One thing that impresses me so much about this forum,

[pnwmom]

after initially being concerned that I might be intruding, is that this seems the only place on DU where people with different perspectives on the candidates come together without trying to cram candidates down each other's throats or to rip each other to shreds.

In other words, the level of civility around here is unmatched.

So thank you for having this forum and welcoming those who appreciate it.

[Number23]

1. I absolutely could not agree with you more.

In addition to the fact that any liberal or "liberal" blocked from an AA forum or section on any web site should seriously question whether they are actually liberal, this forum is just about the only place here where supporters of ALL of the candidates come together and we only have one rule:

Respect our community.

That's it. If someone can't do that, and it is very clear that there are large swaths of DUers that can't, they are not welcome here. And by community, of course I mean the black community.

You can advocate for anything here except for the slaughter of black children.

You can passionately discuss your support of any candidate or position except one steeped in racist thought or invective.

You can yell, scream and cuss like a sailor but as long as you Respect our Community, you'll be okay.

But anyone that wants to come in here and think that you are going to "educate" or reprimand BY FAR the smartest, most educated, most REALITY BASED, well travelled and informed group of DUers this web site has ever had the fortune to garner, you can Watusi your ass right on by. And ESPECIALLY when you cannot be bothered to participate in the 6948 discussions we regularly have in this forum about racism in media, in housing, in prison sentencing. You're never here when we discuss Black Lives Matter, police brutality, racism in health and education, or celebrate the success and accomplishments of our own, but want to come in here all loud and brand new trying to "educate" us about whatever "issue" you think is important and wonder why none of us gives you even a second of our time.

This is probably the most clued in, racially diverse GROUP (not forum) on DU. We have some of everybody participating here and it is the best that DU has to offer. We have hosts and regulars of lots of races, who support different candidates or are undecided. But patronizing bullshit is recognized for exactly what it is here and we don't have time for it or those who want to push it. And the sooner folks understand that, the sooner we can get back to being the best, brightest and most fabulous spot this web site has to offer.

[brer cat]

9. I wish I could rec this post.

You have stated it perfectly!

[lovemydog]

19. You're a great writer.

I love reading your eloquent posts.

[Kind of Blue]

27. "best, brightest and most fabulous spot this web site has to offer."

[Number23]

29. !

[MADem]

43. OMG, this is just perfection!!!

My favorite:

But anyone that wants to come in here and think that you are going to "educate" or reprimand BY FAR the smartest, most educated, most REALITY BASED, well travelled and informed group of DUers this web site has ever had the fortune to garner, you can Watusi your ass right on by

[Number23]

44. "you can watusi your ass right on by"

Let Wednesday Addams show 'em how it's done.

[lovemydog]

2. I agree pnwmom.

I've always felt welcome here too, and appreciate it very much.

It's also my favorite place to read at DU.

Hope you're enjoying a good weekend. I ran around a lot today and plan to relax tomorrow by watching football.

[pnwmom]

3. I'm enjoying the weekend

visiting a very special three year old.

And having a wonderful time.

Thanks for the good wishes! Enjoy tomorrow!

[Cha]

4. Mahalo for recognizing it, pnwmom~

[lovemydog]

32. Hola mi amiga!

Hope you're doing well. Is it getting a bit cooler in Hawaii this time of year? I bet it's gorgeous, maybe even with some rain as well.

[Cha]

41. Hola, mi amigo, lovemydog!

I am, mahalo.. hope you are as well.

Ah the weather.. is perfect now. Some hot days and cool nights.. some cooler days and cool nights.

But I don't mind the heat so it's all good.

What about you and your environment?

[lovemydog]

42. Pretty nice here too.

This is my favorite time of the year in New Mexico. Around the mid 60's during the day and mid 40's at night. All the leaves are changing color. Crisp autumn air. I love it this time of year. Good to see you here. Mahalo.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Thank you - it was a rough summer

We went from 4-5 blocked members to 40 as of this morning.

