General Discussion

Fla Dem

(27,449 posts)

60. Who would have thought 25 years ago how integral DU is to so many of us.

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 10:02 AM

23 hrs ago

This is my morning newspaper, the site I go to whenever there is a current news item to get opinions of other trusted DU'ers about issues and events, my morning laugh in the Lounge and throughout the day, so many things I depend on DU.

I look forward to reading the thoughts and opinions of trusted DU'er, I'm sad when we lose long term members, they are missed. While I'm certainly not one of the highest contributing members of thought provoking information this is a community of which I am thrilled to say I have been a member for 23 years and look forward to celebrating my 25th anniversary as a Democratic Underground member.

Thank you David Allsop (EarlG) and David Allen (since left) original founders.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

6 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Wild blueberry EuterpeThelo Wednesdays littlemissmartypants Horseshoeluck electric_blue68

247 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Democratic Underground is 25 years old today [View all] EarlG Yesterday OP

Happy Birthday you quarter of a century oldster! GreenWave Yesterday #1

Remember BonnieJW 23 hrs ago #49

It was 25 years ago today that the first protest in Seattle against the 2000 election happened. spike jones 17 hrs ago #193

K&R spanone Yesterday #2

Kick dalton99a Yesterday #3

Congrats! (Does the fax number still work?) QueerDuck Yesterday #4

Oh, I missed that! How funny! PatSeg 23 hrs ago #53

"Does the fax number still work?" markodochartaigh 22 hrs ago #98

Thank you for all your work and dedication... MiHale Yesterday #5

Bravo!...came here from Bartcop in time for the Quebec City World Bank protests Prairie Gates Yesterday #6

That is how I got here as well. Bohunk68 23 hrs ago #23

Happy Birthday, DU. sinkingfeeling Yesterday #7

Congratulations, one and all! Easterncedar 23 hrs ago #8

DU can rent a car now! tanyev 23 hrs ago #9

I think some options would be True Dough 12 hrs ago #223

InDUbitably! tanyev 12 hrs ago #226

My wife saw you on TV... kentuck 23 hrs ago #10

Happy birthday, DU! Maeve 23 hrs ago #11

🎉Happy Birthday!🎉 Alliepoo 23 hrs ago #12

Congratulations! Happy 25th birthday and many more to follow FakeNoose 23 hrs ago #13

I remember the sign at the inaugural Dave in VA 23 hrs ago #14

I joined in March 2003 mcar 23 hrs ago #15

June 2003! hibbing 20 hrs ago #157

Hello, EarlG! I remember discovering DU through outrage and sorrow. You all have been a place of refuge through CTyankee 23 hrs ago #16

Where would we be without DU? /nt bucolic_frolic 23 hrs ago #17

Happy Birthday DU!!! CaptainTruth 23 hrs ago #18

Have you tried searching you old user name? Nittersing 23 hrs ago #63

Yes, tried that, got nothing. CaptainTruth 21 hrs ago #134

Happy B-Day! Solly Mack 23 hrs ago #19

Happy birthday! JMCKUSICK 23 hrs ago #20

Happy Birthday! mwmisses4289 23 hrs ago #21

Happy Birthday DU! FalloutShelter 23 hrs ago #22

Happy Birthday to all of us. DU is a great pressure relief valve. Botany 23 hrs ago #24

Happy birthday DU ornotna 23 hrs ago #25

Congratulations on achieving 25 years, my dear EarlG! CaliforniaPeggy 23 hrs ago #26

Best damn liberal political website on the internet. Nothing else comes close. NNadir 23 hrs ago #27

Happy birthday du Emile 23 hrs ago #28

Happy Birthday DU! HipChick 23 hrs ago #29

I still have my first bumper sticker! It's one of the few things Maru Kitteh 23 hrs ago #30

i came here because of the bush debachle . im still reelling from that. AllaN01Bear 23 hrs ago #31

I couldn't have anticipated PatSeg 23 hrs ago #41

Happy Birthday DU and many thanks! liberalla 23 hrs ago #32

Happy Birthday, DU! And thank you, EarlG, Skinner, and elad, who made a quarter of a century a true privilege. Aristus 23 hrs ago #33

