Why are you here?

[madamesilverspurs]

un·der·mine transitive verb \ˌən-dər-ˈmīn\

: to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way


Full Definition of UNDERMINE


1 : to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : sap


2 : to wash away supporting material from under


3 : to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly <trying to undermine his political rivals>


4 : to weaken or ruin by degrees


from Mirriam-Webster dictionary

[closeupready]

1. Some here have argued that some here are auditioning for

grants in exchange for blogging here on behalf of special interests. One needs to be mindful that this website is a sort of media outlet, or at least as much as Huffington Post or Daily Kos. I don't think it's nearly as big as either of those, but still, it's probably a useful means of helping to get your message out.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. Yup! I suspect a few are here to promote themselves, and not for legit reasons nt

[riqster]

2. I am here to open can after can of electoral Whoop-Ass on Repubs.

And help elect every friggin' Dem we can.

I love me some simple mission statements.

[Cha]

189. Yes, you riq! Like that about

you!

[Rex]

4. Why are you here?

di·vi·sive adjective \də-ˈvī-siv also -ˈvi- or -ziv\

: causing a lot of disagreement between people and causing them to separate into different groups

from Mirriam-Webster dictionary

[Catherina]

74. +1000 n/t

[Enthusiast]

110. +1001 n/t

[LWolf]

152. +1002

[sabrina 1]

202. +1003

[ChisolmTrailDem]

185. AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

On Tue Apr 1, 2014, 12:06 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Why are you here?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4759674

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

This is basically a text book example of trolling/flame-bait.

The irony is dripping off the page.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Apr 1, 2014, 12:17 AM, and the Jury voted 1-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation:

Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: I am tired of the childish bickering. FWIW, I would also have voted to hide the post this one is responding to but, as my parents used to say when my siblings and I pointed fingers at each other, I don't care who started it - you are participating. Take a time-out.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

[Rex]

186. LOL!

[ChisolmTrailDem]

187. The video was mine =)

[Rex]

188. Bane seems to have some anger management issues.

You think he posts here?

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

5. Is that your response to the original question?

You're here to undermine, by setting people against one another?

Me, I'm here because I was looking for a site where people actually believed in the principles and ideals the Democratic Party platforms have proclaimed over the years. But feel free to offer suggestions for a better site if that isn't this one.

[Thinkingabout]

86. K & R

Lifelong Democrat by choice and plan to remain a Strong Democrat. My ideas follow the Democratic Platform. Here to stay, thanks to DU for a meeting place of other Democrats.

[2banon]

120. +1

well said. and welcome

[FSogol]

6. I'm beginning to wonder why too. This is becoming an anti-Democratic Party site.

Too much free reign for the bashers, libertarians, rw trolls, online trolls, ratfuckers, Eeyores, and malcontents.

[truebrit71]

12. Yup, not enough lock-step obedience, and way too much critical thinking...

[FSogol]

14. Calling someone a name in a daily rant takes a lot critical thinking.

And if I wanted lock-step obedience, I sure wouldn't be a Democrat.

[truebrit71]

18. ...and yet anyone that dares criticise Dear Leader gets slammed by the swarm...

....as being a 'basher', or a 'hater' or 'anti-obama' or 'anti-Dem'...

[FSogol]

20. BS. n/t

[truebrit71]

28. Brilliant response...

[Hekate]

24. "Dear Leader," if I may remind people again, is what that little dictator in North Korea is called.

Why use that epithet for President Obama?

[truebrit71]

30. FFS...It was ironic....Good grief...

I make a point that a vocal few on this site expect lock-step obedience and fealty to Obama and use the term 'Dear Leader' ironically to highlight that point....

[Hekate]

43. FFS screw the irony, dear truebrit. It's not ironic when it's not even true...

... that "so many here expect lock-step obedience, etc." We've gone one (count 'em: ONE) persistent poster who makes a full-time career of seeing we all remain informed, and while I find it a bit obsessive, I think it's a necessary counterbalance to the bash'em smash'em he-can-do-no-right crowd, which is indeed a crowd.

Still liking this POTUS doesn't make an Obamabot out of me, but it's kind of an embarrassment to an allegedly Democratic site that the only place anyone can cheerfully say so is in a safe-room, i.e. the BOG.

