Hackett, Schultz, Jim Dean speakers at DFA Miami Leadership Dinner.

"With the view of a perfect sunset overlooking a tranquil, sailboat filled bay, the lights of downtown Miami shimmered in the setting sunlight. The room was filled with community activists, democratic leaders, candidates for office, and elected officials. Enjoying the beautiful centerpieces, surf 'n turf, and inspirational speakers, people from all over the community came to enjoy DFA Miami's 1st Annual Leadership Awards Dinner. The honorees received awards for progressive leadership and distinguished public service."

Taking the microphone off the podium to speak comfortably with the guests, DFA Chair, Jim Dean thanked the activists for continuing to build this movement from the ground up, motivated everyone to continue their engagement in campaign activities, and encouraged the candidates running for office to deliver the progressive message needed to retake our democracy.

Keynote speaker, Paul Hackett urged the need for more unity and strength behind the issues we know are right, such as censuring the President. He stressed the importance of separation of church and state, the freedom to have one's own belief system, and sent a message of how we should address the radical religious element... or rather how not to address the religious right.

Radio talk show host, Ed Schultz, orated a powerful message about the dangers of monopolistic media ownership. He pointed out that liberal programs are outnumbered 10-1 (440-40), and that media owners do not want to disseminate the progressive message as readily as they do right wing programs, generally as a result of the political leaning of the media company(s) owners.