So, how's everyone doing?

[Skinner]

Based on some of the correspondence I have been receiving, I get the feeling that things have been a bit tense as of late. That's unfortunate, but obviously it happens here from time-to-time. The moderators and admins do what we can to keep things on track and relatively civil, but there is only so much we can do. The bottom line is that things get better on DU when a critical mass of DUers makes it that way. And they always do get better, eventually. Some piece of good news will come along to distract everyone's attention, or some folks will post some positive stuff to lighten the mood and provide a bit of perspective, or maybe people just get tired of being cranky.

I just want to remind everyone of this: Although it may not always be obvious, the things we have in common -- the shared goals, hopes, and values that make us all progressives -- vastly outnumber our differences. And what's more, the things we have in common are the *big things* -- the things that matter a lot. The arguments here on DU are typically about the details: What is the best way to stop this criminal administration? (Note that the "stopping this criminal administration" part is not open for debate.) What is the most effective way to end this tragic war in Iraq? (Note that the "end this tragic war" part is not open for debate.) What is the best way to move toward a more progressive society? (Note that the "move toward a more progressive society" part is not open for debate.) I sometimes find it frustrating that so many good people are apparently unable or unwilling to see this truth.

I've noticed a fair amount of talk recently about people getting "driven away" or about how people with certain viewpoints should be banned. While it is obvious that there are some people here who would like to see certain other people driven away or banned, I wish to make clear that I do not feel this way. Nor do I believe that most of our members feel this way. I think this place is a lot more interesting and fun with lots of people who hold lots of different opinions. It would be even better if everyone were capable of sharing those different opinions in a respectful manner. (I can dream, can't I?)

So, I'm asking you politely to please everyone take a deep breath and step back and remind yourself who the *real* enemy is here. Here's a hint: It's not your fellow DUers.

Skinner
DU Admin

[Horse with no Name]

1. The best way to stop this criminal administration is to quit enabling them

and therein lies the arguments.

[liberaldemocrat7]

151. The best way to stop this administration will come from a mass boycott

of some of their contributors.

Get as many people to make these phone calls.

Call GOP contributor and war contractor General Electric Corporation at 203 373 2211 and ask for the public relations department. Tell the person in public relations that you want the GE CEO to get Bush to end the war in Iraq and then Bush resign with Cheney and until that happens you will not buy any GE products and that you will tell your friends about this.

Call GOP contributor Rite Aid at 1-800-325-3737 and tell the person to get the CEO to get the GOP to enact HR 676 Single payer health care and repeal Medicare Part D and place the drug benefit in Medicare Part B covering 80% of drugs with no extra premiums, no extra deductibles, no means tests, no coverage gaps, and remove the means test for Medicare Part B and until that happens, you won't buy ANYTHING from Rite Aid.

Call GOP contributor Wendy's restaurants at 614 764-3553 and Tell the person in public relations that you want their CEO to get the GOP to help enact a $10/HR MIN. WAGE into law and until this happens you will not go to a Wendy's Restaurant.




After you call these companies please send email to [e-mail] with the subject CALLED.

[datavg]

173. But...

...even if every single contributor here does that, it won't matter because all of those companies do enough business in southern states that it wouldn't matter EVEN IF we all followed through on our threats.

When you cross that Mason-Dixon line, you're in another world. I lived down there for awhile. I've seen it.

[AZ Criminal JD]

181. Then you shouldn't cross the line

You have already written us off anyway.

[datavg]

209. A Lot...

...of people have written off the South because (in my mind) there's absolutely no hope of it changing to anything resembling an environment that'll be friendly to Rust Belt or west coast style liberalism.

Over a thousand people per day move to Florida. They're not all conservatives but many of them are.

Over five hundred people per day move to Arizona. A lot of those people ARE conservatives being driven out of California and New York and other places on the east coast by the cost of living...but Arizona is already red, so it hardly matters.

What I'm saying is the Democrats have been told time and time again that they can't continue to be the party of California and the west coast, the upper midwest, the northeast, the mid-Atlantic and Maryland. It WON'T work. There aren't enough Electoral votes there.

If the Democrats nominate Hillary Clinton for President (as now appears likely) and they split their party down the middle and we end up with Giuliani...there's gonna be hell to pay. If we end up with Hillary as President and she ends up governing as a moderate Republican as her husband did, it could tear the party into shreds.

It just might be in the interest of the party to sit this one out until things get so bad that a real liberal like Edwards can be elected and the party's agenda moved forward.

[The Straight Story]

2. Welcome to DU!

:) and a kick.

[Liberal In Texas]

175. That is so funny.... n/t

[BridgeTheGap]

3. I've had my meds, stabilized now - so, fine thank you for asking.

Is it true that you don't really exist?

[Skinner]

6. LOL. Yes, it's true.

Look closely at my glasses in the picture on my DU Journal. The photo is obviously Photoshopped. ;-)

[TahitiNut]

10. (LOL!!) Busted!

Tsk, tsk ... I know what YOU've been reading. :rofl:

[tavalon]

45. Wow, then I've actually seen a ghost!

Even talked to a ghost! In a pub! In DC!

Or, whatever. So how is fatherhood treating you? Have you gotten used to the chronic lack of sleep yet?

[Zandor]

63. "Zandor" thanks you

The going can be tough here for moderates, but we are allowed to stay in your big tent.

Thank you for your help and thanks to the mods!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

76. I thank Zandor.

God bless you.

:thumbsup:

:rofl:

[Zandor]

77. And God bless Bornaginhooligan

:rofl:

[Duncan Grant]

226. Zandor?! Tombstoned?!

Who would've guessed...

[gatorboy]

236. Well, THAT took long enough!

I'm gonna miss that guy....

[Warren DeMontague]

88. No one ever bothers to speculate WHY you would photoshop in your own glasses, though.

:tinfoilhat:

Frankly, glasses are a pain in the ass. And I should know, given that I'm practically legally blind.

[happygoluckytoyou]

183. if glasses are a pain in the ass...... you are putting them on the wrong end

[SaveOurDemocracy]

220. LOL ... good point. :o) n/t

[NeedleCast]

89. Wait, Skinner is a person?

I was convinced he was a small dog. That's why I liked him.

[MindPilot]

123. He is a small dog.

That's why he's not allowed to be around children under 14. :D

[Warren DeMontague]

126. He shouldn't feel too bad. Apparently, I'm a neo-con apologist who loves Ann Coulter.

And I have it in for Jimmy Carter and Bishop Tutu.

Who knew? :shrug:

[hfojvt]

177. I always suspected

but it's hard to actually 'know' something like that for certain. After all, I cannot prove that there are no DUers who are neo-con apologists who love Ann Coulter. :silly:

[FogerRox]

139. A Dog, thats Hog wash, I marched with Skinner in DC last month

Video of Skinner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0J0GBicWrY

Does he look like the Subway sandwhich guy.... ?

[Kajsa]

225. Jerod?

Hmm---food for thought.

