Goodbye...

[Joe Fields]

No long, sad or vitriolic speech. It's just pretty apparent that I don't belong here anymore.

It's been an interesting 5+ years.

Good luck with your choices.


Joe

[NoPasaran]

1. Ta ta!

[TahitiNut]

2. Buh-bye.

:hi:

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. Stick around. Never let the troublemakers win. That's what they want.

[Joe Fields]

68. I never have, until now, Peake. I'm not sure there is anything

of this party worth saving, though. These days, there is no question that we would be better off without our representational form of govt. (since we, the people aren't being represented.)

There's probably a good chance I won't make this a permanent goodbye. There are too many good people here to do that. But right now, I have to get away from the madness.

Thanks!

[Hissyspit]

4. You know, Joe. Things will be better around here after the convention and we need

every able hand to deal with the general election. We don't have a Dem in the White House yet and we may not get the best one or the one that we want, but we sure as hell don't want President John "I Wanna Carry On The Policiies of George W. Bush Because I'm Delusional" McCain.

I would say, take a break.

[TheDebbieDee]

8. I agree with Hissyspit, Joe. Come back and visit

us in the fall, after nominee has been chosen. I'm sure DU will return to then!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

5. Take a break from DU, or just hang out in the DU Lounge.

It is getting rather ugly around here, but don't let the weenies win.

[Joe Fields]

12. Thanks, Scrub,

The weenies have already won. But just what have they won exactly? There's an old saying....Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.

I can't and won't play in a rigged system anymore. I have to be able to live with my conscience. I don't recognize my party anymore, nor do I recognize this place anymore.

Take good care of yourself and your loved ones. I'm going to go write a book on Sixties rock and roll.


Joe

[KansDem]

25. Take SCRUBDASHRUB's advice...hang out in the Lounge!

I've spent more time in the Lounge in the last few weeks then I have in the last few years.

And Lounge DUer's are such a bunch of swells, too! :hi:

[Seabiscuit]

69. The Lounge did wonders for me after Bush stole the 2004 election.

I was so down I couldn't read the threads in the other forums. But the Lounge always cheered me up.

Try it out - and come back and join us after the election. By this time next year I think we'll finally be rid of the Repuke scourge in Washington.

And all the nastiness on DU will be a thing of the past.


:hi:

[Fire Walk With Me]

28. BECAUSE you don't recognize your party or this place anymore is the best reason to stay

and to keep kicking the truth.

[redwitch]

54. 'Zactly!

:thumbsup:

[CTyankee]

36. Sounds like politics is not your thing. Which is fine. Write your book.

It sounds like a very interesting project. And it could clear your mind of political stuff so you can think more clearly come November.

Just remember, tho, in November, you gotta vote! No excuses, buddy. Take your break but remember that part of your heart and soul...otherwise, you will look back years later and regret it...

[DaDooRonRon]

37. If you need any help with it, let me know

:)

As for everything else, you could not be any more correct.

[Plucketeer]

57. Joe, I feel like you do

I really do. I only came to this party during daddy Bush's reign. I took pride in bein' a Democrat thru Billy-boy's years and figured that the party could and would rebound once America got a good dose of Newt's "Contract on America". And it was a fair prediction, cause that's what did happen.

Sadly, the bozos we've helped put in power of late (and this includes the two possibles for the oval office) are anything BUT responsive to the rank and file members of the party. Almost all of wealth themselves, it's lip service at best that they give us. Screw it. Writing a book about the 60s or restoring an old gas-guzzling cruiser from a bygone era will give a bit of an escape from the awful realities that have come to fore. The evil-tongued, back-biting assholes that have shown themselves for Hill and Hope are NOT the sorta folks I'd share a drink with. And it's well known that you're judged by the company you keep. :puke:

[corkhead]

6. if you leave, then the terrists win. things will get better once the primaries are over

and the locusts that are inundating GD-P will crawl back under their rocks for another 4 years, or hopefully 8.

I have been a bit ambivalent about my role here at DU, but I took heart in being told that. I have since been able to put things in perspective.

Take a break, you'll feel better.

[springhill]

7. I hear ya..........

I don't spend much time on the site anymore, just enough to try and learn a few things from some of the really intelligent posters, but on the whole, it's real depressing anymore.

[Jed Dilligan]

9. Joe we hardly knew ye

[alfredo]

10. Come back after things cool down. Election time is always difficult here.

I've been spending more time at the Lounge or the special interest groups.

