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allGoodThings

(31 posts)
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:09 PM Jan 2013

A Confession of a Former Disruptor

I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time now. Finally today seemed like the right day for it.

I joined DU sometime in early 2004. During the primaries leading to Bush / Kerry race. I heard about this site listening to some AM talk radio show. I don't even remember which one it was anymore - I used to listen to a lot of them. My intention for joining this site at that time was to screw around with all those liberal nuts that were on this site. That was what I thought of all of you back then. I thought I could have a little fun, point out how stupid you all were, maybe even change the views of a person or two.

Well, the views of a person were indeed changed - just not who or how I had planned.

I am not a dumb person. At the time I was surrounded with people who had such a strong view - a strong right-wing view. So much so that it became my view as well. Looking back on it, I am amazed at how much my thinking and my intelligence was overridden by others. I am embarrassed at how easily manipulated I was at the time.

So not being a complete idiot, I didn't just come here at directly attack people or ideas. I posted things that were thought out arguments designed to catch people in traps and make their ideas look foolish. This was fortunate for me because instead of just getting attacked back, or getting tombstoned, what happened was people responded to me with thought out arguments. And they didn't attack me. If they attacked anything it was the ideas I was pushing - but even then (for the most part) it wasn't really an attack - it was a discussion and exploration and an attempt to educate.

I'm not quite sure when it happened but eventually it started getting through to me. It wasn't quite in time for the 2004 election - though almost. And perhaps it was actually that day I went to vote. For the first, and only, time since I started voting I left the presidential slot blank. I remember feeling like I was betraying the people I knew if I voted for Kerry. But I just could not bring myself to vote for Bush.

It wasn't until four years later that I felt I was able to (in part at least) redeem myself and proudly vote for Obama.

So, what is the point of this? This is my confession and attempt to ask for forgiveness. I came to this community with bad intent. I came as a disruptor. But something here changed me and it has been for the better. I now know that what I believe in are the ideas that are truly important to me. I don't belong to a single-minded group. I belong to a community filled with ideas and ideals.

So this is actually my confession, my ask for forgiveness, and my thank you letter to everyone here.

Obviously this is not my normal account. I am not quite brave enough to let everyone know who I really am, so I created this account today for this purpose. There are those of you out there who know who I am (or will likely figure it out). I just want to avoid those who would hold this against me and continually attack me for it (I have seen it happen with others - and I should know just how single-minded those attempting to disrupt can be).

I must say I miss the old tombstones - whenever I would read the "Here lies a disruptor. He disrupted poorly." I would laugh to (at?) myself and think - that's exactly what I did. I disrupted poorly. Lucky for me.

-edit to include-
I still use the account that I started when I first came to DU. I was never tombstoned, or PPR'd or any other such punishment. And I still use that account today. And I would rather not have everyone know of my past - that is why I posted this under a new account that I created for this purpose only.

