I beginning to think I need a break ...

[1StrongBlackMan]

from DU.

Between the Newtown/gun control threads to the "He's caving" fiscal cliffs threads ... I'm being pushed to the realization that emotion here has over taken reason.

Yes, we need gun-control; no we should not NOT vote for any candidate that has taken/takes NRA money ... That would leave us with a legislature of anti-gun control folks.

Though no deal is set, hair is on fire because the same media that told us for months that the Presidential race was too close to call, is now telling us snippets of what is being discussed (e.g., Chain CPI); but not the entirety of what is being discussed. But it appears that just the mention of doing anything with "entitlements", whether true or not, is enough to have DUers promising never to vote again ... guaranteeing that whatever we will get is worse that what we might get, if the media is more accurate than they were last month.

It's just becoming too much.

[WCGreen]

1. here Here!!!!

It's time to walk away for a while.

[sharp_stick]

2. I have begun to make greater use

of the ignore feature. It's made my latest threads page look a lot more reasonable.

[1StrongBlackMan]

14. I haven't figured out the ignore function ...

and, really, don't know if I want to.

They are certain DUers that I always follow, because they consistently provide facts and reasoned argument ... until recently.

Maybe it's just the stress of the Newtown Tragedy, the Mayan Prediction and, the very unfamilar territory of, Democrats actually having won something ... whatever are we to do; what we we rage about?

[sharp_stick]

18. I use it in this way

whenever I feel like you do.

I'll add a poster to my ignore list for a week or two and then remove them, especially if it's someone that I can usually discuss issues with. That way I don't get overly angry with someone and blow an anonymous but good relationship.

I also have a very few posters on my ignore list that stay there. If I find I'm removing someone and then putting them right back on it I figure it's just a communication potential I'm simply willing to skip and they stay there.

Interestingly most of the posters that make it onto the "permanent" ignore tend to get banned eventually so I figure I must be doing something right.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Sometimes a few days away may be just what you need.

[virtualobserver]

3. as you say, we don't know the actual details

.......the 2 million whose unemployment insurance will expire in January are the only ones going off any actual fiscal cliff.....and the "my way or the highway" crowd on both left and right need to realize that the President is looking at the practical effect of going off the cliff, as well as the impact of any compromise.

[1StrongBlackMan]

11. Yes ...

It's called GOVERNING!

[sheshe2]

34. 1StrongBlackMan...

Go for a time, if you must. However, we need your voice here.

I feel the same way about the threads you are referring to.

I support this President. I always have.Not blind faith as one poster accused me of awhile back... but a Strong faith the he will do what is right.

When all the naysayers (both here and in the media) were howling that PBO might lose this election...I knew he was going to win. Am I clairvoyant, of course not. However deep down I knew that he would win!

It ain't over til the Fat Lady Sings.
She

[Voice for Peace]

43. Me too -- what you said

and I mostly skip over all the hair on fire posts.

[John2]

38. Name one Deal

that Obama and Boehner has come up with as indicated better than the Sequestrian Cuts? The Sequestrian Cuts hurt both sides but Republicans more. It does not even touch Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid.

Those cuts that will actually hurt Democrats in the Sequestrian are ending extended Unemployment ( which the Republicans are requesting now), so what is the difference? Taxes will go up on everybody, that can afford them. You need a job to afford them. So if there are no jobs or spending with Boehner's or Obama's compromise or whatever Deal they come up with, what is the difference? You are still on your own without help unless it is from charity.

The best Deal that you will get from Boehner bottomline is the sequestrian cuts. All he is doing is just chipping away, until there is nothing there.

If you leave the Sequestrian cuts in place, taxes go up on everybody that can afford them. People out of work will still be out of work. The unemployment will rise mostly in the military Industry. That is the recession they are afraid of. Military stocks for companies building defense systems will fall. Obama will have to cut back on his promises to countries overseas, including military commitments to NATO, where the U.S. does more than its share. The sequestrian would force Obama to reduce the military and get out of Afghanistan. That is what Leon Pa netta and those war hawks fear.

