After being offered a new job with USDA, Shirley Sherrod told the media she indeed wants to hear from the President, to acquaint him with some realities from her life that he may not understand. So she needs to be convinced that he — the President of the United States — believes in, and will fight for, the principles he claims to hold.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack issued a statement this a.m. saying he will reconsider the case that led to the forced resignation of Shirley Sherrod, after he and the Obama Administration faced a storm of criticism for their actions.

Rep. Grijalva is doing what we always ask progressives to do.  While others stood by and watched Van Jones and Yosi Sergent and a huge piece of progressive infrastructure swept away by capitulation to Glenn Beck’s McCarthyist tactics, he’s fighting.

Let him know we need more of that.

I’m going to be at Eschacon starting Friday night, probably buying Manhattans for Rox who will be doing my drinking for me. I’m also going to be moderating the first panel on Saturday morning at 8:45 (*yawn*) am on “Having an Impact.” My fellow panelists will be Atrios, NTodd and the lovely Digby.