I literally went to bed stressed out and crying last night

[Coolest Ranger]

For the African American Group.

All of my life my parents told me I was special. My momma especially told me that I should always share my opinion because one day its going to be important. Now that I am an adult in my forties, I literary feel worthless for the first time in my life. I became a liberal because I was taught growing up that liberals look out for each other.

I was taught that liberals will have your back when it comes to protecting your rights. I was taught that they will make sure nothing happens to you. That's not been the case I been going through for the last eight months. I've been seeing a side of liberals that make me cringe and make me question why I am in this party. I have been a life long liberal since December 7th, 1973. My grandfather told me son, the democrats always had our backs which is why I was a democrat and when you get old enough I want you to join the party and help keep fighting to make things better.

My grandfather once told me son, the world will get better for you when you grow up and become a man. People will respect and honor you. I want you to believe that. Now, some of you are going to laugh at me but from time to time my grandfather's spirit will come and talk to me through my dreams. He will do that especially when I'm troubled as I am right now. We would often sit by our old house because that's the happiest time of my life and we would talk.

Last night was one of those nights where I needed his counsel. I told him, I'm not happy. He tells me yes buddy, I know. You are questioning why you should give your loyalty to a party that doesn't value your opinion. I told him that since I made it be known that I am for Hillary Clinton, I've had liberals come at me and tell me that I have no right to my opinion. I've been told that I actually owe a certain candidate my vote and that I should know my place. I even heard a liberal yesterday say that as a black people if we vote for anyone other than his candidate and I shall not mention names that our votes should not count and that we're voting out of guilt. I never felt so disrespected in my life.

I have liberals telling me that I'm worthless and that I need to know my place and it makes me feel like I'm being talked down on and judged. Heck, I even had liberals who I admire and respect, famous liberals question me on why I do not let people who are hostile towards me online spew their stuff at me that blocking them makes me the extreme one. Some days, social media makes me scream and it makes me seriously want to take up drinking. That got a laugh from him and if you knew my grandfather, he rarely laughs. He told me to take it to heart that I shouldn't let people like this get me down that jerks are going to be jerks. I never knew my grandfather was so wise for someone who had no idea what the internet was when he was alive. He left me with this final thought before my dream ended. He told me to rely on my online friends. I will know who has my back if I tell them the pressure and the disrespect that I go through on a daily basis. Was he right? Am I crazy for feeling this way?

[boston bean]

1. Speaking as a woman, I understand what you are saying..

All of this comes from very ugly places... that unfortunately span the entire political spectrum...

One more reason to vote for Hillary.. She gets it.

[MrMickeysMom]

2. You site all these people in your life defining what your circumstances are...

My question to you is, "Who is the person YOU see in the mirror?" When you answer that question, don't forget to include how you deal with everything in your life that you faced. You will face adversity, divisiveness, regardless of what party you are in.... ESPECIALLY within party you are in.

The Democratic party includes idiots and insensitives, too. Ever heard of the saying, "herding cats"? Thats what you'll get in the Democratic party.

You have to define what it all means, as you continue to define who you are... even "post forty" years old. Get off social media for long breaks and interact with people in groups. Attend things with others and discuss afterwards. You will continue to shape yourself.

[boston bean]

4. ugh!

[boston bean]

8. back so soon?

[Coolest Ranger]

11. woah

what did I miss?

[boston bean]

13. The long history of the discriminatory plight of the white US American male .

[wildeyed]

20. The whine is powerful

with some of them these days

[kwassa]

52. Sounds like a typical Trump supporter. Oppressed white males.

They suffer so.

[Frances]

5. I am so sorry for what you have experienced

I hear your grandfather because I am 74 years old and know where he was coming from

I hope you let his voice be the main one in your head

I am guessing he would tell you to be strong and believe in yourself and your judgment

I have had some bad experiences here at DU as well, so now I try to avoid posts that could cause me grief

I am a democrat and firmly believe that any democrat is better than trump or Rubio or Cruz
And cannot understand why any good democrat cannot see that

But there are always some who don't get it

[erlewyne]

9. I'm voting for Bernie Sanders on the Ides of March.

I am pro union and my union endorsed Hillary without my consent.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

17. That comment doesn't really seem to address the OP,

which is about the stress this election cycle and the way in which people are treating each other is putting on the author.

