I think we should be able to talk about our anxiety, dread and fear here.

[slightlv]

74. While we may not all by doctors or psychologists on here,

we ARE friends to each other, if only by digital "like minds," for the most part. One of the things that made this forum my only long-time place to read and post is the way we support each other. That includes, to me, those of us who are deeply feeling the pain and worry this election season brings. We've lived through what?... three "must vote" elections, where our democracy could be in danger. That is wearing on anyone, and I tend to worry about the "boy who cried wolf" syndrome in the greater public. But to me, there is no doubt this is the do or die election for our country... and for many of us. There are a majority of us here (I think) who are older, dependent upon Social Security and Medicare to live, as well as young ones who might be dependent on SNAP and other earned (or unearned) benefits. For some of us, winning this election could be the difference between continued life and death, democracy or not. We're all over the map as far as income is concerned. I believe the majority of us here on DU are of the empathetic, sensitive people who are most easily harmed by the cruelty we see in the alternative administration and the people of the U.S. in general.

For better or worse, DU is a place where we feel safe in coming to vent, to worry, as well as to push for better outcomes. It's a time of transition and change is never easy. As one who worries a lot... and in that lower range of incomes... maybe I don't have a righteous opinion to voice. But I would hate to see the overall vibe of DU change from one of help and caring to one of pushing one agenda or opinion only. I think we care too deeply for that here.