I gotta go for now. I'm getting too angry.

[Redstone]

I know it's not you great denizens of the Lounge's fault, but I made the mistake of getting involved with some of the revolting anti-immigrant and Mexico-bashing threads in the other forums. I finally popped my cork and said this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=816765&mesg_id=817137

I'm afraid it's soured me on DU a bit. I thought this was a place where racism and xenophobia and jingoism wouldn't be the norm.

I know, I know, the Lounge isn't like that. Y'all are civilized here. And nice people. And my friends. I know. And I'll tell you the truth, I've had string of very, very bad pain days and night lately and I should know better than to get into those contentious threads, because the tension makes the pain worse.

But I can't stand by and read that ignorant bile and not try to fight back. At the same time, I can't fight back without paying a price; it's damn hard to admit, but I just can't do that anymore. It's off the "allowed" list like skiing and playing football are.

Stone me, I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm going inward for a few days to see what strength is left.

Leave a light on for me, would you? Might be late when I get back.

Redstone

[flvegan]

1. Well, then

I'm sure that you're all the better prepped to understand this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x4970271#4970492

[crispini]

16. Oh SNAP.

:rofl:

[eyepaddle]

2. Gotcha on that Redstone

take some me time and cool off.

The Lounge'll be here when you're in the mood.

eyepaddle

[Suich]

3. Take it easy, Redstone.

Come back when you can. We'll leave the light on!

Susan

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. I don't know of any group in which every member is perfect,

nor in which every member perfectly exemplifies what I (or another member) believe that group to be all about.

No matter the group, there's always either the asshole who are just always assholes; but also on any given topic, there will be always be someone or someones who don't follow the party line, the groupthink, or what one could reasonably consider an attitude in line with the group's general philosophy, even if they otherwise are perfectly normal.

So, I don't give up on any group just because a couple people are dickheads, or just because occasionally specific people have their dickhead ideas and/or moments.

I could never belong to any group otherwise, if I expected that everyone "follow the rules".

[eyepaddle]

5. But I'd belong to ANY group if it could just make

YOU follow the rules! B-)

(You know, the "Groupthink" ones, not the ones about calling people freepers and stuff!)

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. I don't follow rules. I break them.

:P

Although I have to admit, i don't know what you are talking about - what's the relation between a "groupthink" group and a group that calls others freepers? I'm very confused by your post.

[eyepaddle]

11. My work here is done then!

(I don't rant particularly well, but my elliptical posts are things of sublime beauty!) ;)

[LostinVA]

7. All kinds of racist, xenophobic crap on here lately, as well as

a larger than even usual misogynists posters... I understand.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. The light will always be on for you, my dear Redstone......

I am sorry to have missed you tonight......:cry:

Please take care, and hurry back when you're able, OK?

:loveya: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

9. I just read thru bits of that...

Looks to me like you were tag-teamed by a couple of freepers.
Eh. Fuck 'em.

The light's on, buddy.
And, the PM box is always open for ya, too. :hug:

[merh]

10. Darlin', I do so know that feeling.

Go inward and find healing, take time to recharge.

I call it my armadillo mood, I just want to curl up and be left alone and not let the outside influences touch me. My time to recharge and heal and find strength to keep going.

Take all the time you need, take good care of yourself for you mean so much to me and so many here.

I'll keep a candle burning for you. :hug:

[bridgit]

12. pretty wild stuff huh, the lounge is like that and worse however from...

time to time, still...like a AAA relief pitcher, you gotta put that immigration stuff right up the middle or ooh boy are you gonna get it x(

[Kat45]

13. I'll leave a light on, and hope to see you back soon.

I certainly understand your need to leave right now. Your health and sanity are more important. When you do come back, try to say away from GD for awhile. I tend to ignore threads like the one you just showed us. It's not worth it to me to get worked up about them.

Peace be with you, and let Mrs. R take care of you. I know she will help you free yourself from the tension.

[Scout1071]

14. Fair enough. Hopefully we'll see you back in a few days.

We all need a break sometimes.