[redruddyred]

27. i am sorry to hear of the OP's pain

but i don't understand what it has to do with either of the candidates.
as far as I can tell both their civil rights records are what's typical for white politicians: mediocre.
anyhow i respect each person's individual judgment, no one can know everything. it's my hope that the hillary v bernie wars have at least yielded some worthwhile discussion but all i hear is meaningless snark from her white(?) supporters, and "you're whitesplaining" from minorities.
sorry. we can only do our best.

[Coolest Ranger]

46. If you don't

understand than maybe you need to keep reading what us people of color are going through. It's comments like this where I'm the one being required to prove what I am going through is why I am getting so turned off from politics in the first place.

[redruddyred]

93. some people do learn better thru debate. i'm one of them.

subjective experience is hard to discuss in terms of "rational arguments" tho.

i learn a lot from AA DUers, when they post. I wish they'd post more.

feel better.

[JustAnotherGen]

42. Blocked - for other Hosts

Decision made on first post being disruption and off topic.

[Coolest Ranger]

44. Okay and what does this have to do

with what I am going through? (Feeling a bit lost)

[zappaman]

124. Awww

Thanks for taking time to stop by and let us know.

[Fast Walker 52]

10. "since I made it be known that I am for Hillary Clinton, I've had liberals come at me ...

and tell me that I have no right to my opinion."

"I have liberals telling me that I'm worthless and that I need to know my place"

I find this hard to believe. Can you give more specific details?

[Coolest Ranger]

12. are you seriously going to play this game with me

seriously?

[handmade34]

28. pay no attention

there are plenty of us who understand

[Fast Walker 52]

30. I don't think it is a game. Those are outrageous incidents as described.

But there's no context, and it would be good to know exactly who is telling you this, etc. Also, is this your interpretation of what people said, or exact quotes?

[Coolest Ranger]

31. why don't you

read this forum before you come and tell a person of color this. You just seriously insulted me asking me this

[Fast Walker 52]

33. like it or not, your post made it to the front page

so a lot of people are reading this who may not go to this forum or understand it.

I apologize for insulting you, but still, those things you list are outrageous, and it would be good to know more about what you are referring to so we can hold the person/s responsible.

[wildeyed]

38. You apologize and then do it again?

WTF?

[sheshe2]

119. You are in the African American Group.

Please respect that.

[wildeyed]

19. Oh look!

A sea lion!

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[betsuni]

35. Heh!

[bravenak]

108. Heh

[ismnotwasm]

110. Oh YEAH

We got those--all over the place.

[bravenak]

111. They follow us around...

Can't shake 'em!

[sheshe2]

120. Haha!

[JustAnotherGen]

45. Group Hosts - Blocked

Disruptive

[SylviaD]

14. Desperation will lead people - even liberals - to do desperate things.

Remain true to yourself and try not to let them get to you.

[rusty quoin]

15. WTF?

[VulgarPoet]

16. No craze. I hit that plateau yesterday

when I had someone call me a "slave to the left" for trying to advocate even a modicum of civility between sides. I mean, it's pretty well known that I'm a Sanders fan, but talking with another member of this group kind of gave me that eye-opening that despite my immense misgivings, if it comes down to it, Clinton is much better than a right winger-- and after trying to correct somebody on what typically follows the term "low information voter" out a large slice of Sanders supporters, I got jumped on for it. I don't believe any candidate deserves votes; and honestly, yesterday was the come-to-Jesus moment that broke my views on the party as a whole.

I think the thing to remember is that DU is a remarkably small cross-section of Democrats, to be honest. (And for the record, you're not the only one who talks to family members in your dreams-- my great grandma has a weird habit of showing up in times of stress.)

[Trust Buster]

18. I feel your pain but think that everyone who supports Hillary has suffered the same fate.

The one thing I can say I've learned during this election is the following. Even though the far Right and the far Left are diametrically opposed to each other politically, there is one attribute that both share in common. That is their level of narcissism.