Thanks for posting! Brings back great memories! JoeOtterbein 23 hrs ago #34

Happy 25th, EarlG. Forever grateful to you, Skinner, and Elad, for niyad 23 hrs ago #35

Congrats and THANK YOU!!! ybbor 23 hrs ago #36

Happy birthday, DU 🥳 UpInArms 23 hrs ago #37

Happy Birthday, DU Grim Chieftain 23 hrs ago #38

Wow, 25 years!!! PatSeg 23 hrs ago #39

Congratulations Mz Pip 23 hrs ago #40

Congratulations! 2naSalit 23 hrs ago #42

happy brthday to US. Old Crank 23 hrs ago #43

Happy birthday !!! SamKnause 23 hrs ago #44

I've been here quite a while Dyedinthewoolliberal 23 hrs ago #45

Congrats on 25 Years! ProfessorGAC 23 hrs ago #46

K & R malaise 23 hrs ago #47

Happy Birthday DU!! Lithos 23 hrs ago #48

Thanks to all who have kept DU humming. Happy Birthday. Auggie 23 hrs ago #50

I initially thought the 25 evolves 23 hrs ago #51

I had the same thought! (n/t) PJMcK 23 hrs ago #61

Happy Birthday DU! mountain grammy 23 hrs ago #52

Congratulations on your 25 year old "baby"! Happy birthday 🎈🎂 biophile 23 hrs ago #54

Congratulations and thank you!! coffeenap 23 hrs ago #55

.................. marmar 23 hrs ago #56

Awesome! StarryNite 23 hrs ago #57

Happy Birthday DU!!!!!! bdamomma 23 hrs ago #58

You forgot to mention how DU fought copyright sitters for Fair Use! That alone would have been enough ... marble falls 23 hrs ago #59

Who would have thought 25 years ago how integral DU is to so many of us. Fla Dem 23 hrs ago #60

Happy Birthday DU! La Coliniere 23 hrs ago #62

Thank you to DU founders and members. Fresh_Start 23 hrs ago #64

HAPPY 25TH AND HAPPY DANCING FOR THE NEXT 25! BumRushDaShow 22 hrs ago #65

I guess a birthday present is in order PJMcK 22 hrs ago #66

Happy Birthday DU! FullySupportDems 22 hrs ago #67

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DU! BBbats 22 hrs ago #68

I remember those days well karin_sj 22 hrs ago #69

Happy 25th, DU!!! Silver Gaia 22 hrs ago #70

Happy 25th! I could say ditto to your entire Tree Lady 21 hrs ago #132

Mazel Tov! Danmel 22 hrs ago #71

My first rodeo here was in April of 2001 Sector 001 22 hrs ago #72

Wow! Happy anniversary! So grateful for this community. Wild blueberry 22 hrs ago #73

Congrats and a big thank you from the high desert desertrat505 22 hrs ago #74

I was posting on a music related board when I saw a link TBF 22 hrs ago #75

I found this website during the 08 recession Puppyjive 22 hrs ago #76

Happy Birthday and a gargantuan thank you! democrank 22 hrs ago #77

Happy Birthday, DU! slightlv 22 hrs ago #78

Happy Birthday DU!!!! odins folly 22 hrs ago #79

Happy birthday! Americanme 22 hrs ago #80

Happy Birthday, DU! gademocrat7 22 hrs ago #81

DU is still going strong! angrychair 22 hrs ago #82

Long may you run, EarlG and DU. You've saved the sanity of millions. ancianita 22 hrs ago #83

Happy birthday, DU and thanks to all who make this site the treasure that it is... EuterpeThelo 22 hrs ago #84

Wait - so, you don't have a fax any more? SpankMe 22 hrs ago #85

DU's 25th is my 70th! NewHendoLib 22 hrs ago #86

Congratulations 🎊 25 WooHoo Clouds Passing 22 hrs ago #87

I don't remember when MuseRider 22 hrs ago #88

Thanks for just existing DU ! Hey Joe 22 hrs ago #89

And the need still exists. Many outlets exist that just publish lies and the current WH occupant is worse question everything 22 hrs ago #90

