I've decided to use HOF for my farewell thread.

[trumad]

I know---I hate these types of farewells because 9 out of 10 don't hold up. I did one several years ago and actually lasted a couple of months. It's the lurking that pulls you back. You lurk, see some knucklehead post, and you just have to reply. Just like an addict who goes sober for a year but takes one sip of Jack Daniels at a Christmas party or one hit off a pipe.

So if I tell you ---nope---I'm gone for good---- I'd be lying.

I am leaving though and I'm going to do my best to make it stick.

I have a career, a damn busy career that needs my full attention. When work is over I have a family, I have a dog, I have a cat, I have hobbies, I have a life---and I want to smell the roses. Simply put---I want to be happy.. errr happier.

I have not been happy on DU for sometime. My personality is such that it is hard for me to abide with douchebaggery.

Let me just say right off the bat---- when I wake up in the morning and take that first look in the mirror---bang----there is my first douchebag siting of the day. I know damn well that I can be the biggest A-Hole on DU and in the past 13 years have said some stupid shit. Ain't nobody perfect and I'm far far from it.

Honestly though--- I don't want to be a douchebag. I don't want to argue with other douchebags---I don't want to argue with anyone.

It's exhausting, time consuming, and it drains your soul.

Hence me saying goodbye to my virtual home since 2001.

What I see going on here the last couple of weeks has freaked me out---actually creeped me out. I know---I know--- Put the offenders on ignore---trash the thread---etc. I can't do that---it's not my nature. If I see somebody attacking my friends, I'm going in. This is unsustainable and it is not working. The loop hole in the rules, the cleverness of the opponent, alerts, juries etc.... make it impossible to win the day.

I chose HOF to say goodbye for two reasons. One---to stick it in the eye one more time to those who continue to battle this group---and two: because you opened my eyes to your everyday struggle for true equality.

So that's it...... I'm done. It's time to smell the roses.

To my friends here on DU---friends who I know and trust---PM me and we'll find away to stay in touch.

trumad

[intaglio]

1. Looking forward to your resurrection

Thanks for all

[boston bean]

2. Trumad thank you for being who you are.

None of us are perfect that's for sure. And you are right, it can be very draining personally to be on DU sometimes. I've felt it myself.

I totally get what you are saying and I agree.

I have so much respect for someone who has the ability to recognize and error and correct it. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

I hope that you will find the most happiness in your life. My best to you and your family.

If I do see you around again, know that I get that as well! I've taken many self imposed breaks and it's good for the soul. I've found myself coming back over and over. Know that my selfishness wishes your return. However, that is your choice. But I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you do come back.

Take care, my friend!

[BainsBane]

3. I understand why you feel a need to leave

but your voice will be missed. Thank you so much for all your support. Do what you need to in order to make the most of your life. That really is what counts.

[boston bean]

9. I think it's a real shame that someone can be alert stalked.

Last edited Mon Dec 30, 2013, 10:36 AM - Edit history (1)

There is something very wrong here with the system, if two very long time posters, who post a lot on DU, are going to be our first two examples of this new policy.

[hlthe2b]

69. Exactly... Skinner needs to address this very ugly and very real issue.

[TBF]

4. I will miss you in sports. nt

[Little Star]

5. I'm sorry you are paying the price for seeing our everyday struggle....

You're a good person trumad and we will miss you.

My hope is that you return after you have smelled the roses. ngu!

[boston bean]

6. a huge +1000

[irisblue]

7. I will miss your posts

and ability to cut past the bushwah to the heart of the matter.

[mountain grammy]

8. I'll miss you and will hope for your return.

I do more "lurking" than posting. I do spend a lot of time here, probably more than I should, but I'm retired and my children grown so I have the time to spend. Is it a wise use of my time? I still think so.

[closeupready]

10. I had you on ignore for a couple years due to your profanity-laced

style - it was excessive and pointless, and frankly, juvenile, so I had to put you on ignore, because you (in part) made my DU experience tedious.

Then one day, I took you off, and lo and behold, it seemed that you had changed much for the better!

I can honestly say that I will miss your voice here - take a break, a week, month, year, whatever, and come back refreshed. You will be welcome by many, I'm sure.

Peace to you.

[CTyankee]

11. A very classy farewell, Trumad. You must do what you must do...but

I'll miss you.

Thank you for being a true friend and ally of women here at DU!

[loudsue]

12. Well that's a helluva deal. I'm going to miss you being here, Trumad.

I've been here since ....well, way before I ever registered and/or posted (DU was my first foray into the social ether) ....and your posts always seemed to come down on the side of the issues I felt strongly about.

I respect your decision to back away from DU...I wish I could, too. DU certainly raises my blood pressure, and I, too, am sick and tired of the assholes and the well-trained intruders! I'm just so hopelessly hooked.

I wish you the best of your time away, no matter how long that is.

[wilt the stilt]

13. we need you in the sports section

leave the general discussion and stick to sports. we need you. If you do leave I will miss you.

[Auggie]

20. I second, third and fourth that

I look forward to your thoughts, opinions and insights trumad. Even if just in sports. Don't let a few douchebags here win.