I've watched for years how the far Right belittles any Republican that dares to deviate from their more extreme positions. They are labeled RINO's and formally discounted as being tools. Well, I've been watching the same behavior from the far Left. Therefore, I believe that neither the far Right or the far Left can see past their own narcissism to tolerate a different opinion in their own party. Because extremism and treating "compromise" as a dirty word has worked out so swell these days for the Right. NOT !!!

[kwassa]

73. Narcissism is indeed a major problem. Also ...

a belief that they and they alone possess the absolute truth of a situation. Moral self-righteousness rules the day, and when they don't get the results they want, they get abusive to others.

[Trust Buster]

87. Agreed

[stevenleser]

113. You said it. All of us Hillary supporters have dealt with this nonsense. It has been eye opening.

Last edited Mon Mar 7, 2016, 07:00 PM - Edit history (1)

Speaking of the narcisissm, what better example is there of this than the folks attacking Hillary supporters being 80% of DU, having that percentage of posts supporting their viewpoint, having that control of juries, but thats not enough so they have to go to another website where it is 100%.

Yes, us Hillary supporters have another website, but that's much easier to understand given that we are a small minority here and they the majority are aggressive and bullying.

80% isn't enough support and control for them. It's like you said, narcissism.

[Trust Buster]

117. Thanks for the post. At least I'm in good company.

[FailureToCommunicate]

21. Vote (and work) for whom YOU trust to be best for you and our democracy. That's Bernie for me, but

it sounds like it is Hillary for you. That's okay.

I certainly would not let any of the jerks posting here change my mind. I **might** try to change their mind, but, normally, jerks are not open to persuasion. They are basically so insecure they only are trying to put down others but not listen to them.

Dear Coolest Ranger, your grandfather of course was correct: that jerks are going to be jerks, so try not to take it to heart. Scream back at them for sure, if it makes you feel better, but definitely don't start drinking because of what jerks say...(there are SO many OTHER worthwhile reasons to start drinking!)

Online friends can be good, bad, or they can be complete jerks. That makes them just like face to face "friends" Sometimes, when they are being extra jerky, you gotta just walk away. Or push back from the keyboard. Take a walk. Nature will ALWAYS be your truest friend...

[wildeyed]

22. Your grandfather is right.

People are jerks. Particularly online.

[Xipe Totec]

23. This is the internets. Not everything you read is true. Not everyone is who they say they are

DU was once a more civil place than it is today. But it was also a much smaller group than it is today.

Support whomever you want to support, vote for whom you want to vote, and try to elevate the discourse so that you become part of the solution.

[betsuni]

24. This made me cry.

I think there are plenty of people calling themselves liberals who aren't; it's just too embarrassing to admit to being anything else these days. Liberals feel bad about injustices of any kind, feel it in their bones, their heart. They don't think they're better than anyone else, don't only think about themselves, don't think they know everything. They feel guilty when going through customs even when they have nothing to declare, feel guilty eating maguro sashimi because the ocean called and they're running out of tuna. They weep and feel weird and insecure. I love liberals. My people.

[BlueMTexpat]

29. + a million! eom

[William769]

25. Wel I am here to tell you

That you are special! As are all of my friends in this Group. I love you all!

[Amimnoch]

26. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease", and it's the one that tends to be heard

even though there are 3 good wheels to that 1.

I think it's some weird part of human nature to focus on the negative, while skimming over what is good and therefore noticing it less.

Here's an exercise I started doing in January here: When you see one of those threads.. the long ones.. where it seems everyone is piling up on you/your candidate.. actively seek out the responses that are positive in the thread. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised that they are actually there when you actively look for them.

Also take some comfort in knowing, that some of the "venom" is likely a person somewhere else who is also feeling disenfranchised and this venom is the result of those feelings.

Sometimes the hardest thing is taking yourself out of your own perspective, and trying to walk in the perspective of the opposition for a bit.