[sellitman]

11. If I left and posted a message stating that...

the least I would do is let someone know why.

Otherwise why leave a message?

[Joe Fields]

I can only tell you, sellitman that I don't recognize the democratic party

anymore, nor do I recognize this place. I cannot pretend, like a lot of progressives here, that either one of our two choices are going to be our savior. When progressives reject truly progressive candidates, in favor of candidates who voted to give Bush the right to go to war, when progressives happily choose to overlook actions, in favor of fancy rhetoric, then it is time for me to go. I don't belong here. I sure as hell don't want to sound like Ronnie Raygun (zap), but it's not that I'm leaving the party. The party left me.

[uppityperson]

22. Joe, you're not the only one.

For me I work with them because the alternative of giving up to repubs is too great, but also work with third parties and independents. I know what you mean and you are not alone feeling this.

[Forkboy]

51. Well, that's clearly where you've gone sane....

Expecting Democrats to act like it? What's the matter with you? ;)

[Joe Fields]

55. I must agree. The worst thing is to be sane in an insane world.

It's enough to drive one crazy.

See you down the road, forkboy.

:toast:

[seabeyond]

13. i have never "belonged" anywhere. i dont let that stop me

wink

[Mz Pip]

14. It's a big place

There is room enough here for everyone. Don't let the craziness drive you away.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[AlertLurker]

15. Piss-poor Magnum Opus, I'd say...

There are a lot of us that are upset with the way things seem to be turning out at present...

I am sure many of us feel the same way you do quite often - I know that I have left and come back many times in the past seven years...

Go if you can't stand it anymore, but come back at some point, please. DU needs all the rational people it can get.

[Joe Fields]

26. lol....yeah, for a guy who is pretty wordy, not much of a goodbye.

The process and the system are too perverted to be able to make changes from within.

I'm going to go write a book.

[AlertLurker]

72. I hope it's a bestseller.

Hey - it's pretty clear that if a total moron like Glenn Beck can write one, ANYONE can.

[unapatriciated]

16. Say it ain't so Joe!

Hey I just got here and I feel the same way every day. But it's like a train wreck you can't help but look.

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

17. Who was your candidate?

I'm just curious if your candidate is doing well and you are leaving or if you candidate is doing poorly and you are leaving.

[saracat]

18. Joe, please stay. Don't post if you want or hide in a forum but I would miss you.

The truly great posters are being run off and replaced by troll like garbage. You piece on what it mean to be a Democrat was wonderful and these stupid, yes stupid, babies can't appreciate it.

[Joe Fields]

20. Thank you, saracat, but I really need to keep what little sanity I have.

I also need to watch my blood pressure.

[uppityperson]

21. I know what you mean Joe, been feeling the same

Time for a long break, will check in periodically and hopefully after convention is over things will settle down. I use DU for news info, which it is good for, and am trying to ignore the rest. Best wishes, check back after convention please, it will hopefully be different. In the meantime, onward with what we do elsewhere.

Thanks for letting us know.

[saracat]

24. "Onward with what we can do elsewhere" Boy, can I relate Uppity.

It sure is nice to go where we are 'wanted' and like Joe, I begin to see it may not be "here".

[juajen]

70. I have seen so many people come and go here, and it is sad.

I wish we could police ourselves better, but, if we could, it might be even worse. I would certainly miss any of you great DUers who decide you can't take it any more; but, I do know how you feel.

I miss dreadfully John Edwards, even though my candidate was Hillary. I have personal reasons why I support her and they are valid, but I really love Johnny and Elizabeth. He was the best part of Kerry's campaign.

If missing him is why you and Joe are getting so depressed being here, I understand. It isn't the same, is it?

Understand, though, many people would and will miss you both. Good people make up the core of DU, and you two are special. I'm worried now about Hillary's chances, and will be feeling much like you two if she goes under. I, however, will not give up DU. They'll have to pry my hands off the typewriter. Love to you both from your fellow DUer.

Jua

[Joe Fields]

27. Thanks for the kind words, uppityperson.

:hi:

[saracat]

23. You know I really can't fault you. It is all I can do not to quit the party.

And that after more than 30 years. I don't recognize it either, and boy I can sure understand your feeling unwanted.I feel the same.Take a break. I think I am going to.

[Joe Fields]

29. It's something I've been mulling over for some time, now, saracat.

It's not a decision I've made in haste. Good luck to you and your loved ones in the future.

