Laura Hart-Special to the Sun

A young man who ended up questioning the motives of the government decided to do something about it. So he started his own podcast.

Jay Tomlinson, whose podcast is called “The Best of the Left,” will be the guest speaker at what local organizers hope will be the first annual “Progressive Freedom Festival” this Sunday, Sept. 10, starting at 2 p.m. at the Mountain & River Adventures Amphithe-ater just north of Kernville. Twenty-three-year-old Tomlinson said that during his childhood there was little discussion of politics in his household.

His awareness of politics, his self-described “awakening,” came after the 2000 presidential election.

Tomlinson, like many Americans, found himself questioning the motives and integrity of the government. So, he decided to do something about it.

The young member of the Y generation decided to ask why and started podcasting his message. Tomlinson creates broadcasts that can be downloaded or listened to over the Internet (http://bestoftheleftpodcast.com).

The idea for the show, he said, came from hours of listening to podcasts involving political topics. “I would always say to myself, I wish I could give this to someone because I love listening to it so much, I want to pass it on to my friends. And that actually gave me the idea to clip out the segments so all the people could hear them.”

Tomlinson's podcasts caught the attention of a local physician, Dr. Robert Gross, who decided to write in and tell him what he thought of him.

“You're the bomb,” Gross said he told the young broadcaster. (That meant he was good; not an actual explosive device.)

The two have kept in contact, and now Tomlinson will be joining Dr. Gross and his wife, Dr. Holly Spohn, for the first annual “Progressive Freedom Festival” this Sunday.

Tomlinson, whose podcast is called “The best of the left,” will be speaking about the role the Y generation will play in politics in the upcoming years. He said they will likely be the progenitors of a viable third party, as well as being able to organize more effectively.

“I think this generation coming through is going to be more knowledgeable about how to be involved in politics than possibly any generation before them, because of the Internet.”

Ted Little, philosophy instructor at Cerro Coso College, and his wife, Robin Wyatt Little, will also be attending the event. Ted Little, who says he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the ‘60s, encourages his students to become more involved in government and community.

“We're so excited about this event,” Robin Little said. “There's such a thirst, a hunger, out there for a new way of thinking.”

The Littles have their own concerns about the way the world is going and government is operating. “We've got grandchildren. And I look at the mess the adult world is leaving for them. We're taking away the future from them.”

With so many political terms becoming confusing, like the term “progressive,” Gross said it's more of a way of thinking than a political position.

“I'd really like to say ‘progressive' is not a political party. It's a philosophy, liberal in nature, a pragmatic philosophy in that we believe in the rights of individuals.”

Spohn, a former Republican, said she neither falls into the category of liberal nor Democrat, and is “open-minded to both sides.”

“Progressives have a strong, clear direction,” she said. “They don't vote party lines, but for the individual. They believe in the power of the people, that if you support your citizens your country will prosper.”

Sharon Beery found herself done complaining about politics and politicians a few years ago and was ready to get involved. She said she was impressed with a speech given by Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, whose message of peace hit home.

“I have to get involved. I have to stop grumbling, sitting on the sofa and telling the TV all about it.”

Beery will also be at the festival. She is now the Democratic nominee for the 22nd District Congressional seat held by Rep. Bill Thomas, who will be retiring at the end of his term.

Once a registered, card-carrying Republi-can, Beery said she still voted for the person and not the party, and has only recently found her home within the Democratic fold.

The former teacher and businesswoman said the divisiveness between the political parties has gotten to a point where it is causing damage to the system.

“We are Americans,” she said. “But some want to make it a team; like loyalty to the team; and their team is going to win. We have to stop this thinking or we're going to lose our country.”

Spohn said she hopes the festival will bring a message of change and political action and cooperation.

“This is not about being right or left; it's about being American. It is my hope that this festival will breathe some fresh air into the disappointed minds of struggling Americans. We want everyone to know they are not alone.”

The event will include guest speakers, live music by Out of the Blue and Blues Fusion, as well as information provided by various political action groups.

There will be a chance for festivalgoers to ask questions and make comments during an “open mic” session also.

Those planning on attending should pack a picnic lunch and settle in for a unique event in the Kern River Valley.

For more information, call Spohn at 760-793-4539.