[TahitiNut]

4. Let's chill out. Sit back. The smoking lamp is lit.

:smoke:


:evilgrin:

[madokie]

141. Thanks I was needing a bowl

[Fed_Up_Grammy]

176. Just surfin' around and saw your dog pic.

Reminds me of my old dogs who have gone to doggie heaven-----both Shelties.

[madokie]

204. She's my eyes and my ears

If only I could get her to talk so she could tell me what to think too ;-)

[Fed_Up_Grammy]

234. You are lucky to have eachother.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kpominville]

7. Good points

Excellent points skinner.

We need to learn to agree to disagree on the small issues so we can come together on our common values.

[Lochloosa]

192. Welcome to DU kpominville

:toast:

[cali]

8. good post, skinner

Sometimes it's hard to maintain perspective. And sometimes I feel that there really are some significant differences between folks here- and it's about way more than policy, it's about modes of thinking.

[mmonk]

9. Family squabbles as I call them.

I need to take a breath now and then. I need to look at myself at times. Hard to do when advocating for things one believes in. I need to be better at sensitivities.

[Deep13]

11. The real enemy:

The Judean People's Front!

[porphyrian]

41. Splitters! - n/t

[Blaze Diem]

54. hhhhhhhhhhaaaaaa haaaaaaaa..this is funny

love the pic and the humor..necessary at tense times.
tks
Is that a movie? refresh my feeble memory please.

[bunkerbuster1]

70. Monty Python's Life of Brian

One of my favorite bits from the movie.

http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/brian/brian-07.htm

[Deep13]

117. Life of Brian.

The dissident group Brian joins is the People's Front of Judea, not to be confused with the rival group, the Judean People's Front. They all want the Romans out of Judea. When they all start arguing, someone reminds them to stop tearing down each other and to focus on the REAL enemy. Everyone there responds "The Judean People's Front!" No, no, she says exasperated, the Romans.

[librechik]

97. I'm a little stressed

but DU is a convenient outlet. Thanks for letting me spew, mostly without restriction, here.

and a pleasant "HAVE A NICE DAY!" to all the trolls and non-trolls who act like trolls out there. My goat is safely in my paddock, not in your pocket.

Thanks Skinner!

see you in Gitmo!

:loveya:

[Richard Steele]

127. Wait- I thought -WE- were the Judean People's Front? nm

[Deep13]

129. We're the People's Front of Judea! nt

[progressoid]

174. Fuck off!

REG: Fuck off!

BRIAN: What?

REG: Judean People's Front. We're the People's Front of Judea! Judean People's Front. Cawk.

FRANCIS: Wankers.

BRIAN: Can I... join your group?

REG: No. Piss off.

[stubtoe]

212. I love that movie.

:)

[Greylyn58]

187. OMG I KNEW IT!!

:spray:

I knew it was the Judean People's Front! Or is that the People's Front of Judea!! :rofl:
They are behind everything!!!

[rpannier]

197. I was going to make a comment about your post, but...

we're voting now on whether or not I should responde. If we vote to respond, then we'll bote on the text of our response and what date we should post it.

[AlCzervik]

12. 7 posts in and there is a deleted message already, oh the irony.

as for me, i'm fine, i got through the 2004 primary and i'll get through this one.

[Parche]

13. Getting Better

Personal Life is slowly getting back to normal...........

Each and everyone of the DU'rs need to know that the constipated conservative right
wing Repbublicans are our sworn enemies period, nothing else.

Though we all may have difference of opinions, we can always debate in a civil manner.

:hi:

[Uncle Joe]

90. Isn't that a photo of a flying fish?

And thanks to Skinner for the thread.:thumbsup:

[Parche]

119. Alaska Airlines

Yes, it is called their Salmon Thirty Salmon
a little 'fish' in cheek humour.......:hi:

[book_worm]

14. Disagreements I have no trouble with it's when people resort to name calling

or insults to fellow DUers that I think things get tense and out of sorts--just because you don't support candidate X or feel that candidate Y is a real democrat it doesn't make you a freeper or enabler of the administration.

[John Kerry VonErich]

18. Exactly

At least I was calm when another called me a jerk.

[Skinner]

20. Sadly, that sort of thing happens way too often here.

I wish it were not so. But I do believe that the vast majority of DUers do not approve of such behavior -- from those they disagree with, or from those they agree with.

[Maraya1969]

37. Oh I agree with you 100% I swear it looks like Freepers are here when I see it.

[lazyriver]

15. Wise words indeed. Opinions of details might vary but we all

have basically the same goals.

[Squatch]

16. I'm doing great! Thanks for asking. How are you doing?

[Skinner]

25. I got contact lenses yesterday, and they are very itchy.

Thanks for asking. :)

[Squatch]

59. Have you considered Lasik or PRK?

My wife and I are saving up to have her eyes done next year.

[Laurab]

133. You should get used to them in a few days...

and you probably won't even notice them most of the time. Lasik is cool, too - I went from coke-bottle glasses, to the old hard contacts, to gas permeable contacts, to Lasik, and now that I'm OLD, I need glasses again, but only to watch TV and drive.

Actually Lasik was like a miracle to me, and even more so because I had a younger brother who came into some money and was kind enough to PAY for it for me!

B-) (I don't know what that means, it's the only one I could find with glasses!)

[YvonneCa]

166. Have you worn them before...

...or is this a new thing? If it's new, here's a hint: It's all in the motivation. :)

[Enrique]

17. yes, we must remember to focus on the real enemy

Nancy Pelosi! :-)

[mmonk]

23. .

:spray:

[proud2BlibKansan]

LOL!

:rofl:

[codjh9]

19. Yes, exactly... I've had to even tell a few friends somewhat the same thing...

I think when you agree for the most part with people, you should have nothing but polite disagreements on the small stuff. We have way too much rudeness in society today, and numerous articles have been written on the subject - it's not just me saying it. Not to mention the amount of hate/vitriol that has sprung up between the left and the right... if it ain't at an all-time high, it's got to be close. My dad was a political science professor, and if he was still here, I'd ask him that question. Perhaps it was just as bad in the McCarthy era, I don't know. But the level of meanness, and rudeness, even sometimes between like-minded people, still often shocks me.

[flyarm]

21. i have to share this with you Skinner...

yesterday i signed up for current.com ..Gore's web site

in the signup form..they give you a scrambled word you must retype..

i am not kidding on this one..my scrambled word was..SKINNER

i sat staring at it and wondered if it was an omen..or if Gore's people are really watching DU...

it truely blew me away!!


So i will just take it as an Omen..for now..

How's the baby Skinner?? I hope he and momma are well!!

fly

[Skinner]

28. LOL. I suspect it was just a coincidence.

But you never know... :tinfoilhat:

[mudesi]

22. The Democrats' poor performance thus far is to blame

I don't blame DU for being cranky. Everyone was euphoric when the Democrats "won" in 2006. It's what they have done since then that has left a bad taste in many mouths here.

[TahitiNut]

31. An expectation is merely a premeditated resentment,

Words to remember.

