Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sinkingfeeling

(57,487 posts)
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:05 PM Sunday

DU has certainly changed. Folks no longer seem to value empathy nor compassion here and have become as

brutal as those on the 'other side'. You can't claim moral superiority if you don't stay above the cruelty.

I am as shocked by the comments posted here:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20988440 as I am reading comments on Youtube celebrating ICE's actions.

I doubt if many actually read the article, which had an entirely different title than the OP about a young man, who was raised in northern Alabama and deported to Mexico last fall. He is one of thousands brought to the US as children, raised as a Southern American, and had his life destroyed by this insane immigration round-up. I am so disgusted with the United States that I left and now, like him, am struggling to learn Spanish.

I thought DU was a place of like-minded Democrats, but it doesn't seem like it anymore.

After almost 23 years, I think I'm out of here.

106 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
DU has certainly changed. Folks no longer seem to value empathy nor compassion here and have become as (Original Post) sinkingfeeling Sunday OP
I wasn't shocked iemanja Sunday #1
We're not as brutal as the other side. The other side ruins their own lives as they work to ruin ours. Scrivener7 Sunday #2
Because the other side wants to exterminate us. RandySF Sunday #3
unless we have use as slaves DoBW Sunday #10
⬆️ THIS ⬆️ Clouds Passing Monday #86
I am neither shocked nor disappointed that people have run out of empathy for suicide bombers. RockRaven Sunday #4
i'm very empathetic, but my empathy has a few not too unreasonable conditions Takket Sunday #5
There is a lot of frustration by most Dems simply because we are walkingman Sunday #6
We can claim moral superiority because we would not have deported him if it was up to us JI7 Sunday #7
He said he would have voted for Trump SamuelTheThird Sunday #8
Nah, fuck Trump voters Johonny Sunday #9
I think there is a big difference between a lack of sympathy and reveling in sadistic cruelty Fiendish Thingy Sunday #11
This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Sunday #12
People are cutting, and cutting their loses because of Trump. applegrove Sunday #13
You'll have plenty of time in concentration camp to feel sorry for Trump supporters. usonian Sunday #14
people need to feel secure in themselves for that effort bigtree Sunday #15
I share your concerns. Ms. Toad Sunday #16
The person in question wasn't a child, and was a Trump supporter. Makes a huge difference. mucholderthandirt Tuesday #97
He's 26. Barely old enough to rent a car without excessive surcharges, Ms. Toad Tuesday #100
I haven't been here at DU for nearly as long. B.See Sunday #17
Woah! So that "liberal" site sort of initially hid their true, and awful racism etc?! electric_blue68 Tuesday #95
Yes. And I think many of us B.See Tuesday #99
Luckily my folks taught us caring. electric_blue68 Wednesday #105
Bye Felicia! fujiyamasan Sunday #18
Self-Inflicted wounds JustAnotherGen Sunday #19
2 years ago, i was shocked at the attitude of 2 people that i have known for 20 years Tetrachloride Sunday #20
It's the paradox of tolerance. Ocelot II Sunday #21
That social contract is also known as the "golden rule"... regnaD kciN Sunday #31
Thank you O-II Seinan Sensei Sunday #54
+1 dalton99a Monday #78
He supported a regime that never lied about what they wanted to do. nini Sunday #22
The Sanctimony Is Just Pouring Off This Post ProfessorGAC Sunday #23
It reads more like disappointment to me iemanja Sunday #62
There are a few dozen posters in that thread. This forums has tens of thousands of members as far as I know. FascismIsDeath Sunday #24
FWIW, a quote from Marcus Aurelius: "Choose not to be harmed anciano Sunday #25
Popper's paradox of tolerance in play... haele Sunday #26
The country is definitely more polarized,. But if you look at right wing sites and Facebook, you will see much worse. surfered Sunday #27
One more thing. . .Use the IGNORE button DinahMoeHum Sunday #38
I see So Much Kindness, Empathy, & Compassion Cha Sunday #28
They don't oppose authoritarianism Seeking Serenity Sunday #29
He got what he supported... regnaD kciN Sunday #30
I have no sympathy for any trump supporter. None. Swede Sunday #32
+1 dalton99a Monday #77
People are angry, they want revenge. I don't think it leads to good places EdmondDantes_ Sunday #33
Some of us took the "high road" and now see people being murdered in the streets by a Stasi style secret police maxrandb Sunday #34
I'm not ready to give hitler 2.0 or his supporters a big wet kiss, not even after a half pint of vodka. nt yaesu Sunday #35
I'm conflicted FullySupportDems Sunday #36
I don't think people are "happy" about his misfortune Bettie Tuesday #91
I see what you mean and I don't disagree FullySupportDems Tuesday #96
I get some of what you say mvd Sunday #37
110%... this should have 200 recs not the fake Twitter post that has 200+ recs below WarGamer Sunday #39
What in the world are you talking about? dpibel Sunday #46
Here, it's debunked WarGamer Sunday #47
Thanks! dpibel Sunday #48
Even when you shred what I write, I always respect your input WarGamer Sunday #49
When someone votes for the "Leopards Eating Faces" party sakabatou Sunday #40
Being gentle... purr-rat beauty Sunday #41
It reminds me of a relationship with a angry person Tree Lady Sunday #42
In addition... every day I see bigotry on DU that was unacceptable in the past. WarGamer Sunday #43
Hyperbolic dpibel Sunday #45
DUers are often far too focused on "dicks" luv2fly Monday #69
there simply is very little support for Trump admirers these days Skittles Sunday #44
Our side goes "FAFO" their side would put our backs to the wall. Swede Monday #81
This message was self-deleted by its author Swede Monday #82
My compassion left November of 2024. Buddyzbuddy Sunday #50
If you support Nazis, you are a Nazi JoseBalow Sunday #51
I'm shocked that you see DU members in that light. The members I value are those that have enormous compassion and Martin68 Sunday #52
All I'm hearing in the comments is a lot of sputtering, which is in itself telling. eggplant Sunday #53
Me too MorbidButterflyTat Monday #67
My empty well hath run dry róisín_dubh Sunday #55
Politics are permission. Sympthsical Sunday #56
Agree. Neoantiestablishment is my word for what you're talking about. betsuni Sunday #57
I have empathy with one exception... Hope22 Sunday #58
/America/ and /we/ are not /the crime/ and haven't /become/ it. TRUMP is. UTUSN Sunday #59
I agree it has changed FHRRK Sunday #60
I'm very empathetic JBTaurus83 Sunday #61
Why should you expect us to be choie Sunday #63
Oh boy.... Happy Hoosier Monday #64
He's a Trump supporter who got sent to Mexico. Aristus Monday #65
Prioritizing moral superiority over much more important things is how fascism seized power in the first place. W_HAMILTON Monday #66
I agree. MorbidButterflyTat Monday #68
This message was self-deleted by its author jfz9580m Monday #70
Agree, I've noticed it too. Raine Monday #71
That is one hell of a "fuck you" statement, that DUers don't value empathy flvegan Monday #72
Point proven... sarisataka Monday #73
Playing nice just doesn't cut it anymore. We're on the brink of losing it all. Vinca Monday #74
The country we knew is gone - and so are the old ways of thinking JustAnotherGen Monday #76
Trump would approve. Nothing he would like better than increase his base from among Democrats. AloeVera Tuesday #88
If that's what you got from that statement JustAnotherGen Tuesday #89
Thank you for that "nice" put down. AloeVera Tuesday #94
A great one. mr715 Tuesday #101
And you, Sir or Madam, cannot claim moral superiority either when you expatriate to Costa Rica and leave others to fight UniqueUserName Monday #75
A LOT of people don't watch the news and don't follow politics. Nittersing Monday #79
I checked the op you're referring to ecstatic Monday #80
I s'pose we all have different opinions. Torchlight Monday #83
Because "when they go low we go high" agingdem Monday #84
Sorry, but, DU hasn't changed at all, imo. Oneironaut Monday #85
Another child torn from a parent, lives upended. Aren't we against that? AloeVera Tuesday #87
I don't share your feelings about DU. Not in the least and I've been here since 2004. CTyankee Tuesday #90
Fonzie is a product of his environment MustLoveBeagles Tuesday #92
Another thing MustLoveBeagles Tuesday #93
Yeah I noticed the second to last time that a couple of people really attacked others kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #98
Trump has cheapened me. mr715 Tuesday #102
Yes, I've become the same way fujiyamasan Wednesday #106
buh bye NoRethugFriends Tuesday #103
So keep doing what you done The Bopper Tuesday #104