138 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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A Confession of a Former Disruptor (Original Post) allGoodThings Jan 2013 OP
Who were you? nt msanthrope Jan 2013 #1
It is not who I was - it is who I am. allGoodThings Jan 2013 #8
How about we be the judge of that? nt msanthrope Jan 2013 #16
I take the poster at his or her word. I have witnessed a couple of people undergo bluestate10 Jan 2013 #28
Agreed. janx Jan 2013 #29
What do you use your original account for? arcane1 Jan 2013 #43
Then you sow suspicion of everyone else jberryhill Jan 2013 #83
Thats how I read it too. Ruby the Liberal Jan 2013 #124
Nice try jberryhill Jan 2013 #125
?? Ruby the Liberal Jan 2013 #128
Heh... jberryhill Jan 2013 #133
Well played, sir. Ruby the Liberal Jan 2013 #134
So what was your username? leftstreet Jan 2013 #2
Some call him... Buzz Clik Jan 2013 #62
You mean... SirRevolutionary Jan 2013 #84
Forgiveness only on the condition you reveal name of your previous account. JaneyVee Jan 2013 #3
I had to laugh at that statement combined with the Amnesty International symbol... allGoodThings Jan 2013 #6
Yeah, sometimes I'm silly, sometimes I'm DEADLY SERIOUS! JaneyVee Jan 2013 #27
Welcome back from the dark side! Squinch Jan 2013 #4
that is definitely part of my story. It is good to grow up. n/t allGoodThings Jan 2013 #10
It is. Here are the rules though: now you have to work on your family and friends. Squinch Jan 2013 #18
I'm trying. I really am. n/t allGoodThings Jan 2013 #21
And although it can be frustratating sometimes... Salviati Jan 2013 #73
+1 Squinch Jan 2013 #87
Ann Kuster from New Hampshire came from a long time republican family. She sits in the House bluestate10 Jan 2013 #34
Okay matt819 Jan 2013 #72
I disagree.. the poster is not a disruptor now, imv. nm Cha Jan 2013 #99
I disagree too and I think the poster is sincere. xtraxritical Jan 2013 #104
Yeah, me too. AverageJoe90 Jan 2013 #82
Hmm...explain this donco Jan 2013 #5
I created an account on DU back in 2004 that I still use today. This is not that account. allGoodThings Jan 2013 #7
So you want the attention and 2 DU accounts, but don't want to actually explain yourself? uppityperson Jan 2013 #11
+1 notadmblnd Jan 2013 #19
+ 1000 bettyellen Jan 2013 #38
The poster pointed out that the second account would be dropped. bluestate10 Jan 2013 #39
+1 zeemike Jan 2013 #93
did you READ the OP? NMDemDist2 Jan 2013 #13
Hi, Sid! rug Jan 2013 #9
Hahahahaha Canuckistanian Jan 2013 #37
Hey. I like Sid. Some times he's abrasive, but in Sid I trust. nt bluestate10 Jan 2013 #42
Hey, rug, I notice you joined in 2004... bluedigger Jan 2013 #46
Sorry rug. 2002 for me... SidDithers Jan 2013 #67
Oh, I was in late 2004. rug Jan 2013 #68
Someone(s) changed Sid's mind about something?!! Not a chance! nt patrice Jan 2013 #88
Ch*mtr**ls do weird things to the mind Berlum Jan 2013 #135
Smooches for learning. IdaBriggs Jan 2013 #12
OK - welcome back! jpak Jan 2013 #14
We all learn. This is what makes us human nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #15
Walt, izzat you? NightWatcher Jan 2013 #17
You know you're going to drive a lot of folks here nuts trying to figure out who you are, right? Lone_Star_Dem Jan 2013 #20
That may well be the point Electric Monk Jan 2013 #69
It's an interesting post, and I understand why you posted it ... surrealAmerican Jan 2013 #22
Alright. I'll be the bad guy. bunnies Jan 2013 #23
+1 uppityperson Jan 2013 #30
Especially after saying "I still use my original account" arcane1 Jan 2013 #47
I take the post as praise for DUers and the power of reasoned discussion Luminous Animal Jan 2013 #57
I'll get in the "bad guy" line with you. Marr Jan 2013 #64
That's not bad. It's more credible. I'd think more highly of someone who did that not less, because patrice Jan 2013 #90
People change. If we open our minds to discussion, we behave more rationally. bluestate10 Jan 2013 #24
An anon apology? Lol okay. RedCappedBandit Jan 2013 #25
Donate and get yourself a Star...you deserve one. rgbecker Jan 2013 #26
I don't understand. johnp3907 Jan 2013 #31
And why say "I still use my original account"? arcane1 Jan 2013 #48
Call me a cynic, but Art_from_Ark Jan 2013 #95
My dietician has frowned on today's salt intake arcane1 Jan 2013 #96
My grain of salt is the size of Lot's wife Art_from_Ark Jan 2013 #98
I have been using it for 8 years allGoodThings Jan 2013 #111
Good for you. Auntie Bush Jan 2013 #32
I am surprised how vigorously some are attacking the OP. It's like they have never, never bluestate10 Jan 2013 #45
I suppose it's better to come with bad intent and to have changed than to be a well-intended dope leveymg Jan 2013 #33
Sorry, I read your title as "former disrober" nt NoGOPZone Jan 2013 #35
AGT.... Your newer account name reminds me of the last Star Trek episode (TNG) MrMickeysMom Jan 2013 #36
thank you AllGoodThings Skittles Jan 2013 #40
Those are the best days when you learn something new about yourself Politicub Jan 2013 #41
I love this! KT2000 Jan 2013 #44
Thanks for sharing your story. bluedigger Jan 2013 #49
Welcome back. It's a start in the right direction. Actually the left direction. nt Claybrains Jan 2013 #50
I actually enjoy debating with certain "disruptors"... AntiFascist Jan 2013 #51
This is exactly why the EC Jan 2013 #52
That was truly wonderful to read .Thank you ,and welcome back from the dark side ! abq e streeter Jan 2013 #53
I think it is amazing amuse bouche Jan 2013 #54
Don't look at me. I'm not this person, lol. kestrel91316 Jan 2013 #55
A sock who wants absolution? bemildred Jan 2013 #56
I wish DU was still more like this... Luminous Animal Jan 2013 #58
I agree Z_California Jan 2013 #100
Troll police. Blanks Jan 2013 #120
+1 for the good old days that really were Viva_La_Revolution Jan 2013 #119
Well whoever you were/are - welcome to the hopeful sunshine of humanity and the nc4bo Jan 2013 #59
This OP is a good reason not to attack everyone with a different opinion.. fadedrose Jan 2013 #60
I am so happy for you. psychmommy Jan 2013 #61
Thanks for posting your story. Glad you opened your mind. emulatorloo Jan 2013 #63
I keep reading things like this,.... Spitfire of ATJ Jan 2013 #65
An anonymous confession isn't a confession at all. /nt Marr Jan 2013 #66
I wish to confess that i wish i could back to having the intelligence i had in my teens nolabels Jan 2013 #70
Sure it is. And I liked reading it. It's not an apology though. Thegonagle Jan 2013 #74
Nicely done Bjornsdotter Jan 2013 #71
good to hear flamingdem Jan 2013 #75
Welcome to DU abelenkpe Jan 2013 #76
Welcome, doccraig67 Jan 2013 #77
This is great! Vanje Jan 2013 #78
You don't understand allGoodThings Jan 2013 #113
I don't think there's anything to forgive. A good disagreement isn't a bad thing! nolabear Jan 2013 #79
+ a million. . . eom Thegonagle Jan 2013 #91
As the saying goes, when we know better, we do better.... DeschutesRiver Jan 2013 #107
Nice post Jake2413 Jan 2013 #80
Welcome to DU! JNelson6563 Jan 2013 #81
Hello, and welcome to the Light Side of the Force. AverageJoe90 Jan 2013 #85
I don't need to know who you are...it is fine with me. zeemike Jan 2013 #86
I'm happy for you. You might not be the only one with a similar story. Thegonagle Jan 2013 #89
Good for you. go west young man Jan 2013 #92
Welcome home. Loki Jan 2013 #94
Good on you, allGoodThings! I don't even care Cha Jan 2013 #97
I forgive you... ellisonz Jan 2013 #101
This is my favorite post of all time! Thank you for the debate, grahamhgreen Jan 2013 #102
I have a very hard time believing this hfojvt Jan 2013 #103
You must understand, people are SOCIAL ANIMALS, we NEED to talk and interact with others happyslug Jan 2013 #105
Lol. Who was it who said, "Sorry for the long letter. i didn't have time to write a shorter one"? Dark n Stormy Knight Jan 2013 #116
Thank you...and welcome to DU! nt cry baby Jan 2013 #106
Sorry dont buy it. nm rhett o rick Jan 2013 #108
Wa bla bla bla. I don't trust you. lonestarnot Jan 2013 #109
I have a disruptor account on Free Republic Jim Lane Jan 2013 #110
Because in the back of everyone's mind, everyone will suspect that FSogol Jan 2013 #127
There's no basis for a suspicion Jim Lane Jan 2013 #138
Dude, problem with the sock route is your writing style shows Paulie Jan 2013 #112
I know some will recognize me allGoodThings Jan 2013 #114
Welcome to DU (in this new incarnation, anyway), allGoodThings! calimary Jan 2013 #115
Congratulations on your conversion. I don't know why it took you seven years to admit it. It seems Dark n Stormy Knight Jan 2013 #117
Brave post and welcome! Downtown Hound Jan 2013 #118
Sorry but I do not believe you. Rex Jan 2013 #121
This looks like more trolling to me, unless you actually fess up to your "real" identity Maven Jan 2013 #122
I'll hazard an educated guess. Could it be.... The Straight Story? Electric Monk Jan 2013 #123
HopeHoops or RomneyLies would be my guess. FSogol Jan 2013 #129
+1 jberryhill Jan 2013 #126
Welcome to DU! Xipe Totec Jan 2013 #130
What you described IMHO isn't disruption, but discussion. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2013 #131
Evolution is the natural order of things (nt) riqster Jan 2013 #132
I recommended because the explanation of the purpose and tactics of trolling are words to the wise CreekDog Jan 2013 #136
What would Oprah think of this confession? jsr Jan 2013 #137