[mudesi]

38. Wise words that mostly sound like excuses

Imagine, if you will......

One day after the Democratic victory, Nancy Pelosi says the following: "Impeachment is an option that will be considered, depending on the facts."

After Bush vetoes the first war funding bill, the Democrats send the exact same bill right back to his desk.

After Bush vetoes it a second time, the Democrats refuse to send a bill at all.

When the Petraeus Ad comes out and the Republicans decide to pass a resolution condemning it, every single Democrat stands up against it.

Etc, etc, etc.


If all these things had happened, do you think DU would be in the state that it is?

[TahitiNut]

57. As an independent, I never expected any sea change after the 2006 election.

While I certainly foresaw a change in the majority in both the Senate and the House, I've never been so delusional regarding Establishment Politics that I expected a sudden resurgence of courage, honor, or integrity. When a "big tent" welcomes those who condone crimes against peace and crimes against humanity and suspension of habeas corpus and wholesale violation of human rights ... I must admit that my 'expectations' are hardly high.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

61. That's my frustration, too

and it is compounded by the fact that the same kind of capitulation has been going on since Reagan took office.

The excuse given is that "We don't have a veto-proof majority," but even a majority of ONE can block a bad bill.


I really have to wonder why some of these people even bother to be Democrats when they appear to agree with most of what Bush does.

The much-anticipated victory has turned into capitulation and enabling as usual, and that's why I'm in a bad mood.

[jpgray]

35. Might your expectations of a fractured, tiny majority be a bit too high?

We're not as united as the GOP, and we also don't have the numbers to mitigate the "big tent" effect. Or do you see it as a leadership problem?

[LanternWaste]

107. The only person to blame for being rude or obnoxious is that person

I disagree. The only person to blame for being rude or obnoxious is that person. I'm frustrated to by the seeming lack of progress the Democrats have made over the past eleven months, but that same lack of progress is no justification for calling people names or acting rudely towards them. An excuse? Sure... but certainly not a justification.

[OzarkDem]

148. Not the Democrats, but Dem leaders in DC

Everyone else in the party is doing yeoman's work to improve our country and support the Dem party agenda. Its tough sledding when the leaders in DC undermine everyone's hard work.

[jpgray]

24. I tried to explain what I feel is killing discussion in this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2016264

Usually if you are patient and genuinely curious about what people think, you can eventually connect with them and have a real discussion. But the name-calling and dismissive stereotypes get way more replies and thus are pretty seductive.

[tandot]

104. I really liked that thread but many DUers probably missed it.

"The exclusive thinking here, the desire to make everyone either the noblest hero or the most depraved villain is silly--most people are in the grey area. These things are rarely black and white."

Whenever I read a thread with insults and accusations being hurled back and forth (freeper, Hillbot, lemming, cowards, brainwashed, Good German, fringe, lunatic...), I think about the black and white thinking you mentioned. That "you are either with us or you are with the enemy" mentality I hate so much.

As Skinner said, we all have very similar goals and wishes for our future. We just disagree what the best way is to accomplish them.

:hi:

[codjh9]

26. And yeah, I can't help but wonder what someone said in the message that was deleted!

Talk about not getting the message!

[Blaze Diem]

62. Yeah, I am always curious about the'deleted posts too.

How bad was it?

[dajoki]

27. Thanks for the reminder...

I've always felt that DUers are basically on the same side. Sure we have our disagreements, that just makes the place more fun. However, I do feel that people should be respected, and I do my best to comply with that(and I believe I do pretty well). If it wasn't for DU I probably would have pulled my hair out by now(well, at least what I have left).

[RiverStone]

29. Yep - DU will be just fine!

On balance, the conflict(s) we share are healthy ones; they fine tune the message and ultimately help to define what the Democratic Party stands for.

I do wish similar debates on The Hill felt as productive - and there have been many moments, where I wish DU ran the Congress because there is a hell of a lot more consistency here then with many of our elected officials.

I'm very confident when we are ALL looking into the eyes of Rudy, Mitt, or Fred next fall that DU will close ranks and vigorously work to kick some rethug ass in the General. With the SCOTUS on the line, there is too much to lose by NOT having a Dem in the White House (whoever it is).

In the mean time, I'll keep sharing why Dennis walks a walk that most closely resembles what we stand for on DU, IMHO. I look forward to more debate!

And thanks Skinner for the optimistic words. I share your optimism. The *real* enemy is obvious.




peace~:)

[tavalon]

52. Yeah, on the whole, I've learned much more from DUers

than I have suffered at their hands.

When I came here, I barely knew how our government worked, now I'm a political wonk. All because of DU.

[renie408]

30. It just doesn't seem that bad to me.

I guess I do like a good fight, though, so maybe I don't have the right kind of radar for that stuff. I might need some kind of sensitivity fine tuning or something.

Things seem fine to me.

[CK_John]

32. Maybe the forum needs a 24/48 hour timeout from posting when things go over the top. n/t

[renie408]

36. Jeez, now I am tempted to get into a fight on the 'Don't get into a fight' thread. n/t

[H2O Man]

33. Since the Yankees lost,

I'm hoping that I can focus on other topics, such as the Mayweather v Hatton fight, or impeaching Dick Cheney.

[mmonk]

51. Choose the last one.

;-)

[H2O Man]

55. Hatton?

He has a good chance, but I still favor Pretty Boy Floyd. I like his style inside and outside the ring. Some folks don't like him, because he says what's on his mind, but I like that.

[mmonk]

95. Hatton is next to last.

:)

[Mrs. Overall]

34. I think what has really been driving me crazy lately are potential "trolls" who are sharing

their different opinions in a respectful manner and seem to be getting away with murder because they post so "politely".

I guess nothing can be done about that, but golly, it does infuriate me.

One other gripe--new people on DU "correcting" or going off on old-time, well respected DUers.

Aside from that, I look forward to a lively primary season and thank you for this incredibly boisterous and informative site!

[Virginia Dare]

43. I'm not having a problem with that..

those "trolls" usually get their asses handed to them handily by astute DU'ers, and I enjoy reading those debates.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

84. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

It's like the Seven Samurai. Skinner lets in a few for us to use as punching bags, or something.

[Mrs. Overall]

222. The one I was referring to was just tombstoned--ah, there is eventually justice:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=200851

[piesRsquare]

153. So if you're an "old-time" DUer,

you can be blatantly incorrect and post falsehoods, and a "new" person should just shut up and take it, even if s/he knows the "old-timer" is completely mistaken?

And someone politely posting an opinion that you disagree with is a "troll"?

WTF?

[Mrs. Overall]

215. Ok, let me explain:

Skinner asked how we are doing and I mentioned two things that have been irritating me. By no means am I making huge proclamations of "truth," but simply stating two recent peeves.

I am not talking about blatantly incorrect or falsehood posts--duh, the Duers I am referring to, tend to be extremely intelligent and do not willingly deceive. I am referring to informative, well written posts by respected members of this community and the individuals who mock or call them out and who are obviously less informed. That's all--it's just a peeve.