That gives the President tremendous leverage for concessions from the Republicans as long as those sequestrations cuts remains effective. They are all retroactive also, and can be reversed. The reactions from Wall Street and the World markets are just knee jerk reactions, to force them to come to a Deal faster. China's economy will fail if the U.S. economy doesn't succeed. They both owe debt to each other. These are the World's two biggest economies.
And as far as the Left and right being equally extreme, that is not the way I see this. The Left's issues are legitimate concerns.

If you find defending Social Security or concerns about Poverty extreme, then I don't consider that a practical position. There is nothing practical about any position on the extreme right, if you consider any of their positions practical.

[1StrongBlackMan]

58. Okay ...

I've read Krugman and Dean's arguments, but ...

Name one Deal that Obama and Boehner has come up with as indicated better than the Sequestrian Cuts? The Sequestrian Cuts hurt both sides but Republicans more. It does not even touch Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid

While the sequestrian cuts don't touch SS, Medicare or Medicaid, they do immediately kick approximate 3,000,000 people off U/C; they do terminate the childcare subsidies and earned-income tax credits; they do re-enstate the payroll taxes; they do terminate various housing assistance programs for the homeless (near-homeless).

So, I guess where you stand depends on where you sit ... But remember, the cuts to SS and Medicare that have been talked about will take effect next year, if at all; going over the cliff impacts working folks on January 15th, if not before.

[leftstreet]

4. Enjoy your time off. Do some Christmas shopping

Stimulate the economy!

[KansDem]

54. "Do some Christmas shopping"

This is what Santa's bringing me this year!





Think I could get Santa to drop one by 1StrongBlackMan's place?

[1StrongBlackMan]

62. I love ...

Bushmills; but just can't get into the Honey. Too sweet ...

[rainlillie]

5. It's hard for me to believe anything the MSM has to say they sold

the Iraq war to the American people along with telling us the election was going to be close and that Mitt was winning the women vote. I'll wait and see what unfolds with the fiscal talks.

[Baitball Blogger]

6. I'm going to take an Advil.

By the time it starts kicking in, I expect the Liberal media to have countered with an accurate description of what's going on.

[Hoyt]

7. I'm a bit more anti-gun, but totally agree on the "entitlements." Big picture is what I care about.

I will not slit my wrists over the "chained CPI," especially when other aspects of what appears to be in discussion will help many seniors and others, particularly those on low end of scale.

[Fumesucker]

8. It's always too early to complain..

Until it's too late to do any good.

[1StrongBlackMan]

17. You're right ...

so let me go on record, now:

I am totally pi$$ed that the Seattle Seahawks will win the Superbowl (heard it on Sports Talk radio); that the sun will not raise on December 22nd (the Mayans said so); and, my home-made BBQ Sauce will come out a tad too spicy and ruin our Xmas dinner.

I feel better now!

[HappyMe]

21. Homemade BBQ sauce?

Oh yum!

Care to divulge the recipe?

[1StrongBlackMan]

24. Sorry ...

It's proprietary. But I'll give you a hint ... a dash of Tarragon and a smidge of Turmeric

The story of my sauce:

For every family event, my dad (RIP) made a sauce that had people happy with just sopping it up with a slice of bread. I always watched over his shoulder, but he never gave me the recipe; but could never get it quite right.

So after I moved out, we had a little competition ... every event, I would make, and bring, about agallon of my sauce and he would make his. After he tasted my sauce, we would serve both. Then, one Memorial day, I brought a sauce I was particularly proud of. He dipped a finger in it and tasted it. He got a look in his eye, dipped his finger in again and tasted it. He smiled and dumped out his sauce. He, then, went to his private stock cognac, poured me a drink (that NEVER happenned), took off his apron and handed them to me. It was a proud day!