Scrivener7

(58,891 posts)
2. We're not as brutal as the other side. The other side ruins their own lives as they work to ruin ours.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:09 PM
Sunday

We never did anything to ruin their lives.

From the article in that post:

Fonzie posted his support for the president on social media in the days leading up to the election. He’d have voted for Trump, in all likelihood, if only he could vote.

DoBW

(3,136 posts)
10. unless we have use as slaves
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:28 PM
Sunday

when we subsist on scraps and work for them
when they control everything, everything vital to life

RockRaven

(18,940 posts)
4. I am neither shocked nor disappointed that people have run out of empathy for suicide bombers.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:19 PM
Sunday

And that is what Trump supporters are.

Takket

(23,555 posts)
5. i'm very empathetic, but my empathy has a few not too unreasonable conditions
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:19 PM
Sunday

one of those conditions is you don't support Nazis who campaign on hurting people because you don't think you'll be the one hurt, and that you'll benefit from the arrangement in some way.

walkingman

(10,502 posts)
6. There is a lot of frustration by most Dems simply because we are
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:24 PM
Sunday

inundated with insanity by the GOP supporters every single day with 3 years to go. I personally think it is intentional simply to build up hatred and divide us. If you live in a RED state like Texas it is not only at the federal level but at the state and local level as well.