We are also very transparent about why people are blocked. Number23 told no lies in her post. Adding - some of the people now blocked were long time offenders. By putting one toe in here while all that nonsense was going on they got caught up in a No Nonsense Moment.

I am directly at odds with most of this site in this election. No one has gone after me back here for being an O'Malley supporter.

[murielm99]

6. I don't say much here,

I mostly read. I still worry that I might be intruding.

I am a Hillary supporter. But I like the fact that many here have not yet decided on a candidate. It leaves room for discussion, which is much needed but lacking in the other spaces here.

I have always said that I come to DU to learn and to become informed. I still feel that in the AA group.

[betsuni]

7. Yes, this group is the best.

It's like if you search for chili bean recipes and the most popular ones tell you to open a few cans of beans and add a jar of salsa and a bottle of hot sauce. That's not a recipe, it's a commercial. Here, people soak dried beans, boil them, use their own spice mixes. I always learn something.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. I take accept that as high praise ... Thank you ...

I think what you see/feel is something we, as a group, recognize ... at the end of the day, we, truly, are in this together.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

10. KnR! n/t

[Starry Messenger]

11. It's a very precious and unique space.

I hope some other voices that were silenced for awhile filter back here, though I can understand why people who stay away do so.

[mcar]

12. Completely agree

This forum is informative, fair and civil. I appreciate coming here to read and learn.

[WIProgressive88]

13. I agree.

I'm much more of a reader than a poster, both in this group and on DU in general, but the African American Group is easily one of my favorite sections of DU. The discussions are always informative and thought provoking, and I always feel like I learn something after reading them. Thank you to all the regular posters in this group who make it one of the best, most intelligent, and most informative groups on DU.

[kjones]

14. Same here.

Thanks everybody

[Coolest Ranger]

15. I love it when people like you

come in and praise what we go through as black Americans. Now, I am noticing a trend that is starting to disturb me. Apparently there is a growing trend from those who have been banned by groups like this one. If they can't spew their hatred towards certain groups here on Democratic Underground they go to the General Discussions where they can attack and drop subtle hints about their displeasure with protected groups.

The groups are protected for a reason. It's so that the supporters of certain groups, races or ETC can gather to have a civil discussion in peace. This group, and the Barrack Obama group are the only places I feel safe in posting. But yet as I live and breathe groups like ours are under attack and I'm terrified these vile posters are going to convince the admins to trash our group. Please talk me down because as it stands right now I am convinced that's what going to happen

[JustAnotherGen]

16. I don't believe they will

Seriously - I don't.

I think if we stay ack here - less trouble out there.

[pnwmom]

17. I can't imagine Skinner ever allowing that to happen. Really and truly.

But I am disappointed with what appear to be a disproportionate number of alerts, hides, and suspensions here. That is very troubling.

[lovemydog]

18. I've grown most as a person by reading

and contributing here. The challenges we face require social and political engagement. Just look at how people continue reaching out and sharing online. We're social creatures. We crave interaction and benefit greatly from it.

I'm confident this group will continue as long as people continue posting here. It's an oasis where people speak freely. I feel the warmth, intelligence and humanity.

Today I'm chilling & watching football. What are you up to today Coolest Ranger? I hope you're enjoying a nice relaxing weekend!

[randys1]

22. And then if these same people finally go too far for DU as a whole, they will go to some

rightwing board and obsess about what is said here to the point that it controls their lives.
This is when they get dangerous.

Rightwing thinking is the closest thing to psychosis and these people are potentially dangerous to all of us.

[pnwmom]

36. I'm confused. Who are the groups of people here who would ever join a rightwing board? n/t

[randys1]

38. Not members of this forum or AA, but people who have really only one thing in common with me

I wont speak for anybody else, and that is the Wall Street/pocketbook issues.

They dont really seem to care about much else, some of them, and they would be right at home with many of the rightwingers I talk to daily.

[Iris]

26. I hope that's not true. But if it were to happen

perhaps a back-up plan should be in place? A long time ago, there was a Yahoo group created for DU members to go to if DU went down for an extended time or permanently at any given time.

I would hate to see this community gone.