I have since contracted to be the exclusive BBQ provider of a local resturant and sell it at a local farmer's market. It's a labor of love.

[HappyMe]

25. Hey, you can't blame a girl for trying.

That's a cool story. That's pretty impressive that you provide it to the restaurant and sell it at the market. My brush with culinary greatness!

[1StrongBlackMan]

33. I keep threatening ...

to try and get shelf space at some niche groceries like, Sprouts and/Whole Foods.

But I just don't want to do all that work.

[shireen]

48. how about

to a select DU clientele?

[1StrongBlackMan]

52. That will work! ...

I could freeze it (since the only preservative in the sauce is vineger ...oops) and ship it!

[HappyMe]

66. squeee!

YUM!
If you decide to do that, put a post up in the Lounge and Cooking & Baking!

[shireen]

69. yes! i totally agree!

Please post. I'll buy some. Or PM me if you decide to sell.

[klook]

29. What a wonderful story

... thanks for sharing that, 1SBM!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

36. swoon

love a man that can cook

Blueberry Ketchup - I made 8 pints last week, we've gone thru 2 all by ourselves. Either I have to make more, or someone's getting crossed off the Christmas list

[1StrongBlackMan]

40. LOL ...

You really don't like Auntie Grace, anyway ... Right?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

70. she wouldn't appreciate my heavy hand with the ginger, anyway.

next batch will be even spicier

[KittyWampus]

46. Blueberry Ketchup? We have blueberry bushes and almost always a bumper crop

I've made blueberry brownies.. never thought of blueberry ketchup!

[PasadenaTrudy]

9. Go outdoors,

look at the sky, the trees, the birds...nature is very healing

[riqster]

10. The Admiral Akbar and Chicken Little Brigades

...are in full-on freak-out mode. Tiresome but mostly temporary.

Rest breaks are a good thing. Enjoy yours if you take one: I have taken a few myself.

[hfojvt]

12. the media was not wrong about it being close

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=1784868

[salinen]

13. You could always change to

1NotQuiteSoStrongBlackMan.

[bigtree]

15. disgusting

[HappyMe]

16. Well, bless your heart.

[1StrongBlackMan]

22. I could, at that ...

Thanks.

[Whisp]

19. skinner's experiment has failed.

we are at each others throats more so than ever just because we can.

we need rules. consistent rules not this russian roulette idiotcy where a bad jury decision can set off all kinds of shit.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

42. amen, Whisp...

it is almost comical what gets alerted on and what is allowed to stand.

failed experiment, indeed.

sP

[great white snark]

20. Don't let them get to you

Any concern shown is total bullshit because there is no end result they'd be happy with.

[gollygee]

23. This is why the Republicans were able to make such headway these past few decades

They don't cannibalize each other.

On one hand, there is no one I will follow and agree with no matter what, but on the other hand, we do just go after our own leaders on a regular basis, in a very destructive way.

I don't think this is new. I think it's always been this way here at DU, and probably in the Democratic Party in general. Isn't it a Will Rogers quote? "I'm not a member of any organized political party. I'm a Democrat."

[jwirr]

26. I am also running from the media and discussions. Too much.

[arthritisR_US]

27. I hear ya and sure understand where you are at. Lots of reactionary talk

going on but not much listening to one another, of which I have been guilty of. The stages of grief are so arduous to work through and we quite often get stuck, for a time, in one stage before being able to move on to the next. Many appear to be operating within the anger stage as evidenced by the verbal lashing out. When all the stages have been dealt with I think we will see their activism kick in. They will have come to accept what has happened but not accept the status quo and will work toward change. I have faith in the DU crowd and it lends me patience in the meantime. Peace friend.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

28. Thank You, for that reminder of what the media spun just

over the past year.

Sometimes I AM vulnerable to the hair on fire threads, since I am not the ultimate expert and not privy to information we don't have.

Wait and see, do what I can for my own values in my circles.