Secondly, I am not talking about anyone I disagree with being a troll. These are the slick, smart trolls who have a reputation in the online board community. They are well known, and actually somewhat admired troublemakers who have perfected their craft. But sometimes good DUers get reprimanded for calling them on their ruse, and I hate to see that happen. Again, slick trolls, just another peeve.

Lighten up. I was just answering Skinner's question.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

39. I must be kind of crazy because I actually enjoy

the primaries. Even on DU. The fact that folks are passionate about their candidates is great. So many people in the real world are barely aware about what's going on.

[Lilith Velkor]

40. Not doing so good, but thanks for asking

I think this 600 day campaign is going to burn out a lot of people well before election time. I see a lot of people repeating mistakes made in 2000 expecting different results, and it bums me out.

I'm just an aging anarchist, so not being listened to is par for the course, but I'll continue to speak my mind anyway.

[NewJeffCT]

42. We must also remember what Will Rogers said back in the 1920s

A good 80 years ago. It was true then, and still is true today:

So much so that I've used it as my sig line for a while now:

I'm not a member of an organized political party - I'm a Democrat.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

44. Oh, it's been worse. Yes, respectful would be nice. But, overall, life's good. nt

[Patsy Stone]

46. Only one Deleted Post so far?

Wow! I think you may be on to something here.

Thanks and have a lovely weekend, Skinner.

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. Most of the nastiness is coming from DUers I had never heard of a few weeks ago

Some are newbies, some are long time members. But most seem to have not spent much time here until recently. So I would hope that as soon as we have a candidate and that candidate needs help on his/her campaign, these trouble makers with so much time on their hands will be out canvasssing and phone banking. :)

[Virginia Dare]

48. Fine thanks, getting a little rain in D.C. today, FINALLY!

I have found that for the most part those who are being honest about who they are and why they're here shine brightly, the others stick out like sore thumbs.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

49. i am just disheartened to hear the same arguments used against gore

are being used against hrc. (ex: bush-lite). hrc may not be the ideal candidate but none of our candidates are bush lite. that is all.

i just hope that its my selective perception and not an actual problem within the democratic party.

pri

[TalkingDog]

50. Liking me some de Tocqueville right about now.

From: Democracy In America Alexis de Tocqueville 1831

"It has been observed, moreover, that the intensity of human passions is heightened, not only by the importance of the end which they propose to attain, but by the multitude of individuals who are animated by them at the same time. Every one has had occasion to remark that his emotions in the midst of a sympathizing crowd are far greater than those which he would have felt in solitude. In great republics the impetus of political passion is irresistible, not only because it aims at gigantic purposes, but because it is felt and shared by millions of men at the same time."


And otherwise trying to avoid the misthrown punches....

How'z about you?


My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios

[midnight]

53. Thanks for the reminder that many of us striving towards

a more progressive society should focus on our shared goals, and why we work out those details- try not to drive eachother away. I too am concerned about those posters who share detailed research that took time and should be evaluated with respect. I hope these posters don't leave.

[hootinholler]

56. Is it finally time for an election 2008 forum?

Like the one that turned into ERD?

-Hoot

[Pierogi_Pincher]

138. I wasn't here back then. Is ERD

some acronym for a gastro-enterologic reflux thingy. Agita? Jes' kiddin'! :hi:
p_p

[JuniperLea]

58. I've seen so much worse! Seriously, I'm surprised to see this post, Skinner!

I didn't think it was that bad, and I've been quite surprised by the flurry of GBCW threads.

Live and learn from fools and from sages I say. I only recently put a few on ignore, thinking I could learn from everyone. Sometimes it just gets too annoying to see the same people spewing the same trash, so for now, I'm using ignore. Sad as it makes me, I just have no patience for some.

[Blaze Diem]

60. Thanks Skinner..Attack the subject of the post not the poster if need be.

k&r

[Trillo]

64. I don't think the problem is with progressives,

it's with some that wish to appear as progressives, and who wish to target particular ideas. During the buildup to an election, it seems there is big money in quashing the opposition, and modern society teaches us that individuals are first to get hurt when big children play. As but one example of this, remember how the media assassinated Dean with the replays of the Dean Scream. Some of us are experiencing similar types of assassination attempts, but they're on the smaller scale of discussion board assassination, instead of being replayed on TV. It is still a war of sorts, likely conducted by a dollar-oiled machine that is non-transparent from our perspective, and in war of any kind, there are always casualties.

Anyway, thanks for the reminder.

[madinmaryland]

65. Don't taser me bro!!1!!

:hi:

[bleever]

66. Nicely said, Skinner.

The vitality of this place is much in evidence. It's a sign of success.

[Totally Committed]

67. Hi, Skinner... a couple of pieces of "correspondense" are from me.

Since the subject matter of those missives was not touched upon here, may I appeal to you here for an answer them? I know you're busy, but just a "this is what you do", or "just wait until ____", or "we are adding that feature soon", will be all I need to hear.

I appreciate it!

TC

[bdamomma]

68. thanks Skinner, and to remind all of us, we here on DU are not

the enemies.

[Evoman]

69. I'm glad you asked, Skinner. To be honest, I've got this weird pimple on my ......

oh wait. You're talking about DU.

Ah.. good. Everything is fine. Dandy. How are you?

[Blaze Diem]

85. Rush limpjib had that too..Use it to your advantage..It could get you out

of the war. and open the doors to delicious drugs fo rlife.
But then you'd have to be a repub, too.
oh well. sorry

[applegrove]

71. Our fearless leader speaks

:applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Usrename]

72. I have to say good job Skinner.

I don't usually go for the rally the troops stuff, but this seems different. We must make something good happen soon.

[Stinky The Clown]

73. Knee jerks and assumptions

People thinking they know what you implied when clearly they don't.

People who extrapolate a single post into a whole soap opera of assumed support or lack of support for Issue A or Candidate B.

People who can't get past a run-in with another poster and who stalk.

Drive by posts.

Feh .... things are hunky dory.

Actually, I gotta edit here to add .......

Hatred of the Democratic Party and/or Democratic personalities. I am not talking about legitimate criticisms. I'm talking about over the top hatred. Like calling our leaders the spawn of Satan or bitches. Like implying that the Democratic leadership is worse than Cheney. If anyone needs links to these posts, then you're not paying attention.

Criticism is one thing. Endless hate spew more fitting for a certain OTHER website is just tiring and angering. It contributes to the divisiveness and seems to my small mind purposeful.

I think there are damned few, if any, here who are blindly "Party Uber Alles". But to listen to some, if you don't hate the current leadership, you're a mindless idiot who is only about party.

Other than that .... yeah .... hunky dory.

[Bluerthanblue]

74. not great-...- but sure glad to have DU to say that to-

even when things are over the top-

and with hope that there is a better day comming


for the entire world-


thanks Skinner and all DU

peace~

[mondo joe]

75. Looking forward to having a Dem nominee for President.

And always amazed at, and grateful for, your grace.

