How do you get a bunch of ornery, irascible, opinionated,

[Cerridwen]

diverse, outspoken, bleeding-heart and in-your-face democrats/liberals/progressives/(insert favorite label here) to come together?

Give them the chance to make someone feel good. Give them a chance to do good for someone else. This heart-athon is the evidence I present to you. (Yes, it's not a scientific study. For today, it's good enough.)

Compare that to the Rolling Stones article in which the author noted that the best way to bring neo-cons together was to give them a common enemy.

THAT, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, is what I see as the fundamental difference between 'us' and 'them'. We look for the common friend. They look for the common enemy.

I like our way better.

Thank you to my benefactor. You've got a great heart; I'm glad you shared it with me.

[Redstone]

1. Well-said. Well-said, indeed.

Redstone

[Cerridwen]

15. Thanks, Redstone.

:D

[Redstone]

19. You're certainly welcome. That was a great post.

Redstone

[Gormy Cuss]

2. By George ! I think you've got it, Cerridwen.

:loveya:

[Cerridwen]

16. Gormy, you sweetie!

Of course, my Carpenter's earworm has now been replaced by "My Fair Lady". LOL

:loveya:

[charlyvi]

3. Agreed. n/t

[Cerridwen]

17. Thanks. :D ........... n/t

[Why Syzygy]

4. I'll take the common friend any day!

I try not to have enemies, common or otherwise.

[Cerridwen]

8. I agree. You just reminded me of something.

I don't think I'm speaking for just myself when I say, I agree with you. I prefer not to have enemies and I doubt most people do. However, have you noticed that if 'they' don't have one, they create one? How sad is that?

I can't imagine going through life looking for people to hate. It boggles the mind.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

41. Great observation, most excellent OP. I know, I don't even like being mad at someone,

although it doesn't keep me from getting P.O.'d. :-) However, if things are going swimmingly and people are getting along with each other I couldn't be happier.

I celebrate both the similarities and the differences I have with others. People are amazing.

The RW'ers seem to pride themselves on who is best at trashing the current reasonable voice of the moment. Of course, if there's no easy public target at the time, they then seem to pride themselves on how viciously they can broad brush one defined (by them) group of people, who are usually occupying the lowest rung of the economic ladder. And, they try to outdo each other in bullying.

It's a foreign concept, for sure.

Nice OP though. This fundraiser is going to hit its goal pretty quickly, since we all love buying those hearts...and, even the most cynical and/or satirical Du'ers among us love receiving them...:loveya: MKJ

[Cerridwen]

43. Thank you, BleedingHeartPatriot :D

If you scratch a cynic, you'll find a disappointed romantic. I don't remember who said that, but it's true. The most cynical on DU, in my opinion, are the most 'romantic' in their outlook on the world and they've faced 'reality' and been extremely disappointed - making them the most cynical cynics of all. I think I fit that description so maybe I'm just projecting. :D

But, it's also true for me, that I can't imagine always trying to find an enemy. That has to do some damage to a person's psyche or soul (depending on your beliefs).

Whatever it is, it's nice to take a break and have some fun for a while.

And here's to you BHP

:loveya:

[Why Syzygy]

44. So true.

Glad this made it to Greatest!

[Cerridwen]

45. Me, too! Thank you for saying so......n/t :D

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. Well said!

:hi:

[Cerridwen]

10. Hey, Viva! How the heck are ya?

I heard you all had a fun time, as usual. :D

I missed you at the one before. I'll catch up with you at the next meet-up.



:hi:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

18. we had fun...

missed you though!

:)

on edit: WHOOOHOOO! I got a heart! :woohoo:

[Cerridwen]

21. Woo, Hooooo! Yay! for you!

I missed you guys, too. But I was just so, so...anti-social that day. I hate to be the pooper every party has to have.



:rofl:

[patrice]

6. Thank you Cerridwen!

Can't afford anymore hearts, but this is no less sincere anyway :loveya:

[Cerridwen]

9. Awwwwwwwwww, patrice. Thank you!

And right backatcha!

:loveya:

[patrice]

26. BTW: Have you ever read Robert Graves's The White Goddess?

You probably already know about your name's roots. I think there were more classic scholars who criticized Graves for inferring too much about un-written secret European languages from the Dark Ages, but I found it very exciting (over 20 years ago), for the things he had to say about the mytho-poetic roots of European literature. It was also the first place I learned about the likes of Cerridwen.