[TBF]

30. I'll add a fifth to that -

someone's gotta keep Miami alive.

[Auggie]

108. You take care of the fifth. I'll bring the ice cubes and glasses.

A toast to trumad:

[seabeyond]

109. i am way ahead. yawl need to catch up, lol. nt

[TBF]

110. straight up!

[JustAnotherGen]

14. I will

I will miss you.

[mackerel]

15. just back from a break myself.

my best to you and yours. happy new year.

[marble falls]

28. I understand your struggle ....

I get tired of the Duck Dynasty threads, the murder threads etc. Its arguing over trivia when there are real issues we need to be agreeing on or at least finding common ground on. Being here helps get the truth out that the media can't seem share with us. Sometimes DU seems to be slagging the President worse than any teahead and I just don't get it. And it seems they want an amen corner and not a discussion.

But then I also realize that I am possession of facts and truths that I never would have known if I weren't here. And I've learned that I don't need to have the last word and that he/she who snarks last, doesn't necessarily win.

The one behavior I just do not get is those who would never ever refer to (knowing its wrong, wrong, wrong and hate speech) a Muslim as being a towel head though referring to Mormons as having magic underwear. Hate speech is hate speech.

I'm afraid if I leave I'll end up dumber than if I stay. So I stay away from Duck Dynasty threads like I do the show. When one of the Duckers start quacking their crap on their shows I'll reconsider. I'll stay off the religious threads because its just too mean and nasty mean there. I'll stay away from the murder and mayhem stuff because salacious crime stuff not about gun control makes me dumser with every word I read of it.

I'll read anything WillPitt and MannyGoldstein and Hissyspit and a whole bunch of others post because I'm much less dumb for it.

[mountain grammy]

31. well said, marble falls, my sentiments exactly..

I don't post a whole lot because so many DUers say it so much better than I ever could, like your post. My eyes have been opened more often than I care to admit.

[marble falls]

40. You've made me a lot less dumb any number of times, granny. I'm very glad you post, too.

[cally]

16. I will miss you

I rarely post these days because I don't enjoy the arguments but I do always read your posts and appreciate you. Take time for you and your family!

[grantcart]

119. I had to take a double take, mistook you for someone else, lol.

[Autumn]

17. I will miss you trumad.

Take a break, but come back.

[Squinch]

18. Trumad, I hope your break, whether long or short

gives you the equilibrium you are looking for. I know exactly what you are saying about the past few weeks here.

I will miss seeing your name, and for myself, I my wish is that you will come back, but for you, I wish you do exactly what it is you need to do.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

19. I do hope you can find the balance that allows you the level of participation

In my perception and experience you seem to be one of the finer posters at DU.

I do hope you can find the balance that allows you the level of participation that you want without the all-involving time-sink forums can become if we let them take over our lives.

[riqster]

21. Be well, and be happy.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

22. Bon Voyage

You've always been a voice of reason, and that will be missed.

[redqueen]

23. I understand.

I've taken many breaks myself, and I hope things turn around here and you'll be back. But if not, I sure do understand.

We're all human and nobody is ever perfect. Those who try to make themselves look smart by claiming you were different before so this is all for attention or ... well whatever reason they randomly throw your past behavior into a discussion... well, I'm sure you know how they're really making themselves look. Petty, stupid, vindictive... take your pick.

We're all the same in one way or another, none of us started out knowing everything, and this - this one issue - is one of the hardest to see, cause it's still so socially acceptable.

I'll miss your voice around here. I hope your career goes well in the new year, and that you and your family have a healthy and happy year, too. Enjoy every rose.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

24. ah - trumad. hurting my heart but, I (as much as anyone) understand.

Those very same thoughts have been running thorough my head as well.

Truly, you are A Man among -men-

Sorry, if I am embarrassed you yesterday in that other thread. Didn't mean to gush but, you really have touched my heart.

Your journey has been beautiful to watch and, I am proud to have walked a part of your path with you.

Go forward in peace, good health and happiness.

Love,

TA

[hlthe2b]

25. DU will not be the same without you, trumad... Take your break, but please don't let it be too long.

I have been struggling as well to find a more balanced "DU existance"... For me, it is being very selective as to what hot button issue threads I elect to engage... Because once one is involved and targeted by the usual bomb-throwing players it is damned hard to turn away.

Thank you for calling out the misogyny that is sometimes pervasive. Come back soon.

[ismnotwasm]

26. I'm sorry to hear this

But I don't blame you. It is creepy around here, and when I look at other political sites I don't see it. I don't know who or why or what is responsible but it so very sad. I limit my participation in the first place. I will tell you and I'm sure you already know, you're not the only one. Great posters have simply walked. We're infiltrated with trolls, and it's bad.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck, and perhaps we'll are a post or two on occasion

[Cooley Hurd]

27. I hope this is temporary, my friend!

...but enjoy life and smell them roses! I've been here (almost) 12 years and it's been my browser's home page for nearly that long. But, from time to time, I see trends-of-thought that go against my Liberal and Dem upbringing and I, too, have to step away to gain perspective.

