America Speaks

I volunteered to facilitate a table in a national town hall meeting about the budget. It was sponsored by America Speaks, and in Dallas there were 500 people. In total, across the US there were 4500+ people involved. It was an impressive event. It was the largest national discussion on our fiscal future. It was my second time volunteering with this non-partisan organization and not my last.

The color guard practiced to get presenting the flags just right and the session started off with all assemblies pledging allegiance to the flag. Since 9-11 I can't get through it without choking up. No tears just a big lump in my throat.

All the facilitators were identified by light blue t-shirts and we were on it all day. It was a jam packed session to get people from very diverse ideas and background to come to a consensus of sorts on the budget. It was mostly about dialogue--and that was what my job was about--making sure all viewpoints were heard. Sometimes this was easy, some times not. What was really hard was not to interject my own opinion.

I was at table 3--front and center of the assembly so we had press sitting in, with the table ok. I finally had to get them to leave because the reporter knew he had a story with one of the more vocal guys at the table. I was exhausted at the end of the day and felt that I had done something of importance to help all voices be heard.

The budget is a mess.

We need action now.

Get yourself informed, please.