[truebrit71]

53. Magic...you compeltely missed the point...

Well done!

[stevenleser]

123. No, she didn't. You did. nt

[truebrit71]

128. Yeah, she did.

As apparently, do you.

[MADem]

179. Let me add to the "You are dead wrong" chorus.

You are dead wrong.

It's not about "lockstep adoration" of "Dear Leader" (and that reference was lame); it's about intelligent discourse, not spitting and swearing.

This is a site for Democrats and other progressives, with a goal to elect more Dems and fewer Republicans to public office--not to bash, trash and denigrate Democrats with childish histrionics and foul language.

If you disagree with a particular policy step, it's possible to do that without being crude, nasty or disagreeable if you have even a grammar school grasp of the English language.

You might research the first rule of holes. When you're in one, stop digging.

[Scuba]

191. Fox "News" always misses the point.

[Oilwellian]

76. They want the lock-step obedience so much...

they're calling for a purge. But hey, at least they don't want to execute us like they would do in NK. LOL

[truebrit71]

80. Very true...

I guess we should count our blessings..

[treestar]

146. LOL lock step obedience

is the only alternative to constant bashing of the party one allegedly supports.

[Warpy]

83. Irony and sarcasm translate poorly to print.

and there's a huge difference between Obama bashing (like calling him Dear Leader) and wondering just what the fuck he's thinking when he says or does some fool thing or other.

Learn it.

[truebrit71]

87. Perhaps you should read it more closely...

And do me a favour, stick the 'Obama-bashing' name-calling up your nose, yes?

[SomethingFishy]

197. I notice that with all the hand wringing over your "dear leader" comment

none of these folks are upset at all with the person who came into this thread with this:

Bashers, libertarians, rw trolls, online trolls, ratfuckers, Eeyores, and malcontents. (AKA anyone who has a gripe with the current administration)

And then proceeded to complain about all the "name calling"..

[truebrit71]

198. Yup...

...and then suggest that I'm the one that doesn't understand irony...

[SomethingFishy]

199. Ironic isn't it?

[truebrit71]

200. ROFL!

[11 Bravo]

50. Please take your "Dear Leader" garbage and stick it wherever you feel it will do the most good.

That's some fairly transparent verbiage right there. Did you really intend to let your mask slip so completely?

[truebrit71]

54. Another 'Irony-Free' poster...

...Good grief...

...I know EXACTLY where I'm sticking it by the way...

[11 Bravo]

94. Does your dictionary define irony as "What one can claim they were trying to employ ...

after saying something stupid and getting called on it"? .

[truebrit71]

99. Nope. Just the standard definition.

[Desert805]

119. That Dear Leader crap is bullshit.

May as well just call Obama Hitler or Stalin and be done with it.

Ridiculous idiocy, not witty irony.

[truebrit71]

121. Whether you think it is witty or not...

...it was still used ironically....and thank you for TOTALLY missing the point...

[Desert805]

122. I didn't miss anything.

And irony doesn't mean stupid.

[truebrit71]

125. Yeah, you did.

...and you still are...

[demwing]

143. Don't usually do this, but it was unanimous.

On Mon Mar 31, 2014, 11:59 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Yeah, you did.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4761255

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

This person is making no bones about trolling this thread. First with calling the president Dear Leader in post 18 and then a series of personal attacks such as this one lobbed at many of the participants in this thread.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Apr 1, 2014, 12:06 AM, and the Jury voted 0-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Borderline.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This does not merit a hide. The whole argument in that thread is asinine. I don't know why people waste time on these kind of arguments on DU.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I read the thread, and disagree. Leave it.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: lol
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Somebody please shoot me. The flame wars the flame wars the flame wars...

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[cui bono]

154. Um, yeah, you did. You missed it by a mile.

His/her use of "Dear Leader" was not at all directed at Obama.

[Desert805]

167. Totally.

Not the other times he used it either.

[Number23]

126. Bravo, the "mask" slipped off that one a loooooong time ago

[truebrit71]

130. Wait...I've been wearing a mask for twelve years??

That's some funny shit!!!