[ChiciB1]

35. You Tell 'Em Sara.... We've Been There Too! And Won't Be Posting

all that much either. I check in now and again, maybe post some, but when we had ALL the Edwards supporters, we had many threads that had so many positive replies. I enjoyed that, but now... what can I say??

What is really sad, is that the two candidates left are bringing out the WORST in people rather than building a better Party. What will that say by November?? I know I'm not going to be campaigning, and know many around here, including my family who won't be.

[pleah]

19. I'm sorry to see you go. I joined before it started getting weird around here.

I try very hard to stay away from GDP. If I do that, it keeps my head from exploding. So many have left DU since I joined. Makes me sad, really.;(

[The Straight Story]

30. I got a thread just for you (and some others)

That I am working on. Tune in later my friend and stick around!

[taterguy]

31. But whose gonna remind the folks in the Lounge the Beatles are the greatest band of all-time?

Stick around.

Your work here is not done.

[Joe Fields]

32. lol!!! If the Beatles need me to get that message across, well....

I've enjoyed your presence on these boards, taterguy. Stay cool.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

49. I'd love to read that book on the 1960s. The Beatles are the best!

Hang tight, Joe. :)

[Joe Fields]

56. I hope to be able to send you a copy, Scrub...

:toast:

[Ishoutandscream2]

33. Tater, I'll take up the banner

Take it easy, Joe.

[Joe Fields]

43. Thanks, and remember to never let your guard down. There are

those within our ranks who would sully the Beatles true place in rock history.;-)

[ChiciB1]

34. Boy Do I Know How You Feel... This Place Sure Seems Very Strange

and NOTHING like I've ever seen! I can't believe how MEAN and NASTY so many have become. AND they feel that it's just fine to be that way. So there lies the rub!

[orleans]

38. didn't you just leave a week or two ago? n/t

[Joe Fields]

44. Negative.

[orleans]

62. sorry. i must have you confused with someone else

Goodbye DU - after 7 years, 12,366 Posts
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2646574

I propose a ban on "Grand Exit" posts
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2654853

Hello, I must be going
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1517286&mesg_id=1517286

Goodbye DU
http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=27450&forum=DCForumID59&archive=yes

Here's why I'm leaving GD: P until Fat Tuesday, and why I encourage you to do the same.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4260101

I'M LEAVING DU
http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=13771&forum=DCForumID69

That's it, I'm leaving.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2647958

I'm leaving this board...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=404x5418

I'm leaving?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3135444&mesg_id=3135522

I'm leaving now!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=180&topic_id=36797&mesg_id=36847

Hmm maybe I should leave DU
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1084707

So long, farewell, aufwiedersehen, good-bye! I hate to go and leave this pretty site.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2733953

Hello DU - after 3 1/2 years, 14084 Posts.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2653588

I'm leaving and I won't let the door slam on my ass
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2907341&mesg_id=2909226

It would be a shame to lose his input here at DU.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1073553#1073790

oh wait. you wrote that last one. so let me reflect that back to you: it would be a shame to lose your imput here at DU.

[Liberal Veteran]

39. Oh, come on. At least give us some gnashing of teeth and rending of garments.

[bluesmail]

40. yackity yack

[Ellipsis]

41. Just take a break

5 years is a long time

Don't really know you but here's
A little corny homage anyway


I dreamed I saw Joe Fields last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I But Joe, you're ten years dead
I never died said he,
I never died said he.
The Copper Bosses killed you Joe,
they shot you Joe says I.
Takes more than guns to kill a man
Says Joe I didn't die
Says Joe I didn't die
And standing there as big as life
and smiling with his eyes.
Says Joe What they can never kill
went on to organize,
went on to organize
From San Diego up to Maine,
in every mine and mill,
where working-men defend there rights,
it's there you find Joe Fields,
it's there you find Joe Fields!
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I But Joe, you're ten years dead
I never died said he,
I never died said he.

Hopefully you'll come back

(Oops, posted in the wrong spot.)

[SalmonChantedEvening]

42. :(

We need every passionate soul we can get.

I wish you well sir, just remember that a mind is also a terrible thing to never change.

Peace be with you.

:hi:

[Joe Fields]

46. Thanks, and very true words about changing minds.

I'd like to change mine for a newer model with less mileage.

[Cabcere]

45. Peace, Joe

and best of luck in whatever you decide to do. :hug: :hi:

[Joe Fields]

47. Thanks, Cabcere.

Peace.