I agree we have keep our anger in check, but I also think that when you are talking among like-minded people it is not the same as public comments.

My religion is "Try to not be an asshole". It's not that hard, but admittedly I sometimes fail. No heaven, no hell, no fear of punishment, no guilt, no savior, no one to worship, no one to fear, just try to not be an asshole 😁 And when I fail, as we all do, do your best and try again.

BTW - How has it worked out for you after leaving the states? I think about it often but too old and too much family to do so - but one can dream.

Peace and Love ☮

JI7

(93,368 posts)
7. We can claim moral superiority because we would not have deported him if it was up to us
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:24 PM
Sunday

even if he voted for the shit and supported others being deported.

The fact it happened to him because of his own actions and our reaction to it doesn't make us as bad as others.

SamuelTheThird

(765 posts)
8. He said he would have voted for Trump
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:26 PM
Sunday

That is after everything Trump had done, including Jan 6. And all the promises Trump made about getting worse in his second term.

There are points when having empathy is not only masochistic, but suicidal. Fuck that guy.

Johonny

(25,754 posts)
9. Nah, fuck Trump voters
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:26 PM
Sunday

They voted for fascism. I don't boo hoo Nazi's dying in WWII movies. I don't boo hoo Trump voters when they find out.

Fiendish Thingy

(22,459 posts)
11. I think there is a big difference between a lack of sympathy and reveling in sadistic cruelty
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:32 PM
Sunday

I do not wish the cruelty of an ICE detention/deportation on anyone, but if a Trump supporter experiences the cruelty they voted for or cheered on, I find it hard to muster sympathy for the natural consequences of their vote/support.

Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

applegrove

(131,074 posts)
13. People are cutting, and cutting their loses because of Trump.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:35 PM
Sunday

Makes them very angry. They are not wrong to be angry. It will help them fight for the life of America as a democracy. Accept their anger as just another loss to our peace of mind. It is needed in some people for a little while. Everyone has their role to play.

If you go that will just be another loss due to Trump. Don't go.

usonian

(24,126 posts)
14. You'll have plenty of time in concentration camp to feel sorry for Trump supporters.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:35 PM
Sunday

Unless they are overwhelmed not so much by hate as RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION.

They voted for rape, child sex, blackmail, money laundering AND WILL VOTE AGAIN FOR IT

The regime is showing its brutal side. And people are reacting.

Was it any better that Hitler hid his concentration camps and people were nicey-nicey?

bigtree

(93,732 posts)
15. people need to feel secure in themselves for that effort
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:36 PM
Sunday

...a lot of insecurity going around these days as a result of people like this one.

Ms. Toad

(38,410 posts)
16. I share your concerns.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:47 PM
Sunday

Children who were brought to the US as children, who haven't known any life outside of the US - or at least not any within their recollection - did not choose their fate, and don't deserve our scorn.

That should be true whether they agree with us politically or not.

mucholderthandirt

(1,773 posts)
97. The person in question wasn't a child, and was a Trump supporter. Makes a huge difference.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 07:43 PM
Tuesday

I don't wish suffering upon any child. They can't help what their parents do. But if they grow up and vote for this kind of thing, thinking they're somehow immune, then they get to experience the find out phase of what freedom means.

There was some woman crying her eyes out because her sick, elderly father was being deported. He has been in the US for about 65 years or more. But she's a Trumper, and she doesn't know why this is happening to her father, he wasn't a criminal. Except, by their standards, he was. Illegally in the US for decades, no matter how law-abiding otherwise, means they get removed. That's what she voted for, that's what she got.

People need to understand, no one is immune in a fascist regime. NO ONE. Eventually they come for the supporters, because the machine has to be fed constantly. Any little excuse will do. Your religion won't save you, your skin color won't save you, your money won't save you. Eventually you get to experience the horror of learning that you are nothing to the regime.

Ms. Toad

(38,410 posts)
100. He's 26. Barely old enough to rent a car without excessive surcharges,
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 08:12 PM
Tuesday

because most individuals (particularly men) that age do not yet have a fully developed frontal lobe (the part of the brain that is rational).

B.See

(8,026 posts)
17. I haven't been here at DU for nearly as long.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 07:49 PM
Sunday

I joined soon after finding out DU existed, and interestingly, learned of it while on a socalled 'liberal' site that turned out to be a right wing hate fest replete with self professed Nazis, posters of racist imagery and epithets, and even administrators who used terms like jungle apes in reference to Black people and entertained jokes of throwing us in front of trains.

So I can vouch, from personal experience, that DU is not NEARLY as bad as that. Not by a long shot.

I'd suggest that what's changed is AMERICA.

And that perhaps a whole lot of empathic, good hearted, well meaning people here at DU, people who, at this point in our lives, had hoped for a kinder, BETTER America, for ourselves and our kids,

are instead, disappointed, angry, tired, frustrated and fed UP,

not only with a lot of unnecessary evil and malevolence but also by the seeming self defeating, willful ignorance on the part of many one would've expected to KNOW better.