allGoodThings

(31 posts)
8. It is not who I was - it is who I am.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:21 PM
Jan 2013

I still use my original account. I created this account for this post only. I don't want people who I talk to on a daily basis and have for the last 8 years to all know about my past.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
28. I take the poster at his or her word. I have witnessed a couple of people undergo
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:40 PM
Jan 2013

a conversion from close mindedness to broader thinking. Those people were ashamed of what they once thought.

I don't feel that the poster needed to apologize and I don't care to know who the poster is. I think that I have enough wisdom to understand when a person is insincere. I don't need to tar them and ride them on a rail to evaluate their sincerity. I don't need to throw them into water and see whether they sink or wise above, ala ancient tests for witches.

 

JaneyVee

(19,877 posts)
3. Forgiveness only on the condition you reveal name of your previous account.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:17 PM
Jan 2013

NO AGENT PROVOCATEUR'S.

ok I'm kidding, who am I to judge. I'm a newbie myself.

allGoodThings

(31 posts)
6. I had to laugh at that statement combined with the Amnesty International symbol...
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:18 PM
Jan 2013

What the heck type of amnesty is that! lol.

I still use my other account and will continue to do so - that is why I am keeping it to myself. I only wanted to use this account for this posting.

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
4. Welcome back from the dark side!
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:18 PM
Jan 2013

In my youth (years and years ago) I considered myself Republican because my parents were Republican.

It happens to lots of us.

Then we grow up.

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
18. It is. Here are the rules though: now you have to work on your family and friends.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:27 PM
Jan 2013

I've managed to convert about half of my family. But it's taken about 20 years.

Salviati

(6,002 posts)
73. And although it can be frustratating sometimes...
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:13 PM
Jan 2013

at least you've got a success story to show that's it's possible: Yours!