[1StrongBlackMan]

20. Interesting ...

Look at a common theme running through this thread ... The respondents that have warm feelings about this Group, also, are the DUers that come here to LEARN ... not teach.

There are Groups on DU that I am not a member of the that demographic, that I visit daily ... just to see what they are talking about and to see what they are saying about it. And I think I may have a posting rate in those Groups of less than 1%, and when I do post ... it is a specific question about a specific comment made. I would NEVER presume to attempt to teach them a single thing.

[lovemydog]

30. You're great at assembling information

and identifying characteristics. I'm like you vis a vis other groups I enjoy visiting. I crave learning and enjoy absorbing perspectives. Every person's life experience is unique and fascinating.

It's plain true, I like all the regular contributors here. Over time we get to know each other better. It's true: I find the atmosphere sincere and friendly.

I know, I'm like the guy who visits someone's home and keeps complimenting the owners on how nice the home looks. Nearly every time I visit. LOL. Respect!

[1StrongBlackMan]

37. LOL ...

I know, I'm like the guy who visits someone's home and keeps complimenting the owners on how nice the home looks. Nearly every time I visit. LOL. Respect!

That's why you keep getting invited back ... as opposed to having the homeowners hiding behind drawn drapes or deciding to water their lawn: just as you start up the walk way!

[Lisa D]

21. I appreciate this group!

And truly admire how the hosts allow a variety of opinions and viewpoints while still maintaining a high level of civility and transparency.

[randys1]

23. I feel more at home here than anywhere on the internet, AA forum that is.

[Tipperary]

24. I have noticed that too, and it is one of the reasons I began posting here.

People seem more reasonable and willing to listen to different viewpoints.

The GDP forum is actually quite frightening at times.

[Kind of Blue]

25. Yes, Indeed.

I have to give kudos to the AAs and serious allies who have stayed here throughout these years. They are amazing!

Indeed, I've asked Number23 many times why do you stay here because of those aggravating anonymous people. But you guys really understand better than I that maybe this is how awareness begins. It's so cool to have people say that they come here to learn. So cool to hear BS rival HRC supporters say I like him/her and I think your right to breathe is bigger than my pocketbook. Or I want to understand why we hear the same words but want to know of your experience, processing the information, and engage without condescension or dismissal. All of that means a lot but you guys made all that happen.

And I do enjoy how you waste no time showing some people the door with the quickness.

[lovemydog]

31. Great comments, Kind of Blue.

When I was living in NYC I'd observe why visiting some apartments I'd feel stressed, while other places I felt great. When I moved to a town & got a home I got more mindful on who I let inside. If they are rude they're not invited back. One of my favorite compliments is when someone mentions they feel comfortable here.

Home is sacred to me. It can provide an oasis of fellowship. I applaud the hosts and others who have no tolerance for condescending nonsense. They keep the riff raff out.

[Kind of Blue]

33. Yeah, comfortable is the key

I never imagined that I'd feel safe anywhere on DU, especially in this group with the politics of this past summer. No other site I've visited where people are free to comment are the moderators as vigilant in keeping everyone on point. It is a sacred spot #blackthoughtsmatter

[1StrongBlackMan]

39. LOL ...

#AllThoughtsMatter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kind of Blue]

40. I'll just store that one under

#AllConflationMatter!!!

You are funny!

[lovemydog]

45. Duzy!

[Bobbie Jo]

28. Absolutely right.

This is my favorite group to read for all those reasons.

Not to mention, my favorite posters hang out here too...

[The Polack MSgt]

34. Not to pile on

But allow me to pile on.
The majority of the posters that turned me from a lurker to a member live in this forum.
This is a destination of mine whenever I have a moment or two to surf
GD and GD-P are becoming much too shouty.
My question for the loudest posters is - why do you believe that questioning my intellect, judgment and memory will lead me to react favorably to your candidate?
Any way, thanks for the sanity.

[pnwmom]

35. I have wondered the exact same thing. Oh well.

At least this forum remains an oasis of sanity and civility here.