Imagine how it must feel when you really believe in the message of your candidate.
your candidate has devoted his life to politics, and been in congress for decades,
yet allll of the cards seem completely stacked against him.. the Senate that he's worked in won't endorse him, his fellow members of the House that he's worked in won't endorse him.
Day after day it seems more and more pile up against him with their endorsements.
Until recently the media all but ignored him.

In early January I had an epiphany and decided that I would be more positive. Instead of viciously attacking the opposing candidate and his supporters, I would focus on what's positive about mine. Sell mine without personal attacks and insults. Be more mindful of the hurt that those who support Sanders must be going through as well.

At the end of the day, we have two really good candidates for POTUS. The ones to feel sorry for are the Republicans. Those poor assholes should have had a fairly easy win this year after 8 years of a Democratic president in office, but blew it by fielding the most laughable clown car of jokers one could imagine.

[BlueMTexpat]

32. Good post! eom

[Number23]

96. I've had that policy for years. 92% of my posts here are usually in agreement with others

It is very rare that I engage with people with whom I disagree. I've found very few here worth the time or trouble.

[PeaceNikki]

34. I'm listening. And I have your back. And I'm not alone.

I'm sorry that some of the most vocal people are so hurtful.

[ismnotwasm]

36. Oh man

You are awesome

[stonecutter357]

37. music always helps me .

[Android3.14]

39. Links please

I have sympathy and empathy. Unfortunately there is a concerted effort by a few in the AA group to falsely paint supporters of Bernie Sanders as racists. No one should endure the abuse you described, nor should a small number of people falsely accuse another group of racism. Could you point me towards the posts where DU-er told you...

"I have no right to my opinion."

"I should know my place."

"I'm worthless and that I need to know my place..."

"question me on why I do not let people who are hostile towards me online spew their stuff at me that blocking them makes me the extreme one."

If people in the AA group are telling you these things, I'd like the links so that I can go to those threads, defend you, and set them straight.

If, however, this is another attempt to paint Bernie supporters as racists, then you need to back it up with evidence.

[JustAnotherGen]

47. Group Hosts - Blocked

Combative, disruptive - not a regular poster.

[VulgarPoet]

81. Y'know, I could have linked one post from yesterday.

[JustAnotherGen]

82. Don't - please - it's an easy way to get a hide

People have received alerts and hides for posting to egregious things. What happens is it gets alerted on for being a 'call out.

Don't do that to yourself.

[VulgarPoet]

83. I figured as much, but what was said was egregious enough

that it got me to drop two subscriptions in sheer disgust.

[Number23]

97. An excellent, excellent block. I asked that person just a day or two ago to stay away from a thread

in here and I know that's not the first time he's been asked to not participate here.

[Quayblue]

100. always acting like they have the greatest care in the world

About what Black folk go through, but nothing comes through but the slick, slyness I've witnessed in daily life. There's other little sniveling posts throughout this board about black people that I've noticed and somehow the person always ends up here to start preaching and demanding, but will never admit to doing anything wrong.

[Number23]

109. That's the MO. And it works perfectly here, so of course they have no reason to ever stop

There's other little sniveling posts throughout this board about black people that I've noticed and somehow the person always ends up here to start preaching and demanding, but will never admit to doing anything wrong.

DU has spoken -- REPEATEDLY -- and sees no problem with this type of behavior.

[sheshe2]

121. Good Block.

[Digital Puppy]

75. *These people right here*

SMH....

[LanternWaste]

125. As you said, you need to back it up with evidence.

"Unfortunately there is a concerted effort by a few in the AA group to falsely paint supporters of Bernie Sanders as racists..."

As you said, you need to back it up with evidence.

Though it may be inconvenient to hold yourself to the same standard you hold others to, it is rational.

On edit: you're blocked, eh? I imagine the same amount of evidence forthcoming from you would yet be the same were you not.

[w4rma]

40. Sorry, but Hillary is going to cost us the election in November. People aren't happy about that

and you shouldn't be either. And the smears that have come from Camp Weathervane have pissed off a very large portion of Democratic voters. Unfortunately for Hillary, these pissed off voters are the ones with the best memories.