There's understandably a limit to one's patience and empathy, I think.

electric_blue68

(26,416 posts)
95. Woah! So that "liberal" site sort of initially hid their true, and awful racism etc?!
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 04:15 PM
Tuesday

Sorry you experienced that!

I haven't looked much into this incident...
One would hope a person could look around some as they grew up. This person still voted for Trump, or if they couldn't, ( say, they are too young, or X other reason?); still supported him from the sidelines?

Drumphf's a flaming racist/bigot !!
Who doesn't know that?!

Or, is that not then a case of "the leopards ate my face"?

I have plenty of empathy. But maybe the well runs dry for a short time, (then refills) from worry for myself, and definitely upset for various vulnerable groups who are currently more in the cross hairs by drumphf & Admin Co, than I.

And possibly in this case someone who overlooked the terrible things drumpfh has done to others. It's not just a "different political view ", it's the resultant cruelty of that "political view"!

I'm tired - and I hope I'm making sense!

B.See

(8,026 posts)
99. Yes. And I think many of us
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 08:04 PM
Tuesday

champion and have empathy for people and issues that often have absolutely nothing to do with us, personally, self included.

We do so out of empathy, our humanity, out of common sense, and our sense of what's right and wrong.

Because it's the right thing to do.

Ocelot II

(129,734 posts)
21. It's the paradox of tolerance.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:00 PM
Sunday

The philosopher Karl Popper described the paradox as meaning that unlimited tolerance leads to the disappearance of tolerance. If a society extends its tolerance to those who are fundamentally intolerant, the tolerant society will be destroyed, and tolerance with it. Therefore, to maintain a tolerant society, sometimes the tolerant must be intolerant of the intolerant. To get around this paradox, we can look at tolerance as part of a social contract. Tolerance isn't a virtue or a moral principle, but part of the social contract that that includes tolerance of others' differences as long as no one is harmed. If you are intolerant and causing harm, you are violating the contract, and therefore you are not protected by it against the rest of society.

regnaD kciN

(27,543 posts)
31. That social contract is also known as the "golden rule"...
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:48 PM
Sunday

…”Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Frankly, I would have no problem with him being allowed back into the U.S. as a legal resident, as long as the same mercy is extended to all those other undocumented people with many years of living here and a clean criminal record. Would he? I doubt he would have back in 2024, at least.

Seinan Sensei

(1,442 posts)
54. Thank you O-II
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:14 PM
Sunday

Your Popper-paradox reminder dusts-off memories of discussions long-ago and far-away.

Useful and relevant!

nini

(16,824 posts)
22. He supported a regime that never lied about what they wanted to do.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:00 PM
Sunday

Thinking it wouldnt happen to him isn’t an excuse.

I’ll worry about innocent folks caught up in the bad decisions of those folks like Fonzie.

He is a poster child for a FAFO poster.

iemanja

(57,624 posts)
62. It reads more like disappointment to me
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 11:53 PM
Sunday

It looks like she’s leaving, which may well make you happy. Less scolding and less human compassion.

anciano

(2,222 posts)
25. FWIW, a quote from Marcus Aurelius: "Choose not to be harmed
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:10 PM
Sunday

and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed and you haven't been."

haele

(15,193 posts)
26. Popper's paradox of tolerance in play...
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:26 PM
Sunday

You can be empathetic and tolerant and welcoming, but there comes a point where you must stop or you're overwhelmed.
Everyone deserves basic human respect, equal consideration under the law, and due process.
And sometimes, that's where it needs to stop.

Because frankly, not everyone can be saved, and I've worked too hard for peace and understanding to have my throat slit for entertainment of those who view life as a team sport.

It is estimated that of the 30% of this country who are comfortable with authoritarianism so long as they get to be part of the winning team, there's close to 10% of those who would happily bully, beat and kill those human beings, old or young, threatening or not, that they disapprove of.
I'm old. I have met a couple of those people -men and women, had to work alongside them, and keep my opinions to myself because no one wants to confront the loud, obnoxious types.

surfered

(12,348 posts)
27. The country is definitely more polarized,. But if you look at right wing sites and Facebook, you will see much worse.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:27 PM
Sunday

As we are self policing, you’ll see less hate, racism, demands for executions, and conspiracy theories here.

There is an Alert button for consideration of removal of those posts and you could volunteer to serve on the jury.



DinahMoeHum

(23,439 posts)
38. One more thing. . .Use the IGNORE button
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:13 PM
Sunday

. . .if there are certain posters here who get on your nerves too much of your time.

Cha

(317,722 posts)
28. I see So Much Kindness, Empathy, & Compassion
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 08:32 PM
Sunday

on this site. It's Encouraging and Inspiring to all of us, I dare say.💔☮️🌺🌻🕯️🕊️💜

Just not for Supporters of the Nazi PEDO inside the WH.. and the Destroying of America

EdmondDantes_

(1,525 posts)
33. People are angry, they want revenge. I don't think it leads to good places
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:04 PM
Sunday

The reason behind my choice of nicks is that I was once a very angry person, thought the world owed me better. All that did was eat me up inside. It doesn't lead to peace or happiness.