[Cha]

78. Thanks for your words of Encouragement,

Skinner.. I got deleted the other night..that hasn't happened since the 2004 primaries. :o

[blondeatlast]

79. After the primary wars in '04 I've learned some wonderful coping techniques that apply in real life

as well.

I'll manage the upcoming battle too--mostly because most everyone here is sharp as a tack and funny as a week of The Daily show.

Thanks for a great hangout--and the bouncers are doing a fantastic job!

[Plucketeer]

80. I don't see a problem

Opinions are like ______ _______ in that everyone has one. It's just that some are better tended than others. I don't comb my hair in the morning. I'd like to think it isn't a factor that some use to judge me, but I'm sure that it happens - more often than I realize.
As has been said here, 99% of us are driving for the same, basic things here. There's bound to be stragglers, but they usually find their way back to the herd once they've had their little "adventure". ;-)

[NashVegas]

81. I'm a Little Tired at the Moment

Nothing wrong with me a four hour nap won't fix.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

82. Not great, and things are only going to get worse until February, I think.

The ratio of posts attacking Democrats and other DUers to other posts is high, and is going to get higher, I think.

I wish the primaries were over.

Possibly introduce the option of labelling a thread "supporters/opponents of Candidate X only" would help?

[LoZoccolo]

83. You need to tombstone a few choice people, and make brutal examples out of their disobedience.

Just kidding. But I think you should post this in General Discussion: Politics because some people spend a lot more time there than here.

[WilliamPitt]

86. So you're supporting Hillary, then?!?

*ducking, fleeing, giggling like titmouse*

;)

[nadinbrzezinski]

87. Well it is the election season

it is cyclical

And that is what the ignore list is for these days

[uppityperson]

91. Not so good, thanks for asking . If you want to know why, read on...

Over the last 4 yrs I have noticed "people with certain viewpoints" being banned. Over and over and over and over again. Oddly I thought this was DU policy, to provide an "online community for Democrats and other progressives". I considered DU a place where those of us with different viewpoints but still "Democrats and other progressives" could gather, discuss things, work on things, get things done without having to tolerate much of the hassles that happen on unmoderated forums. For that I was very very grateful and thank you and the mods for keeping this place somewhat sane.

I also thought "We ban conservative disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website" meant that "people with certain viewpoints" were banned, per your stated DU rules. Now I see you "wish to make clear that I do not feel this way." Thank you for stating that so clearly. Knowing this is how you feel makes recent actions on DU make more sense.

I have been told to not alert on posts that seem to fit into flamebait or "conservative disruptors", not to ask why topics have been locked and the poster not banned, even when showing the mods a distinct pattern. So, I am taking a deep breath, stepping backward, and reminding myself that this is only a forum.

Here is a question that I have seen asked by others, is there a way of getting an account shut off rather than tombstoned?

[Gregorian]

92. Good news and bad news. First the bad news. Bush is still president.

However, we're on to them. So I think we're all doing quite well, considering.


It's nice to hear from our overlord once in a while. Thanks for stopping in. And thanks for having this great place for us.

[dweller]

93. the usual

reading more, posting less. And kicking Kucinich threads heartily.

take care of yourself,
dp

[understandinglife]

94. Thanks Skinner. Great to be here; always has been.

Peace.

[DinahMoeHum]

96. Well said, Skinner. Let's all remember that the worst Democrat

is still a thousand times better than the best Republikkkan.

Yes, even Hillary is a thousand times better than the Goopers.

:kick::kick::kick:

[libodem]

98. This is the most wonderful place in the world

I'm wild over DU. I don't know why people fight it up? Can't we all just get along? The worst Democrat is far superior to the best Republikon. That's all that matters. Love you guys.:loveya:

[DeepModem Mom]

99. K&R!

[EVDebs]

100. I'm doing OK but want the 2013 timeline the MI complex has in Iraq exposed

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2078813&mesg_id=2088394

The Dems and progressives need to know this was on the DOD's planning since 1973. And like an old Pinto, they haven't kept up with revising the planning, only staying the course (to disaster).

Dems and progressives can do better. The course to a world without oil for energy is the new agenda and we'd better get with the program (as the military likes to say).

The Rove way is to attack the enemy at their strongest point. Well, to return the favor, the neocons have a plan and like to stress that progressives/Dems have no plan. We need to show them THEIR PLAN sucks and our plan is the better way outta this mess they've gotten us into.

[Swamp Rat]

101. Not good so here in New Orleans,

but we're looking forward to Mardi Gras to relieve the pain and stress.

Thanks for asking. :hi:

[in_cog_ni_to]

103. Swamp...I heard this morning that a REPUKE IS GOING TO WIN THE GOVERNOR'S ELECTION in NOLA????!!@#$

What's up? Do you think he's going to get enough votes to avoid the run-off election? I heard this on C-SPAN this morning.

[Swamp Rat]

105. I think they are manipulating elections in Louisiana

and have been for a very very long time.

[in_cog_ni_to]

102. When push comes to shove, we all really do like each other. Did you see the OMC threads?

We all know OMC's DU persona wasn't the most warm, kind, and fuzzy, but look what happened when he needed us. Honestly, some people here piss me off royally, as I'm sure I do others, BUT in the end, we are a family. ONE, HUGE Family of Progressives. We always come together when it's important to do so.

Not to worry! We're coooll!

[WillyT]

106. I Have The Sniffles...

:shrug:

[proud patriot]

231. Allergies in this area have been really bad

I have been taking claratin and it's been helping my sniffles .

I hope you feel better soon WillyT

[yardwork]

108. A little squabbling is not a bad thing as long as it doesn't get personal.

There are a few things that make me mad, and I'll say so when I see them. It's not ok to pretend to be a progressive but get all wimpy about human rights, for one thing. I'll call posts on that. Another issue that makes me mad is seeing posts that wring their hands about health insurance (we can't affffffoooooord it...) when the same posters used to state that they thought the invasion of Iraq was a good thing. Some of us have long memories.

On the other hand, it's wrong to single out individual posters, and especially wrong to gang up on them.

[sellitman]

109. All the infighting here proves Dave Barry correct.

The Democrats seem to be basically nicer people, but they have demonstrated time and again that they have the management skills of celery.

-Dave Barry

[EFerrari]

111. LOL! I resemble that remark!

:rofl:

[spanone]

110. you have a great home here Skinner.....this family fights just like my own...

[orleans]

112. damn, skinner--i feel the same way.

(i love your examples that are "not open for debate")

[appalachianguy]

113. How's YOUR family today?

Hello Mr. Skinner,

Good to hear you out running with the pack a little bit.
I've been posting about everything from Gore to religion,
but most folks aren't much interested in the views of
a 21rst century hillbilly. But here I am hoping to capture
the imagination of the masses - GOOD LUCK TO ME HUH!!
By the way, how IS your family?