[Coolest Ranger]

49. and what does this have to do with what I am going through

Really you are not helping, in fact you are adding to the stress I'm already dealing with.

[JustAnotherGen]

68. I blocked him

It's not about him. Four people blocked on one thread.

I've got your back.

[Number23]

98. Another one who's been asked to stay away but just... can't. Excellent block

[BlueMTexpat]

41. I am so sorry that anyone

on a forum that is supposed to be supportive of Democrats made you feel so bad.

Please know that anyone who styles him/herself a liberal and does not have your back when it comes to protecting your rights either is not a liberal at all or is a liberal behaving badly. Shame on them! There is NO shame for you in that. It says more about them than about you and what it says is not pretty at all.

You are you. You are special and you are unique. Rejoice in that. NEVER let ANYONE else define you, especially someone on an anonymous internet forum!

Take heart. Please know that REAL LIBERALS do have your back. This AA Group is one of the best places online for that. Avoid others like the plague or focus only on the good things and discard the nastiness. The "Ignore" button is your friend.

[w4rma]

43. I've read a whole lot of posts about black folks being threatened with being booted from this group

for stating their Bernie support. Is this group still a reality bubble?

[JustAnotherGen]

54. There is no truth to that

Are they saying this at that jackass radical site?

[w4rma]

55. I know there is truth to it, because *I* was threatened. (nt)

[JustAnotherGen]

59. You were NOT threatened

You were warned.

To - behave yourself, not be disruptive and to stay on topic.

Now are you on this post to whine? Or to support Coolest Ranger?

Or just here to be a peacock and show everyone how bad ass you are by barging in here and making this thread ALL about YOU?

It's all about you.

We get it.

Anything else?

[w4rma]

63. The threat was alerted on and only lost 3 to 4. Don't lie. (nt)

[kwassa]

67. Alerting on a group host's decision?

The rules are much different here than in the regular forums. This is a protected zone.

Such an alert will not prevent you from being blocked.

[JustAnotherGen]

70. I keep all Group Host Alerts

We don't have one from him in the past few months.

[kwassa]

72. Is a group host alert even permissable?

This is a challenge to the concept of a group host in the first place.

[JustAnotherGen]

74. I would think

He would have alerted on a Group Host's OP? Can you alert on a Post itself to a group host? I don't think you can. I was called to a HRC Group post jury a few weeks ago and saw posts on the thread that should have been alerted on - but I don't recall being able to alert on a specific post.

Regardless - we all would have received the alert.

[kwassa]

76. I was alerted on for telling someone that I blocked him ...

my one and only block so far. The post way down in the thread was on the subject of the alert.

I didn't receive the alert, but someone else on the jury cut and pasted it into the responses, or I would not have known.

[JustAnotherGen]

78. Ahh - that makes sense

That has nothing to do with the warning I gave him.

[JustAnotherGen]

84. Can you self delete?

He's blocked. Thanks

[etherealtruth]

86. I am very glad to see that your behaviour was quickly addressed by the hosts!

I am equally glad that the site admins quickly addressed the thread you posted (linking to this).

It gives me great hope for DU!

[kwassa]

64. A warning is not a threat.

Anyone that can be civil, and also not try to derail the conversation, is welcome. There are many regular Bernie supporters here.

The topic of the this thread is Coolest Ranger's reactions. Stay on the topic, don't divert, be civil.

[kwassa]

56. There are many regular black and white Bernie supporters here.

I don't know where you've read these statements.

Anyone who can't remain civil and respectful is shown the door, however.

[JustAnotherGen]

60. He was 'threatened by the Group Hosts'

I don't recall threatening him - do you kwassa?

I recall a WARNING about behavior?

[kwassa]

62. I guess he regards a warning as a threat. Perception problem.

I fully support your blocks, by the way, as a fellow group host.

[JustAnotherGen]

66. I just blocked him

He was acting like I owe him something.

I'm done.

I've got a 10 a.m. No time for nonsense today.

[kwassa]

69. I was about to do it myself. Good call.

He owes this group an apology, in my opinion.

