An observation: At DU, there is never a lack of human kindness.

[Cyrano]

During my more than 2 1/2 years here, I have noticed that the posts that almost always receive the most replies are those in which someone needs help.

They may have lost a job, a loved one, their faith, their dedication to a cause, or have spoken of something horrendous that has befallen them. Posts of this nature almost always receive hundreds of replies. DUers always respond as though the poster was a family member. And perhaps, in some way, he or she is.

Without being too mushy or sentimental here, I don't know of any other community of about 94,000 people in which so many are ready and willing to reach out to help ease the pain of a "stranger" who just happens to be a fellow human being in need.

I also find it amazing that so many here who are willing to bare their souls to others. Perhaps it's because of our lack of "knowing" each other face-to-face. However, we post our most intimate thoughts here in a way in which we never would to many whom we call personal friends or acquaintances. And the calls for help never go unanswered.

Someday, some psychological whiz may write a book on the nature of our "relationships." But whatever scientific explanation is set forth, DU has proved beyond a doubt that most human beings are really decent, do care about each other, and will do as much as possible to help.