parent ]
No worries Creeper! (0.00 / 0)
I like Hop's ides about this being core of a cooperative effort though.

Maybe the front page posts could come from the Rec. List.  The remaining Admins could look for great posts with lots of recs and promote.

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
I'll add Hamp to my list...and stick around here, too. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
CC: I hope you keep visiting (0.00 / 0)
AND posting here!  Your voice is an important one.

I think some of the other front pagers will keep the conversation going.  And you always have the ability to post your own diaries too!

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
yeah (0.00 / 0)
GREAT hope you like it
Congratulations, Alegre. I am so happy for you, and best of luck on your (0.00 / 0)
new job which sounds mighty fine.  This site has been an oasis.  I am so sorry your enthusiastic voice will not be leading our discussions.  However I understand your energy and concentration have to be focused on your new employer.  I hope he/she appreciates your talents and intelligence.  Again, good luck.
Congrats on the job (0.00 / 0)
It's a miracle when anyone can find a job let alone their dream job these days. You should get another alias and continue to contribute your voice online even if it is not at this blog. And I hope this job leads to other opportunities in DC politics.

Thank you for giving all of us a home and I hope the other writers here decide to continue this blog.  

Congrats (0.00 / 0)
I's so happy for you!!!
Congrats!!! Very happy for you (0.00 / 0)
And now I must insert a pedantic note -- I can't help myself, I'm an editor -- but please, it's "use" not "utilize." I know "utilize" has become accepted but it's one of those made-up corporatese monstrosities that makes us wordsmiths shudder. Like "prioritize" or "incentivize."

Now I have to go lay down in a dark room for a long, long time.

Sorry -- my main point is CONGRATULATIONS!!!  

LOL! Thx DO! (0.00 / 0)
Hey I'll be editing the work of others.  This is a great pointer and one I'll keep in mind as I take on my new job!

I've spent the past 21 years working in lawfirms.  Words like "utilize" and "prioritize" tend to creep into our vocabulary.

Invest in Women - Change the World
http://twitter.com/alegrescorner

[ Parent ]
Congratulations! (0.00 / 0)
After 21 years in a law firm, you deserve a break!  Moving from K Street (literally or figuratively) to Capitol Hill is something I hope to achieve one day too.

Congrats on landing a job that you can believe in.  And the paycheck will be nice too.

Thanks for this blog, it was and continues to be a nice respite from...certain other blogs.

[ Parent ]
I am so happy for you! (0.00 / 0)
And happy for us too, because your new gig means there's one more person working in government who gets it, who cares and who is fighting the good fight.

Congratulations!!!!!!

Great news! (0.00 / 0)
If Maslib wants any feedback on actuarial matters - health insurance, finance, etc. - I'll be glad to help.

I know you will handle both the major job and the greater exposure very well - so go for it and enjoy!

Papau (Bill)

Just wanted to jump in and say... (0.00 / 0)
Best wishes! Hope your work turns out to be personally gratifying, etc, while your voice will certainly be missed!
Alegre! How cool is that?!!!! (0.00 / 0)
Yippeeee!  I'm so happy for you.

Here's some advice from an elder:  do what's right for you and your family and let the cyberworld take care of itself.   If you shut this site down, so be it.  Bigger sites have come and gone and the sun still rises in the east.  

Bless you for what you have done, but go now and start your new chapter in good health.  

Congratulations! (0.00 / 0)
I hope PJ and Masslib and Campskunk (if anyone can convince him to come up out of hiding) will be able to continue the site.

On a personal note, Alegre, it's very encouraging to see at least one person get her dream job despite the horrible economy; that it's a government job, where you can do some good -- that a PUMA voice will be behind the scenes, helping get things done -- much less your voice . . . well, it's inspiring, and that's all that can be said.

I came to AC to see if anyone was commenting on Obama's "wee-weeing" -- a silly comment that annoyed me, as it trivializes the suffering people are going through trying to pay for health care and/or expensive medications (such as the Celebrex I must pay for, without insurance; the "you can get it free!" programs are a joke, with them sending things back three and four times until the person gives up -- it's three times for me and I'm not going to give up).  Instead I found this, which is bittersweet news in that AC won't be guided by you any longer -- but OTOH, you'll have won something so different, with such long-lasting positive ramifications, that I can only say once again -- CONGRATULATIONS!

There's no excuse for this, DNC.  None.

Congratulations! Don't forget your old DK buds (0.00 / 0)
Remember those of us who were there at the beginning, who left voluntarily or in, who saw the direction that things were headed and called it in advance.  
So glad to see you gainfully employed.  Your senator will be the envy of many.  
I got a job! What's next for Alegre's Corner? | 58 comments
"Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you?re knocked down, get right back up. And NEVER listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on."
Hillary Clinton - June 7, 2008

Hillary Clinton
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