I've been reading and sometimes posting on this site Mr. Mustard 2023 22 hrs ago #91

This is worthy of my 5000th post. Pobeka 22 hrs ago #92

Happy 25th Birthday DU! Thank you so much EarlG, livetohike 22 hrs ago #93

Happy Birthday everybody! Cadfael 22 hrs ago #94

Thanks for everything, EarlG. Paladin 22 hrs ago #95

My go to site for a very long time. Thanks. S/V Loner 22 hrs ago #96

Mine also - where the day starts and where it ends rurallib 20 hrs ago #160

Happy Birthday DU. Thank you for all you are! c-rational 22 hrs ago #97

Congratulations on 25 years, and congratulations on a superlative product. yellow dahlia 22 hrs ago #99

"Bartcop sent me" orangecrush 22 hrs ago #100

Congratulations! markodochartaigh 22 hrs ago #101

I have 23 official years as a DU member TexLaProgressive 22 hrs ago #102

Similar story here. Wednesdays 21 hrs ago #148

Wow! I can remember Blue_Roses 22 hrs ago #103

K&R fantase56 22 hrs ago #104

I got here after Katrina, as the town I was in didn't care one way or the other about it Leghorn21 22 hrs ago #105

This ranks right up there with the moon landing, House of Roberts 22 hrs ago #106

This has been my "clean, well-lighted place" for 23 years nuxvomica 22 hrs ago #107

Congratulations and great job always!!! PCIntern 22 hrs ago #108

Happy Anniversary, DU!! SergeStorms 22 hrs ago #109

Thanks Earl! DU is haven and a source of encouragement for liberals and other sane people. Helps keep our Martin68 22 hrs ago #110

Congratulations! hamsterjill 22 hrs ago #111

Thanks for everything. Thanks for being here. Dulcinea 22 hrs ago #112

Congratulations to all you guys, and do we ever appreciate your work. JudyM 22 hrs ago #113

Happy Birthday DU! And thank you for being here. Chellee 22 hrs ago #114

We need it now more than ever. Long live DU! bronxiteforever 21 hrs ago #115

DU has been my online home for decades. yardwork 21 hrs ago #116

Thank you for everything. quaint 21 hrs ago #117

Wow. Time flies when you're having fun, eh? peggysue2 21 hrs ago #118

I joined in December 2001 Jersey Devil 21 hrs ago #119

Well I have enjoyed 12 years of pure DU bliss...... turbinetree 21 hrs ago #120

Happy birthday, congrats, and thank you for keeping this site going! I love DU. You're right that highplainsdem 21 hrs ago #121

Happy Anniversary and thank you! Mr. Jinx 21 hrs ago #122

Happy Birthday DU Submariner 21 hrs ago #123

Happy birthday, EarlG and DU! So glad to be at the party! 🎉 chia 21 hrs ago #124

Happy 25th Anniversary to DU and to all that have a hand in making it the great site it is today. debm55 21 hrs ago #125

Happy 25th, DU!!! bearsfootball516 21 hrs ago #126

Thank you for all of the hard work and efforts over the last 25 years LetMyPeopleVote 21 hrs ago #127

HBD! bif 21 hrs ago #128

Celebrating DU's 25th birthday! greatauntoftriplets 21 hrs ago #129

It looks like DU is here to stay. mercuryblues 21 hrs ago #130

Thank you EarlG... Chemical Bill 21 hrs ago #131

;-{) Goonch 21 hrs ago #133

happy birthday democratic underground. dawn5651 21 hrs ago #135

Happy 25th DU! ... Much thanks, EarlG, Elad, and Skinner! sarchasm 21 hrs ago #136

Happy 25th birthday! Initech 21 hrs ago #137

I am among those who remembers well (well, as much as my no longer young young mind can)! LOL hlthe2b 21 hrs ago #138

Feels older. ... littlemissmartypants 21 hrs ago #139

thank you SO MUCH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! nt orleans 21 hrs ago #140

