Others in attendance included Indiana Democrat Senator Evan Bayh, who stayed around for a Q&A session long after the impressive panel of lawmakers had departed; Democrat Rep Bruce Braley; Jim Cooper, a Tennessee Blue Dog Democrat; former seven term Republican and Chairman of the House Government reform Committee Tom Davis; Mickey Edwards former Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee; Senator Dean Heller (R-NV); former Governor, now Senator Joe Manchin who evaluating current Congressional leadership of both parties, offered, "I'm not used to this kind of leadership," which allows, indeed encourages progress with Filibuster; Florida Democrat Senator Bill Nelson who insisted what those in our political system need, "is some walking around common sense;" and Wisconsin Republican Tom Petri.
Though not a protest group by any means, "No Labels" is less "grassroots" in its top down structure, having been founded by a number of well connected and respected DC political insiders, like Mark McKinnon and Brookings Institution senior fellow Dr. Bill Galston -- how else would they have been able to get so many former and current members of Congress to attend -- It is however, well on its way to accomplishing its goal of growing current membership of 180,000 to one million.
The Good News: Vote for Transparence of Super PAC Donors came within one vote of breaking the Filibuster that prevents its debate. "No Budget, No Pay" potential vote received the greatest ovation of the day. Senator Byyh reminds us that Democracy's greatest weapon is an "informed public and involved people."
The Bad News: Each time one of the 400 attendees mentioned OWS or its activities, No Labels hosts, noticeably steered the conversation away from any such acknowledgement of that American reality.
In hoping for the best for all who join the good fight, dare we hope for some sort of marriage between those waving signs marching through the streets against the offenders and those who know people in high places who are charged by "We the People" to protect, preserve and defend, not only the Constitution, but at least 99% of all Americans?
Just imagine, a world in which "No Labels" became the bridge between a Tea Party and OWS philosophy, gluing Red vs. Blue back into Red, White and Blue, recapturing our essence: "Out of Many, One."
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