Enough is enough. A call for compassion. [View all]

[davidthegnome]

Okay, so I'll be the first here to admit that I've said some snarky things to my fellow DUers. At times I've been mean, snippy, irritable, even unreasonable. I'm definitely guilty of not behaving as well as I should have. There's been a whole lot of personal attacks and ugliness in some forums and threads these last few months - and I know I'm not the only one who has been shocked at the extent of it. There are strong feelings here at DU, about a great number of issues - and that's one of the things that makes DU so great, our passionate support for things we believe strongly in. I've read better writing here than I ever saw in textbooks - much better -.

I have also, unfortunately, in more recent times, seen a lot of ugliness. Things being said here, today in particular, really made me sit up and start paying attention. As enthusiastic as I am about my own politics, as passionate as I am - I know that other people are just as much so.

I will say again what I have said in the past - I do not think DU is a place where ignorant, cruel, or bad people come to discuss things. I think that place is called the free republic. I think it (DU) is a place where a lot of people, who care deeply about the world, about humanity, about living things, the economy... about a wide variety of issues come together to discuss issues and to combine our minds, our thoughts and our hearts in an effort to make the world a better place.

I have seen stunning intelligence, eloquence, empathy and compassion every day here at DU. I have seen it from members on both sides of several different issues and debates. I have also seen genuinely good people trying to rip each other to shreds over issues that should not be personal. I have seen people who here who have been friends for years turn on each other. I have seen people I know to be kind and compassionate say some mean and hateful things.

I know, we're not cookie cutters, our passion is what makes this place so great... but please, let's try to remember that in all of our conversations here we are dealing with other human beings. With people who have feelings, thoughts, and passions as genuine and as decent and as valid as our own. The greater our compassion, our empathy, our trust, respect, and affection for each other... the much greater our chances of victory not just in politics, but in life.

I have never seen a more heartfelt, decent, intelligent or progressive a group of people as I read from here every day at DU. It has been my honor and pleasure to be engaged and involved here with all of you. So, I wanted to give a heartfelt shout out to my DU family. I know I can be... less than pleasant some times, but I'm on your side. For all of you who favor peace over violence, love over hatred, enlightenment over ignorance. We are not the free republic, we are friends, we are family, we are people who like each other, respect each other - and appreciate each other.

I have had to remind myself of these things frequently throughout these last few months... but I urge you all to join me in doing so now. Let's do what we can to heal the pain here and try to be kinder to each other.

Remember that that person staring at their own monitor fears and cries and bleeds and loves as much as you do. We are in this together. We are DUers, but more than that, we are (to borrow a quote from a DUer who I don't think would mind) DOers. Political organizers and thinkers, passionate and kind people who want a better world for today and tomorrow. We can... and will make it happen working together.

Just my ten cents... thank you for reading.