AppGuy

[Marrah_G]

114. Thank you Skinner

[gateley]

115. K&R nt

[defendandprotect]

116. Hi Administrator Skinner . . . !! Good to hear from you --- !! !!

Great place for "news" and communication/opinion --

and great goals:

- stop this criminal admin
- end this tragic war in Iraq
- move toward a more progressive society

Thank you for standing against censorship ---

[havocmom]

118. Getting better, Skinner. The hostility around campus is a GOOD sign

Think about it:

The neocon/GOP machine was pretty damned stupid about the power of the Internet as a force for defending against their crap. That bit where GOP/RNC staffers were sending email to a spoof site, AND KEPT IT UP even after their 'internal messages' got published online, shows how little they understoond the medium that is Internet.

Now, that is changing. They have had time to get to know the system. And they are using same old tricks, modified for new system of delivery.

Not surprising to see lots of personal attacks and diversions around here... just like in the material world.

I take it as a good sign. They are trying to hit us in our communities online. Sowing the seeds of distrust and psy-ops to make good people just give up in disgust.

Anybody familiar with behavior modification can identify the trends online. The unwanted behaviors a program is designed to change will usually INCREASE.... just before they die off.

So, while there are days I just wanna throttle some people here, and in the material world, I know it is all good. Means we are winning.

Just have to convince more people here that winning is a slow process. This ain't Burger King. We don't get it our way in 60 seconds.

I love DU. And I am doing better all the time. It's all looking like a win, when you take the long view.

Hope you feel the same, Skinner. :toast:

[David Zephyr]

120. A timely and helpful post, Skinner.

How you and the DU Administrators and Mods hold it all together is a marvel to behold. Thanks.

[npincus]

121. not so well.

[SaveAmerica]

167. Hang in there

:hug: We need to have a DU shout where we open a thread and everyone just get everything off of their chest. Yell whatever we want about Bush and Cheney, have virtual voo-doo dolls, whatever helps. I live for the day I don't have this anxiety hanging over me about what Bush and Cheney are doing, if they cared even a small amount of what we all do here, we wouldn't be in this mess.

[ulysses]

122. hell, it's election season. how's the kid?

[populistdriven]

124. It's not your fellow DUers.

[Individualist]

125. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2087652#2087760

[Divine Discontent]

128. very nice post!

it made me all warm & fuzzy... oh wait, I was already both of those things. well then, it made me feel it's all going to get better after 11/08.

and yes, there are certain things that aren't open for discussion.

my best to you for a post to help soothe things for all of us around here.

[NMDemDist2]

130. Just a kick for wise words from our Fearless Leader

:evilgrin:

[lovuian]

131. Awesome Message

:applause:

[noamnety]

132. I am not sure about that last part.

When people support racism, sexism, and homophobia, I consider those people my enemy, whether they are posting on DU or elsewhere.

[Pierogi_Pincher]

134. Hi there. Is it really you?

First off, how's that fine baby boy? Think about youse guys all the time.
Second, have learned tons since joining DU. It's saving to know there are many others out there of like mind.
Last, the complexities of trying to live in this more screwed-up than ever environment is taking its toll on me. I always remind myself that there can be a brighter day, but I honestly have never expected to witness so much dirty dealing in all my born days. Here's to a brighter day and Dems advancing in '07 and winning the White House in '08!

P_P

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

135. K & R, it's always nice to get admin check in, and you guys are great about that.

Now, about those Google ads. :evilgrin: MKJ

[Laurab]

136. K&R - I have a bit of a cold myself,

but otherwise, just fine.

I took a deep breath, reminded myself who the real enemy was, and now I'm off to look for someone to argue with just for the fun of it...

[Writer]

137. Skinner, we as a nation have lost the fine art of debate.

We need to learn how to talk to one another again, especially in regard to politics. Democracy is about discussion and debate, and I at times worry about our effectiveness to self-govern when we have lost the ability to hold civil discussions.

I'm a hypocrite if I don't say that I'm not a part of the problem, but nonetheless I recognize a great need to transcend our current mode of public discourse, on this and many other electronic and real life forums.

~Writer~

[onehandle]

140. Biden, Clark, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Gore, Gravel, Kucinich, Obama, and Richardson suck!

Ralph Nader in 2008!

:evilgrin:

[Name removed]

142. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mike03]

143. Kick

Just to have something uplifting with perspective to read. Man, it's getting depressing around here.

[babylonsister]

144. Nice post, Skinner. Thanks for the reminder. nt

[Gman]

145. I would add one thing

Nor is the real enemy the Democratic Party.

Good post, Skinner.

[wtmusic]

146. Things are tense because half of DU feels Hillary is inevitable

and it bugs the hell out of us. The other half feels "Hillary's not bad, let's keep our eye on the prize."

No simple answer. I don't even know that it's a problem, as long as things stay civil. Bottom line.

[Cetacea]

147. K+R!

:kick:

[tandem5]

149. I'm a twig in a mighty current... I'm a twig in a mighty current...

Oh gosh I don't like that deep chasm up a head - twiggy protuberances to the rescue! SAVE ME! I don't want to go with the flow! I don't want to go with the flow! Being a twig sucks! (ah when positive visualizations go awry)

I don't really know what point I'm making either... I am feeling some tension though.

[dbonds]

150. Not well at all.

The current atmosphere, and heavy hand mods that seem to have their own agenda has about done me in. I think it is time for greener pastures for me.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

152. Well, thanks for asking.....

Doin' fine here. Just hopped over to democracyforamerica.com and took the Pulse Poll "If you could vote for President today...." Al Gore just pulled into first place ahead of Edwards.

And we're still plugging away at collecting signatures to get Gore's name on the California primary ballot. It will happen.

Have a great weekend, all.

[anitar1]

154. Posting less and reading more.

we have some wonderful people on DU, imho. I learn so much here. One can always use ignore with obviously disruptive posters. It is easy to do. Or do not engage in useless flaming. Nowadays, I exit and go to another thread when I see it all going down a black hole.I am glad to be here.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

155. Since you've asked, some of these threads have gotten me pretty fired up.

To the point that my handle (AnotherMother4Peace) has been questioned. I've explained that I'm working undercover.

Thanks for all you do!!!!!!!

[Hekate]

156. Hey, Skinner. Hugs to you.

:hug: :yourock: :hug:

Hekate

[salin]

157. Dynamics are funky, but I adjust...

My DU time is limited so I go to the forums that work for me, and pretty much avoid others. I have little time or patience for some of the drama - especially that driven by snark, or worse swarming snark (pileons).

There is still content that I value at DU. Especially the news and editorialss - folks do a great job of bringing great items to the forefront. That said, I rarely look for the comraderie or sense of community at DU that I sought and for a long time found. That has nothing to do with the candidate wars - I do not yet have a dog in that battle. My sense of 'alienation' from community has more to do with a sense of coordinated "snark attacks" meant to target individual Duers that is in my perception ugly in nature - but not enough so to cross rules lines. Some of the nasty, personal targeting (ala pileons of individual DUers that almost seem coordinated outside of du) have nothing to do with politics and thus can't be blamed on the primary season.

