Has Anyone Else On DU Noticed This Lately?

[Orsino]

383. You have discovered that DU users are human.

Born in the dark days of the Bush Administration, DU was for underdogs who congratulated each other for being better, with promises of what we'd do if our party was ever in power again. "Democratic Overlords" was a joke that became cliche as President Obama's election looked more and more likely.

We aren't quite as underdoggy nowadays, and some members of our party have real national power and influence. We've long since begun to disagree vehemently as to how that pow should best be used.

That's all. We haven't become worse people, but the "free thought" isn't as free anymore--now Democratic policies have more consequence. Less lockstep is good; it's more small-d democratic, in fact.

Our straits have become more desperate, though, as conservative policy has stolen more and more of our health, livelihoods and joy. Our leaders' steadfast refusal to work for the enormous changes we need more than ever is what's driving the discourse toward savagery.

People are hurting, and the power to end their pain lies just out of their reach. Be amazed that the site isn't a smoking crater, and learn to love the disunity you see, is my advice.