Our brand-new non-profit, Hartford 2020, along with Charter Oak Cultural Center and Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, hosted a showing of the documentary, “Hot Coffee,” with a talk-back by the film’s producer/director, Susan Saladoff last night. (That’s her talking before the film.)
If you came, you know what the night was like — a thought-provoking documentary, followed by thought-provoking conversation. I thought people would be ready to leave right after the film, but most stayed, and the conversation continued.
If you didn’t come, please consider coming to Hartford 2020’s next event. (We have a play planned for October, but we’re casting about for other events between now and then.)
Last night, we solicited ideas for future topics, and got some great ones, such as child poverty in Hartford, Hartford schools, public education funding in the state, women’s reproductive rights in the state, religion income inequality and a documentary called “Forks Over Knives,” which of course I went and loaded onto my Netflix queue.
Thanks to all who came, thanks very much to Janice LaMotta, Charter Oak’s artistic director, and see you again soon.
Dating Jesus 
Thanks to all for bringing Saladoff and her film to Hartford. “Thought-provoking” only begins to describe the film’s content / context / concept — thoughts aren’t just provoked, they’re crashing and flailing around and when combined with thoughts about the money (especially outside money) involved in Wisconsin’s contest, they become head-banging. The director kept saying “show this to other people, get active, together we can change things,” I kept thinking “no, I fear we can’t.” I hope I’m wrong.
I hope so, too, with all due respect. The night before, she spoke at the annual meeting of the CT Trial Lawyers Association, and she spoke in more detail about how she kept waiting for someone else to tell the public the truth behind much of what we so quickly call “frivolous lawsuits.” It was pretty inspiring, and I think no one is more surprised at the worldwide head-nodding than Susan Saladoff, herself. As she said last night, she’s just one person and look at the conversation she’s started.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform and the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York have mounted a formidable response to the documentary.( Which should strengthen the argument for more open access to the film.) Did any of the conversation touch on that?
It did. I’m jealous she has such organized opposition.
And their videos are free.
She needs to work on that website…internet presence. “Google bombing,” “trolling” and “house Parties” aren’t going to help much against that kind of opposition.
If she wants trolls to help keep the conversation going, she needs to lend some support. Update the FAQ section at least. We need more press…more (updated) links…easier to find links…MORE PRESS. When I type “Hot Coffee” in the interweb’s comment boxes, I don’t want people thinking about an upgrade to Grand Theft Auto.
Dude! Do you hire out?
Well…that depends on what you’re looking for.
Leftist trolls…good ones…are rare but not unheard of. They’re not cheap either. Mostly they’re free. But in a down economy, it’s good to remain open to suggestions.
Awesome stuff, I’m loving it dude!