Hope ya come back, man!

[thesquanderer]

29. Paste this cartoon to your computer screen

http://xkcd.com/386/

[madrchsod]

32. good bye old friend....

i`ve been here in one form or another since 2001 and i fully understand why you are leaving.my ignore list is growing everyday!

i`d leave too but i`m retired and right now it`s to dam cold to do anything outside.


so trumad it`s been nice to read your posts and we`ll miss you...

[graywarrior]

33. I'm right behind you

or shoulder to shoulder.

[Squinch]

53. Don't you dare! Are you going too?

[awoke_in_2003]

103. Duct tape a duck or something...

but please don't go.

[magical thyme]

34. Add me to the list of people who will miss your posts

Hopefully you'll just take a break and be back in the future. But I can certainly understand...it can be so addictive and such a time sink.

Sometimes we need to get back to our real lives and give them the attention they need and deserve. Sometimes we need a break from our real lives. I'm sure if you ever need a break from the real life, DU will still be going in some form or other.

[yardwork]

35. There are MRA trolls on DU.

I understand how you feel. I rarely post on DU anymore. I posted a week or so ago in a few threads but it seemed pointless. In my real life I don't encounter very many people who believe that women deserve to be raped. Unfortunately, there are a number of trolls on DU right now who seem to be here only to promote a particular agenda and that is to demean and oppress women. I know that there is a so-called "Men's Rights" movement out there - probably funded by the Koch brothers and/or other right-wing groups - and DU is certainly a target for them right now.

Take care of yourself, Trumad. Enjoy your family, your work, your life. Please check back in from time to time. Happy new year.

[awoke_in_2003]

105. Now the MRA is infiltrating?...

This place has been bombarded by assholes ever since Operation Chaos.

[niyad]

36. Wishing you all the best.

Take time to find some peace and joy and what passes for sanity in this very insane world, and smell your roses (I have to wait until spring, or visit the florist).

but come back soon, you will be sorely missed.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

37. I don't come by this forum much because it's too close to my heart, actually.

My blood pressure would be through the roof daily!

I love your reasoning for saying farewell in the HoF forum. DU will miss you but I like knowing there's another man out there who gets it. That's good for everyone in your life.

Hope to read you again

[redwitch]

38. You will be missed.

I hope you don't stay away forever.

[Scurrilous]

39. Go Canes!

[mstinamotorcity2]

41. I know the feeling.

Fighting Ignorance is hard. And when you see someone opt in for ignorance its hard not to say anything. the Trolls have been out in full force. The objective is the same. Rhetoric of ignorance on prejudices of the past keep them in denial of where the country really stands. This is not your brother Martin's generation. Our young people are extremely dis-illusioned with America. If it wasn't for people like us fighting the good fight our young would be popping off at the drop of a hat. The 1% will do anything to remain the 1%. that they will trash the spirit and integrity of womanhood to make their point. They have reduced womanhood to buying Rape Insurance. So choosing HOF to say farewell is not surprising to me. The fight as a woman will not be over until true equality is seen in the Boardroom to the Doctor's office to the rate of salary and wages. I wish you the best and will be glad to hear from you whenever you return. Give that extra love and time to your family. We will be here when you return. Its one of the reasons you are in this community, so when you get tired of the bull you can take a sabbatical and return at your leisure. Knowing there are others still fighting for the things you believe.

[historylovr]

42. We will miss you.

I have appreciated your posts and your efforts to educate, as I'm sure others here have. Take care of yourself.

[panader0]

43. Come back before the 2014 elections

Duers will have more to do then than attach each other.
You will be missed, but the cyber world is not real life, so I understand completely.

[1StrongBlackMan]

44. As many have indicated ...

your voice will be missed. Although we do not agree on many a topic, I would always read your posts and come out the other end, the wiser for it.

Peaceand Happiness(er) in the New Year.

[xulamaude]

45. Take care, Trumad. Enjoy your family :)

[nolabear]

46. Be well, trumad. Hope those roses are sweet.

It's true the place has gotten unfamiliar and disturbing. I'm tempted to think the divisiveness is the result of deliberate effort - who KNEW the men and women could express such hate toward one another - but maybe it's just natural degeneration. I'm trying to break the addiction myself. I need more exercise and writing time! At any rate, Happy Trails, wherever you go, and if you want to connect elsewhere PM me.

[awoke_in_2003]

106. The 2008 primaries...

and Rush's Operation Chaos. They have just been getting bolder and more vocal lately.

[PassingFair]

47. You CAN'T GO! You're one of the few whose posts can't be dismissed as a bitter old lady's.

They can't handle you!

Come back soon.

[katsy]

59. Oh noes!

I wrote a nice pleading post just a second ago but now I'm with PassingFair!

Don't go! Stay! In some form STAY!

Pick an important topic a day

You can't go! I'll be the ghost of DU past you never saw coming because you don't know me and that should scare you straight!

You are a feature here....

[PassingFair]

61. Plus, Screeming Meemie always said he was a nice person.

Even when his posts were sometimes questionable.