[JustAnotherGen]

71. I told him to take it to GDP

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1187&pid=42347

23rd? 24th? of February?

How did I threaten him?

[Number23]

99. There aren't even a "whole lot" of black people on DU. We have two poc blocked from this group

at the moment. Both were asked REPEATEDLY to stop trolling this forum and wouldn't.

So this whole "lots of black folks are blocked or been threatened with being blocked from AA" is -- SHOCKINGLY!!! -- utter garbage.

[GusBob]

48. FWIW I respect your opinions

I read your posts and as we may come from different backgrounds, I listen and I learn. I most definitely respect what you say. I may not always reply or rec.

But if it makes you feel any better, I got your back.

Keep the faith

GB

[lovemydog]

50. I hear you CR.

I've had similar feelings. Your grandfather was a wise & loving soul. He's got your back & so do others here. Speaking words of wisdom like walk in nature or take a refreshing break or be the change you want to be or take comfort in knowing we have similar experiences. I hope you enjoy a good day today. We're real people across all this static. We have your back my friend.

[malthaussen]

51. There seems to be a lot of that going around.

Foolish tactics, IMO, for anyone to alienate the supporters of another Primary candidate. I'd advise you not to take it personally, except I am of the opinion that it is personal, in some cases. It is inevitable that some of the racists sheltering under the wing of the Democratic Party would exercise their bigotry at times. As with all forms of bigotry, it clearly has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the bigot, except of course that you are the one who gets to take the blows.Your grandfather is a wise man: heed him.

-- Mal

[Elmergantry]

53. Time to buck up.

Only in Gods Eyes and perhaps in a precious few others are you considered "special". The rest of the world, not so much. Your "just a slob like one of us". Why I don't do much social media; do people really care what I am doing? Nope. Do I need their approval to reach my self actualization? Nope. That's the reality. Yes people can be mean; but that's life. Be true to yourself, and the hell with the naysayers and the Debbie downers. No go forth and take on the day!

[Bubzer]

57. I dont know if I'm qualified to be offering anything resembling succour, comfort or aid.

This primary season has positively ugly. Lots of people are more concerned with getting their thoughts out, and rolling over people with them, than they are with considering the other person.

Is it because of all the social media out there that is anything but social? Is it because the veneer of human decency has been peeled back, and the vile underbelly of real politics has burbled to the surface, exposing us all to its harmful vapors? Is it possible our country has always been this way, and we're just starting to see what's been in front of our eyes this whole time? Has the democratic party been so thoroughly infiltrated by political operatives that the very culture of the party has been compromised to the point of unrecognizability?

I have numerous thoughts on it, but not enough proof to call it a fact.

I wish I could say things were going to get better... but I wont offer what I think would be a lie. Political discourse has been allowed to devolve into innuendo and insults. Facts are scoffed at... opposing views are met immediately with derision instead of consideration... we're all too busy offending or being offended to do more that talk at each other.

Our friends and family are the best inoculant to this kind of frustration. Your grandfather was right... though I would suggest that offline friends are better for your mental state. Maybe grab a game of Qwirkle, or Settlers of Cattan, get with some friends and have a game night!

In short, you're not crazy. There's a lot of emotions running high. I've felt a little of what you're feeling. It usually means I need a break from DU and social media.

I hope things improve!

[Mike Nelson]

58. Your grandfather sounds like...

...my grandfather! He does enter my thoughts occasionally, with comforting words. It's difficult to engage in conversation with people who are so passionate about their preference... some are fanatical... All of this will pass.

[kwassa]

61. I fully support you, Coolest Ranger.

There is a ton of overheated rhetoric going on, on DU, and it is meaningless, really. DU doesn't elect Presidents, it is a small subset of the Democratic Party that right now is heavily slanted towards Bernie supporters, which is fine. But, it is not now and never will be reality. Take everything here with a giant grain of salt. You have lots of friends here.

and we get this flack directed at us, too. The intensity might be building because it appears that Bernie's quest is beginning to fail, which upsets a high percentage of the people here.

[giftedgirl77]

65. I'm sorry this is stressing you out so much.

The ignorance & ugliness is plentiful as of late.