I understand the sentiment even if I don't embrace it myself. And it's hard when you get people calling you names and with our increasingly isolated bubbles of information. We don't listen to Fox, they don't listen to MS Now etc. We tend to listen to things that tell us what we want to hear. And in an algorithmic world, that's likely to get worse before it gets better.

maxrandb

(17,285 posts)
34. Some of us took the "high road" and now see people being murdered in the streets by a Stasi style secret police
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:05 PM
Sunday

Last edited Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:05 PM - Edit history (2)

"When they go low, we go high" has its limits.

Some have reached their limit.

It's a moot point, however, because, unlike Retrumplicans, if ANY Dem majority behaved in this violent, fascist way, the voters that put them in that majority would run them out of town on a rail.

Call me when DEMS ARE NOT THE ONLY FUCKING VOTERS ON THE PLANET THAT ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE EMPATHY!

FullySupportDems

(421 posts)
36. I'm conflicted
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:11 PM
Sunday

But the long and short of it is that being happy for the misfortune of that guy just isn't helpful. It's not helpful. The horrors happening to so many people are overwhelming. This guy is a tiny fish in a huge wave.

Editing to add, I forgot to say I think I agree with you, that DU is more callous than before, but I'm not convinced it's any more than my impression. I've learned the hard way how lousy it feels to have been less than a caring human being. Frequently wrong, no matter how right it feels at the time. My 2 cents. Be well

Bettie

(19,446 posts)
91. I don't think people are "happy" about his misfortune
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 03:23 PM
Tuesday

but, rather that it is difficult to feel sorry for him, because he wished this on others.

He got what he wanted for others. Why should we feel sorry for him?

I don't feel happy that he was deported, but I don't feel sad about it, like I do for others, especially the people who were doing the whole thing legally and got snatched out of their hearings because they were easy prey.

He got what he asked for.

FullySupportDems

(421 posts)
96. I see what you mean and I don't disagree
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 05:34 PM
Tuesday

My response was about anyone happy someone like him suffered the same fate.

In a way I feel sorry for his ignorance. It's not much more than apathy.

It's so horrible, I don't think any of the people ice is hurting deserve it. The vast majority of undocumented people would have gladly come here legally if they could have, is what I say to people who call them criminals.

mvd

(65,866 posts)
37. I get some of what you say
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:12 PM
Sunday

But the fact is he helped lead to this outcome by supporting Trump. Supporting Trump isn’t just about a difference of opinion - it shows a special kind of stupidity and ignorance. If he learned from this, it would at least be something, but many MAGAs never do.

dpibel

(3,826 posts)
48. Thanks!
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:44 PM
Sunday

Contrary to received wisdom, I do not track your every post, hence honestly did not know what you were talking about.

sakabatou

(45,933 posts)
40. When someone votes for the "Leopards Eating Faces" party
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:16 PM
Sunday

and then is surprised a leopard ate their face, should I feel sorry for the person?

purr-rat beauty

(1,090 posts)
41. Being gentle...
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:19 PM
Sunday

....got many Jews killed

We have seen it return with the Palestinians

Are we to sit down and be silent?

I'd rather my harsh words which are quite tame compared to the horror

Tree Lady

(13,107 posts)
42. It reminds me of a relationship with a angry person
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:20 PM
Sunday

For years you can try and tell yourself its just words, I don’t have to let it affect me, but just listening to it slowly erodes your goodness over a period of time and you find yourself at times of stress or tiredness answering back in anger and thinking that is not me.

How much do you expect us to take before we as humans react with anger also? We are not the same, but we are exhausted, tired, and trying to find hope.

This is a forum filled with activists people fighting for democracy. Take a look at documentaries of our nations leaders who formed us and how hard it was for them to agree on the laws they formed. They argued many times.

I am a very kind loving person who always thought I hated no one and I hate what Trump has done to this country and wish the worst for him.

I have been here since 2004 and yes it has changed but so has this country. We have seen so many things happen and the country voting for Trump again is the worst possible. He has a way of causing chaos every minute of every day.

WarGamer

(18,328 posts)
43. In addition... every day I see bigotry on DU that was unacceptable in the past.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:26 PM
Sunday

A dozen times a day I see "XYZ sucking Trump's dick" or something like that.

That's homophobic. Insulting Trump by insinuating that he's gay SHOULD be no bueno here on DU

Look at the language thrown at Noem and Bondi, absolute gender biased crap that was unacceptable on DU a year ago...



Ever heard that expression "Don't let your own hatred for something turn you into something worse"?

Nietzsche:

"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

dpibel

(3,826 posts)
45. Hyperbolic
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:38 PM
Sunday

And, really, wrong from start to finish.

You haven't seen that homophobic formulation a dozen times a day. That's pure bullshit.

There's even a specific category for reporting such posts.

You can even get posts taken down for "gender biased crap."