[Cerridwen]

28. I own it but haven't read it straight through, yet.

He gets a little 'heavy' in spots and I have to be in a certain 'frame of mind' to wade in.

I also have many books which are influenced by Graves' work which I have read.

Have you read Riane Eisler's books; The Chalice and the Blade, Sacred Pleasure and The Partnership Way. She researches and examines a broad spectrum of disciplines to try to puzzle out theories of why we are how we are. I highly recommend her if you haven't.

[patrice]

30. He does indeed!

The details of those archaic alphabets ARE over-whelming and I think that's what the criticisms are about. He's talking about stuff that almost no one can evaluate.

Thanks for those titles!! I have added them to my file for that sort of thing.

I'm gladd I've found so many people who want DU to understand and care about others more, rather than identify more opposition and enemies. :toast:

See you around!

[chimpymustgo]

7. That's the spirit! Ain't it great being a Dem?

K and R!!

[Cerridwen]

12. You betcha!

Thanks for the K & R.

I'm glad we can take some time to celebrate together before we 'come out fighting' again.

:D

[Clark2008]

11. What a GREAT statement!

I'm gonna kick you! And I mean that in the most loving way possible - I'm kicking your thread! :hug:

P.S. And I was the fifth person to recommend it, meaning it's off to the Greatest Page with you!

[Cerridwen]

14. Bless your danged heart! LOL

My 5th recommend AND a kick. You smooth talker, you. :D

Thank you.

:hug:

P.S. And you know what part of the fun is? While we're over here playing and having a good time, someone(s) on some sites who shan't be mentioned, are having a puke-fest at our little 'love-in'. Hee, hee.

:evilgrin:

[Greyhound]

13. Great observation, as usual.

:kick: & R (one more for the greatest)

[Cerridwen]

20. You got one, too!

:grouphug:

I figured I'd better use the group hug for you, me and 2 greyhounds, a border terrier and a sheltie/cocker mix.

[TZ]

25. you have a border terrier? Off topic but curious

My sister used to breed border terriers...but is down to three troublemakers now.

[Cerridwen]

29. I *think* he is a border terrier. He has the body of one,

he has the personality of one, he has the intelligence attributed to the breed but he's all black which is not a 'typical' color for one. It's my best guesstimate of what he is based on what I've read about the breed. He's a 'found' dog.

He showed up at the front gate one evening barking to be let in. He was about a year old at the time. I posted pictures and ads and no one claimed him. So, I'm his, er, he's mine now. :D

He's often referred to around here as the resident terrierist. I bet you understand.

:D

[TZ]

31. border t errorist

I do understand. Sounds like he might be a blue and tan with no tan (my sis has one of those). Bet he's mighty cute though....probably tunnelled out of someones yard or climbed over the fence....:)

[Cerridwen]

33. That's my theory. Or he got away from someone visiting.

I was living in Vegas at the time, lots 'o tourists.

He tried to escape, and succeeded, more times than I care to think about; but he always came back, so I'm not 100% on tunneling away from someone or surely he would have returned to that home.

He's obnoxiously cute; as in, if he weren't so cute he'd just be obnoxious. :D

I can't get a picture of him that shows his true cuteness or I'd post it. But I have an image for you if you can imagine it...12lb., all black border terrier, 12in. tall, cobalt blue doggie sweater, bright yellow doggie booties on all 4 feet, tip-toeing around the backyard in what may be his first experience with snow.



:rofl:

[TZ]

35. way cute!!!

I had to chase down escapees from my sisters house from time to time. Once in winter I had been in her outdoor hot tub when I saw an escape. Put on boots and Jacket on to get dog. Looked like I was naked. Neighbors had a blast with that one I can tell you...sounds like you definitely have a border (Obnoxious!! but sweet):blush: :rofl:

[Cerridwen]

38. ROFLMAO

Oh.My.Gawd.! LOL

How can you tell someone who has border terriers?