[Number23]

133. You think it's been twelve years, hon. It's been slipping for a while and has fallen off completely

[truebrit71]

141. So what's the upshot here?

I'm secretly a rightwing operative and I've been pretending to be a Dem for twelve years in a row?

If you're going to smoke the good stuff, it's rude not to offer it around...

[Number23]

150. Yes, the overuse of the rofl smiley bolsters your contention that you are not trolling this web site

Extremely convincing.

And to be honest, every post from you in this thread does nothing but prove that Madame was right on the money with her OP. Well done.

[truebrit71]

157. ...and have been since 2002, right?

[notadmblnd]

55. So tell me, why did you refer to the President as "Dear Leader"?

Maybe it is not the fact that you criticize the President, but the use of the right wing terms you use when you are engaged in criticizing him that gets you slammed?

Seriously, you couldn't use his name or official title?

[truebrit71]

72. Because I was being ironic....

Good grief, is it REALLY that hard?

[notadmblnd]

81. What you posted is not ironic, it was snide and sarcastic. AKA snark.

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irony?
Merriam‑Webster
the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really think especially in order to be funny. : a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a ...
?Sardonic - ?Ironic - ?Adroit - ?Tragic irony


snide
snīd/
adjective
adjective: snide

1.
derogatory or mocking in an indirect way.
"snide remarks about my mother"
synonyms: disparaging, derogatory, deprecating, denigratory, insulting, contemptuous, dismissive; More


Sarcasm - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcasm?
Wikipedia
Sarcasm is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt." Sarcasm may employ ambivalence, although sarcasm is not necessarily ironic.
?Irony - ?Ambivalence - ?Taunting


Urban Dictionary: snark
www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=snark?
Urban Dictionary
noun. Combination of "snide" and "remark". Sarcastic comment(s). Also snarky (adj.) and snarkily (adv.) His commentary was rife with snark.

I get the impression that for you, it is difficult.

[truebrit71]

85. No, sorry, it was ironic...

...I find it funny that the swarm demands absolute fealty to, and wants to abolish criticism of the President, (or even better in their minds simply ban the critics) as is the norm in NK where they call their head of state 'Dear Leader', on a website called "Democratic Underground'.

Very ironic wouldn't you say?

[FSogol]

89. swarm, fealty, abolish criticism, ban critics, and a repeat of Dear Leader!

[truebrit71]

90. Your point Mr. Serial Mis-Quoter?

[11 Bravo]

96. Every term in FSogol's post was lifted verbatim from your little screed. Exactly how ...

does that equate to being a "Serial Mis-Quoter"? (Or do you think you're being ironic again?)

[truebrit71]

100. Oh dear, do try and keep up...

He is a serial mis-quoter of Will Pitt's post, was called on it, and his pithy response has been so far limited to a deafening silence..

The irony that you didn't know that, but would have, had you read the thread in context is delicious though...

[11 Bravo]

106. Pip pip. I was well aware of Will's post and the follow-up. The fact that I was responding ...

in the present appears to be lost on you. Your reply was a non-sequitur. Now quick ... squawk "irony" again. (But congrats on limiting yourself to one smilie this go-round.)

[truebrit71]

117. Ah yes, the Bart Simpson "i meant to do that" riposte...

...meanwhile the serial Mis-quoter has failed to respond...other than through you of course...

Cheerio!!!

[11 Bravo]

129. How did you get "I meant to do that" from my words? I expressly said what I DID ...

no mention of anything that I meant to do. Here all these years I've been laboring under the impression that English was the predominant language spoken in Great Britain, but you apparently struggle with it.
Ah well, ta-ta. I'm off to chat up a few blokes who understand both the Queen's English and the definition of "irony".

[truebrit71]

131. Ah yes, the old insult post and dash...

Toodles!!!

[one_voice]

103. Were you being ironic here too?

Lemme guess...we like George Clooney because he's down with BO, but Matt Damon sucks balls...

..because he dared to criticize Dear Leader....

Let's see how this thread plays out..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=58603

truebrit71 (18,005 posts)
66. *yawn*

Yup, we should never criticise Dear Leader, he can do no wrong, and if you do dare suggest that he is mortal, you obviously want "insert republican candidate de jour here" to be in the WH instead...

Now, please go ahead and tell the class why you think that I must secretly want a republican in the WH too despite having been an active DEMOCRATIC poster here for donkeys years...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=208079

there are more too.

One of the nutters favorite things to call Obama is 'dear leader'---maybe that's why it's disliked so much here. Just a thought.

[Number23]

135. SHOCKINGLY, there is no response from Mr. Irony.

[11 Bravo]

138. Perhaps he has had an epiphany ... it may have struck him that he ...

has no earthly idea what "irony" actually entails.

[truebrit71]

140. Or perhaps I was having dinner...

Forgive me

[11 Bravo]

145. Spinach, right? Because it's chock-full of iron(y).

[truebrit71]

155. That's funny..

...but no...

[cui bono]

158. SHOCKINGLY, there was no apology from you for your blatant lies about me.

Yes, I still remember. It speaks volumes about your character, or lack there of.

[Number23]

161. Oh I bet you do remember. Anyone that gets that flustered and devastated over a typo

is not one that I consider to have anything even resembling enough of a life to NOT remember such stupid shit. And your "blatant lie" is when I said that you typed up the pre-edit thing. You are actually burning calories over a typo and me thinking that you typed up the pre-edit thing yourself. Is it possible that you are completely unaware of how BEYOND INANE this stupid shit is?

I'd be so embarrassed to be carrying on about something so utterly meaningless and stupid. But considering how many people I've seen handing you your ENTIRE behind the last month or so, it's apparent that you possess not even the tiniest inkling of self awareness. As much as I've enjoyed the numerous posts calling out your net-nannying and dishonesty, they've apparently done nothing to fix the actual problem.

[cui bono]

162. Ah, but as I pointed out to you it wasn't about a typo at all. It was about you lying about me.

You saw the evidence. There was no "problem", you just didn't know how the site worked. As I said I posted the evidence. You chose to not apologize. Speaks volumes, yes it does.

[Number23]

170. NO. ONE. CARES.

You are chasing me around DU demanding an apology because a MONTH (yes, folks damn near a MONTH) ago I said that you typed up the pre-edit on a post. That's it. Not accusing you of calling the president a piece of shit used car salesman. Not of sending a threatening PM to someone. Not of soliciting your body on the Interwebs. Of typing the damned pre-edit on a post.

I am sorry. Truly. Sorry that you apparently have absolutely NOTHING else to do with your time. And your chasing me around DU speaks beyond volumes about you as well, particularly your lack of maturity, intellect and a myriad of other redeeming social qualities. And I'm not laughing at all anymore. Your obsessive behavior is indicative of something extremely sad.

[cui bono]

171. I'm hardly chasing you around, don't flatter yourself.

This is simply about your character and whether or not you exhibit honor in apologizing after making false accusations of someone else. It's something people usually do. Well people with integrity anyway. I've been on both the receiving end and giving end of them on DU. I actually don't think about it until I see a post of yours that is hypocritical and sometimes that reminds me of it. Today I thought I'd remind you of it.

Just giving you the opportunity to redeem yourself but I see you choose to double down instead.

[Number23]

173. No, it is perfectly sane to demand an apology over something so stupid and asinine

a MONTH after it happened after chasing that person around for days after the fact demanding an apology then that didn't happen and never will. That is exactly what sane rational people do.

This response from me to you on the matter is still relevant http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4611984

And judging by the comments you've been getting from lots and lots and lots of people here, you need to worry about your own character (and health by the sounds of it) and leave everybody else alone. And I'm deadly serious and not laughing about that.

[Number23]

174. The real irony in this thread is the person who created an OP accusing DUers of being "gleeful"

that Will Pitt's wife was sick when no one did that AT ALL, is demanding an apology for "lying" about her typing a pre-edit. Yes, a pre-edit to a post.

So many great responses to that OP but here were a few doozies:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024701611#post125
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024701611#post112
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024701611#post150

The "character" conversation is one you need to have with yourself. And your idiotic apology demands for besmirching your "honor" as if you have any need to stop.

[truebrit71]

137. Yes. Absolutely.

That's the entire point. The locksteppers are behaving in a manner consistent with the lemmings in NK, ie trying to crush criticism, ban dissent, and pulling on those that dare to say anything other than obedient praise.