Which is why even if you don't want to share your actual username, I'm glad you posted this. It gives us all hope that maybe some of those "lost causes" we're dealing with in our own lives aren't so lost after all, and that the best way to reach them is though respectful reasoned discussion.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
34. Ann Kuster from New Hampshire came from a long time republican family. She sits in the House
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:58 PM
Jan 2013

now as a democrat and a powerful symbol of a modern, progressive leader.

matt819

(10,749 posts)
72. Okay
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:11 PM
Jan 2013

But she didn't change her name and refer to some unidentifiable past that she has renounced.

And while she may have come from a long-time republican family, it's been my understanding that she herself has long been a Democrat.

As many of us here have Republican family members but have long been Democrats for any number of reasons.

I don't know who the poster is, but he/she is being as much of a disruptor now as he claims to have been previously.

donco

(1,548 posts)
5. Hmm...explain this
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:18 PM
Jan 2013

then.You say that "I joined DU sometime in early 2004 "Yet???Anyway, welcome to du.


Member since: Mon Jan 21, 2013, 06:34 PM
Number of posts: 12

allGoodThings

(31 posts)
7. I created an account on DU back in 2004 that I still use today. This is not that account.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:20 PM
Jan 2013

I started my other account as a disruptor. I changed my ways. I have been a participant for the past 8 years using the same account I created at the start. I made this account today so that I could post this anonymously.

uppityperson

(115,674 posts)
11. So you want the attention and 2 DU accounts, but don't want to actually explain yourself?
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:22 PM
Jan 2013

HOW can you ask forgiveness anonymously? I don't get it.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
39. The poster pointed out that the second account would be dropped.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:12 PM
Jan 2013

Whether that happens or not isn't an issue to me because I can tell a disruptive post when I see one. So in short, I don't care which user-name the post is done under.

I don't get the burning need to have the poster out. What gives with that point of view? It seems to manifest a sense of nervousness about what one is. I fear no disruptor because I think for myself, I have my values horned in the fires of life, no disruptor will change me, no disruptor can cause me to abandon what I have spent a lifetime becoming.

NMDemDist2

(49,313 posts)
13. did you READ the OP?
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:22 PM
Jan 2013

he explains this account is a sock puppet to explain this situation without 'outing' his regular account

Lone_Star_Dem

(28,158 posts)
20. You know you're going to drive a lot of folks here nuts trying to figure out who you are, right?
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:29 PM
Jan 2013

Welcome to DU! You probably didn't get a ton of those your first time around if you started off as a disruptor. Well, except from newyawker99, she never missed anyone that I know of.

surrealAmerican

(11,339 posts)
22. It's an interesting post, and I understand why you posted it ...
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:31 PM
Jan 2013

... in a new account, but you do understand that sock puppets are not exactly sanctioned here, right?

 

bunnies

(15,859 posts)
23. Alright. I'll be the bad guy.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:32 PM
Jan 2013

If you want to confess, confess as yourself. That would be the respectable thing to do. Youve already admitted to joining to *just* fuck with us once, now, imho, youre doing it again. You need to fess up. Who are you?

Luminous Animal

(27,310 posts)
57. I take the post as praise for DUers and the power of reasoned discussion
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:43 PM
Jan 2013

without the constant accusations of hater, bot, troll, etc. A condition not so much in evidence anymore. I prefer to read the message and not stew over who it is.

patrice

(47,992 posts)
90. That's not bad. It's more credible. I'd think more highly of someone who did that not less, because
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:31 PM
Jan 2013

it's harder to do.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
24. People change. If we open our minds to discussion, we behave more rationally.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:32 PM
Jan 2013

I am fiscally conservative, not in the sense that one hear conservative republicans going around speaking on. I feel that we should spend every cent of every dollar wisely, but I feel that we should not hesitate for a milli-second to assist the poor and striving or the elderly that are in need of financial help - to not help people that are in need degrades each and every one of us. A society can't exist with a small group of wealthy few, history down through it's ages has taught us that lesson over and over.

allGoodThings

(31 posts)
111. I have been using it for 8 years
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 02:25 AM
Jan 2013

I am not going to use this account other than for this post.

I am not going to use both. Just wanted to post this - but not on the account I use regularly.

The things I was talking about go back over 7 years ago. I have changed in that time and I am now proud of my posts and history of my account since then

Auntie Bush

(17,528 posts)
32. Good for you.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:44 PM
Jan 2013

Wish we had more people who think like that. If people would READ the articles posted with an open mind...they would change their mind too.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
45. I am surprised how vigorously some are attacking the OP. It's like they have never, never
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:21 PM
Jan 2013

made a mistake or been ashamed of something they once did and as a more mature, thoughtful person, would advise any young person that listens to not make the same mistake.

leveymg

(36,418 posts)
33. I suppose it's better to come with bad intent and to have changed than to be a well-intended dope
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:44 PM
Jan 2013

with no hope for redemption.

I the end, it's the progress that you make in your own journey to knowledge and enlightenment that determines whether you are, indeed, a a true progressive.

Welcome to DU.

