Thank you for the warm welcome with SEVEN hearts. :)
No, I'm not fishing for additional hearts. People giving me them actually makes me feel kind of bad because I know they spent money on them lol.
Having just signed up a few weeks ago after being a lurker (and avoiding this place all together during much of the election because of the overwhelming anti-HRC sentiments), I just wanted to say thank you for making me feel mostly welcome here. I'm usually hesitant to participate in political discussions despite having an interest because I don't know nearly as much as true political junkies who know all of the complex details behind how our government works and therefore usually feel like my less-nuanced input is looked down upon.
= new reply since forum marked as read
This was a pretty rough little town during the primaries! 
But nice to have you here now!
And primary season is never DU at its best. I always feel like mentioning that to folks who sign up then. I've been here since 2003 and it's always a rough time. But if you notice, things have calmed down now. We have a common enemy now - and a bigly and deserving one! 
I wasn't well versed in politics when I first came to DU. I was never political, always voted, that's it, but 9/11 scared me witless and that's what woke me up. I started reading and found DU and it's contributed in a major way to my education. I've now actually worked for my congressional candidates and I can hold my own in most any discussion. And I learn something new here every day. 
The folks here are incredibly plugged in. The depth of knowledge here continues to amaze and impress me. I'm confident that there is someone here who can answer pretty much any question. 
And it's not all politics here. Look through the forums and groups for whatever interests you. From sports to support groups to individual hobbies, DU has it all! 
So don't be afraid to participate, weigh in, and ask about things you want to know more about. We're very glad that you decided to join us! 