That's not who Democrats are. We don't do loyalty oaths, and we certainly don't do 'marching in a straight line'...but there are a vocal minority that screech loudly anytime someone steps out of line and I think it's bullshit and un (small d) democratic.

God knows Democrats don't always get along, but we do still pull the lever for the candidates with the 'D' when we need to, but as soon as we start throwing accusations of closet support for republicans, or false accusations of racism, then we have seriously lost the plot.

[one_voice]

163. So then you admit you're intentionally...

being nasty toward other DU'ers by using one of the hateful memes from the right/baggers--REPEATEDLY.

That's not irony--that's nastiness and makes DU suck.

I find it ironic that you use an insult from the likes of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity etc against DU'ers while whining about accusations of closet support for republicans & racism. Teabaggers carry those signs.

You're a democrat and you couldn't come up with anything better than an right wing/teabagger slam....talk about ironic.

The term Dear Leader has no place on a DEMOCRATIC board whether used as a slight against fellow posters or the president.

[truebrit71]

168. No, that's not it at all...

...it's an overall comment about the irony that people that are supposedly in the party of the big tent, are actually behaving like foot soldiers that won't tolerate anything other than complete agreement with the President.

[treestar]

147. And nasty towards other posters on DU

That was aimed at us, not the POTUS.

[cui bono]

156. Apparently it is. How are people not understanding why you say "dear leader"?

I wouldn't use that myself because I'm trying not to be divisive like that (ahem), but for them to think it's about Obama shows how deep their denial runs or that they are purposely being obtuse.

[truebrit71]

159. I dunno...it's a comment about them...

...not the President and they simply don't get it...ironic, huh?

[Sheepshank]

95. BS n/t

because apparently unless everyone is bashing Obama, we are in lock step...just wanted to support that oft spoken, but inane theory of yours.

[truebrit71]

196. Nope. That's not what I said at all.

But thanks for putting words in my mouth...

[Oilwellian]

25. Yet, you just said this:

Too much free reign for the bashers, libertarians, rw trolls, online trolls, ratfuckers, Eeyores, and malcontents.

[truebrit71]

31. The irony is simply staggering to behold...

Un-fucking-believable really....

[Voice for Peace]

107. I don't think that word means what you think it means.

[truebrit71]

115. Yeah, I got my English degree at 7/11

[11 Bravo]

190. Did you keep the receipt? (Maybe you can get a refund.)

[FSogol]

35. You don't think there is enough range of Democratic/liberal/progressive thought

without resorting to direct attacks on elected Democrats?



Once upon a time, DU chased away republican disruptors. Now they and their trollish enablers are welcomed with open arms and encouraged.

[truebrit71]

62. So if you disagree with the President, or any other elected Dem you MUST be a republican disruptor?

Is that the standard now? If so, how the fuck is that not demanding lockstep agreement?

Holy shit the circles you're spinning yourself into just get smaller and smaller don't they?

[FSogol]

67. Did I say that? Pathetic.

[truebrit71]

71. So you didn't just post this...

"Once upon a time, DU chased away republican disruptors. Now they and their trollish enablers are welcomed with open arms and encouraged."

Or was that your alter ego?

[FSogol]

75. Yes I posted that, but that doesn't mean:

"So if you disagree with the President, or any other elected Dem you MUST be a republican disruptor?" which is what you claimed.

That is in no way what I said or implied.

[truebrit71]

82. Uh huh...

[Oilwellian]

70. Debate and criticism has always been welcomed on DU

It's even supported in DU's Terms of Service. Using your logic, that would make the owners of DU

bashers, libertarians, rw trolls, online trolls, ratfuckers, Eeyores, and malcontents.

[treestar]

148. I wonder who really wants lockstep

Anyone who says we are thinking in Dear Leader terms because we support Democrats they consider not pure enough - then accuses others of demanding lockstep thinking. Assuming their position is the only "true" Democratic position - it's projection to accuse us of demanding lockstep adoration.

And their objects of adoration are just different people.

[LanternWaste]

60. Like this...?

" Calling someone a name in a daily rant takes a lot critical thinking..."

Like this...?
"bashers, libertarians, rw trolls, online trolls, ratfuckers, Eeyores, and malcontents..."

