A shout out to . . . Long Time DUers, too.
No exclamation point, because none needed. All the credit and agreement in the world with Canuckistanian for that post, who rightly recognizes the quiet DUers who read and recommend, and are the backbone of DU. This post is NOT to detract from that one in any way. Their recognition is long overdue.
That post reminds me, however, of those of you who have lifted me up, have shared your personal pain, have cheered when we have won, have hurt together when we've lost, and shared losses far more profound than political.
And when you've posted screwy stuff, or great music or movie videos, or historical memories, or cartoons or stories about your friends, family and pets (but then I repeat myself about the latter), I've enjoyed them. And of course, pulling Skinner's tail - well, that's been a decade of fun. Or mentioned sports. (Go Green!)
We've shared our unshakable opposition to an awful war in Iraq, our losses of those who have mattered to us, and our appreciation of those that are still with us, and those we hope to be with for years to come (writing this as the Traverse City Film Festival begins, and I'm here).
And for all the quiet DUers, and those who have made a joyful and righteous noise over the past decade, I can only quote the late Ted, who puts it best. However, before doing so, have an ice cream cone for all of us and yourself as we enter August. Quiet or not, everyone deserves one here at DU.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank you
Somehow I'm still here (much to some people's dismay). 
I just don't agree that all things Dem = Good and All things Rep. = Bad. I see things in shades of grey and choose not to make excuses when the "right" person is doing the wrong thing.
As for "doing the same for you," honestly, with few exceptions, I can rarely tell one DUer from another as I don't assign personality traits to people based on scrawlings on a message board. I like to think I look for depth in any person which is virtually impossible on a message board. If that makes me an "asshole," so be it. 
Somebody else just chewed me a new one, then realized they were responding to the wrong poster and had to do a mea culpa. Like 5 minutes ago. I must be sending off weird vibes tonight or something.
And if I'm ever in Michigan (never had the pleasure), I'll take you up on your offer as I'm usually the one doing the cooking around here.
However, I did lurk from almost day one after the guys were holding up the sign on Inauguration Day. And I was one of the original writers for DU when they were asking for people to write for them, under my real name. There were several well-known names that passed thru DU. There are few DUers that have been here as long as you. I see Will Pitt is still around although he doesn't seem to write as much as he used to? He was a real hell raiser when he came on board - gave the Freepers fits. 
I wonder if CrewLeader still reads DU?
"Long Time DUers, too......We've shared our unshakable opposition to an awful war in Iraq, our losses of those who have mattered to us, and our appreciation of those that are still with us, and those we hope to be with for years to come..."
I joined the first or second week this thing was around...and still read almost daily, even if I don't post much. This place is the best!
I read DU everyday and post a little, but I often wondered if anyone even knew that I was here but me. Thanks for your great post. I recognize many names here.
Love ya. 
DU has changed a lot in the 10 years I've been here; through the Bush years, the wars, Obama.....despite the changes, Skinner and crew have managed to keep this place together, and I find myself here just about every day, at least reading. Best place for news on the net.
I LOVE DU, and I love still seeing posts from DUers who were here when I first joined. 
Sid
May 2001.
K&R, and thanks for the lovely note
Thanks Faygo Kid.