You're painting with a broad, and mostly made-up, brush.

What a surprise!

luv2fly

(2,618 posts)
69. DUers are often far too focused on "dicks"
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 01:11 AM
Monday

I always hope it is young people who don't know any better but I suspect not. Were we all to write about "pussies" and discuss their various attributes the way many talk about dicks, we would be shamed but... If it's a dick apparently it's fair game.

Skittles

(170,209 posts)
44. there simply is very little support for Trump admirers these days
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 09:29 PM
Sunday

gee, I wonder why?

and I will never abandon my country to fascism - never

Response to Skittles (Reply #44)

Buddyzbuddy

(2,318 posts)
50. My compassion left November of 2024.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:01 PM
Sunday

Quite frankly, there wasn't much left after 2016. I was fooled into believing we were a great nation, but I was shown reality when that racist, masoginistic, pig came down the escalator and appealed to more racist pigs that put him in office.
Have a nice life.

Martin68

(27,315 posts)
52. I'm shocked that you see DU members in that light. The members I value are those that have enormous compassion and
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:11 PM
Sunday

empathy. All organizations and institutions have some members that are more immature and perhaps edgy than is comfortable, but overall the site hosts excellent people with deep and constant liberal principles. I have encountered exceptions to the rule, and been blocked for expressing my opinion. I believe in each case that happened I was misunderstood and unfairly judged. But that has always been the exception, and I believe the vast majority of DU members are empathetic and compassionate.

eggplant

(4,154 posts)
53. All I'm hearing in the comments is a lot of sputtering, which is in itself telling.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:12 PM
Sunday

I've also been here since nearly the beginning, and the vitriol has definitely ramped up quite a bit. There have always been a few voices that would say some frankly offensive and hateful things, but the alert system generally filtered that out pretty quickly.

These days, though, I'm finding that for my own mental health, I have to limit the posts that I am willing to read because the rhetoric is, frankly, over the top.

róisín_dubh

(12,264 posts)
55. My empty well hath run dry
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:17 PM
Sunday

Last edited Mon Feb 2, 2026, 07:00 AM - Edit history (1)

I live abroad and I’m nervous to go visit my family, as my home is in England and I do not want to be stuck in the US. I had to tell my mother, who is a lesbian, to make sure it is extremely clear what she wants done in the event of emergency, should her marriage become invalid.
My niece and nephew are mixed race.
My uncle and my brother are gay.
I have nieces who might need live-saving abortions some day.
I have friends and colleagues who cannot go visit their families because they are Latin American and afraid to leave the country, lest they not be able to get back in.
I have worked on Mexico and asylum issues for years (and shockingly the whole asylum system has ground to a halt )
So you’ll have to excuse me that I have zero fucks left to give for people who voted for this thinking they’d be safe because they’re not like “those Mexicans”. Fuck that guy and hopefully he keeps his mouth shut about who he voted for, because Mexicans are sick to death of US bullying.

Sympthsical

(10,897 posts)
56. Politics are permission.
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:20 PM
Sunday

To be the person you are on the inside with a group of people who will run cover for you no matter what you do.

We see this in MAGA and Republicans easily. It's always easy to recognize in the other side.

More difficult to notice - or care - when it's in the house. Sexism, racism, joy in suffering, light homophobia when it can be managed. All is fair when pointed in a direction deemed socially acceptable by the group. It's much like religion in its way.

I've pulled way back from politics on social media. Half because I'm just too busy, and half because it's like walking into a bar as a former alcoholic and expecting support for sobriety. If your mental health ranges in well-adjusted adult territory, political spaces on social media can bring that down for you.

But if you're already at the bar drinking, well, have at.

It's a bit Nietzschian, but it's kind of gone far beyond that in the past 15 or so years. It's social media. It's dragging everyone down into a mental goblin mode. Right before this thread, I saw something so brain-breakingly stupid and tribal, I said aloud, "What am I doing with my time?" to my cat, who was his usual unimpressed.

The world is miserable right now in many ways, but being a miserable person is an active choice being made daily. And when you realize everyone around you is half in the misery bag, it's up to you if you want to plop down and join them in that drink.

Hope22

(4,548 posts)
58. I have empathy with one exception...
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 10:23 PM
Sunday

….if a person voted for T and is surprised or saddened that they got taken by ICE I have no sympathy. He told us what he would do. They were fine with others being kidnapped in the night. They were fine with putting us all in jeopardy. The violence this administration is foisting upon all of us is exhausting and terrifying. There was one clear way to avoid this!!

FHRRK

(1,404 posts)
60. I agree it has changed
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 11:39 PM
Sunday

And I applaud the change.

Way too much defense of certain officials in the past decade. Garland along with Dem pols who enable the fascist take over.

To your specific complaint, didn’t read the article, read the thread.