(Insert distinction without a difference here)

[truebrit71]

66. Pssst...I have been reliably informed that this is an 'Irony-Free Zone'....

[treestar]

16. That is constantly the excuse for outright

bashing and opposition to Democrats.

No, it's not lockstep thinking to believe libertarians and right wingers don't belong here.

[truebrit71]

23. And that is constantly the excuse offered whenever anyone steps out of line...

....No-one has suggested that libertarians or rightwingers have any place here, but I'd argue that criticism of the President, and Dems in general, when they act in a manner that is not (small 'd') democratic is REQUIRED on a place called 'Democratic Underground'...

[treestar]

32. Oh it's required?

we can't approve of any Democrat in office on Democratic underground? zomg!

[truebrit71]

34. Where did I even come close to saying that...

...I swear to dog people's reading comprehension around here has taken it right in the shitter lately...

[FSogol]

37. How is calling the President an "f'ing piece of shit" criticism appropriate for this forum?

[riqster]

46. 'Tis ever so reasoned and insightful, awash in critical thinking and deep analyses.

What, you can't perceive the intellectual brilliance and sheer logical superiority of "fucking piece of shit"?? Whatever is the matter with YOU?



Yes,

[FSogol]

48. Yeah, I admit, I was thinking about cheerleaders that day in Rhetoric class.

[riqster]

51. A most common malady, meseems.

[truebrit71]

47. That's not what was written though was it...??

...

[FSogol]

49. No. They spelled out "fucking." n/t

[truebrit71]

59. Nope.

Not really...but go ahead and imagine whatever it is you need to fuel your outrage...

[FSogol]

64. My outrage? You're the guy who follows me from thread to thread complaining

about my posts while patting yourself on the back for your "critical think'n"

[truebrit71]

69. So I'm right and all you've got is a smilie?

Good deal...oh...and feel free to get over yourself...I haven't followed you anywhere mate...

[11 Bravo]

97. "All you've got is a smilie" says the poster whose post #90 consisted of a title, 4 smilies and ...

nothing else.
Wait ... don't tell us ... you think that's some more of that "irony" shit right?

[truebrit71]

101. I'm sure they're capable of answering for themselves..

....no?

[sabrina 1]

204. Actually that's what makes it a Democratic site. Republican sites tend to march in lockstep, never

questioning, see Bush, eg.

[Marrah_G]

7. I'm here to catch up on news and discuss issues

Why are you here?

[marlakay]

52. Ditto for me nt

[BainsBane]

9. What, no loaf of bread?

Lorena Baguette is not impressed.




What about Burundi? Don't you know they don't even have doors?

[The Straight Story]

11. Oh cool, domestic violence humor

And Burundi has nothing to complain about since they don't have doors - women aren't forced to be humiliated/oppressed when a man opens one for them there.

[BainsBane]

13. so PC

[The Straight Story]

15. Naw, I use a Mac.

[Hekate]

27. oh crap, Straight Story, you made me laugh out loud and now the dog is looking at me funny.

[riqster]

42. Rimshot!

[name not needed]

10. At this point, morbid curiosity.

[okaawhatever]

92. Lolz. Good one. nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

17. Beer and Travel money

Geez everyone know that.

[NightWatcher]

19. ^^^^^ um, yeah me too

Is this where the line forms?

[cyberswede]

21. !

[Brigid]

22. You win the thread.

[nadinbrzezinski]

26. And some adventure...

[Fumesucker]

84. And many experiences

[polichick]

29. What are you "undermining?"

[City Lights]

33. I'm here to trash threads...

[quinnox]

113. lol, it feels that way sometimes.

[Lizzie Poppet]

36. I'm here because I'm not there.

And you know what's really weird? That keeps happening all the time!

[riqster]

40. Could be worse...

http://m.

[PeaceNikki]

38. 42

[riqster]

41. The perfect answer!

Or at least, the ultimate one.

[Mosby]

58. The actual answer is 43.

[PeaceNikki]

63. uh... no

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+answer+to+life+the+universe+and+everything&oq=what+is+the+an&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.2999j1j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8

[Mosby]

77. maybe I'm being a little particular

But it's 43.