And SHE would know!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

92. ^^This^^

[seabeyond]

99. screeing was his biggest defender to us women. i had forgotten that. ahhhhh. ya. nt

[Shrike47]

48. I hope you will be back, revived and refreshed.

Sometimes fighting and arguing wears you down but it's part of the way we work out our ideas. We will miss you and hope for your return.

[sufrommich]

49. So sorry to see you go,Trumad.

Please don't stay gone.

[Omaha Steve]

50. I've left and returned a couple times

The door is always open with a welcoming committee.

OS

[PeaceNikki]

51. Sometimes stepping away is for the best.

The vendettas and bullying here are out of control. It's always been bad, but the new DU3 makes it worse. I'm sorry to see you go.

[MuseRider]

52. This makes me sad

but also happy for you. Thank you for the fight you fought with us. I may not have been part of most of it but I read what you wrote and appreciated it. I do hope to see you again. DU will almost feel like there is an empty space at the Thanksgiving table without seeing you here. Move on and be happy and thanks.

[mopinko]

54. fare thee well my friend

fwiw, i find du a lot less compelling knowing how many of the shit stirrers here are phony as a $3 bill.
they are doing it for fun or for money, or both. some even do it out of a dark place that they have fallen, and i don't really consider this to be really authentic, either.
aside from an occasional alerts, i rarely take more than one shot at them.

i do not let them unplug me from an amazing community, the densest part of the hive mind on the interwebs afaik. this place has had an enormous impact on my life and on my farm. i know that someone here has the answer to almost any question i will ever have.
try not to let the assholes get to you. the welcome mat is always out.

please pop by at the link and like. it would be a privilege.

[katsy]

55. Mostly I'm a lurker

And I will miss you.

I hope you miss DU also and come back for why I love reading your posts..... You have a wisdom that makes you important to us.

For that, thank you.

[Euphoria]

66. Seconded!

[blackspade]

56. Sorry to see you go.

Definitely come back!

[Tikki]

57. You've been on DU a very long time..

It seems like your posting is very diverse. I've seen your posts over in the groups.

Well, bye..wish you'd stick around.

If the relationship isn't rewarding or even fun
anymore for you, I can understand why you'd leave.




Tikki
ps I'll still be giving your avatar a heart during Valentine's week.

[polichick]

58. Happy New Year trumad...

Those roses are pretty delicious - hope you smell lots of 'em!

[Uben]

60. You lasted longer than I did.....

....I didn't leave, I just stopped participating in the piss matches. Result=life better! I probably delete twice as many posts before submitting because I scrutinize more now. Still here everyday, still read a lot, but arguing has lost its appeal I guess.

Chill a bit, and return as truhappy! Yeah, that's it!

[Texasgal]

62. Please don't stay away too long!

We need you here!

[NYC_SKP]

63. I'm sorry to wake up to read this post, trumad.

You're scrappiness is something that I think benefits this community.

But I also understand you have to do what's best for you.

I hope to hear from you in the future, either here or by email or facebook.

Best regards and wishing you a fantastic 2014.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

64. I'm sure this has nothing to do with

Your upcoming forced vacation

[seabeyond]

67. you felt snotty was the way to go? see, not gonna cut it in here. respect. or do not post. nt

[Pretzel_Warrior]

70. No, I'm just invoking a bit of gallows humor

Because I too have a record regarding transparency page. Now that I know our group is such a small one I thought I would comment. I notice you are also among our group of "5 or greater".

[seabeyond]

72. itake it back... totally, k. hey, i am truly being the gatekeeper on this one, but ya... you too.

i knew that. then forgot.

thanks for the reminder. yuppers.... got ya. thank you for the clarification.

[sufrommich]

68. Go take a shit on some other thread.

This isn't the place.

[seabeyond]

73. ya. but... pretzel is there with the few others. trumad and me, included in the very small circle

but damn straight woman. nice or no....

[boston bean]

96. I have a difficult time thinking he is here for anything other than to cause

us disruption. After all the threads and especially the one this morning he posted about rape threads???? WTHeck!

However, I will give the benefit of the doubt.

[seabeyond]

97. sittin right beside you woman. nt

[Pretzel_Warrior]

117. the only reason I posted in this group was trumad's GBCW thread

[JimDandy]

75. Actually, that helped explain what was going on.

ETA: that poster isn't gloating - it's gallows humor as they're both in the same boat.

[BainsBane]

148. You've got one coming yourself

Why are you giving him shit for it?

[Pretzel_Warrior]

149. Lol. I know I do. I just thought the GBCW

Was curiously timed and laughed. I will enjoy my time away, and I'm sure Trumad will too. I'm sure we'll both be back as well.

[JTFrog]

159. You know why.

Look at the post above yours. Mission accomplished apparently.

Really gonna miss trumad and seabeyond. Other forced vacationers, not so much.

[MadrasT]

65. I understand completely.

Take a breather... come back if you can.

I have enjoyed your snark immensely.

