This is NOT a goodbye cruel DU post

[cali]

Last edited Fri Apr 4, 2014, 06:50 PM - Edit history (2)

DU is a wonderful place, but it's geared toward politics and the McCutcheon decision has just thrust the coup de grace into our democracy. At least for now. At least when it comes to national politics.

It's become an inelegant farce with the media largely pretending that in the interests of fairness, all ideas have equal weight and that the purveyors of some of the very worst governing philosophies are just as worthy of serious consideration as those who take democratic principles seriously and put forth legitimate ideas. It's corpse decorating- or desecrating, take your pick.

In taking a break, I want to acknowledge a couple of things: The vast majority of DUers share common principles. We believe in a government that represents the "least" of us and not just those with deep pockets. We believe in essential fairness. We believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We believe that education should lift people up and that the poor, GLBT folks, people of every ethnicity and gender and religion or non-religion, have as much innate human dignity and deserve to be treated by society and government in a way that reflects that.

I also want to acknowledge that those who keep at us about the importance of voting democratic are right. It's hardly a secret to many here that I'm disgusted by the corporatism that is now so prevalent in the democratic party as well as in the republican party. It's something I find deeply disturbing and disgusting. But those who keep at us about the importance of voting democratic are (mostly) correct. McCutcheon is hard evidence of that.

So to everyone here, have a wonderful spring.

cali

[polichick]

1. Happy spring, cali - enjoy!

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Have a nice break.

I, for one, look forward to your return, refreshed, re-armed, and ready to pick up the cudgel once again.

[rrneck]

3. Look forward to seeing your return. nt

[City Lights]

4. Enjoy your break, cali.

Don't stay away too long!

[Autumn]

5. You have a wonderful spring too cali. Hope to

see you again.

[First Speaker]

6. I hope you'll be back sooner rather than later...

...every word you say is true, and more. Still--your voice is one of the reasons why I come to DU every day, and it often has given me hope in the toughest times...despite, or perhaps because, your occasional Tough Love approach... ...

[GeorgeGist]

7. You too.

[The Magistrate]

8. You Will Be Missed Till Your Return, Ma'am

Be well!

[Lars39]

9. ~

Best wishes, cali.

[JoePhilly]

10. Cali, we rarely see eye to eye ... but ...

... I agree with your post ... most of us do agree on common principles, even if at times, we disagree (loudly) on how to get there.

Enjoy your time away ... come back well ... and refreshed.

Sincerely,
Joe

[questionseverything]

11. we need your voice more than ever

I try to keep up with the news but I would not know half of what I know about the trade agreements if it was not for your posts

take a short break if you must but please do not stay gone long

this democracy isn't gonna save itself

[JohnnyLib2]

12. Awww, rats!

Your fervor will surely be missed.

Enjoy the break!

[Scuba]

13. Well said. Thanks cali, for this and for all you do!

[progressoid]

14. Nice post Hitler.

Kidding...

See ya soon.

[Helen Borg]

15. What do you guys think about WOLFPAC?

As a way to take money out of politics? It seems like a good idea to me. Perhaps the only good idea on the table, really. And they seem to be making progress in a few states. I'm considering saving $100/month in eating out and donating to them for the next couple of years, actually.

[Puglover]

16. Wonderful post.

I feel pretty much the same way you do Cali. Enjoy the Spring. Have a good break. See you soon.

[JI7]

17. see you later, i would like to take a break from everything

and hopefully i can make some more money so i can do that.

but right now this is one of the things that help me pass time at work.

[Agony]

18. Cheers!

a great post.

Agony

[Agschmid]

19. I'll see you on the flip side!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

20. Sorry you're taking a break. I agree the McCutcheon decision has proven once and for all that

that Republicans cannot be allowed to hold public office, yet they've been dominating it for over 3 decades and putting right wing extremists in our Supreme Court. Our Supreme Court has turned into a right wing extremist branch of the GOP. It's the churches, the SC, and everything else. Very very depressing.

I was already upset with the Neo-Cons. I'm now very upset with certain libs who, while enjoying some sort of wacko hero complex, have been willing to throw everything away and allow the Republicans full control, and to do this while proclaiming in everyone's faces how oh so principled they are.

[mountain grammy]

21. Nice post, enjoy your time off.

I know I'd be a lot more productive if I took some time off. Hard habit to break, plus this is my main place for news.

[malaise]

22. Excellent post

Rec

[blkmusclmachine]

23. +1000

[Aldo Leopold]

24. Breaks from DU are a necessary evil.

Have a good one!

[Laelth]

25. Enjoy your break, my friend.

I look forward to your return ... when you're ready.



-Laelth

[Fumesucker]

26. Hasta la vista

Baby.

[randome]

27. Looking forward to your return already.

Seriously.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]All things in moderation, including moderation.[/center][/font][hr]

[Worried senior]

28. We'll miss you

hurry back.

[geckosfeet]

29. Slring in Nea England. Every minute of it is precious.

Too short to waste on political bickering and worrying about the commoditization of our political process. How long before political parties and senators and congressmen are traded on the stock exchanges? Roberts opened the door. It is just a matter of time before they walk out into the light and formalize the process.

[Shankapotomus]

30. What

You don't have a stand in guest poster assigned to your user name when you're away?

[WillyT]

31. Get Your Ass Back Here !!!

Or I'll sic Skittles on you.



Have a nice break, friend.







But... get your ass back here.

[XRubicon]

32. Come back before the elections

We will need thinkers around then.

[johnnyreb]

33. I like your style and appreciate your zeal.

And the info is great too. Have a nice Spring, cali!

[840high]

34. Happy Spring.

[panader0]

35. Your posts will be missed.

I've been turning my attention to my garden.

[L0oniX]

36. But who will we alert on now? Manny?

[Jesus Malverde]

37. We'll miss ya Cali

Come on back when the weather is crappy and you can't get out to smell the flowers.

[Mnemosyne]

38. It won't be the same without reading you, cali.

Return when you feel it again.

[UTUSN]

39. Meh don't know what it's all about n/t

[steve2470]

40. have a good spring, Cali nt

[snot]

41. Please come back soon.

You'll be missed.

[malthaussen]

42. Walk in beauty, Cali.

There's plenty to be found, if not in politics.

-- Mal

[cui bono]

43. Enjoy your spring cali!

See you when you get back. Will miss your informative posts in the meantime.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

44. If only all Democrats were down with this.

We believe in a government that represents the "least" of us and not just those with deep pockets. We believe in essential fairness. We believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We believe that education should lift people up and that the poor, GLBT folks, people of every ethnicity and gender and religion or non-religion, have as much innate human dignity and deserve to be treated by society and government in a way that reflects that.

Enjoy your spring as well.

[warrprayer]

45. True Warriors Fight with their Hearts

... and you are a D.U. Warrior of the finest cut.
Hope to see you again.

[LeftishBrit]

46. Have a great spring, and come back refreshed!

[karynnj]

47. I can well understand the need for a break -- but I wanted to thank you

For many years, I read your posts that explained Vermont. During most of them, my husband and I were already planning our retirement here. We had come to tourist Vermont - specifically Smuggs for one or two weeks at the end of every summer since 1990. During that time, we had ventured out to see much of Vermont. We did not delude ourselves that we "knew" the state.

A month ago, we visited the Northeast kingdom for the first time and saw the majestic area that you have spoken of. We went to Craftsbury for a couple of days of lessons and cross country skiing.

Additionally, I have also enjoyed arguing against and more often with you on national issues. I look forward to you returning - and hope the level of anger and posturing lessens. Best wishes!