My 10,000 Post & Almost 12 years on DU!
I'd like to start by thanking the admins for creating this site and helping keep me sane during the horrible Bush years: THANK YOU, SKINNER, EARLG and ELAD. You guys have created an AMAZING on-line community.
I joined this site during the summer of 2004 while volunteering for John Kerry, and it ended up dramatically impacting my life in a variety of ways. The first "big time" began on election night 2004 (while sick with bronchitis/unable to sleep) when I was able to identify some statistical anomalies in New Hampshire, and with the support of people here on DU, ended up leading the charge for a recount there, then got involved in election integrity issues; I made several friends "in real life" at that time (Andy Stephenson is still missed), and still pay attention to election integrity issues.
DU has been a strong support place for me in my personal life as well. My father passed in 2005, my twins were born in 2007, and I have shared family dramas and challenges in many a post, with support given and received. I was honored by a "front page" pin about my experience as a Red Cross volunteer during Hurricane Katrina, proud to announce having "beaten a bank" during an illegal foreclosure proceeding, and my efforts to help families of premature infants and special needs children were strengthened by the people on this board. I am grateful for all of you for those times.
Politically, I have evolved during the last twelve years. Originally, I was a "firm Independent", a status that didn't change until 2012 when President Obama made me realize it was time to embrace the fact that:
1) supporting Democrats with my votes,meant that I really was a Democrat. I remain proud of President Obama's efforts, and grateful for his leadership.
2) volunteering and donating to them, while
3) agreeing with the party platform at an extraordinary high level
4) consistently for decades
On this board I have argued political positions and policies, debated the merits of candidates, jeered at Republican foolishness, and fretted over flame wars that burned brightly, then faded like the memory of candlelight. On two separate occasions my participation on this forum prompted (offline) death threats, which I am grateful were never more than bluster. I am at this milestone, having typed ten thousand posts, and wanting all of you to know how much I appreciate this board, and the people who have joined me in participating in it.
I made a decision to post this in "GDP" because I am going to mention this presidential election. I am currently a Bernie Sanders supporter. If Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee, I will not be able to support her, and will switch my voter registration back to Independent. I will continue to support down ticket Democrats, but not any "super Delegates" who vote for her at the Convention.
Like a large percentage of Americans, I believe Hillary Clinton is an untrustworthy liar who has used her political power and position to personally enrich herself and her family. I believe her judgment to be bad, her stated positions to be in opposition of her actions, and her pandering to be insincere because bluntly, I can't tell which team she is lying to. I don't trust her on abortion, LGBT, foreign relations, environmental concerns, civil rights, privacy, or even common sense use of computers. She has been an abysmal failure as an advocate for women and children, and I am honestly expecting her to be on the receiving end of a criminal indictment in the near future.
This change in my opinion from a simple concern about "immediate family of a living President running for office" (I considered it Republican corruption with the Bushes) to active disdain for her came as a shock to me, but has grown stronger the more I have investigated her actions, and should not be confused with support for the Republicans or even "passion for Bernie". I had previously supported and defended the Clintons against what I thought was unwarranted hostility, but Hillary's actions during her tenure as Secretary of State, combined with the questionable fundraising over at the Clinton Foundation, now has me angry at myself for having been fooled by the letter after their names because corruption is corruption and I know it when I see it.
I have been struggling with this issue since mid-March when I began to grasp the significance of what I had previously dismissed as "those stupid emails". I am lucky that DU is still in "primary season" but if the worst happens, and Hillary does get the nomination in July, then this place which has meant so much to me for the last twelve years, may not welcome me anymore. I have already begun my grieving process over that, but in the meantime, I choose to be hopeful. And yes, I know that my honesty about this issue has many people eager to type a "good riddance and don't let the door hit you!" reply.
I know you, DU. Kind words don't get near the views as a little bit of fussing at each other.
Maybe it's part of what I've grown to love about you so much?
Twelve years. Ten thousand posts. The primary is not over, and I hope to be here when it ends. If I am not, please take this milestone post as a positive memory because I REALLY want you to know this:
I appreciate you. I'm grateful for all of you. Thank you for EVERYTHING. You have been (and hopefully will continue to be) an amazing part of my life. No matter what happens --
THANK YOU!!!
= new reply since forum marked as read
This pretty much invalidates the other 9,999 posts.
Haste la vista... 
I'd say something snarky in return, but you have good taste in anime. 