[FreeBC]

30. I concur! I will trust Obama on this until I hear the whole story

[solara]

31. I am so with you on this

I have tried ignoring the more upsetting posts, but for some reason I still see them. I mean, I know what they are saying, but I am just sick of the negativity. Obviously I am addicted to this place, but I am going to make an effort to step away for a bit.

You are definitely not alone, and it is good to know that I am in good company

[Cleita]

32. It isn't you who needs the break.

It's DU that needs a break from the gun trolls. Hang in there. They will be gone once this news cycle dies down.

[AtheistCrusader]

35. The media noise machine is discouraging, but I am determined to give the President the benefit of

the doubt, until proven otherwise.

He's earned that much, right? I think so, anyway.
I understand if others disagree, no worries. Mush on.

[1StrongBlackMan]

49. And, you know what? ...

If the final deal includes some things I don't like ... Since I'm not at the negotiating table or in the room, and because I am not being privy to caliber of economists and advisors that President Obama has access to for a 360 analysis of the effects of any term, I think I still will give President Obama the benefit of a doubt.

We have become a completely dumbed-down society, where this particular economic problem can be solved by just doing what my favorite economic pundit blogged about yesterday. Maybe so ... but the POTUS has to concern his/herself with not only THAT economic problem; but, also, the Foreign policy or military or trade impact that our pundits might not be considering. And, anyone that believes that they, or their favorite pundit, has equal access to the information necessary to make such far reaching decisions is either ignorant or deluded.

I know this sounds like one DUer has suggested, I'm 1NotQuiteSoStrongBlackMan; but I have to trust that the POTUS his the best interest of America, in general, and those he campaigned to, in particular, at heart. Especially, this POTUS, who seems to have made, just about, all the right decisions ... even the unpopular ones.

[AtheistCrusader]

53. +1

Give and take can suck, but it's better than the alternative. I don't have visibility into the long game, etc.

I'm with you.

[Whisp]

57. +111111

the lesser of two evils thing coming out again from the regulars who have not a good thing to say about the President, ever, makes me want to puke. puke hard.

Obama is doing the best he can with what he has. I have no doubt he is an honest man, but an honest man who is a hood ornament on a dangerous machine, - he is the best we could possibly have to try to change some directions for the better despite that machine.

[1StrongBlackMan]

63. And what gets me is ...

folks seem to deny their very everyday exist.

We make negative choices everyday ... We wish for our choice, with all the bells, whistles and glitter-farting unicorns, and when that choice never materializes, we choose from the remaining alternatives. Why do they expect politics to operate any differently from their lives?

[H2O Man]

37. That happens.

Taking a break can be a good thing.

Another option would be limiting your participation to conversing with a select group of good people (and avoiding a select group of others).

[grantcart]

39. I can only come a few minutes a day. When you send less time here

You realize there are a few hair on fire types that seem to camp out here.

That they spend so much time here distorts their profile here.

I always like reading your posts. You might try sending more time in groups that are less contentious (Barack Obama Group for example).

[agracie]

64. Where do I find the Barack Obama Group ? n/t

[Wait Wut]

41. Oh, hell no.

I have a secret list of some favorite DUers and you're on it. Don't leave me.

Okay, I won't be selfish. But, you have to promise to 'check in' and come back at least by NYE. But, here's where I go when the shit gets too deep: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1018

Just don't drink LynneSin's eggnog. MFM is still unconscious and HappyMe is dancing naked on the roof.

[HappyMe]

47. Crap! I didn't think anyone saw me!

I told you guys to keep the whiskey away from me!

[Wait Wut]

51. Saw you?

Ohiosmith has video. You were wearing antlers, though...so not totally nekkid.

[1StrongBlackMan]

65. Sounds like one heck of a party!

[HappyMe]

67. I don't know where I got

the antlers.

[2theleft]

50. he's on my list of fave's too!

I don't post much, but I read ALL THE TIME. In my top 5 of people's posts to look for.