Heck, the last time I responded to one of your threads per dynamics at DU - and I spoke out per the need for civility, I was mocked - rudely - in a thread in the lounge. My sin, criticizing the snark/nasty targetting... the response - a thread that was personal and nasty. And not locked for a long period of time. My response was locked.

Point being - I really don't feel terribly welcome/community at Du anymore - due to direct attacks that could stand - with the response being not allowed. With the attack (the last straw per having the place as a community versus a periodic visit) had nothing to do with the content of my posting per politics (ala candidate wars) but soley based on voicing concern per incivility makes me open game for direct, and personal attacks. Seriously.

Perhaps when a community gets this large this is inevitable - even raising the issue of civility (and thus calling incivility out) makes one a target of wrath and mockery.

So be it.

Whatever.

Just don't participate much anymore. Not a big deal - don't seem to be missed, so for me - fine; whatever.

But I have been here since Jan of 2002 - am concerned that the tone that can chase longtimers away might have a stronger impact on newcomers that could have incredible insights and talents to share at DU who are chased away by the dynamics.

[bridgit]

158. I'm doing fine, thank you, we work hard for what we have...IRL...

If you're referring to matters here; there is little here that disturbs me but for the 'intransigence of the suspected premise', still, or likely as a resultant...

I see the foibles as well, though in that I've paid my dues here, there, and in my union since the mid 80's...for me in a very real sense, it's quite often more like water off the back of a duck

I'm sorry you guys are receiving so much flack back at ye olde Admin, Skinner, but I find it hard to believe just what some folks are so vehemently able to protest about, or why they think they even have a 'special soap-box' upon which to protest it when the streets are filled with empty corners

[Handsome Pete]

159. Fuck you, Skinner

[havocmom]

160. No profile. Doesn't want to receive messages.

And charming as hell to boot.

Welcome to DU, not so handsome at all pete.

[H2O Man]

162. A short stay

for him.

[uppityperson]

164. Now, now, remember, as Skinner wrote above...

"I've noticed a fair amount of talk recently about people getting "driven away" or about how people with certain viewpoints should be banned. While it is obvious that there are some people here who would like to see certain other people driven away or banned, I wish to make clear that I do not feel this way. Nor do I believe that most of our members feel this way. I think this place is a lot more interesting and fun with lots of people who hold lots of different opinions. It would be even better if everyone were capable of sharing those different opinions in a respectful manner. (I can dream, can't I?)"

eyeroll to the poster you are replying to though

[havocmom]

170. Hey, I welcomed the guy

Really. Then I had an opinion about his behavior.

Really. ;)

[uppityperson]

171. Oh dang, that poster has gone away already.

I guess it was a bit much.

[havocmom]

172. See, ya shoulda welcomed him

fast ;)

[Twist_U_Up]

161. Dick Cheney is that you ?

[bridgit]

169. i love the smell of pizza in the morning...

:spray:

[Heidi]

Cookie?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

163. I can back that. Well said! n/t

[YvonneCa]

165. Civility...

...Skinner...when you're right you're right. :7 I always enjoy and learn from the discussion here...and agree that we have so much more in common than it often appears on the surface. That's a good thing to remember, and I thank you for the reminder.

[northofdenali]

168. As usual, DU'ers are nothing but a bunch of snide, snippy, sarcastic

INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL FOLKS!!


I HAVE MISSED YOU ALLSO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:loveya::loveya::toast::beer::toast::loveya::loveya:

Skinner, you always get it right, dontcha? 'Nother vote here........

[NoGodsNoMasters]

178. I think it's a bigger issue...

This seems to be a part of the pathology on the left. The far right are a pretty united, hell, when you're platform consists of "Bring it on!", and "We're fighting them there so we don't fight them here!" there obviously isn't going to be a whole lot of room for intellectual debate, because that would involve concepts as opposed to catchphrases. Admittedly, intelligent discourse, and complex reasoning with a multitude of individuals will inevitably lead to argument of some kind. I think it's deeper than that, though, and you notice it throughout history,...leftists (Of which I am one.) may agree on 99.9% of the issues, but will fight like hell over the remaining .1%. I can't define it. But I think it's good to be cognizant of it. I think it's an achilles heel, and something to think about.

[Lindsey]

179. Good Post - Thanks....n/t

[swimmernsecretsea]

180. I had a Klondike Bar. Mmmm. Almost as good as meds. nt.

[5thGenDemocrat]

182. I don't check in any more, but I'm (we're) okay

Annie and I are still alive and well and happily married after ten months. All is pretty good here in Saginaw Michigan.
Hope all is well with y'all at DU, too.
John (and Annie)
Annie turns 67 on Sunday -- if somebody'd like to start a thread wishing her a happy birthday, that would be swell. Best to all.

[frogcycle]

184. not driven away

just sort of a blend of boredom and disgust that leads one to find better things to do...

On the plus side, I redesigned my KIA website and am rather pleased with the results. I am getting a lot more visitors, they are using the alphabetic indices , and my site frequently turns up pretty close to the top in a google or yahoo search for a specific name. It's sort of weird to be surfing the web looking for photos or articles to add to my site, and have my own site crop up in the search results. Of course, it is good to see the numbers dropping, too.

Seeing the reports from the hosting service of people actually using the results of the work I put in there is a hell of a lot more satisfying than getting into pissing contests with some of the folks here.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

189. "Boredom and disgust."

That just about sums it up for me. I hate to point out any specific action as being representative of this problem, but yesterday I actually saw someone castigating Pelosi for not being able to overturn dubya's veto of schip, as if maintaining near-perfect unity on the Democrats' side and pulling over some of the repubs (whilst generating some seriously bad press for those who didn't switch) just wasn't good enough. I get the feeling that a very loud minority of the DU population thinks that the 2006 election gave us limitless power over the government, and I shudder to think what those people are going to act like if we win back the White House in 2008. For fuck's sake people are starting to talk about the Green Party (or some other third party) again as if that were a reasonable solution. Does anybody remember the 2000 election, or has that lesson been forgotten?

These days I keep my forays into GD brief. I see no reason to keep getting pissed off for no tangible benefit.

[ellisonz]

185. The real enemy is Nancy Pelosi.

:sarcasm:

[Richard Steele]

186. Not so great, actually.

But I can't say WHY, because doing so has already resulted
in two "moderator warnings" in two weeks.

I'm the same rude, near-clueless JERK I was when I joined DU;
the same guy I was when I made my first EIGHTEEN THOUSAND POSTS.

But now I feel that this isn't the same DU that I joined back
in '04, and when I start mentioning my REASONS for feeling that way...
BAM! Moderator warnings; my posts deleted while troll flamebait remains.


Skinner, I really wonder what the HELL is going on with DU right now.
I'm "[e-mail]"; if you aren't free to TALK here, just cough.

KnowhutImean?

[Skinner]

196. This website has rules.

When people break those rules, the mods delete their posts. If they persist in breaking the rules, the moderators send warnings. If one person is making your DU experience so awful, you have the power to solve the problem immediately. Just click the ignore link. It's almost like they're banned.