Ponder this, what is going to happen to all the detention centers once most are deported? Private companies kicking money back to Repubs, again what do you think will happen? I have a damn good idea what will happen if we don’t fight back hard,

Look at Minneapolis, residents having to fight their own govt for basic Constitutional Rights. I am damn sure not going to condemn anyone in a fight of good versus evil that makes a split decision. With that one’s last words were “I’m not mad bro.” The other was “are you O.K?” Pretty easy to figure out who is good.

So Pretti kicked out a tail light, some DUers show no compassion. So damn what! There has been a constant barrage from The Orange Shitstain and his supporters. I am damn sure not going to condemn anyone for returning 1/100th of the hate.

As for Fonzi, you know what, a decade ago I likely would have had some compassion. Today, not one damn bit, unless he was mentally impaired he has no excuse for supporting Trump unless he is completely ignorant and lacks morals.

People killed by the fascists, kids being pulled from parents, imprisoned, abused. People who migrated here to feed their families. Great Americans and DUers, teachers, administrators, and others who receive no extra compensation for doing what is right, the list is long. Those have earned compassion.

With that, when I and many others get down to someone like Fonzi,…zero fucks left to give.

Currently we are in triage mode, and unfortunately, if someone supports the person who created the shit show, well they are going to eat some shit while others need care. Being kinder to them sounds great, but is unrealistic.

choie

(6,801 posts)
63. Why should you expect us to be
Sun Feb 1, 2026, 11:54 PM
Sunday

Compassionate toward people who are complicit in destroying us and our country? We’re not superhuman and there are people who don’t deserve our compassion. They are dangerous.

Happy Hoosier

(9,446 posts)
64. Oh boy....
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 12:00 AM
Monday

If you can’t recognize that we are now in a fight for survival, then just clutch your pearls and stay out of the way. I am certainly empathetic. But now my empathy is reserved for those NOT trying to turn us into an authoritarian hellscape.

Aristus

(71,876 posts)
65. He's a Trump supporter who got sent to Mexico.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 12:01 AM
Monday

People on our side are being murdered in cold blood, in broad daylight in the middle of the streets, and their murderers are getting away with it.

I can’t really see myself as the bad guy here because I can’t summon any sympathy for a pro-Trump moron who is still alive and unharmed.

W_HAMILTON

(10,240 posts)
66. Prioritizing moral superiority over much more important things is how fascism seized power in the first place.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 12:03 AM
Monday

Those that helped bring about so much pain and suffering to so many innocent people are not entitled to my empathy nor my compassion.

You should read up on the paradox of tolerance.

Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

flvegan

(65,976 posts)
72. That is one hell of a "fuck you" statement, that DUers don't value empathy
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 04:12 AM
Monday

nor compassion. Your generalization being duly noted.

sarisataka

(22,356 posts)
73. Point proven...
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 04:25 AM
Monday

Nietzsche had some things to say about abysses and monsters. But people have an amazing ability to convince themselves their authoritarianism is “good” while the other person’s authoritarianism is “bad”.
In the end it is still authoritarianism.

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”

― George Orwell, Animal Farm

Vinca

(53,559 posts)
74. Playing nice just doesn't cut it anymore. We're on the brink of losing it all.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 07:52 AM
Monday

If we can't vent every so often, we'll explode.

JustAnotherGen

(37,771 posts)
76. The country we knew is gone - and so are the old ways of thinking
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 08:34 AM
Monday

I've often posted something along these lines here:

The kind, tolerant, empathetic Democratic Club is down the hall

This is the cruel, punitive, zero tolerance Democratic Club.

AloeVera

(4,056 posts)
88. Trump would approve. Nothing he would like better than increase his base from among Democrats.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 12:41 AM
Tuesday

Something about monsters and the abyss...

JustAnotherGen

(37,771 posts)
89. If that's what you got from that statement
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 03:08 PM
Tuesday
That I'm a Trump supporter -then please put me on ignore going forward.

I'm serious.

That's point blank insulting and it's very typical of how the Left has treated Black women who have CONTINOUSLY voted for the interests of EVERYONE - sometimes at our own expense.

And those types of insults are why Black women are walking away.

America needs to BEG US to be nice -and maybe just maybe we will be.

Maybe.

If we feel like it.

And if the proposition puts our interest first.

If not - go down to the hall to the Bambi's Mom in the Grass Club. I think you are the President of it. The one that wants me to be nice to racists who lose their health care.

Fuck that noise.

AloeVera

(4,056 posts)
94. Thank you for that "nice" put down.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 03:55 PM
Tuesday

As always, a pleasure talking to you.

Unfortunately, you didn't get my point.

Have a nice day.

mr715

(3,246 posts)
101. A great one.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 08:12 PM
Tuesday

Nietzsche

Beware those who hunt monsters, for when one gazes too deeply into the abyss will find the abyss gazes back.


The philosopher with a hammer.

UniqueUserName

(403 posts)
75. And you, Sir or Madam, cannot claim moral superiority either when you expatriate to Costa Rica and leave others to fight
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 08:31 AM
Monday

There is nothing wrong with you making a move to survive. I don't think anyone here begrudges you that.