If you take a break, you will be missed, but I think we all can understand why.

Here's hoping you get some well deserved peace.

[judesedit]

44. You're right. And if they understand the SS issue like they understand the 2nd Amendment, no wonder.

The total concentration span seems to be long enough to read the first line or hear the first few words. I guess that's what sound bites are all about. I blame alot of the impatience, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, bad moods, unclear thinking, over-reacting, etc etc etc on the piss poor quality of food that is sold in this country. There are so many chemicals in the food, I'm surprised humans can still procreate. It's very sad. Pesticides are poison and babies are being born already having them in their little bodies. Then they add a bunch more toxic junk so the crap looks normal longer. Not to mention GMO's. Give a bunch of undernourished, frustrated, foggy brained, less educated hotheads guns and what exactly is it you expect?

As far as Medicare goes, I myself have seen first hand how it is being ripped off. This needs to stop. I never went to this doctor, was not in the area at all on that date, had no such test, was nowhere near this hopital, was not old enough to be on Medicare, yet my social security number was being used and they were charging Medicare for an office visit, tests, hospital fees that didn't exist. When I called the doctor, Memorial Hospital, and Medicare NO ONE CARED one bit about it. The hospital said they'd mark the bill paid. I insisted they take it off altogether but they would not. This blatant ripping off of the government must stop now.

My concern is, will I be penalized for being healthy? I don't have alot of medical bills. I will wait to see what this benefit cut is all about before I jump to conclusions.

[heaven05]

45. yep

+10000 I hear this.

[pnwmom]

55. A certain portion of DUers don't consider themselves Democrats

but Greens or other liberal party members, and they come here to talk to "other progressives." They, unfortunately, are often first in line to jump ship when our big boat hits some shoals.

[Hekate]

56. I know -- it's gone nuts again

[ReRe]

59. Well, whatever you do...

... COME BACK!

[agracie]

60. Too much news, too much holiday, too much bad weather...

No argument here. Sometimes you need a break. Just read the headlines. Turn off the tube, the computer, and the gadgets. Go to the library. Take a long walk. Call a friend. Get away from all the ruckus. Too much to absorb, assimilate, and ponder. Too emotional. Too draining. Do it. Take a break.

[morningfog]

61. Why entitlements in quotes?

[1StrongBlackMan]

68. Because ...

I don't want anyone to think I think of SS, Medicare or any other safety net program in the same sense as the right. SS and Medicare are earned and the safety net programs are necessary programs that EVERY American should be entitled to.

[Maven]

71. Didn't you say you were leaving right after the election?

I'm confused.

[1StrongBlackMan]

72. No ...

I never never said I was leaving after the election. Why would I? I'm fully supportive of the outcome and, generally, enjoy the discussions here.

Maybe, you have me confused with someone else.

[datasuspect]

73. who cares?

it's just a fucking website.

[1StrongBlackMan]

75. I Care ...

and you missed my larger point.

But thanks for commenting.

[Javaman]

74. Much of the time I think DU should be changed to HU...

Hyperbole Underground.

Take a break, I have, it's good for the soul.

And since back from my break, I rarely if ever post editorials anymore because they seem to makes no difference. I never confront the various nuts on here anymore, because I don't want the stress or the negativity bleeding onto me, so I just ignore them.

So now I just snark and stay on the side lines for the most part and found that DU is a much more pleasant experience.

Cheers.

[1StrongBlackMan]

76. Sideline snarking, LOL ...

I guess what I'm finding is that DU is beginning to mirror the larger society where 5 second soundbites serves a complete and definitive policy analysis and what my favorite pundit blogged about last night is unerring godspell ... even if I really don't understand what he/she wrote.

But most disappointingly, I'm finding much of the response commentary is based entirely on looking for that one point that I can argue ... kind'a like having a discussion where you (or the other person) are not really listening to what the other person is saying, you're just waiting for them to pause so you can get your next argument out.

