Posted on 07/10/2008 4:46:13 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
Texas' Defending the American Dream summit will include topics for bloggers.
Move over, Netroots Nation: The conservatives are coming.
As an estimated 3,000 people, mostly liberal bloggers and online activists, convene in Austin next week, the Texas chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots organization that champions limited government and free markets, has added for the first time a new-media emphasis to its traditional Defending the American Dream state summit.
"We're not trying to go toe-to-toe with Netroots," said Peggy Venable, Texas director of Americans for Prosperity, noting that the conservative meeting might be one-tenth the size of the Netroots Nation convention.
The creation of RightOnLine.com, however, underscores the concern that liberal activists are using the Internet more effectively than conservatives.
"We recognize that the left has been more active online," Venable said. "We're doing this for the (conservative) movement here in Texas."
Venable said her organization has found at least 120 conservative bloggers across the state and has begun introducing them to one another: "We're shocked we found that many."
She said RightOnLine.com was created to promote the two-day meeting but could be available for a larger role in the conservative movement in Texas.
She said many of the 300 to 350 attendees are interested in the "bread-and-butter" issues of taxes and government spending.
Speakers include nationally-known tax reformer Grover Norquist; former U.S. Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr.; former Maryland Lt. Gov. and GOP vice-presidential possibility Michael Steele; and Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr.
Robert Novak, a syndicated columnist, will represent "old media," but "new media" speakers will include author and blogger Michelle Malkin and RedState.com director Erick Erickson.
There also will be workshops on such topics as getting started as a blogger, social networking and using online video. Computer-assisted reporting techniques also will be taught.
Several national organizations, including the Sam Adams Alliance, the Heritage Foundation, the Leadership Institute and the Media Research Center, are assisting.
"We want to teach our bloggers to be responsible," Venable said the agenda. "We feel some of the left sites are mean-spirited and irresponsible."
Venable said the conservative meeting is getting a higher national profile among conservatives, thanks to the coinciding conventions.
"I think Netroots will help keep Austin weird," she said. "Ours will help keep Texas prosperous."
lcopelin@statesman.com;445-3617
Defending the American Dream Texas Summit
July 18-19
Renaissance Austin Hotel
9721 Arboretum Blvd.
Register at www.defendingthedream.org/TX/ or by calling 476-5905
Great Idea!
It’s about damn time!
AFP ping!
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