It takes a high level of temerity to lecture as you leave others to the problem at hand while you "tough it out" in a the ever-so-dangerous Costa Rica.

You managed to equate people's marveling at karma as schadenfreude. They aren't the same, though similar. Schadenfreude is pleasure in someone else's misfortune. Karma is recognizing when a person's own actions, good or bad, is tied to their own circumstance, good or bad.

I'm aware that some countries only require a modest pension income in order to obtain residency. Those governments determined that the modest income was a net positive to their economies. However, when you move to another capitalistic country, you displaced someone of similar standing. They probably were OK. They displaced someone else of similar standing.

But the problem with a purely capitalistic society is that someone is going to be at the bottom. Did you consider that you very well might have made it worse for those on the bottom of the economy of the country that you entered? Do you even have to care?

I don't know if you're white, but your post reeks of white privilege.

Nittersing

(8,211 posts)
79. A LOT of people don't watch the news and don't follow politics.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 08:50 AM
Monday

We used to offer these people a little more grace. Actually, I think we used to offer a LOT more grace.

I'm not the most educated person on DU, by a long shot. Maybe that's why I retain a little empathy?

At 71, I'm feeling a little lost.

ecstatic

(35,032 posts)
80. I checked the op you're referring to
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 09:14 AM
Monday

I don't think you should go. It helps to have a set of diverse opinions on the site. Just like you disagreed with the reaction there are others who might disagree as well. Leaving the site will only create a monolithic situation.

Reports of FAFO fallout is what got me through the first 9 months of this administration. This time, I really think we should let people feel the consequences of their decisions. We keep shielding and protecting people who do not care and do not appreciate it. Enough!

Torchlight

(6,514 posts)
83. I s'pose we all have different opinions.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 09:34 AM
Monday

Thankfully, I'm only responsible for mine; that's certainly enough obligation for me.

agingdem

(8,788 posts)
84. Because "when they go low we go high"
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 09:37 AM
Monday

Last edited Thu Feb 5, 2026, 05:48 AM - Edit history (2)

pretty much destroyed us … fuck nice/fuck civil..we’re now the party of Newsom, Pritzker, Swalwell, Neguse, Aguilar, Frost, Shapiro..and it’s about damn time!!

Oneironaut

(6,245 posts)
85. Sorry, but, DU hasn't changed at all, imo.
Mon Feb 2, 2026, 09:38 AM
Monday

I’ve been here on and off since 2008ish. One thing I like about this place, besides being like the old internet, is that everyone here has been consistently the same.

This place is actually very friendly compared to the rest of the internet, where everyone is constantly toxic all the time. Everywhere else is full of brain rot content and memes, or, people using slurs and being hateful.

It will be a sad day when moderated sites like this go away. I hate social media. Please stay!

AloeVera

(4,056 posts)
87. Another child torn from a parent, lives upended. Aren't we against that?
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 12:26 AM
Tuesday

Fonzie is a human being before he is a Trump supporter. His baby certainly didn't deserve this but neither did Fonzie. No one "deserves" this. It being a loss I venture NONE of us here have actually experienced.

His crime was fitting in with his deep-red district and falling prey to cunning propagandization and ignorance. Somehow that's put him outside our field of compassion. It not only makes us look bad, it's corrosive and callously tribal.

I hear you. Your voice is important.

CTyankee

(67,909 posts)
90. I don't share your feelings about DU. Not in the least and I've been here since 2004.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 03:17 PM
Tuesday

And I have nearly 68,000 posts. I truly don't know what you are saying, so I must have missed a LOT, even tho I am on DU nearly every day. What am I missing here?

MustLoveBeagles

(15,197 posts)
92. Fonzie is a product of his environment
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 03:42 PM
Tuesday

So him being a trump supporter doesn't surprise me. It does lessen my sympathy towards him, but what happened to him is still wrong.

kerry-is-my-prez

(10,233 posts)
98. Yeah I noticed the second to last time that a couple of people really attacked others
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 07:53 PM
Tuesday

And seemed to have the attitude a Republican would have about an issue (ICE agents). It was actually over an article that I posted and this person viciously went after another person who posted a comment. I told the attacker that I posted the article and they should go after me if they didn’t like things in the article. The thing they went after was something that you would expect out of a right winger

mr715

(3,246 posts)
102. Trump has cheapened me.
Tue Feb 3, 2026, 08:24 PM
Tuesday

I am angrier, I am less forgiving, and I am more likely to prejudge based on political affiliation.


We shouldn't celebrate suffering.

Similarly we shouldn't fetishize a dead political era.

fujiyamasan

(1,435 posts)
106. Yes, I've become the same way
Wed Feb 4, 2026, 01:08 AM
Wednesday

I’ve just stopped caring, or at least genuinely caring.

The world has made me incredibly cynical and disgusted. I realized that everyone is in it for themselves. Look how people drive now? Since COVID, it seems like the social contract is dead. Much of it was encouraged by Trump and his minions.

Make America Goddamn Ass holes

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»DU has certainly changed....