So sometimes an idea just hits you like a lightning bolt. It often takes a combination of factors, if you're as dense as I am.

I was reading my pal Howie Klein's awesome blog today, and he announced that he and Jane Hamsher, as well as a few other notables in the blogosphere (John Amato and Matt Stoller) are going to be launching a Blue America Speaker's Bureau, to add to their other fanstastic Blue America efforts.

This is SO important, to get progressives a in front of crowds to practice speaking and to help those of us who go on tv for no or little pay, the chance to earn some money speaking.

Well, as if there were not good enough, Howie was kind enough to use me as the example of someone this project is set up to support. I was honestly flattered. This is no bullshit. I have so much respect for Howie, I can't tell you. He has had a ridiculously successful career in the music industry, and could be on an island somewhere right now double-fisting drinks with umbrellas. Instead he has chosen to fight for progressive values.

And when I say fight, I mean fight. Howie is one of those guys we all love, who hits the other side as hard, and usually harder, than they hit us. We need more Howie Kleins. Go visit his blog early and often. And you can catch the Blue America conversation right now at Firedoglake.

Yet, in the meantime, here's what hit me like the proverbial lightning bolt. I had been looking for an award to give to pundits/bloggers who kick ass, like The Jim Webb we give to public servants.

Well it now has a name folks: The Howie Klein

We'll have our first honorees today or tomorrow.