The five embark on a journey to find the legendary planet known as Magrathea, known for selling luxury planets. Once there, they meet a computer named Deep Thought, who states the ultimate answer to everything is the number 42. (It is important to note that in later novels, Deep Thought is proven to be off by one, and the actual answer is 43)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy_%28novel%29

[riqster]

79. As long as no one figures out the question, we're all right.

[2banon]

134. How did I get here?

"I swear 42 is following me! It's like the Big Bad Wolf"

(one of the comments at link, in case you're wondering)

[Glitterati]

39. Critical thinking skills is a life-long endeavor

Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, emphatically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked. They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers – concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking. They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason. They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, biases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest. They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society. At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so. They avoid thinking simplistically about complicated issues and strive to appropriately consider the rights and needs of relevant others. They recognize the complexities in developing as thinkers, and commit themselves to life-long practice toward self-improvement.

The Socratic principle: The unexamined life is not worth living , because they realize that many unexamined lives together result in an uncritical, unjust, dangerous world. ~ Linda Elder, September, 2007

https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766

[Hekate]

45. Also morbid curiosity

Gah

[Maedhros]

56. Arguing for Democrats to behave more like Democrats than Republicans [n/t]

[Arkana]

57. I was wandering by one day and one of y'all told me there were pretzels.

It's been 10 years. I'm still waiting on my goddamn pretzels.

[LadyHawkAZ]

61. I'm here to read about and discuss issues important to Democrats

That's why I joined a site called Democratic Underground.

I used to think that's why most people are here, but lately I'm not so sure.

[FSogol]

68. Seriously. n/t

[steve2470]

73. nailed it nt

[JI7]

104. yeah, they are angry that Bush was treated horrribly on DU and think it's unfair

that they can't do the same to Obama

[truebrit71]

194. I believe you have that almost precisely backwards...

..."they" are not "angry" at all..."they" are amazed that it was perfectly okay to use all manner of attacks when the guy (or gal) in the WH has an 'R' by their name, but that CANNOT be allowed to happen when that guy (or gal) has a 'D' behind their name. In the case of the latter being in effect, the occupant of the WH automatically rises above all criticism, can do no wrong, and ANYONE that says otherwise must automatically be attacked as a 'hater' a 'basher' or 'anti-obama'...

[steve2470]

65. to cause maximum mayhem and ennui

To discuss and support President Obama and the Democratic Party. To offer nuanced constructive critiques when appropriate. To offer support for the GOOD things PBO and the party have done.

[Kaleva]

78. 4: To weaken or ruin by degree the Cooking & Baking group.

[steve2470]

88. too much cream in a recipe ? :) nt

[okaawhatever]

93. And yet, your application stated you were joining Cooking & Baking "to spice things up" hmmm nt

[frylock]

91. i'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum

[frazzled]

98. To procrastinate from my work ...

If I really want to be honest about it.

[Turbineguy]

102. Since my answer was already taken....

I just here to see what happens next.

[fascisthunter]

105. I Feel That Way about Third-Wayers

[Voice for Peace]

108. cats.

[G_j]

109. or,

whine
verb \ˈhwīn, ˈwīn\

: to complain in an annoying way

: to make a high, crying sound

: to make a high and unpleasant sound that continues for a long time

[butterfly77]

111. To see how many trolls...

are posting in an average day and to see how many are believing the lies.

[Blue_Tires]

112. I just wanted to meet some women

I joined because I thought this was a dating site

[Art_from_Ark]

132. Me, too

I thought that "DU" was short for "Dates Unlimited"

[quinnox]

114. I came here for the waters.

[Codeine]

116. Came for the Iraq War, stayed for the Moon Bombing.

And now I just want to be here when the witch hunts start in earnest and the whole place eats itself alive.

[icymist]

118. I'm here for the free beer.

Someone told me there would be free beer.
I'm still waiting.

[2banon]

136. Here ya' go.. on the house..

[icymist]

139. Wowser!!!!!

[Warren DeMontague]

124. Tell me why you're here.

[SummerSnow]

127. Im here to..

[TransitJohn]

142. To learn about rape, evidently.

I came a decade ago because this was, at the time, the premier liberal website on the web (pre Kos, FDL, TPM, etc.). Now I don't know why I stay, I never really formed any sort of rapport with anyone. The discussion has gone down hill.