Congratulations! hermetic 21 hrs ago #141

Hooray for DU! WestMichRad 21 hrs ago #142

Thank You stillspkg 21 hrs ago #143

Thank You! FloridaDAR 21 hrs ago #144

A huge congratulations! pandr32 21 hrs ago #145

Happy b-day, DU! sakabatou 21 hrs ago #146

I've been here almost from the beginning robbob 21 hrs ago #147

Congrats - don't know what I'd do without you! Vinca 20 hrs ago #149

Happy Bday Cherokee100 20 hrs ago #150

Sheriff John wishes DU a happy birthday DBoon 20 hrs ago #151

I was there (different screen name). 25 years - OMG I'M OLD AS HELL! CousinIT 20 hrs ago #152

Happy 25th! AllyCat 20 hrs ago #153

Celebrating sanity for 25 years! Stinky The Clown 20 hrs ago #154

I blame Rush Limbaugh LittleGirl 20 hrs ago #155

Woah! 😯😟 electric_blue68 12 hrs ago #221

It was a clip I watched online LittleGirl 11 hrs ago #230

Happy Birthday! Congratulations! Many Thanks! Golden Raisin 20 hrs ago #156

I remember sending in checks for my membership 🤣 peacebuzzard 20 hrs ago #158

I think I got here in 2004 Starry Messenger 20 hrs ago #159

I still shudder when I think of the week DU was down rurallib 20 hrs ago #161

Happy Birthday!! Chicagogrl1 20 hrs ago #162

Congrats Figarosmom 20 hrs ago #163

Happy Birthday, DU! LNM 20 hrs ago #164

Then and still a true beacon of American Democracy! BadGimp 20 hrs ago #165

All I can say is KT2000 20 hrs ago #166

Many happy returns! dickthegrouch 20 hrs ago #167

Thanks for the memories! JoseBalow 19 hrs ago #168

Hey, THANK YOU, DU!!! calimary 19 hrs ago #169

Happy Birthday To Us! Deep State Witch 19 hrs ago #170

No shit. And Happy 25th, DU! calimary 9 hrs ago #237

Happy Birthday DU! SunSeeker 19 hrs ago #171

As the late BartCop said, BidenRocks 19 hrs ago #172

Happy Birthday DU! doubleplusgood 19 hrs ago #173

Happy Birthday DU!!! tazcat 19 hrs ago #174

Congratulations on your milestone birthday! kimbutgar 19 hrs ago #175

I loved the 'Top 10 Conservative Idiots' when I lurked back in the day RetiredParatrooper 19 hrs ago #176

Congratuations on hitting that milestone. CentralMass 19 hrs ago #177

Congratulations on 25 years of being a guiding light through dark times! dlk 19 hrs ago #178

Happy Birthday DU! Spazito 19 hrs ago #179

Here is the earliest page I could find: Feb 19th, 2001 kentuck 19 hrs ago #180

Happy 25!!! berniesandersmittens 19 hrs ago #181

It is unique in terms of content. I was looking for a place with no trolls in 2005 applegrove 19 hrs ago #182

It seems like it was just yesterday I needed a refuge to rant about Bush Junior... Pluvious 19 hrs ago #183

HapB! Thank you for keeping me saner. LilyBelle 18 hrs ago #184

Brovo DU. We remain strong. Thank you to our DU founders. Hotler 18 hrs ago #185

Happy Birthday! purr-rat beauty 18 hrs ago #186

Happy Birthday To Us! tavernier 18 hrs ago #187

The old page reminds me... Shipwack 18 hrs ago #188

Thank you for being my reality-based refuge all these years!!! diane in sf 18 hrs ago #189

Happy B-Day DU! danieljsf 18 hrs ago #190

WHAT A RIDE IT HAS BEEN!!! Skittles 18 hrs ago #191

Happy 25th anniversary, DU! Denvermosaic 17 hrs ago #192

You are sanity for so many of us - Thank you! Marie Marie 17 hrs ago #194

Now... more than ever... ultralite001 17 hrs ago #195

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! bluestarone 17 hrs ago #196