They're the one running around the neighborhood in:

1) boots and jacket (your case)
2) robe and slippers (my case)
3) running around the neighborhood at 4 or 5am in robe and slippers or jacket and boots?
4) all of the above

Answer - #4 and then some. I swear my neighbors must have thought I lived in my robe and slippers since that was the only time they saw me 'out and about' the neighborhood. Thank heavens! I didn't wear curlers in my hair!

:rofl:

[trashcanistanista]

22. Nailed it!

[Cerridwen]

23. Thank you!

I love your user name but I think I just sprained my tongue trying to say it aloud! LOL




:hi: Nice ta meetcha.

[TZ]

24. very sweet

Sorry I gave out all my hearts earlier. Had I seen this earlier I would have given you another one!:hug:

[Cerridwen]

27. Hugs work just fine, turtlensue.

Thank you!

:hug:

[Katherine Brengle]

32. Thanks for posting that -- I think that's the spirit that some people don't

recognize in this little yearly love-fest. It's not a popularity contest (trust me, I have fought with more DUers than I have hugged lol) but a chance to put a momentary smile on stranger's face, which is a rare thing to be able to do these days.

:loveya:

[Cerridwen]

36. I can see both sides...but for this I chose to illuminate the

'love fest' side. I've noticed a totally different 'feel' about DU today. DU has been quite - disrupted - these past couple of weeks and will be again - but for today, it has a good 'feel' to it.

It reminded me of what a great feminist activist told us 'new recruits' while we were in training - don't forget to celebrate!

We are attacked on many fronts at once; we go from battle to battle; winning/losing, continuing. If we don't stop to celebrate the victories - large AND small - we lose ourselves, we become cynical, we burn out. This was my effort to create a celebration. My chance to, in a small way, pay it forward.

I'm glad, Katherine Brengle, you joined my little celebration.


:hug:

[lady lib]

34. A big THANK YOU to whoever was kind enough to remember me!

O8)

[katsy]

37. Bravo!

And here's a :hug: to go with your big heart!

[Cerridwen]

39. And the bestest thing about this thread?

I'm 'meeting' a whole lotta posters I've never met before.

Very good to meet you, katsy. And thank you, muchly.

:hug:

[Kurovski]

40. K&R. DU is the place to be for Valentines week.

It's the best online party I ever saw.

It's a little like a Mardi Gras atmosphere, and DU makes its goal in record time.

[Cerridwen]

42. Thank you!

Today's a good day to party.

I hope their goal is achieved soon. It'd be great!

:D

[tavalon]

54. They're breaking land speed records this time around

and judging from the new star by your name, I would say you've helped.

[DeepModem Mom]

46. Beautiful! Thanks to my "benefactors" also! nt

[Doondoo]

47. K&R

[Cerridwen]

48. Morning kick ....... n/t

[Cerridwen]

49. Another kick to say THANK YOU! to another benefactor!

I don't know who did it - you know who you are - I want you to know I appreciate it! Thank you.

:hug:

[skyblue]

50. Their Common Enemy: Families.

[tavalon]

51. That is so true!

I was here and helped out with Andy's surgery. I know that what you said is 100% true.

[Cerridwen]

52. And sad, too.

How does someone go through life like that? I can't get my mind - or perhaps it's my heart - around the idea of always searching for an enemy. Wouldn't that just be hell on earth - always of the belief that 'everyone' is out to get you?

I know the corporate media likes to focus on the 'evil that men do' but it doesn't represent my experience. My experiences have shown that when things become rough - people will rush in to help. But then, maybe if you treat everyone as a potential enemy, they're less inclined to help and so those who think that way create the very enemies they look for?

Whatever it is, I'll take finding common ground and friends over creating division and assuming an enemy around every corner.

[tavalon]

53. My mother in law

who is an aging hippie and radical liberal, goes through life with just such an attitude so I'm afraid it isn't limited to just the freepers. She's believes all of life is out to get her. Needless to say, she isn't happy. Her son, my partner, is trying to slay that demon within himself. He inherited it, but he's trying very consciously to get past it. I'm really proud of him because I don't want to see him end up like his mother (and neither does he want to).

[Cerridwen]

55. Aw, tavalon

Much luck and success for you and your partner. I get a different version from my own family - judgment! Judgment of self, others, things, ideas - judgment! Which of course, means I 'draw' it to myself.

I wish you both the best - and your MIL, too. That kind of crap can just eat away at what's the best in each of us.

:hug: