Just came back from a great weekend at Netroots Nation. What an amazing experience.

On my first day, after a long day of events, receptions, and chats, I took a quick break from the convention and drove about 30 minutes out to Lockhart to dine on some Texas BBQ at Smitty's Market.

While we were eating, a man in his late 50's comes up to us and asked "where ya'll from?"

"We're from different parts of the country – we're here for the Netroots Conference."  The man replied "ya'll must then be a bunch of lefties?"

We readied ourselves for a tirade of extreme right-wing attacks.

"Let me tell ya'll somethin', I'm a Baptist minister and a born-again Christian," he said.  "Everyday I pray for the Bush Administration to end its reign in Washington and return to Crawford."

Relieved, I remembered that change isn't about dividing Americans, left and right. It is an acknowledgment that Washington isn't working for average Americans—left and right—and that we need a new direction. I hope to bring that change for all South Floridians whatever their politics.

And while the Netroots Nation is a progressive bunch, we're not out-of-the-mainstream. We're concerned with the same thing that most Americans are concerned with – finding a way out of Iraq, fixing our economy, and providing affordable healthcare.

Ever since my work at NDN, I have admired the work of bloggers.  The rise of the blogosphere is, after all, one of the most empowering and democratic developments our country has ever seen.

You share your ideas with millions of readers around the country, while keeping politicians from both parties in check and supporting movements that can change our country.

My weekend in Austin has helped me appreciate and understand the work you do so much more. On Friday morning, I had breakfast with many of the bloggers that have supported our campaign over the course of this year. It was exciting to hear their thoughts in person.

Thanks for joining us in empowering regular folks to take back the destiny of South Florida and our country.

Thank you for everything you do.

www.joegarcia08.com