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
36. AGT.... Your newer account name reminds me of the last Star Trek episode (TNG)
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:08 PM
Jan 2013

"All good things come to an end", was the title.

I don't mean you should, I mean what was inevitable had to come to an end. As a Trekker, I looked at the episode searching for inner meaning. Three time spans were involved in the Enterprise Star Ship. The past, the present and the future.

WE all have a past, and we can only live in the present. The future is ours.

Welcomed to DU.

Politicub

(12,163 posts)
41. Those are the best days when you learn something new about yourself
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:13 PM
Jan 2013

Great post. I liked hearing about your thought process.

KT2000

(20,544 posts)
44. I love this!
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:21 PM
Jan 2013

The only hope for this world is that we ALL grow and learn.
I am impressed by your post and see no reason why you should make your username public. It is your business.
Thanks for this post.

bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
49. Thanks for sharing your story.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:28 PM
Jan 2013

It is nice to know that disruptors do so at risk of their conservative principles. I don't know why some people must get so incensed at such an old offense. Welcome to DU!

AntiFascist

(12,792 posts)
51. I actually enjoy debating with certain "disruptors"...
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:33 PM
Jan 2013

as long as they can post something substantive to argue against.

amuse bouche

(3,657 posts)
54. I think it is amazing
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:37 PM
Jan 2013

that a person can go from R to D

Most people are not capable of that. Of course I don't understand how people can be lifelong Rs either. They truly repulse me.

You could have apologized with your original acct without going into detail about signing up for the sole purpose of being an obstructor.

You know..'I joined here thinking you were all lousy libs and I liked being a *ick, but over time, I saw the light ....'

bemildred

(90,061 posts)
56. A sock who wants absolution?
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:42 PM
Jan 2013

Wow, this is Orwellian.

Anyway, I don't see any need for action, if you are now of like mind with us, that's all we can rightly ask of you. Everybody learns as they go.

Luminous Animal

(27,310 posts)
58. I wish DU was still more like this...
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:45 PM
Jan 2013
I posted things that were thought out arguments designed to catch people in traps and make their ideas look foolish. This was fortunate for me because instead of just getting attacked back, or getting tombstoned, what happened was people responded to me with thought out arguments. And they didn't attack me. If they attacked anything it was the ideas I was pushing - but even then (for the most part) it wasn't really an attack - it was a discussion and exploration and an attempt to educate.


There is way too many personal attacks these days that tend to sidetrack thought out arguments.

Z_California

(650 posts)
100. I agree
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:05 AM
Jan 2013

I don't post much because I got tired of being pursued by self appointed troll police. Too bad it wasn't more like the op describes.

Blanks

(4,835 posts)
120. Troll police.
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 02:33 PM
Jan 2013

Lots of that going on.

It's one thing to have a discussion; a whole 'nother thing to have people assign you a position and then tear that position apart.

It's happened to me more than once. It's kind of annoying really.

nc4bo

(17,651 posts)
59. Well whoever you were/are - welcome to the hopeful sunshine of humanity and the
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:46 PM
Jan 2013

dreams we all hope turn into reality - that it is possible for us to do better not only for each other but as a country!

Yes, We Can.

fadedrose

(10,044 posts)
60. This OP is a good reason not to attack everyone with a different opinion..
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:47 PM
Jan 2013

just with a good argument. Respect is a two-way street, most of the time, and we'd hate to lose more like this guy/gal...

nolabels

(13,133 posts)
70. I wish to confess that i wish i could back to having the intelligence i had in my teens
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:07 PM
Jan 2013

It was so much more fun then, being foolish and just crazy enough not to know some of the consequences of my actions

Those were the days

Thegonagle

(806 posts)
74. Sure it is. And I liked reading it. It's not an apology though.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:14 PM
Jan 2013

Nobody's perfect, but we often get better as we go along. This is but one step toward a better end.

It's up to the original poster to apologize under his or her "real" account, if and when he or she sees the need.

doccraig67

(86 posts)
77. Welcome,
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:17 PM
Jan 2013

Welcome to the progressive side of politics. Glad you made it. For me, If I only listen to people I already agree with, I won't learn anything.

Vanje

(9,766 posts)
78. This is great!
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:18 PM
Jan 2013

...except that you're saving your original disruptor's account, for why?

To disrupt again, in case you have a sudden regression from your shiny new-found liberalism?
Maybe you're not 100% sure that you are no longer a DU Disruptor? Maybe you're keeping one last iron on the fire, hot and ready to troll.

No deal.

No Deal.

Sod off.

Piss off.




allGoodThings

(31 posts)
113. You don't understand
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 02:29 AM
Jan 2013

I didn't make this change today. I made it 7 years ago. I am keeping the account that I have had for all that time.

I am not keeping it to use as a disruptor. I have not been that for over 7 years. I just didn't want to post this on the account I use day in and day out.

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
79. I don't think there's anything to forgive. A good disagreement isn't a bad thing!
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:19 PM
Jan 2013

Heck, I'd welcome the chance to discuss things in a reasonable way, with "disruptors" or DUers. And I hate reading the vituperative attacks, from disruptors or DUers.