[uppityperson]

217. Skinner, the problem is when that one person is affecting so many of us

so many of us who have been here a long time, have done a lot, contributed, posted, etc. The problem is when that one poster continues to post stuff that is what others get banned for. This website does have rules, and many of us have concerns over how they are applied to, perhaps, that one poster. That is a problem.

Will you let this post stand, since I don't see it breaks any rules? Thank you Skinner.

[uppityperson]

232. Thank you Skinner for upthread.

Seriously, thank you.

[Richard Steele]

237. I appreciate that you took the time to reply.

And I do understand what you are saying.

In all fairness, I suppose my complaints have a certain percentage
of the "familarity breeds contempt" phenomenon at their basis;
DU is just the BEST website on so many levels that I've gotten
used to "the best", and it's very FRUSTRATING when I wander into
an area where DU is ordinary and average.

Even at DU, the wheels of justice grind slowly, I suppose.

[mogster]

188. OK, taking breath now

Good reminder ;-)

[Perry Logan]

190. The sky is very overcast, but my heart is light.

[LaurenG]

191. May I just say this

No one has the power to drive any of us away. We drive away on our own.

When things get tough I just take a breather and pout like a 3 year old but I never feel driven away. I'm stubborn like that though. :7

[Adelante]

193. Handling it

Thanks for asking.

[denem]

194. I am unhappy Skinner

Although I am a new registrant, I have been lurking from time to time since the 2003 / 2004 primary season. I don't remember the vitriol then reaching the levels of today: ' is a total Abomination' , Nancy Pelosi is public enemy No. 1' - and this from posters who often have useful insights. And as for defeating the GOP, I've seen countless charges of candidates being worse than Republicans.

DU has always been rough and tumble but if this was an organized operation to demoralize the Democrats here, I'd say it's mating headway.

[glowing]

199. Do you support Hillary? It seems only Hillary supporters love to use

her big "vitriol" word.

[sufrommich]

201. Is there an enemies word list now?

Can we see it?

[glowing]

213. No, but she says it and it seems like people who support Hillary like

to use it as well. I don't mind. I like to see people using words from their intellect...Much better than Bushisms. The only reason it makes me giggle is because people are always touting their independence and their ability to reason and not go along with the flow... yet they repeat verbatim the talking points of some of the Dems like the people on the right do with Repugs and Faux news. Originality and creativity need to so re-vamped in America. I blame the schools who take out Creative Writing, Arts, Drama, Music/ Band programs for this.

[Beerboy]

195. Greetings from a newb! Like the site a lot.

Keep up the good work.

[glowing]

198. I really wish that you would not look at the other party as an enemy.

This unhealthy division that this country has come to, is unfortunate. Hopefully we will be able to heal after 2008... If we do not, this is the beginning stages of what happens when Civil War comes about. And I do not believe that everyone is as progressive as the next on this board. There are some here who I believe to be border-line Republican. Some haven't stopped drinking enough of the kool-aid MSM throws at them.

Peace and Love heal. I have no enemies. I may be upset or hurt by someone's words. I may feel frustration for someone who doesn't quite get it, but I still maintain love for them. We are humanity...

[Debi]

200. Take a deep breath!

Thanks Skinner!! :thumbsup:

[livvy]

202. Doing well here, and sharing your dream.

I think people just get really frustrated at times, and/or the monitors on their patience delivery systems short circuit.
Thanks for the post. I'll continue to keep your message in mind, though when I find myself getting frustrated I usually log off, and go blather at my bouviers. They always tend to agree with She Who Scoops the Food.

Hope to see you again in DC, although it would be nice if the circumstances were less protestive.

Quiet, frog....be patient...I know it's not a real word!

[rosesaylavee]

203. Thanks, Skinner.

Nice site you have here and many thanks for allowing me to use it.

Hope you and your family are well!

[CitizenLeft]

205. THANK YOU.

"So, I'm asking you politely to please everyone take a deep breath and step back and remind yourself who the *real* enemy is here. Here's a hint: It's not your fellow DUers."

It's astonishing that this is sometimes forgotten.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

206. bulletin boards are always like this!

BBs go through phases. Trolls, certain items make people go mad (obviously the 2008 elections), despair etc. Even baby and mother bulletin boards!

[Th1onein]

207. Personally, I think everyone's picking on ME, Skinner!

I DEMAND apologies! My fake outrage is enormous!

[lonestarnot]

208. Thanks for dat.

:toast:

[BootinUp]

210. Thanks for the reminder!

Well stated Skinner. Yeah its been a little rough around here lately.

[cmd]

211. This is a bid for a DUzy, isn't it? n/t

[symbolman]

214. Jesus, Skinner!

That's Exactly what I've been telling Them, but do they Listen to me?

Nope.

And that's why I'm glad that you showed up to remind them. :)

You guys (and gals) gonna Listen NOW? Huh?

Okay then... Then let's Get It ON!!

[Neshanic]

216. Other than being Flamebait, things are ok.

[achtung_circus]

219. .

[Beam Me Up]

218. Hangover, here.

But from what I can tell from within my daze everything you say is true, pop. Thanks.

[Forkboy]

221. Thought I was having a bad week until my friend got hit by a train Thursday.

And had his leg cut off.

My week isn't so bad anymore. :(

[AtomicKitten]

224. ouch

That does put one's troubles in perspective, eh?

[Forkboy]

228. Don't know whether to be sad or angry

I'm sad because he's a good guy who has the worst luck on the planet.Mad because we've literally joked about this happening dozens of times because of his drinking and walking home on the tracks, and yet we still couldn't reach him and help him find a way to change his life.He so doesn't deserve this crap. :(

[AtomicKitten]

229. a good friend of my mother's died when her car stalled on a railroad track

I guess it's one of those deer in the headlights moments.

Tragic.

[undeterred]

223. I'm concentrating on activism. Its the only cure for soulsickness.

And soulsickness is why we're all so grumpy.

I am applying to be the state coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America in my state of Wisconsin. That will take up all the time that I'm not working. So, when I come to DU, its more to find out what happened today than to get in arguments. Getting involved makes me feel much more hopeful.

Progressive Democrats will take back the country.

:kick: :patriot: :kick: :patriot: :kick: :patriot: :kick: :patriot: :kick: :patriot: :kick: :patriot:

[NMMNG]

227. Things are looking better quite recently

[proud patriot]

230. I'm doing okay

Thanks for posting this Skinner

[f the letter]

233. Thanks Skinner for all you do

Let's get the level of discourse back up to where it was when i decided i wanted to join DU!

[MaxPlancker]

235. Sticking my toe in

First time post, so I thought I should bring a gift. The following spoke to me.

http://www.timcantor.com/Audio/Blue%20Sky-(film)-web3.wmv

Tim Cantor's poetry speaks as eloquently as does his art.

Myself? I am grounded in math and physics and as such endevor to be analytical in all things. Yet I can be moved to tears by certain music.

The first two sides.

I commend Skinner's vision for this forum.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

238. Could it be that DU is experiencing "growing pains"?

:shrug: