Message to the Left-Wing

[lovemydog]

51. These are my thoughts as well H2O Man.

Thank you for your eloquent posts. They expand my mind.

As a democratic socialist, I believe we need to move forward with creativity toward reducing the great imbalances of wealth and power, to make our society better for all. Like you, I believe it begins locally. Individually, expanding outward.

As a humanist, I believe the social dynamics of inclusiveness and addressing race, gender and sexuality issues are essential to that struggle. I've learned and appreciated a lot of what's shared here at DU as well.

I vote, but haven't yet decided for whom to vote. It's not a huge deal to me. I always vote for the most progressive candidate available, in every election. Voting is the least I do to affect positive change - not the most. In a similar fashion, I believe posting at DU is the least I do. What I do offline is much more meaningful. I come here for refreshments and enjoyment. It's a time to relax, expand my mind, say hello to others who I've never met who I know I'd also enjoy in real life.

Alternative dispute resolution attracts me very much. I enjoy trying to bridge gaps, and find common ground. We on the left can find a path forward by examining techniques than enable us to bring a positive economic shift that our country now needs. We'll accomplish it best by realizing it's a life-long task and taking pleasure in that. I'm proud to be part of that struggle.

I'm not much interested in party politics or in moving up through any political ranks. It's just not my style. I just can't stand group meeting about politics, lol. So I find my niche so to speak on a more casual and personal level that more involves filmmakers and artists. I respect those who are involved in that world. I've also seen firsthand how the coalitions you discuss can and do work effectively with more mainstream groups while preserving their integrity & artistic individuality.

Ideologically I support leftists and socialists with a human side to them. Mainly artists and filmmakers who aren't directly involved in party politics and for whom party politics is more of a sidelight to how they actually live their lives on a day to day basis.

I've found that gradual changes in my personal life have had the greatest effect toward enriching my life and helped make me more available and more helpful and compassionate toward those around me. These include leaving the corporate world, volunteering at a horse shelter, getting rid of credit cards from big banks, bartering for services that I provide on a sliding scale, having pot lucks at home (like I did last night - it was great fun!).

I come back to DU for folks who understand & relate to what you're talking about.

And to share some laughs and good times with many who I perceive as committed to making our lives more fun, more enjoyable, and expanding opportunities for ourselves and those around us. I've never met anyone from DU offline. I've 'met' some wonderful folks at DU here online, their humanity comes shining through like sunlight. Most of them, I met in the African American group, the feminist groups, the lounge, the Barack Obama group, the progressive groups. I see us all striving toward making an often painful and lonely and difficult world, one which is more enjoyable to inhabit for ourselves and our brothers and sisters.