[hfojvt]

71. a discussion board

is probably NOT the place to hang out, if you "don't want to argue with anyone".

Especially GD simply IS the place for an argument.

(No, it isn't.)

(Yes, it is.)

And people, being human, are often passionate about their arguments and positions, and often unable to avoid the personal.

If we are arguing about the validity of "Statement X" it would be nice to avoid arguments that then shift into an argument, not about statement X, but about "people" who believe one thing or another ABOUT statement X.

Suddenly then it is

"People who believe X is true are misogynists" and/or
"People who believe X is false are misandrists"

And, of course, it is easy enough to perhaps unintentionally say something which is a sweeping generalization about various groups, and then have staunch defenders of said group "call you out on it". Some people seem to live for the "calling out".

Which, in theory, is fine, even great. Certainly some untruths and harmful ideologies NEED to be called out. The trouble is that most often a "call out" slides right past the actual statement and goes to the personal. The attitude is NOT

"You are OK, but what you said is NOT true." or
"You are OK, but what you said is NOT nice"

it is instead

"What you said is NOT true, so you are NOT OK"
"What you said is NOT nice, so you are NOT OK."

Granted, I am perhaps slipping into the "transactional psychology" books that I read as a college freshman (not for a class, just because I read a lot). And that passing fad of the 1970s is now passe, debunked perhaps and discarded.

But I think there may be some wisdom there. That our battles on DU, often escalate because the warriors are coming from the "I am OK, and you are NOT OK" perspective.

Well, if a person is attacked like that, then logically they HAVE to double down, and dig in and fight like hell. Not just to prove that they were right all along, but to prove that they are OK.

In fact, in your OP here, you are advancing an even worse perspective. You seem to say "I am NOT OK, you are NOT OK". That you are a d-bag arguing with other d-bags.

See, I know, and admit, that I myself am NOT a perfect person, but I do NOT, because of that, see myself as a d-bag or a$$hat. My line (from Splash) is "I'm a nice guy, really. If I had friends, you could ask them."

Perhaps others, who see me through their own eyes, can quickly re-assure me. "Yes, hfojvt, you ARE in fact, in actual practice, an a$$hat, even a world-class a$$hat. Dude, if there was an Olympics for a$$hats, you'd get a gold medal in the decathalon."

And they might even have a collection of links available to back up that assertion. For which my feeble defense might be, well, when one wades into a moshe pit amongst the hurled elbows, one learns, or gets motivated to throw some elbows in return.

Meaning, I can certainly lose my cool in the right circumstances. But if that happens, am I an OK guy who lost his cool, or am I an a$$hat who is showing his true colors?

I give myself, and most others, the benefit of the doubt.

[TDale313]

74. Damn. This gives me a sad :-(

Be well, and come back when/if you are ready. You'll be missed.

[redstatebluegirl]

76. This makes me sad:-(

I do understand. My husband says he has seen a change in my mood after I retired and spend more time here..... Stay true to yourself Trumad.

[expungebob]

77. This is my fist post, I feel responsible that I didn't get here faster!

I don't know you but I hope you will reconsider. Anyway, what is the new policy that is at fault here? Huffington Post has cut down their massive comment volume with the requirement of linking your account to FB, and then requiring verification with a mobile phone number. So I guess I was the target group they wanted to get rid of since I don’t do either of those. Before that, a paywall went up at the other place I used to frequent, no thanks. I have heard YouTube has clamped down on their venue. All of those cite similar reasons, to clean up the comments, most of what they accomplish was to clean them out, and who decides what is appropriate. Here they have a jury of peers, sort of.

[seabeyond]

78. i can understand but i would never link my rl fb with anyone on du. not a chance in hell.

that would be an easy walk.

5 hidden posts in 90 days, kicked off du until a hide goes away and down to no more than 4.

some of us have a challenge not getting a hide.

[expungebob]

81. Thanks!

Also wondering if anyone else is noticing the control mechanisms popping up everywhere or is it just me..

Loved the quote from Samuel Adams

[seabeyond]

82. i have a star so that might be the reason, whatever you are talking about. i am the worst to ask

about tech stuff. hopefully someone else will know what you are talking about. and....

welcome to du

[tblue37]

85. Seabeyond, I do not always agree with you, and once you and a few

others jumped on me and essentially called me a troll because I tried to calm a fight in one thread, but I have always respected your passionate defense of principles I hold dear, even if your passion sometimes leads you to make intemperate remarks. (I am sure you will not remember the situation. It was a year or two ago--maybe even more.)

I mostly lurk these days, posting only a few times a week, if that. But I have an excellent memory, so I am always aware of who is stalking or trolling whom, and I know for a fact that certain people stalk you from thread to thread, deliberately goading you and then alerting on your posts. Often they alert on posts that are so innocent that I can't believe they don't incur some sort of penalty for abusing the alert function! (There really should be some sort of check on that BS!)

I checked those last two hidden posts of yours, and there was NO reason for them to be alerted on or hidden. Obviously the alerters got lucky and drew juries with a number of people who have it in for you.