Only to discover there was no need. Your post is exactly the opposite of what makes this board wonderful. Hopefully, regardless of how the Primary ends, the admins will reinstate the "be respectful and courteous" rules again.
So, since I can't say "thank you" for any kindness your post offered, I will say "thank you for being a bad example so I know what I don't want to become".
Everyone has a purpose in life, and if this is yours, you are a sucess! 
You are welcome to the last word - please don't be offended if I don't reply, since it is easier for me to use "ignore" when personal attacks like the one you made at me are the norm from a poster.
Totally made my day!
And in the past, there is a good chance some of my other milestone posts might not have been so thoughtful/more similar to your thousandth, also!
"A cherished DUer!" 
Thank you so much!
You know you are one of my favorites, right?
I'm very flattered. 
Well, right back at you, friend.
I appreciate your research and discussion into the FBI investigation of Clinton's email server. It's an important issue and good Democrats need to be informed. There's a great deal of bullying going on now, trying to chill discussion of this critical issue. I applaud you for refusing to ignore the 'elephant in the living room.'
I look forward to your next 10,000 posts! 
?
Due to some recent trianguations, I don't even believe her (well because of recent remarks and her well known propensity for lying)
To even be concerned overly much about Roe v Wade. Since I live in a Blue State, my concerns and votes won't matter to anyone anyway, so don't sweat it. 
I hear you; this is a terrifying election cycle, with so much riding on it. It seems like she keeps speaking in "code" to the right wing, and my instincts are not to trust her (maybe because being a female Democrat can give her cover to screw us over?). The New York Times video on Libya gave me chills: standing with Gaddafi's son, pontificating about "partners" and then cackling about "we came, we saw, he died" -- she met his son...
I understand the concerns. I know you do, too. No matter what, we will all continue to fight for what we believe in, and that is always a better world, isn't it? It's just that sometimes we have different ideas of how to get there.
But we will get there, eventually. Thank you for being part of the journey.
on your 12 years and your 10,000 posts.
I love your avatar (it totally fits you!) and your smilies made me smile!
Especially since every time I see a post from you, the similarity to my maiden name make me wonder if we're distant relations! So glad you decided to start posting more!
I am shocked at how many of them have been during this primary season - lol!
and I know the admins are feeling some anxiety about this situation. Perhaps it is the nature of things, to always be changing?
So glad you have been a part of this adventure -- hard to believe it's been this long and we are still here, eh?
So "thank you" for being so kind!
I've read your posts for 12 years, but can't remember all 10,000.
I DO remember that you are a thoughtful, sincere individual with a strong moral compass who will speak with conviction from your heart, like you have done today.
I am too old and tired to AGAIN be forced to vote for the least of the worst.
The Poor are being ignored, the Middle/Working Class is collapsing, and I don't believe we can survive another 3rd Way "Democrat".
I inherited the Democratic Party of FDR and JFK from my parents. I am ashamed of the 3rd Way Party and country we are leaving to our kids. The bright spot is that "the kids" seem to have awakened, and are fighting for their heritage and rightful legacy.
has always been that it fights for people. That is not a small achievement, especially when it is "easier" to look the other way/ignore those we do not wish to see.
I think it is when we pretend that we cannot make a difference that we feel the most despair. The legacy of the Party that you helped inspire me to join by holding up the beacon that enabled Obama to become President is one of social justice, even when being sneered at, and told it is impossible.
Thank you for that. Forever and a day, thank you for that!
In the early days, this was such a refuge - a sea of like minded individuals who couldn't believe the outside world had gone quite so crazy as it had. Times have changed, and now our community has grown; with that growth comes change, which is not always a bad thing. Who would have believed we could go from "Bush the Buffoon" to "Obama the Wise"? I think this site gave people the courage to fight for that to happen, and even the failure of 2004 only strengthened the resolve...
With hope, all things are possible. First the vision must be declared, before it can come true.
I know you aren't happy with my current views, but I also know you respect my right to have different ones which is why you are forever and a day one of the reasons DU is such a great place. Thank you for helping me in the early days as I learned the rules and responsibilities that came with participating in this forum. Does it feel strange to know that lives have been changed because of your volunteering back then? Someday we will have to sit, drink tea, and I will show you pictures of children whose happiness can be traced back to this site -- and we will smile, because you are always going to be one of the important strands in that experience.