So, welcome Pilgrim!

DeschutesRiver

(2,354 posts)
107. As the saying goes, when we know better, we do better....
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:48 AM
Jan 2013

And I feel the same as you, ie I come here to share, discuss and debate. And I do not shy away from different opinions.

A good disagreement can be an excellent thing, otherwise we would all be just sharing the same opinion and patting ourselves on the back for thinking we were so smart for all sharing that single opinion. You don't really need a "discussion" board if there is nothing to discuss.

The only thing I won't tolerate is willful ignorance. Otherwise, I like to have my thoughts and theories challenged, and figure out where they are strong, and where they are weak, and if need be, adjust them, change them, or decide that I feel great about them just as they are.

To the OP - welcome and may your life journey continue to allow you to challenge your assumptions, and if you can't find a way to change the wind, then learn to adjust your sails accordingly. Oh, and remember to ignore people who get ticked off about change - this is your journey, not theirs. Thanks for sharing your story.

Jake2413

(226 posts)
80. Nice post
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:23 PM
Jan 2013

I have been around for a short time but a life long progressive and can appreciate your admissions to complete your conversion. You sound very comfortable with your new self.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
85. Hello, and welcome to the Light Side of the Force.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:27 PM
Jan 2013

I'm glad to see that you've made up for past mistakes. Welcome to DU.

zeemike

(18,998 posts)
86. I don't need to know who you are...it is fine with me.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:27 PM
Jan 2013

And I understand completely...cause I was there once...long ago.
I was surrounded with right wingers too and fell in with them...their ideas became mine....I even read and believed in Ayn Rand.
But this was before there were such communities like this....with me it was shock doctrine...JFK was murdered and my friends were happy and one even said "well they finally killed that nigger loving son of a bitch"...then I realized just what it was all about.

You are fortunate....you are smart enough to learn and not trapped in ignorance out of fear.

Thegonagle

(806 posts)
89. I'm happy for you. You might not be the only one with a similar story.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:28 PM
Jan 2013

I went through a stage where I tended to be a lot more conservative, although I always thought of the Republican party as kind of mean and odious. I was more of a Jesse Ventura Independence party type, but not as militant or quick to stir shit up. I have always believed everybody needs to be respectful of one another.

 

go west young man

(4,856 posts)
92. Good for you.
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:34 PM
Jan 2013

And thanks for letting us know! I for one am glad you have come over to the sunshine from the dark. I live in the South and I fully understand how a lot of people end up becoming right wing and never questioning why. It takes spirit and soul to change so more power to you!

Cha

(295,899 posts)
97. Good on you, allGoodThings! I don't even care
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 11:56 PM
Jan 2013

what your original and still user name is. The important thing is that you shared this story.. it got me all misty eyed because I know how life can suck you into certain ways of thinking ..but, to actually have a mind that is capable of critical thinking and can be changed when enough facts are presented.. Well, that's a Gift!

 

grahamhgreen

(15,741 posts)
102. This is my favorite post of all time! Thank you for the debate,
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:12 AM
Jan 2013

In the end it's what America is all about.

hfojvt

(37,573 posts)
103. I have a very hard time believing this
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:15 AM
Jan 2013

"This was fortunate for me because instead of just getting attacked back, or getting tombstoned, what happened was people responded to me with thought out arguments. And they didn't attack me."

It's not that I don't believe there would be some thought out arguments. After all, I do write on this board (LOL) but I have also certainly experienced, and seen, a fair number of attacks too. Insulting snark is at least as common here as thoughtful arguments. Hell, I am quite certain that I have thrown out some attacks, or counter-attacks, myself.

 

happyslug

(14,779 posts)
105. You must understand, people are SOCIAL ANIMALS, we NEED to talk and interact with others
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 12:47 AM
Jan 2013

Thus, we tend to adopt the same positions that our "Friends" have. One way a parent can control how their children think is setting who their children can play with. As we get older, we do the same for ourselves. This is also why Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) works. You have a group of people, who have something in common, in the case of AA, they are all alcoholics. That background gives them something in common to talk about and develop new friends who are presently NOT drinking. One of the problems with people who do NOT join AA, is they end up going back to their old friends, friends they have made friends through they common drinking of Alcohol. The thing they have in common with these old friends, is that they drink, and thus when they go back to those friends they drink. People in AA have accepted the unpleasant fact they can NOT drink, and thus must get new friends, that they have something in common with, but who do not drink. Thus a lot of people join AA for it permits them to fulfill that human need to interact with people that you something in common with.

Our need to have friends is so overwhelming that we tend to adopt the positions we think the people we associate with also have. We internalize those positions and make them our own. Above I mentioned that Alcoholics who tend to have friends who are also alcoholics and thus internalize the position that heavy drinking is something they can do, for they friends tell them they can handle it (even when it is clear to others that they can NOT). IT takes a lot for people to accept the fact that the position they hold is a bad one and they have to break with their friends. This can ONLY occur when you can associate with someone else, who has something in common with you (Thus you have something to talk about) AND you give up your old friends (who sometimes end up follow the first person to a new position, when that friend of theirs leave them behind).