I just want to let you know that a lot of us whom you do not even know are aware that you are being stalked, trolled, and alert-stalked and that you do not deserve an enforced hiatus over 5 posts when at least 2 of those posts should never have been alerted on, much less actually hidden.

[seabeyond]

86. thank you tblue. i do remember

a confrontation, and that is all. i also know we have agreed often. i do not hold onto stuff, for the most part. cause at any point, i may agree with a person. the opportunity is always there.

i have to giggle though, cause you are far from the first that has said this to me, in the last couple days. and the giggle comes in cause honestly, each person, i do not remember. that means to me, that for me, it did not change the flavor of who the poster was. meaning, whatever the argument was, that was all it was to me. those are easy. cause we are all allowed to disagree.

so... let me say now... if i knew then, what i know now... i might have been a little more temperate.

but... i cannot let go of the post where the vulgar was brought to du. and we were told we should not feel any ick, shame the men, or hold value judgment on men that buy school girl soiled undeis from vending machine on the corner of the street.

that is ok. all that is ok. bring that to du. tell people to accept it. but i cannot point out the fantasy of a grown man buy schoolgirls undies. it is hid

the only thing in that post that could cause i hide was saying men were fantacizing f'in children

how else do you say it.

i thought raping children would be hid

i thought making love to children inappropriate.

this is about rape of our children and my post is so offensive du cannot see it.

though we can respect the man that buys these undies

MAKES NO SENSE TO ME

i have been mulling this. i had a poster i respect tons telling me how offensive my hides are. i just read it this morning because of her. my brain cannot wrap around that.

i have to understand. or i cannot let it go

i used YOU to rant. sorry

and thank you

[grantcart]

120. and I would never fb.

[Rex]

79. Take care of yourself.

Good guys/gals cannot stay away from fighting evil for long. We have a disgusting group of authoritarians here that enjoy ruining every thread they can get in to. I wish they (really it is only 5 or 6) would all leave, but evidently being a disruptive d-bag in GD (in every thread) is par the course now.

[Iggo]

80. Shit!

It's been fun.

[IADEMO2004]

83. Darkness falls over DU but I feel Trumad will shine somewhere.

Sad to see another long timer go after many years of fine reading.

[Th1onein]

84. Trumad, this post is bound to get some negative replies. Please ignore them.

(I'm going to go through the replies, myself, and put every negative one on ignore. It's a good way to make my experience on DU a more positive one.)

I hope you find the peace and joy that you need. You are going to be missed on DU.

[seabeyond]

87. i think you will find EVERYONE, hands down, values, appreciates, loves trumad.

hands down. dare you to find ONE that does not.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

88. Long Live trumad, Long Live HoF...

[uppityperson]

89. I've taken breaks and come back again figuring out how to better use DU than for snarking and being

uppity at others who are doing the same.

The fighting here recently as been bad, but also has been a subset of DU. A very outspoken subset who have made DU suck for many.

Good wishes for the future, take care.

[sellitman]

90. DU just took a bad hit

You will be missed.

Enjoy life, no regrets!

[PassingFair]

91. LOL...almost 3,000 people have come for your funeral!

[Ellipsis]

150. 5000 now ...homage.

[cherokeeprogressive]

93. I see no reason for this.

Permission should be denied.

[kiva]

100. I'm only sorry

that Trumad didn't post this in GD where all of his/her friends could post a fond farewell.

[cherokeeprogressive]

112. There's no reason you can't start a thread.

People start appreciation threads all the time.

He'll see it.

[kiva]

113. Hmmm, thought that since meta died

those threads were being closed. Perhaps just noting the departure on an existing thread would allow everyone their farewells.

[seabeyond]

115. it is to prompt a flame war.... hence, you do it, not him nt

[cherokeeprogressive]

125. Hardly.

I was at work. I drive for a living.

[cherokeeprogressive]

133. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024253189

Don't bother.

[seabeyond]

134. thank you. i will delete

[cherokeeprogressive]

135. Like I said... don't bother.

Wear it like a medal.

[ismnotwasm]

114. Because these threads turn ugly in GD

So far with a couple of exceptions, it's been civil and kind here

[In_The_Wind]

94. I'll miss you.

[calimary]

101. I'll miss you, too, trumad!

[Doctor_J]

95. Best wishes

It's gotten bizarre. Maybe election season will change things, but right now it seems like 80% of the threads in GD are either vanity threads or arguments about rape.

Check back in time to help rally the troops for the midterms.

[Kali]

98. enjoy your time off and if/when you come back come hang in the Lounge

we have had our shitty wars in there too but it has been pretty good for the most part since the switch. I barely "know" you but do know you are a long timer with an excellent good sense of humor and I hate to see those kind of DUers go. (all my best friends are funny assholes, so there is that)

several women I admire in this group vouch for you, that is praise that is pretty damn good in my book. take it easy and return refreshed if you feel like it.

[awoke_in_2003]

102. Don't know what has happened...

as I haven't been around much myself, but take care trumad, I will miss you.

[Aldo Leopold]

104. Psh. Real farewells don't announce themselves.

[heaven05]

107. peace and happiness to you and your family

and your dog and cat too.