Thank you for being my friend for these long years.
discussion boards. Have a good day.
of this forum, you helped set the standards for the community it has become, and I am so very grateful for that! You have been an amazing part of DU and I appreciate your kind words in this thread!
though i prefer to think of it as "longstanding" rather than oldest 
I always find your posts interesting and informative, and I identify with almost everything you wrote here. I even lost a parent in 2005 too. You're 4 years ahead of me on DU though.
A beautiful post.
It has been strange to realize how long this has been a "daily stop" for me; through good times and bad, it has been an Internet "home". I am so glad you are a part of it!
ON EDIT: Forgot to number the post - doh! Lol!
DUer, so I am good with that type of energy for that number.
and I keep reminding myself that it will work out in the end - it may be hell getting there, but it will work out, right? All we can do is our best -- and I believe most of us are doing that. It isn't easy, but your kind words of encouragement definitely help!
Thanks for sharing, IdaBriggs and peace to you.
I love your avatar - I believe "President Gore" would have done an amazing job, and my utter respect for him for his efforts in bringing awareness of the dangers we all face over climate change is boundless. His story is simply inspirational -- thank you for reminding me of him today!
I think we joined about the same time, and it has been one heck of a ride.
I hope things work out here. DU has been my home for so many years as well.
I always look for your posts and will continue to do so.
you are one of mine, too!
10,000 posts is a very big deal. I don't often agree with your posts, but congrats nonetheless! 
comes when we actually discuss different things. I confess that sometimes I learn things here (lol!) and my mind sometimes does get changed (emails!) when people share information or ideas that are new to me. The power of this type of communication - sharing ideas and opinions - is so valuable! Thank you for being a part of it!
10,000 and 12 years! Yes, this was a good place to come during he GWB years. I do disagree with you on the upcoming election - I hope President Clinton surprises you! Even if you're not feeling welcome, hope to see you remain a member and post when it's possible.
Hopefully the admins will find a respectful way to deal with the deep divisions our passionate community is facing.
This is a tough time to care about politics, but we are a stubborn people - we will get through this!
ON EDIT: Misnumbered post - doh!
The circle of lives touched never ceases to amaze me! And I am a believer in miracles....
Thank you for this post.
Thank you!
that I've read and said, "yes, that is exactly the right way to explain that unexplainable thing!" It makes DU feel like a classrom sometimes, which I especially like -- a place of learning, teaching and community.
Thank you for being a part of it!
it really does add up, doesn't it?
If I had spent half the energy cleaning my house, the basement would be clutter free! Lol!
But it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!
there is a big "sleep deprived blur" through much of my memory of the following year, and when I finally came up for air (as it were) I think much of the in-fighting was either over with or didn't feel as "important", particularly as I live in Michigan, and our primary votes were scheduled to be ignored due to having "moved the primary". At that time I was completely comfortable supporting either candidate, with a preference for Obama because of my strong dislike of "immediate family" running for President. You may have noticed we have some Hillary supporters who delight in taunting Bernie supporters with "ha! ha! you are going to get banned!" type posts, and even though the admins have categorical stated we are still in Primary mode, those type of bullying posts cause anxiety, especially when a "pile-on" occurs.
I hope you are right. Empty echo chambers are no fun, but neither are food fights. I miss the old rules, when being respectful was a valid community standard, but I haven't left yet, either.
This place is still my home, until the admins say differently. Thank you for always trying to reach out to people who disagree with you -- I've noticed.
was STRONG. I once got into a verbal altercation with a relative during a holiday dinner defending them, and now I am wondering if my natural propensity to "defend the underdog" was taken advantage of by the constant "creation of victimhood" which in hindsight seems really stupid.
Thank you for your kind words and support -- the roller coaster ride of this election is still going on!
And yes, I think that is why they are going for the "Biggest Victim" award -- have you noticed how EVERYBODY is against her?
I don't have the energy to keep fighting battles for someone who has a "poor me" on a weekly basis - I need someone in the White House who can fight for me. It's pretty much the job description, and she can't even get her email without starting a multimillion dollar scandal.
Finding yourself on a planet with 5 billion+ rapacious locusts trailing you could become a daunting task. No need to flaunt at people who think they need no answer, they often get whats coming to them more sooner than later.
Absolutes and puritanical leaning is also kind of nonsense kind of idea, but letting it play out when the herd is at a gallop makes more sense.