[Omaha Steve]

48. Another DUer saying don't let them win

The DU is better WITH you here.

[Joe Fields]

50. Much appreciated, Omaha Steve.

The same can definitely be said about you. After the '04 primaries and general campaign, I was so burned out, I didn't touch a newspaper or watch news for about four months. I have already reached that point again.

I am hoping to come back after the election and find it tolerable enough to come back. This IS a good place. (just not now for me)

[sellitman]

53. Leaving for a while is good medicine

Been there done that. Goodluck to you. Both Dems suck and the other side is worse. We are truly fucked.

And did I mention "Off the table Nancy"?

[Joe Fields]

60. That pretty much summs up the whole sorry ball of wax.

As for Pelosi, well....I'm trying to digest my dinner.

Later, bro...

:toast:

[Forkboy]

52. Don't let DU be your bellwether, and follow your heart.

If your heart leads elsewhere than follow it.

That is all. :)

[AlCzervik]

58. Say it ain't so Joe.

i'll miss and i hope you reconsider.



:( :loveya:

[Joe Fields]

64. Thanks so much!

I have a lot of very strong mixed emotions about this place. It's the people like you that have made my decision so difficult. I sure hope sanity sets in. The atmosphere here is much more poisonous than four years ago. I can stand the heat, but am having a hard time reconciling how everyone here calls themself progressive, yet by their word, thought and action prove otherwise. (I won't even discuss my feelings about the dem leadership and our candidates.) I would like to come back, and hope to do so in the future. But right now, like I said in my post, I don't feel like I belong to this party, and I don't feel like I belong here. I should sue for abandonment...lol

Chimpsrsmarter, take good care of yourself and your loved ones, and I hope to talk to you again sometime down the road.

[AlCzervik]

65. ok Joe and you too, i'll miss you.

[hellbound-liberal]

59. Hate to see you go, Joe. You are one of the few people I genuinely like around here

You've always been a voice of reason and I really appreciate your taste in music. Don't let the "nattering nabobs" get you down. Take a break for a while but don't leave forever. You are a valuable member of this message board and the place won't be the same without you! PM me if you want to keep in touch and I will give you my e-mail address.

[DawgHouse]

61. Joe, don't leave me alone to clean up this mess.

:(

[varelse]

63. Oh, I won't say goodbye, I say please don't stay away too long

YOU *do* belong here and it *will* get better again. I'll be here waiting to welcome you back when you're ready <3

Yeah, I'm too new here to really have a clue but I have to speak up here anyway... can't let a good one go so easily.

[Joe Fields]

66. thank you, verelse.

[Vickers]

67. Every time I feel that way, I go rub one out.

:thumbsup:

[OneBlueSky]

71. I used to disdain DUers who decide to up and leave . . .

because of "what DU has become" . . . lately, however, I'm finding myself in sympathy with those who, like Joe Fields, have given up . . . I'm tempted to join them myself . . .

how did this loose confederation of progressives and liberals get reduced to a blood feud between two corporate centrists, neither of whom is worthy our support? . . .

there are basically two reasons I don't get involved in this pissing contest . . . first, neither candidate represents me, and neither is committed to compassion, cooperation, justice, and peace as cornerstones of a civil society . . .

and second -- well, I just don't like pissing contests . . . everyone gets sopping wet, and they all end up stinking really bad . . .

yes, the Democrats have to win in November, if ONLY because a Democratic president will nominate marginally better candidates to the Supreme Court . . . everything else is bullshit . . . neither one of them will end the war, enact a universal single-payer healthcare plan, or, most importantly, take on the corporate/government oligarchy that runs things . . . and prosecute BushCo for their myriad of crimes against the Constitution ("just a goddamned piece of paper") and U.S. and international law . . . since they're part of the problem, they can't possibly be part of the solution . . .

but does anyone honestly believe that what happened in 2000 and 2004 won't happen again this year? . . . the Republicans STILL own the election system, including the tabulation end of things . . . since the Repugs have the means, the motive, and the opportunity, you can bet that states like Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and a few others will experience large voting anomalies in November . . . just enough to ensure a Republican victory -- and not be traced . . .

oh, never mind . . . there isn't a damn thing we can do about it, anyhow . . .

[orleans]

73. hey--i found this just for you:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1HeSS7-jW-E

[orleans]

74. psst. joe. i have a joke for you:

knock knock