[BobbyBoring]

111. So long trumad

I'll see you in about 3 weeks

In all sincerity, I don't post much as I type 3 words a minute, but I've recieved a lot of insight from some of your posts. This place is hard to stomach sometimes, but it ain't FR

Peace
BB

[aikoaiko]

118. See you on January 21st.

I think that is when your 'vacation' is over.

The trait that earned you your hidden posts will be the thing that brings you back.

[seabeyond]

121. that is clever. probably true. nt

[grantcart]

122. There are many divisions at DU but one of the most significant is between those

that are fully engaged in careers and nut much time and those that are able to follow the action through out the day and at length.

I had a lot more time with a Bush economy than I did in an Obama economy, and I suspect the same is true with you.

When I see threads like this I feel like I missed out on half the story.

It is clear that you made many friends here, I hope that you count me as one and that we will see you back, perhaps in the heat of the campaign.o
Good luck with your business, your dogs and your life (your cats don't care what you do) and the roses.

[WillyT]

123. Ah Tru... Don't Go... Just Hang Out In Sports, Or Science... GD Has Gone Batshit Crazy, But...

It still feels like family, somedays, and I've invested to much of my life into this place to let the goons win.

[scarletwoman]

124. Dear Trumad, I've been here since 2001 as well.

You were already here when I got here - your registration # is 105176 and mine is 106679 - so you've always been part of the DU landscape for me.

I don't think we've ever interacted much, even so. Although I'm well aware that I pissed you off royally in at least one instance a couple years ago during the unlamented Meta forum days.

But, as I said, you've always been part of the landscape of DU, and I'm definitely sad to see you go. It will be as if a particularly eye-catching tree off the side of the road I commute on every day has one day suddenly been cut down and hauled away. It will be a glaring and sorry absence, and I think it's a damn shame.

I know I never really "got" you, your posting style just never clicked with me. Still, I could appreciate that you were a passionate fighter for what you believed was right, and I respect that.

So, I hope you will accept my well wishes for your happiness, as well as my hope that you might possibly make your way back here someday. I do not look forward to the empty space your absence will leave behind.

Best wishes,
sw

(p.s. - this is the first time I have ever ventured into HOF, only you were able to lure me here. )

[Blue_In_AK]

127. As to your last sentence...

...me, too.

Trumad, I certainly understand your frustration. I'll be looking forward to your return.

[hrmjustin]

126. I wish you the best.

[DeSwiss]

129. We'll keep the coffee hot.

- Take care, until next time.....

K&R

[Cali_Democrat]

130. You'll be missed

[MH1]

131. Sorry to see you go.

You seem like one of the fixtures of DU to me. One of the better, or at least more stable, fixtures.

There's a couple posters here I really like. There's ONE on my ignore list - total a-hole, that one (obviously you're not it). Other than that, most people here, I sometimes agree with, sometimes disagree with, sometimes I think they're being complete a-holes within a particular thread. But only one has been consistently a-holish enough to make my iggy list. Frankly, I don't even know where you are on the spectrum. I know sometimes I like your posts, sometimes I don't, but the ratio? I have no idea. But I would say DU will be a lesser place without running across your name most days.

FWIW, I don't understand your hidden posts (I looked, after someone upthread mentioned it). I have an itchy jury trigger finger for real insults - I thought one of the itchiest here - but you have at least a couple hides that make NO sense. So as someone mentioned I guess you were "alert-stalked". People must be alerting your every post and getting lucky once in awhile. That SUCKS. If I figure out who they are I guess I'll reassess my criteria for my iggy list. Luckily for me, I guess I just don't have an interesting enough personality to draw those kinds of insects.

Anyway, hope it all works out for you and you stop on back after awhile. Maybe the dust will have cleared and some of the insects will have choked on it in the meantime.

[Phentex]

132. Hope it's just a break...

really.

Come back when you can.

[steve2470]

136. If you go, neighbor, I've enjoyed reading your posts for 9 years

If you come back, I'll welcome you with open arms.

Neighbor = roughly 12 miles to my northeast

Best wishes to you, trumad !

[Cha]

137. I see your position, trumad..

DU can be an addiction and if one has a family, career, a dog, a cat, and hobbies!.. well! How do you even make any time for DU?!

Enjoy all your life to the fullest, have a wonderful New Year and if the bug bites you around Midterms we'll see you then.

[Matariki]

138. Trumad - please make it just a break

It's always good to take a break from this place occasionally. I don't like what's been going on here either and very often wish the site's admins decide to go back to moderators. The jury system sucks, imo.

But anyway, I like your posts and I hope you come back soon.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

139. You're lurking now. I just know it.

Safe passage and quiet seas.

[cry baby]

140. Be well, trumad. Many, including me, will miss you. nt

[obxhead]

141. I get it

DU has a serious case of stupiditus as of late.

If it wasn't for the Sunday Lolz cats I would have left completely some time ago.

Enjoy life and best of luck leaving DU behind.