And many congrats on 50,000+ posts in advance
for what we believe in, while still conforming to our community norms. I agree with the emptiness of the echo chamber if our voices of dissent are silenced; this appears to be one of the growing pangs of defining how social media maintains its relevance.
Thank you for your support.
The question of whether our voices will be loud enough to make a difference still remains. Thank you for being here and making DU such a wonderful place to be!
That doesn't make it a bad thing, but it can be uncomfortable. You've been here since 2002, and you have been a big part of this board, so you know what I mean. Although we have different opinions on the best candidate for this election cycle, you are still one of the stalwarts who helped build this place into the community it has become.
Thank you for that, and thank you for listening to me, even if you disagree.
You are one of the "old timers" on this board for whom I am especially grateful, and I recall many possible exchanges with you over the years.
As for the Clintons, it is distressing to realize my trust may have been misplaced so badly, and worse, that I was ignoring data that disagreed with my belief that "they care about people". I remember being so proud of Obama for appointing her Secretary of State -- it felt like she could take advantage of previous positive relationships developed during her tenure as First Lady, and work to better the planet, especially with issues regarding women. Now, knowing they were taking money from countries that perpetuated human rights abuses ($500k from the Libyan Foreign Minister two days after the Benghazi attacks - wtf?), I feel sick to my stomach about it.
I keep telling myself it will get better, but I also know that we have to make the change happen.
Strange times indeed!
And the first has some great information for anyone who wants to learn more about the emails.
As for the Clinton's sex life, it has been a part of public discourse for decades, and one of my first "greatest page posts" was a snarky ode to the size and power of the Clenis compared to the small, wimpy one of Junior. (Advanced search to the old DU2 isn't working right now, otherwise I'd link.) I expect they will face more questions on the topic, especially as the blackmail potential for future indiscretions is notable.
And yes, it has been a shock when old myths - "vast right wing conspiracy" for example - were challenged and found wanting; FOX News doing actual reporting definitely surprising.
Big thing I want to say to you, personally, though is an apology for mistaking you for another poster (NRaleighLiberal) who I have long held in high esteem. I am rather embarrassed by that, and hope you can understand the confusion -- "liberal" versus "traveler" = doh! Some of your posts to me were especially distressing while I was under the mistaken impression you were my favorite "tomatoe guy" which probably confused you when I referenced our (apparently imaginary) previously long respectful relationship.
I am glad you enjoy participating in DU.
I am glad you are here. On a positive note, if we aren't volunteering for a candidate, there will be some free time available.
Maybe I can get back to some of my other hobbies, without the excuse of "no time!" There is always a silver lining, right?
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind contributions!
I am so glad you are here!!!
I have also always loved your username (Mark Twain reference!), and am so glad you helped make this place so wonderful!
The show was hysterical!
1) supporting Democrats with my votes,meant that I really was a Democrat.
2) volunteering and donating to them, while
3) agreeing with the party platform at an extraordinary high level
4) consistently for decades
The sticking point for me had been being associated with the Clintons and their never ending scandals which I personally found embarrassing.
You may not be aware of this, but Independents usually lean toward one side or the other. President Obama made me proud to publicly acknowledge what I was already doing - one of my favorite photos of my babies has them with me in the local Democratic offices stuffing envelopes for a fundraiser, while I had to miss a (Democratic fundraiser event) Helen Thomas speech the year before because of vomiting the meal in the parking lot during my challenging pregnancy.
As I said, I will not support Hillary. Fortunately, the primary is still going on, so yeah! And unlike Hillary's latest donors, never have been and NOT a Bush loving Republican.
Talk about stinking up the "big tent" --
who are on a discussion board. I think Sanders wants to help people, and I support him in this. He has old fashioned FDR Democratic Socialist values. He has not used his position to enrich himself or his non-existent "charitable foundation". I trust his judgment to keep our country and its people safe. I think Hillary is going to make decisions that would result in unnecessary deaths and loss of Liberty, based on her MANY mistakes in the past, specifically her tenure as Secretary of State and Senator (IWR and cluster bombs).
Thank you for participating in this thread. I am glad you enjoy DU.
You are exemplary poster and DU member. I'm so glad you're a Bernie supporter. Whenever I click
on one of your posts I know I'm going to read something intelligent, well thought out and straight
from the heart. I hope you stick around for a another decade or two!
Your kind words are much appreciated!