[tjwash]

15. Damn it, now see what you made me go and do....

It's been completely bugging the crap out of me too.

[Blue_In_AK]

20. That was a good rant, TJ...

I just read it a few minutes ago. :applause:

[calico1]

17. I honestly don't blame you.

I find myself coming to DU less and less often too. I understand there are differences of opinion but when you see so many posts that sound like something you would read from a freeper it does get disappointing.

[Random_Australian]

18. ....

:applause:
Have a nice break, Redstone!

[LSK]

19. these arguments are beyond stupid

I got involved in the one matcom started last night. I just wish all the DUers would stop falling for GOP distraction issues.

[KitchenWitch]

21. Do what you need to do

If you need to talk, PM me and I will give you my number.

[RevCheesehead]

22. Ya know, Redstone.....I don't blame you one bit.

After being here a couple of hours, I'm starting to get pissed off, too. And that's just here in the Lounge.

Combative assholes. :eyes:

[eleny]

23. Amen. Mostly, I've been reading crafting blogs...

and planning my next sewing project.

Now I'm just trying to stay awake so I can chill out and listen to Nate Clay on WLS in a few minutes. Nuts to all this people against people business. The corporates are laughing their butts off at the box they've cornered us into.

[jpgray]

24. A lot of those posts are a disgrace in my opinion as well

:(

[Skittles]

26. what is sad is they don't even know how friggin' racist they sound

not at all

[Skittles]

25. pretty bad stuff, Redstone

but don't let assholes run you off; like me, you have to stay and fight

[northofdenali]

27. I've lit my Redstone candle -

it'll stay in the window till you return, my friend. Peace.

:pals:

[merh]

28. I stepped up for you.

:hug: You rest, there are plenty of us that fight them while you rest. :hug:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x818889

[Heidi]

30. I stepped up, too.

I can't believe we've come to a point on DU where people sign up, professing to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and use racial slurs. It's just sad.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=816765&mesg_id=820138

[merh]

34. Thanks Heidi

Hopefully, our efforts will make some difference.

It is sad, but I have hope and a believe in the basic goodness of humans.

They can't take that from me, I won't let them. :hug:

:pals: :loveya:

[Heidi]

37. Me, too, gf.

Although I'm becoming somewhat insatiably curious about what people are saying about Khashka, Call Me Wesley and me. Fiction, I guess, is more interesting than fact, when the facts are so overwhelming (alcoholic president, rampant poverty and racism in our own country, securing our borders so that all of the Mexicans who are serving us can't get back home if they should so desire, etc.). :eyes:

You know I love you, mehr. You're a light in the Lounge, and I thank you for that.

[merh]

38. I cherish you, warrior woman!

Thanks for all you bring to DU and thanks for the kind words. :hug: :loveya:

[In_The_Wind]

29. Redstone

:loveya: Dude ~ I'll be lookin' for your return. :yourock:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

31. Take care, Redstone.

Hope you come back very soon.

[Derailer]

32. Dude I say more vitrolic stuff than that

5 times in the morning before I roll out of bed. And thats to my mother :D

[fishnfla]

33. Well I'm tired of being painted as a rascist for my POV

But I'm staying. I thought Skinner explained this quite well. Maybe those that dont get it should leave

[lizziegrace]

35. Don't wander too far off

We need you! I'm a chronic pain patient and can certainly relate to suffering. Take care of yourself.

:hug: (a gentle one, of course!)

[Call Me Wesley]

36. Take your time, Redstone.

The light is on for the ones to see it. :hi:

[greatauntoftriplets]

39. "No Irish Need Apply".

Much of the debate here has sounded much like those bad old days. For that reason, I've limited my reading of the immigration threads.

[NNadir]

40. Take a rest Redstone, then come back fighting.

You're a great poster here.

We at DU are certainly not monolithic, and we have a range of views on many subjects. It can be exhausting to be right, and you are right here.

Individuals at DU can be wrong about particulars, but to my mind, almost everyone here is right about the right. Before we can build a better world, we have to remove the destroyers, and we appreciate your efforts.

Come back soon.