Saying this here on DU and on FB

[WCGreen]

33. I feel the same way....

When I first came to DU, I read a lot, didn't post that much and then retreated to the Lounge. I had a lot of fun over there and gathered a lot of friends that still make me smile when I think about all the crazy stuff that amused us.

But when I decided to post more on the "serious" rooms, I never looked to see who it was who gave me a rec or if anyone ever hid my posts.

I did this because I wanted to say exactly what I meant without thinking which of my friends would be offended or delighted with my opinions.

I guess that was because I was given to write before the internet was available. The Plain Dealer was kind enough to pay me for several Op-Eds over the years and then I was given the opportunity to write for an alternative weekly here in Cleveland, Ohio.

So I approached my post here in GD as if I was submitting to a newspaper.

Believe you me, I had some very controversial post included one right after the 2004 election stating that president Bush was the president regardless of what happened and said he was my president because I was an American citizen and he was the president. I also said I did not support any of his programs or initiative, especially the wars he involved us in.

I did this exactly because I knew when the next election came around, we would hear from the vocal right that who ever it was was not their president if they happen to be a democrat.

Anyway, I too welcome debate and will never shy away from an honest conversation.

I think that is what makes DU so special. It's an open forum that is the closest I have seen to the old soapbox set up on the town square to give anyone a chance to speak their mind.

That is what makes DU DU.