This is my first post!
Hi there everyone and thank you for being here. I found you during the last few weeks of this election cycle. You helped me keep my sanity and sensibility amidst craziness and nonsense and I so appreciate you 
= new reply since forum marked as read
Sid
Kansas appreciates what it feels like to be Blue in a Red state!
We are a fun bunch!
--imm
in Republican lala land, then may I commend you on your courage and bravery!!!! First you will go through some steps like those who are in an addiction programs, Don't worry you will be thy own physician. With a big beautiful support network here at DU. It may get a little lively around here but it is all done for the good of a community with different opinions that enlighten the mind. Sometimes we cop out to learning because to know the truth goes against everything we have been taught. The one thing to remember, just because we were taught one thing one way doesn't mean it was right or that there is not a better or more effective way to accomplish the same process.
If you have republican friends you won't be able to convert them by pounding everything you learn here in their face. most of them are not ready for DU meat. They have been fed a diet of Republican formula, and must be weaned.Best way to give them knowledge is to help them find their own answers. Ask the right questions and ask where they got their information. When giving web sites use those that are non-partisan at first. Like CBO (congressional Budget office), U.S. Census, Tax Policy Center, Bureau of Labor Statistics. And as much as they are sometimes despised the Chamber of Commerce. The numbers you get from these places will help you win a factual argument when you send them to look it up.
And good luck !!!May your time here at DU be one of knowledge, giving,fun,and laughter!!!! 
Glad you found us! And btw, one of these days we will turn Texas blue again.
I know how wonderful this place is, especially if you live in a red county like I do. Although I just started posting lately, I have been lurking here for a long time. I spent countless hours on DU during the bush years. Someday TX will be Blue again.
I'm a transplanted Texan living in the Pacific Northwest. Some day, Texas will turn blue thanks to dedicated people like yourself. Keep up the good work, and welcome aboard!