Notice you can NOT give up your old friends without getting new ones. You need "Friends" and by that term I mean people you interact with other then on a business level (i.e. not the local shopkeeper, bank-teller, baker. Doctor, Lawyer or other person you deal with on a business basis. Now, often your friends are your co-workers, for you have something to talk about, your employer. This can also be your classmates if you are in school and at times people you "talk" to on DU (Through I have to point out DU, while an excellent site for information and discussion of ideas, should NOT be your primary source of social interaction, you need to deal with people you meet in the real world, not just on something like DU, i.e. get out in the real world). Such interaction could be your local Church, Little League Team, your local Democratic Party, any Rails to Trails group (A favorite of mine), Audubon, the Sierra club etc. Some group whose plans mesh with your own.

One of the great declines in the last 30 years has been the decline in membership of most volunteer groups (This gets celebrated on DU every so often, where someone mention Church Attention has been dropping, while ignoring that not only has Church Membership dropped, so has bowling league membership, Veteran Group Membership, and that is AFTER taking in account that they are less Veterans today then even ten years ago, Volunteer Fire Department Membership, almost any social organization etc). Part of this is that income has stagnated over the last 30 years, and thus people cut out Social Membership to save money, but also due to the overall demand for longer hours (and non-traditional working hours) has reduce the time people can spend to maintain such social memberships.

Back to the topic, you seeing the light. At the same time, you need to maintain your self socially. In 1943 Abraham Maslow proposed that people have a "Hierarchy of Needs".



Please note the five levels are dependent on each other. You can NOT go up, until all of the needs below that level is fulfilled. For example, you can not even START to have any "Social Needs" if you are worried about your next meal (and physiological need).

Notice at the bottom is Physiological Needs, the needs you have to fulfill to survive, including the ability to breath, eat, drink and even to have sex. You can NOT climb up on the Hierarchy triangle until these needs are meet, if they are NEVER meet you can NOT go above this level.

Second from the bottom is the Social Needs, Personal security, Financial security, Health and well-being, Safety net against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts.

The third from the bottom is the need to "Belong", this includes Friendship, Intimacy and Family. Notice Sex is a Physiological Need, but Intimacy and Family is a "Belonging need".

Second from the top are the Esteem Needs. "Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others".

On the top is the need for Self-actualization, Self-actualization being "What a man can be, he must be."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

The key to understanding Maslow's hierarchy of needs is to understand you can NOT move up on the Hierarchy without first mastering what is below. You can NOT even start on your social needs, if you are worried about your next meal (Thus Revolutions do NOT occur when the economy is on the downswing, but after the Economy has bottomed out and the economy is booming, for only then are the people no longer worried about they next meal and can worry about their social group and their families, i.e. the second and third level of needs when their first level of needs is in question).

Now, most of the people on DU do NOT have to worry about their Physiological Needs, we tend to have enough money for food, clothing and housing, at the present time. On the other hand, many of the people on DU do have concerns about their Safety needs, i.e. will they have a job tomorrow? WIll they have a house to live in? It is only when those two levels of needs are meet, can we go into our needs to belong.

I bring this up, for you are telling us you joined DU to disrupt DU. Thus you had a plan, which meant you were going to show the group you belong to that you were one of them, by attacking DU. Your Physiological and Safety Needs were meet and you needed to fulfill your need to belong. While a member of DU, you realized you had more in common with DU then the other groups you wanted to belong to, so you "joined" DU, when you were no longer a disruptor but a participate. In some ways you are getting into the esteem mode, for you are confident and your need to be held in some sort of esteem by others has been addressed.

Now, Maslow's Hierarchy is more a guideline then a set of gates one goes through. It gives you an idea of why you are thinking the way you are. If you are worried about your next meal, you care less about what organization you belong to. If you are starving, you will even join an invading army, in exchange for food.

On the other hand, if you safety needs are meet (i.e. you have enough food, water, physical security, housing and steady income) only then can you "fight" for the groups you belong to (and this include a secure family or other support group situation).

A lot of people in right wing "groups" tend to have a need for Social Membership that needs to be fulfilled. In fact many lower class people end up voting GOP (and against their own interests) for they are convinced that the only group that can meet their Social Needs is the GOP. They want to belong to the GOP, for they see it as the group that can help them protect what they have.

I better quit now, I am rambling and this is something I have to spend some time on to make it whole. I am leaving it here for the above touch on some concepts that I believe needs to be addressed, but I do not have the time to do so FULLY at the present time. I could delete the above (and probably should) and edit it to make more sense, but I know I will NOT get to that but the above concepts are things I believe should be brought up and flushed out. For that reason I am leaving the above, but it is also time for me to go to sleep, so I am ending this here for lack of time to edit the above into something more complete.