[Javaman]

79. You hit it on the head.

sadly much of the various internet traffic is like that. It's not about reasonable arguments, it's about "making a point". When sadly, most of those points are ill-informed, hyperbole or just made up from whole cloth.

Once the internet got into the private sectors hands and away from scientists, reasonable discussion ended on it's very first day when someone said, "I kind of like this internet thing" and the response was "I hate it". LOL

Having been a member on DU for a while now, I have had to develop a keep eye to sift through what is actual news as opposed to what is a grand game of telephone reported by a third party from and "unnamed source".

I'm old and cranky now and my time is very valuable to me. As a result I rarely engage in conversations that are completely pointless and serve nothing more than stroking the other person ego and bizarre need to be right.

So, like I said, I snark from the sidelines.

Read some poetry. My dad would always say, "It's food for the soul"
Cheers.

[frazzled]

78. Your post reflects my thoughts exactly

So thanks for expressing it so well.

I was just going to post: "Hyperbole, thy name is DU." (or really, any other political site). Your post made that unnecessary.

And recently I was thinking of posting something, perhaps in response to some thread in Meta, that reflects how defeated I've felt lately to post anything that is serious. Sometimes I've spent a half hour or more finding substantive links or trying to compose a thoughtful opinion, and it feels either like blowing sand onto a beach--or else, it is attacked viciously by someone who has not even read it. So I too have been reduced to the DU-style one-line "snarks," which don't even really reflect my more complex feelings about subjects. Sometimes I'm tempted to just post "ooga booga" to see if anyone notices.

Maybe we all need a rest.

[Javaman]

80. Right there with you...

Once upon a time, I would write these long editorials to try an open a few eyes, but then, like you said, get "attacked viciously by someone who has not even read it" or even worse the thread hijacked by someone with their own agenda. Thus completely derailing what I hoped would be a thoughtful discussion.

Sadly, I feel that we aren't alone in these thoughts.

I could go off on a rant about the jury system and the elimination of the mods, but what's the point? It's apparent that DU as a group think prefers hyperbole, so that's the way it is now.

It's just all so exhausting.

[WI_DEM]

77. The attacks on Obama are uncalled for as he has not proposed anything as yet

and we don't know what is really happening. It's hyperbole mostly by those who have always attacked Obama from day one.

[union_maid]

81. I took a four year break after '08

I said it several threads that it had become more like a place to hate on Dems, including our brand new president, than a place for Democrats to congregate. When I came back during this election season I guess I mistook compliance with election season rules with support for Obama and Democrats in general.

I have nothing against debating policy and I don't see a problem with urging any elected legislators to vote a certain way, regardless of what party they're in. But this constant bashing of our guys and the assumption that any compromise is part of their secret agenda, etc is something else. And I don't blame you a bit for needing a break. I'm going to need another one myself pretty soon.

[Illinoischick]

82. Please Reconsider!!

I have avoided posting for the past 2 weeks til everything settles down. I see the title on the post and most of the time I will just move on. I believe it is a temporary thing, so I just read what sounds sensible.

[Jennicut]

83. Honestly, this talk of taxes and the fiscal cliff is important but I can't really concentrate on it.

The Newtown thing has kind of hit Connecticut hard. There are police outside my kids' school. My Governor broke down on tv after recounting telling the family of the victims that if they hadn't been reunited with their loved ones yet, they were never going to. There are still a lot of questions without answers. My daughters and their friends talk about it at school but how much can 2nd and 3rd graders process about this kind of thing? My youngest, the 7 year old, asked me last night if the children that died were really dead. I mean, what do you say? I live a few towns from Newtown and I work as a sub in schools. I just don't have my mind on anything else right now. And the media. Many of them mean well, but they bombarded on my state like I have never seen and they haven't gone away.

So, taxes and compromises and talk over deals that haven't happened yet is just something I haven't really been able to pay attention to.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

84. Me, too! I tire of all this. We Democrats should be smarter than this.