Is DU worthwhile? Does it matter? I answer "Yes" to both questions. [View all]

[Atticus]

Several posters --- if I understood them correctly --- have recently voiced their opinion that DU has no real effect on the world beyond this board. They reason that, since we are overwhelmingly progressives and liberals, we reliably vote and we vote for Democrats. Therefore, they argue, what is posted here, no matter how supportive or critical of the party or a particular Democrat, really has any impact on the political landscape. They are certainly entitled to their opinion, but I do not share it.

Do I have "hard proof" to counter the above? No. I doubt that any such information exists or that it would persuade anyone if it did. What each of us has is our own life experience, a little common sense and our ability to reason.

I rely on DU for reliable news and an antidote to the daily avalanche of poison spewing from the open sewer below Trump's nose. And, though we do have our trolls and some fluff and silliness, I can always find intelligent people debating important issues. I read about ways to counter the Dark Side that I doubt would ever have occurred to me.

As I live in a scarlet red county, the mere fact that I can communicate with people who, in general, see the world as I do, helps me to venture out each day with my "Impeach Trump" tee shirt, my bumper sticker covered car and my "bad attitude". And, I am positive that that open defiance of the local powers that be encouraged others who thought THEY were alone in their disgust with and fear of this regime.

I have to think that maybe, just maybe, some will register to vote, some will actually vote and some may find the courage to speak out on their own because they saw someone who was willing to piss off the Trumpers.

And, in part, DU enables me to do that. I don't think I am unique. Others on this board do much more than I do. And, though it may not be quantifiable, I think some part of their resistance has its origin on this board.
T
DU matters. What happens here makes a difference.