Are we all just singing to the choir?

[grumpyduck]

I don't know the answer to this, so I'm asking.

Here on DU we're all basically "on the same side" and have a lot of threads on this and that. Lots of k&rs, lots of +1s, and lots of yeahs. It's a chat room after all. But how is that helping to DO something about fixing the mess in DC?

The MSM seems to be divided into two camps: Fox and a few others, and everyone else. And there are lots of talk shows and opinions. But it seems that we only watch what we agree with. Fox viewers probably don't watch anything that leans left, and Dems don't watch Fox. So is the MSM also singing to the choir?

I know I'm exaggerating, but it just seems there's a lot of tail-wagging and barking going on, and very little biting.

Meanwhile, Congress -- except for a few members -- seems to move at the speed of a gear lubricated with Crazy Glue.

Sometimes I think that if the Founding Fathers had done what Congress is doing today, we'd all be talking with a British accent and drinking tea. And we would probably have lost WWII.

[LuvLoogie]

1. There is a lot of exchanging of information going on at DU. And there is a lot of opposing argument.

If you wan't to do something, do something. There are many channels of action. Take one.

[grumpyduck]

4. That's exactly my point.

We exchange information and have lots of arguments. But how is that, by itself, doing anything?

Yes, I know there are channels of action. I'm looking for some right now, 'cuz I'm tired of singing to the choir.

Sorry if I sound frustrated, but I am.

[LuvLoogie]

7. Are you isolated somehow? What is the population in your area?

If you live in a city, try the meetup website

https://www.meetup.com/find/?allMeetups=false&keywords=political+action&radius=25&userFreeform=Chicago%2C+IL&mcId=c60601&mcName=Chicago%2C+IL&sort=default

[sarah FAILIN]

2. Probably a lot of head bobbing

I use DU as a source for new info to share with people I personally know, more reps than dems most likely. In that others get info faster than I do by having different sources I think this is a great use of DU. There is some divisiveness here I don't care for, but most of the time it's a good source.

Sometimes we need this place to blow off steam too.

[grumpyduck]

5. I'm all for blowing off steam

but I'd like to think there is some left to move the machine.

[Sherman A1]

3. Yes,

While I agree with the poster above that there is much information exchanged here and it's a nice news source, I believe that you are essentially correct.

[Squinch]

6. Do you think posting on DU is all most of us do? Is it all you do? If so, you should change that.

[cyclonefence]

8. Reading the posts here

has changed my behavior in certain situations, situations where I behaved as if on auto-pilot, without understanding what my words and actions implied.

I have donated money to democratic candidates I never would have heard of were it not for DU.

I have made a couple of good friends through IMs who bring joy to my life.

I have learned practical tips about many things, from bird-watching to buying materials for protest.

I have been volunteering every Saturday at a phone bank for our local democratic candidate for Congress, something I would not have done if not for the rah-rahs and plus ones here.

I have boycotted reading the Dilbert cartoon.

There's more, I'm sure, but this is what comes to mind right now.