[bkkyosemite]

77. There is no excuse for anyone to say the things that have been said to you. I am sorry

but your grandfather is right. Take his wisdom and his advice.

[brer cat]

79. I love your grandfather.

He gives wise counsel and he still has your back; that is a blessing that few of us have. As long as you can sit with him by the old house, you will have a safe space; a place where you can cry and have an arm around your shoulder, where you can still make him laugh which must be a balm for your soul.

And I love you, Cordell. I remember this: "Just like Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream for my people when he lived back in the 1960s, I have a dream for the next generation of black people." When you wrote those words you introduced yourself by relating stories of times that other people defined you by the color of your skin, of the injustice and pain that brings. Your plea for those of us who are white liberals to try and walk the proverbial mile in black skin was a slap upside the head to get us out of ourselves and into thinking about the real world that people of color live in day after day after day. We needed that slap, we deserved it.

As long as you are focused on making life better for the next generation of black people, you will face slings and arrows from the ones who want to maintain the status quo, who cannot, will not give up their white privilege. What you should not face is the scorn of fellow democrats simply because they support a different candidate, who have arrogantly made their own definition of what is best for someone else. Stay close to this group where the hosts work tirelessly to keep the focus on the issues, not the campaign rhetoric. You will find your friends here and the hosts will take out the trash.

Your mother was right: you should always share your opinion because one day its going to be important. It is important today.

[etherealtruth]

85. I am so sorry

i know it is little comfort .... but the idiots spewing their hatred speaks volumes about them and says nothing about you. I know it is little comfort when you are upset, though

I am so sorry you are hurting

[Starry Messenger]

88. (((hugs)))

This place has gotten to me bad before, to the point of crying too. You aren't crazy.

Your grandfather is right though, there are good people here too. It's an ugly time to be here, but seeing good people like you here makes this a better place.

[mercuryblues]

89. Thank you

and all the members of this group. Amazingly enough some of the replies in this thread proved your point.

What this group has done for me, as a white person. I have learned, a lot. How did I accomplish this? 1st by the many excellent posters in here, 2nd by shutting up, even if I did not understand something. Just because I do not understand something does not mean it is not true or someone else's reality.

Much the same way men defend their "right" to walk up to me when I am deep in thought and tell me I would look prettier If I smile and cat calling. I am told how much I should enjoy that, it is harmless and I will miss it when it stops. They really mean no harm and I should enjoy someone disrupting my inner thoughts on serious matters.

As a woman, many of the experiences I can relate to and empathize with. Does that mean I absolutely know how the AfAm community feels when they experience not only the blatant racism, but also the micro aggressions. NO. Just as any male can not know how it feels when a woman experiences the same. But we sure can, if we want to, see it and better ourselves through learning. Does it mean I am perfect no. But it sure does mean that if I say something stupid, when corrected, I sure as hell will take a step back and think about it, not double down. I place more importance on why what I said was perceived wrong instead of insisting I am right.

That is what this group has taught me. So well in fact that on another board during a debate over why something is racist the other person told me that it is "black people like you" .....

So I you.

[Kind of Blue]

91. We do have your back and you are far from crazy.

Please look at the reality behind your feelings, Coolest Ranger. "82% of Black men and 85% of Black women are for Hillary. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of non-white College graduates are for Hillary. Overall, 58% of all men were for Hillary and 70% of all women . . . for Hillary." This is from MrWendel's post at http://www.democraticunderground.com/118744479

This election cycle has brought some cold hard feelings that we been knowing fors years. Dr. King spoke of this, First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action;" who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season."

Your feelings and insights are in excellent company.
Fuck those who belittle you. Their words are trash.

[Coolest Ranger]

94. To all the supporters from Hillary to Bernie

who have had my back during this. Thank you. You've given me a little hope despite how lousy this day has been so far. (Kind of fighting some some stomach issues right now) ugh. Going to go to sleep now thanks everyone

[awoke_in_2003]

105. We all have to stick together

The thought of Trump in the WH makes my blood run cold. Take care

[lovemydog]

106. Thank you for your post.

I really enjoy reading this thread. Feel better soon!