[Katashi_itto]

201. Im here for more fiber in my diet. Like Waffles

[scarletwoman]

144. I'm here because this has been my home on the intertubes since 2001.

I'm here to learn and to think about stuff, and to occasionally share what I'm thinking about the stuff I've learned.

I'm 64 years old, I've seen a lot of shit go down during my lifetime. I like that there are other people here who have also lived through a lot of the same shit. I like that there are other people here who share some of my own opinions about the shit they've witnessed in their lifetimes.

I like that there are other people here who perceive and discuss the Deep State, Parapolitics, and the Shadow Government. I've been into studying that stuff since the 60s.

I'm here because I like to pay attention. I'm here because I'm not into surfaces and "conventional wisdom". I'm here because, no matter how rarely or infrequently, there are others here who will always see through the bullshit, and I am glad to have the opportunity to support them.

I'm here because I refuse to cede the field of battle to idiots and sell-outs and shallow thinkers - and I hope that by my remaining here, I piss those people off.

[cyberswede]

151. brava!

I'm here because I refuse to cede the field of battle to idiots and sell-outs and shallow thinkers - and I hope that by my remaining here, I piss those people off.

[mike_c]

165. +1

[Rex]

175. +1

[Autumn]

149. I like to discuss politics, politicians and sometimes rant about them

and read and learn interesting things. I don't see how your un·der·mine relates to what all of the registered posters do here except for a few trolls that MIRT takes care of. Why are you here?

[Liberal_in_LA]

153. huh? that seems kinda negative.

[Fumesucker]

160. At this point I have no earthly idea beyond sheer damn habit

For a considerable length of time DU was a refuge from right wing crazyness with which I'm usually surrounded. Now DU is infested with right wingers pushing right wing policy like mandated private insurance and hating on liberals I can't and don't take anything here seriously any more.

[ibegurpard]

164. to see what's going on around the world

I've gotten to the point where I ignore most of the rah-rah bullshit.

[kwassa]

166. I'm a masochist.

[CFLDem]

169. I was told there would be food.

Also this place rocks!

[Jamaal510]

172. Obama paid me to post on here. nt

[neverforget]

176. Diversity of liberal thought, debate and news and Monty Python

[Ed Suspicious]

177. To engage in discussion about real progressive

principles. To become educated on political events past and present so that I am able to engage republicans and wrong minded in the outside world in an unflappable and intelligent manner. To keep a watchful eye on the indiscretions of our government and to engage in public critique so that others know there are principled progressives out there and I want them to see that we hold our own to a higher standard than the other party holds theirs. To stand up to hypocrisy so that I can always hold my head high and never need to equivocate iver a choice I made in the voting booth or a recommendation of chosen candidate made to a voting friend.

I am here to ensure that the Democratic Party is the only logical and responsible choice when pitted against republican opposition.

If you find that to be undermining, we're not even playing ball in the same park.

[stage left]

178. I came here to get real news,

not the slanted kind you get in the mainstream media. Also to escape the right wing fanatics SC is infested with for a little bit and maybe see a few right wing Republican bat shit crazy fanatical supporters of theocracy and other bullshit get bashed within an inch of their lives. Boy, I really hate those guys!

[kentauros]

180. Well, obviously, I'm spelunking!

In order to declare war on peace and happiness!!!!!!

[TheKentuckian]

181. Is that really what the Turd Wayers are really doing here I thought they were just kind of off keel.

I didn't think the actual stated agenda was to actually undermine the party and liberal policy but thanks for letting us know.

[revmclaren]

182. I was told there would be punch and pie. viva le revolution!

But seriously, I'm a Democrat and this is Democratic Underground. Right???!

[DisgustipatedinCA]

183. Inertia

[Niceguy1]

184. du makes good toilet reading

Lol

[JoePhilly]

192. Used to be because it was a great place to find and support Dem candidates.

Now, its mainly a great place to learn what the daily outrages on the right and left, will be.

[Shankapotomus]

193. Because I find democratic and liberal ideas comforting and natural

And don't hear enough of what I hear at DU from the people around me.

[Earth_First]

195. Intellectual drama...

[Tarheel_Dem]

203. You definitely broke the code.