[progressoid]

142. Happy New Year Trumad!

A change of scenery is good once in a while. Helps clear out the mental sinuses.

Been thinking maybe I've been too glued to the internets lately as well.

[Number23]

143. This place just... sucks now.

I don't remember the last time I've actually enjoyed DU either. I used to think it was trolls. And while I do believe that's the case, it seems that there is a pervasive sense of Libertarian based foolishness that just SITS on this web site and clings like grim death.

It's the same crap that makes people discard issues that affect women. Or downplay racism.

In the past few months, I think it is very telling that two posts that alot of people have supported openly pine for the return to the Good Old Days and when minority posters protested were basically told that no one gave a fuck what we had to say. And another one that advocates for sitting by and doing absolutely nothing while Repubs take power because this will teach Dems a lesson. I don't know who or what these people are, but I know for a fact that I am not the only person who has noted that the one thing they are NOT is liberals.

I don't post much in this group but I agree with these folks more than I disagree, or at least I think I do.

[ismnotwasm]

153. +1

[Ellipsis]

144. Gahhhh!

Last edited Tue Dec 31, 2013, 02:54 AM - Edit history (1)

...come here ya big lug.



See you down the road someday.

[MrScorpio]

145. Gonna miss you. But until you come back, here's a song.

[Samantha]

146. So, so sorry to see you go, Trumad

I too am hoping you will change your mind and come back.

Best regards,

Sam

[OmahaBlueDog]

147. Come back in 9 months for the midterms

-- after the primaries.

[delrem]

151. Obviously you're well liked.

So why let a few that you consider 'douche-bags' control your voice?

'Douche-bags' exist everywhere. What I notice on DU is that people I consider total "douches" are other people's friends, and this, like, contradicts what I think reality *should* be. Maybe my perspective on people, my categorization, is just that, mine, not everyone's. DU wouldn't be my "jones" if it didn't accommodate a wide perspective.

[dpbrown]

152. Always a bit sad when I see people who, like me, have been here from nearly the beginning

I don't post much anymore. I haven't got time for fruitless arguments. But I do lurk. I lurk a lot.

Peace.

[countryjake]

154. Don't let the...

bastards keep you down!


Please remember,

He that dares not grasp the thorn should never crave the rose.

[lamp_shade]

155. NOOOO!!! Jeezus, who's left?

[leveymg]

156. Please reconsider.

The best parts of this place have been around here the longest. I remember you as one of the most interesting members when I first arrived in 2002.

It's like losing part of myself. Please don't stay away very long.

[Javaman]

157. Meh, you'll be back. nt

[Solly Mack]

158. I'll miss you. I don't want you to go.

[Warren Stupidity]

160. do we have to beg?

Alright, I'm down on my knees begging.

We need douchebags like you here.

[salin]

161. I will miss you.

I gave up my star membership of nearly 10 years last year due to a spate of rape threads that were so horrific and were judged as fair game to let stand. One dude as much as admitted to having commited rape in his younger years - but now saw it as rape. I thought.... Ye Gods - I was raped by a drunken college dude years ago - the thread could have been written (not really the given context was different), by the guy who raped me. Lots of horrified comments on the thread - but too many hallelueah for your "courage" to write this (rape appologia and "contextualization&quot there was another one at the same time that from a therapist's view "understood" how men would not be able to understand that what they were doing was rape (what the hell?)

I haven't posted regularly for years - for reasons similar (esp the life beyond DU) - but I do still read. And each time I was about to rejoin the community - another spate of threads that include examples of what keeps the rape culture going - such that 30 years out of college, the incident of rape on that age range of young women is the same today as it was there.

I have been cheered on, however, by threads that you have started that challenge the culture from a male perspective - even in your inimical "in your face" way of challenging folks.

I greatly appreciate you Trumad - you are part of what makes DU NOT suck. I will miss you.

Best,

salin

[seabeyond]

162. that was probably the hardest time for women on du. and ya, allowed. it was rough for so many. nt

[A-Schwarzenegger]

163. Amen, salin.

No star here either for the same reasons.
Still post (less) but just don't feel the
connection to a supposedly progressive place
whose laissez-faire owners allow such hatred.
I probably need to get out of here myself, but
a few hearty souls keep me hanging on.

[Hekate]

164. Smell the roses is right -- enjoy, relax, regain perspective on Real Life

BTW, cherokeeprogressive posted about your farewell in General Douchebaggery, which is how I found out.

I hope you read the replies here -- just wanted to say best wishes.

[Zorra]

165. All the best to you, trumad.

You'll be missed, for sure.

[bench scientist]

166. take care trumad, hope your time away is short.

I have always enjoyed your posts.
Have a Happy New Year.

[countryjake]

167. Happy New Year, trumad!

[seabeyond]

168. trumad, where are you...... nt

[Tuesday Afternoon]

169. Come Back, trumad ...

[seabeyond]

170. ha ha. that is funny. ya.... nt

[freshwest]

171. I know how you feel... I'm restricted with my email, but do keep in touch with DUmail. Take care!

[AuntPatsy]

172. Kicking just because it needs saying again.....