[Number23]

95. bigtree did an amazing thread in GDP yesterday that is a beautiful extension of yours

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511392759

You are not even close to being alone, CR. We are constantly being told that we are being "tricked" that we are "low information voters" who are "voting against our own interests" and from people who love to scream the loudest that they are our "allies." And they've even rustled up a very tiny number of black folks to help them, but that's nothing new and never has been.

We don't owe these people a damn thing. Not our vote, an explanation or even a second of our time.

[Quayblue]

101. Only drink on Friday evenings

Jk, not trying to tell you what to do.

It's okay to have a good cry every once in a while, but as well, sign off of this place and go out into the world. There are people who need you to motivate them because of the great empathy you display. And I bet you'll find a lot nicer, politically active people.

Most of my friends are Bernie supporters, and of different backgrounds, but they don't preach to me, probably part of it because I'm not going to allow it...but mostly respectfulness for each other as individuals. And I'm stubborn and undecided so there's that.

We should always respect each other, and unfortunately the world is not that way, so keep being the kind person you are (which I see from your posts) and let these fake ass mfers go their way while you shine.

Hang in there.

[Svafa]

102. The internet can be a really crappy place sometimes.

Hang in there and try (though I know how hard it can be) not to let it get to you.

[steve2470]

104. .........

[bravenak]

107. I know.

I care. This is very hurtful, at first it actually had me so upset and reevaluating my own positions. It's not YOU. It's definately not you.
I have been told we are stupid. Ignorant. Uninformed. We deserve Trump. This is all out of anger and self righteousness. Privilege.

When you feel outraged, you can always pm me or facebook me or if you are superstressed just tell me and you can call me on the phone if need be. I usually have time and will make you laugh, cheer you up.
This will all be over soon.

[stevenleser]

114. The people who have behaved this way should never be in control or in charge of anything. They

can't handle it, by a long shot.

[bravenak]

116. I agree.

After this season I am so sure I am doing the right thing. This was terrible for us.

[Ellen Forradalom]

112. Coolest Ranger, I appreciate your posts

and your insights. I am so sorry you are being made to feel this way. Hang around and continue to inform and delight.

[stevenleser]

115. I support you and completely empathize with you. The behavior we have faced here is shameful.

And those who perpetrated it should BE ashamed.

[OneGrassRoot]

118. ...

I am so sorry. All I have are

I'm glad you vented here so others could show their support.

[sheshe2]

122. I am sorry I am late in reading this.

CR, I just don't post here all that much anymore.

Love and support you.

[heaven05]

123. excellent observation

on the feeling of being made TO FEEL LIKE a diffent liberal(DEMOCRAT)....one thing I got out of american christianity is "yes you are a christian, but you're still different because of your skin color. Same with liberals(DEMOCRATS).......,they might see us as democrats who vote liberal but they see PoC the same way as I found in the christian churche(s). I expect it from the RW, yet have been disheartened by so-called liberals too many times to trust them to EVER HAVE MY BACK on anything, Especially if their entitled position as american citizens gets threatened by too many brown people wanting the same equal treatment. I will vote, on principle, for the eventual Democratic Party nominee but them really "having my back"? I have never been fooled by that question. PoC have not gained true equality in this nation precisely because NO ONE has had our back. The only reason we've survived this long in this nation is for no other reason except PoC looking out for each other.

[MuseRider]

126. I would love to tell you

to hang in there but I am white and have no business telling you anything. I just want to tell you that to the best of my ability I try to understand and want you to feel better and keep working to make it right for you. If we all do that maybe someday we will reach that perfect place where we can all be good to each other without trying to divide each from the other.

I am so sorry you are feeling this way. It hurts to read it. As your very wise grandfather said, "jerks are going to be jerks".

You vote your heart and mind. We are all different and we vote differently. Here we try to talk each other out of it but that is the way of primaries. Vote however you want and be proud that you did it and please try to find a way through this that will help you feel better. Your story was on the latest page and it made me feel so sad. I will step out now.