Dark n Stormy Knight

(9,760 posts)
116. Lol. Who was it who said, "Sorry for the long letter. i didn't have time to write a shorter one"?
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 03:05 AM
Jan 2013

This happens to me often, so I can relate.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
110. I have a disruptor account on Free Republic
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 01:34 AM
Jan 2013

I don't feel in any danger of following your path but in the opposite direction, though. Even allowing as much as I can for my obvious bias, I can't help but find the discussions over there almost totally devoid of thought-out substantive arguments.

As for the question that seems to exercise so many people here, I don't agree with those demanding that you identify your main account. I just don't see the point.

FSogol

(45,355 posts)
127. Because in the back of everyone's mind, everyone will suspect that
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 08:21 PM
Jan 2013

RomneyLies, I mean the OP is still posting on his old account. Coming clean will allow for a clean break from the past and we'll see if the poster is sincere about being reformed.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
138. There's no basis for a suspicion
Wed Jan 23, 2013, 12:03 AM
Jan 2013

It's not the OP's old account, as in former. It's his main account, the one he currently uses for all his posts, except for this thread, and the one he intends to go on using. He's made that clear.

As for what's in "everyone's mind", the responses here are split. There are many who think as you do. There are also many of us who don't care what the OP's "real name" (i.e., real DU pseudonym) is.

Paulie

(8,462 posts)
112. Dude, problem with the sock route is your writing style shows
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 02:27 AM
Jan 2013

But I guess no one would believe you in your "real" account since the DU3 switchover.

calimary

(80,693 posts)
115. Welcome to DU (in this new incarnation, anyway), allGoodThings!
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 02:40 AM
Jan 2013

At least you found your way out of the Dark Side to a more open mind. Conversions are good things. And you can learn a LOT here. So now, help us turn more people around. We've got a lot of work to do! Glad you're not a disruptor anymore.

Dark n Stormy Knight

(9,760 posts)
117. Congratulations on your conversion. I don't know why it took you seven years to admit it. It seems
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 03:17 AM
Jan 2013

that in the early days of changing your beliefs it would have been natural to bring it up to the people who had interacted with you most persuasively and perhaps thank them.

But, I wasn't there, so I don't know the circumstances.

If seems that if you are in fact truly converted, you'd want people to know who you are. Rather than focusing on the shame of where you began, you could focus on the pride in your growth. By "confessing" anonymously, you're not really doing that.

At any rate, I'm happy to hear of your progress. Cheers.

Downtown Hound

(12,618 posts)
118. Brave post and welcome!
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 01:55 PM
Jan 2013

There's always a few uptight naysayers, I mean, wonderful people with legitimate concerns, but it's cool if you want to remain anonymous, that's the whole point of a message board like this.

It's nice to know that we do reach a few people here and contribute to the political awakening that our country desperately needs. Kudos to you for helping to make that happen.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
121. Sorry but I do not believe you.
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 05:46 PM
Jan 2013

Use your real account and prove your sincerity. Otherwise this is just another diruptive thread by someone that admits to making a sock puppet account.

Maybe life is unfair but guess what? Too bad, maybe you should have thought of that before creating this false account.

Otherwise, nice try.

Maven

(10,533 posts)
122. This looks like more trolling to me, unless you actually fess up to your "real" identity
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 06:40 PM
Jan 2013

and give a proper apology.

Until then, what is the point of this? As someone else pointed out, how can you ask for forgiveness anonymously?

Seems like the only purpose this serves is to draw more attention and (undeserved) praise to yourself. I think you know a lot of people here would love to believe this kind of story. Many of them are patting you on the back for it. And why? Because you admitted that you came here to deceive and antagonize them? You claim to have been converted, but without providing any proof.

Unless you are willing to show yourself and accept the consequences, this post is just more trolling.

 

Electric Monk

(13,869 posts)
123. I'll hazard an educated guess. Could it be.... The Straight Story?
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 07:00 PM
Jan 2013
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=148778

Account status: Active
Member since: Sun Aug 15, 2004, 09:37 PM
Number of posts: 38,782
Number of posts, last 90 days: 1026
 

lumberjack_jeff

(33,224 posts)
131. What you described IMHO isn't disruption, but discussion.
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 08:33 PM
Jan 2013

I think of DU the way Cuba Gooding Jr said to Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire". "You think we're arguing when I think we're finally communicating!"

Frankly, I don't think "disruption" is an evil. I consciously try to disrupt my ways of thinking, because it is the only way to challenge ones beliefs and grow intellectually.

Maybe Joan Jett said it best.

CreekDog

(46,192 posts)
136. I recommended because the explanation of the purpose and tactics of trolling are words to the wise
Tue Jan 22, 2013, 09:10 PM
Jan 2013

there are a few themes in trolling and you've hit on a couple big ones.

i don't like that you're using other accounts, no DUer should use more than one account. people are already suspecting each other, and for good reason.

also, you should understand that even if your account isn't banned, and even if you behave from here on out, there are people here who will not trust a word you say, and that's not unreasonable of them.

this place has been trolled so much, and if anything, it's worse lately, that people are rightly coming to a zero tolerance policy not just for the acts, but the people that do them.

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