NEW: What Netroots Thought of Providence
Monday, June 11, 2012
Over the weekend, Netroots Nation, an annual conference of Progressive bloggers and activists from across the country, took place in the capital city. T
he event, held in the Convention Center, was a buzz of activity. Conference goers walked around the space while wearing bright orange lanyards, laughing, texting, tweeting, networking, resting, and arguing. The conference was a mix of veterans activists and newly involved, young and old, establishment types, anti-establishment types, yet all were some form of tech-savvy.
Netroots was a chance for a community of online bloggers, from around the country, to come together to discuss and strategize. What exactly? Everything from building a movement to promoting better investigative reporting, fighting for LGBTQ equality and union wages, fighting sexism and protecting the environment. Not everybody's purposes aligned - but all claimed to be part of the Progressive political community.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSo what did the progressives think of Providence? GoLocalProv took to the streets.
"I actually live here! I love it. It's a great place to live ... must be a great place to visit." Julie Meyers, Providence, RI
"Where's Buddy?" - "Bo Reilly" - alias of conference goer who wished to remain anonymous
"This is lovely, feels idyllic, there's a great spirit. It has everything you need it to have to be a robust city." - Maz Ali
"I wish the streets were on a grid." - Sara Critchfield, Cleveland
"Always liked Providence.... I've visited several times. It's a nice...It's easy to get to lots of places, and there are lots of places to get too." - Neal Traven
"I love Providence. I was talking with the Occupy people, and was struck how totally cooperative and supportive the city and Mayor had been with them [during the encampment]. I'm leaving with a good impression of city and law enforcement." - Judy, Maryland
"Really love the city. I heard things, but was very pleasantly surprised. Downtown is really beautiful, there's a great vibe, people were out and about, the city's diverse- all people and all ages. I live in New York, and I will definitely comeback. " - Ishita Srivastava, Director of the film "Checkpoint Nation"
"I haven't been to Providence in a long, long time, more than 15 years. I'm from New York, and truly, this place is gorgeous! The city is impressive and beautiful -and the locals seem engaged and loyal." - Aime Thorne-Thomsen, New York City
"I love the old buildings- I don't like glitzy looking cities like Atlanta- I love places that hold onto their history. The architecture is beautiful. Though as I find out more, I hear the story of things to be not so proud of as well, like the city's role in the Slave Trade. " -Kara Harper Royal, New Orleans
"To be honest, I'm staying in the Marriott, so I haven't seen too much... I did have an interesting conversation with a security guard. He was very open, and works as a substitute teacher in the schools. He spoke about some of his frustrations with education. If he is an indication, there is great openness here." - Cheryl McLeod, Maryland
"Not too much out of conference, but the city looks interesting. I've never been to New England before, and I'm struck by the physical integrity of the city. I'm staying at the Comfort Inn in Pawtucket, and I took the bus downtown. There are some lovely houses, very, very nice. Though, I've ridden two bus lines and the view is a bit different depending on the one you take." - Jody Dublin, New York City (originally from Florida)