25 years? Wow! FireUpChips10 17 hrs ago #197

Oh my goodness! Delphinus 17 hrs ago #198

Happy birthday DU 🎉🎂 MustLoveBeagles 17 hrs ago #199

Congratulations! I joined 2 years and 7 months later A HERETIC I AM 16 hrs ago #200

Thank you! mahina 16 hrs ago #201

Happy Birthday! Been here for 22 of the 25. Thanks. /nt artemisia1 16 hrs ago #202

Happy 25th!!! mamacita75 16 hrs ago #203

Congratulations and Salutations! OldBaldy1701E 16 hrs ago #204

Happy Birthday Democratic Underground 🥳 Deuxcents 16 hrs ago #205

Thank you... PittBlue 16 hrs ago #206

I've been a dedicated daily DU'r since 2001. Don't know what I'd have done without it. Demnation 16 hrs ago #207

Happy birthday! I've been with you since Feb 2001 lanlady 16 hrs ago #208

Aww... Tears.. It means so much to Cha 15 hrs ago #209

Bravo! Lulu KC 15 hrs ago #210

Two? jfz9580m 15 hrs ago #211

I'm another who found this place via the Bartcop pipeline. Lurked for a few months... JHB 15 hrs ago #212

Happy Anniversary Baby, got you on my mind JMCKUSICK 14 hrs ago #213

Happy, happy Birthday Earl and all DUers!! choie 14 hrs ago #214

Ahh Yes... Bush v Gore. DU was our sanctuary from all that. farmbo 14 hrs ago #215

Thank you, EarlG, for helping me stay sane for the last 20 years DeeDeeNY 14 hrs ago #216

Here's to another 25 years!!!!! BigmanPigman 14 hrs ago #217

CONGRATULATIONS to the DU!!! 💥🥳🥂🎊🥰 nt Raine 13 hrs ago #218

🎉 🩷25th 🎂Anniversary !🩷🎉 electric_blue68 13 hrs ago #219

Be blessed. You're the best. Your anniversary, the happiest. ...from Fest and the rest. Festivito 13 hrs ago #220

I remember reading that banner.... whyzayker 12 hrs ago #222

What a long strange trip it's been.! OAITW r.2.0 12 hrs ago #224

Imagine if 25 years ago, True Dough 12 hrs ago #225

Happy Bday, DU! buzzycrumbhunger 12 hrs ago #227

FORMIDABLE! Mme. Defarge 12 hrs ago #228

Happy Birthday DU! red dog 1 11 hrs ago #229

Congratulations to you, Elad and Skinner! Also bookmarked for my Valentine's Day hearts list ... cliffside 10 hrs ago #231

Wait! Where's the cake? Did you all get cake! IcyPeas 10 hrs ago #232

I'm so thankful forDU I_UndergroundPanther 10 hrs ago #233

Oh, the Hate Mail bag! intrepidity 10 hrs ago #234

Happy 25th Bday, DU! Earth Bound Misfit 9 hrs ago #235

Happy birthday DU!!! FemDemERA 9 hrs ago #236

I think the thing I admire the most about you, outside of the the bedrock structure of DU that you've supplied is... Ellipsis 9 hrs ago #238

+1 for ole' times sake. Crowman2009 9 hrs ago #239

So I can't send my birthday typewriter art via fax? Crowman2009 9 hrs ago #240

I came here for Top 10 Conservative Idiots. July 2003 JohnnyRingo 9 hrs ago #241

Happy Birthday DU!! 🎉✨️🎂 AmBlue 8 hrs ago #242

This place is a treasure. Intelligent. Interesting. pnwest 7 hrs ago #243

Thank you- My life would be way more hopeless if I didn't have DU as my constant companion. 20+ years here; my home. NBachers 4 hrs ago #244

CONGRATS on 25 from me & Oscar! Thanks for a place to FIGHT & a place to PLAY! A-Schwarzenegger 3 hrs ago #245

otanjoubi Omedetou (TODAY is my birthday as well ) YoshidaYui 3 hrs ago #246

Proud member since July of 2002 markbark 3 hrs ago #247