I hope that everyone reads and recs bigtree's OP in GD/P.

[sufrommich]

It's incredibly heartfelt and awesome:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511392759

[Cha]

1. Thanks Su!

[book_worm]

2. I just did--Thanks!

[UtahLib]

3. Everyone should read it

[2naSalit]

4. Thanks, I would have missed that

since I have GDP blocked right now. I was glad to read it as it is very eloquently stated and describes my childhood almost to a T.

[sufrommich]

5. I read your reply to him. One of the signs

of a powerful writer is the ability to put people in places they don't have the ability to go themselves. I'm not a minority,that description you highlighted was gut wrenching.

[2naSalit]

8. It's how millions

of non-western-European descent grow up in this country. I still experience it now and I'm 60 years old. Trying to bring it up in discussion is often blown off in the same fashion as rape victims being questioned as to whether the rape was a "legitimate rape", you just don't talk about it if you like your job or the team you bowl with or whatever. But the most telling is when nobody wants to hear anything you have to say about anything because you are irrelevant in their world... especially if you have an education, it's just too much for some.

In my case it's really telling since the vast majority of my ethnic/biological heritage is German, Fin, French but that tiny bit of Lithuanian and Chippewa make me look olive tinted so I must be black.

It's also what causes me to be hyper vigilant about political issues.

[BlueMTexpat]

6. I don't believe it is possible

to K & R your recommendation enough!

That was truly one of the best essays I have ever read on DU in all my years here!

[sufrommich]

7. I agree.If I were him I'd send it to

magazines like The New Yorker.It reads like a well put together article.

[BlueMTexpat]

10. I definitely agree. eom

[Koinos]

9. His OP is a blockbuster.

It speaks for itself. There is nothing better than truth to clear the fog.

[GusBob]

11. HOLY CRAP! It like I fell into a time machine. DU of old

Thoughtful. Thought-provoking.

Very, very, well written. Snark free

Back in the day people would discuss things to learn from each other

[Stand and Fight]

17. That was my exact thought.

I know there is always a sense of nostalgia when people think back on where things have been, but even outside of the primary season, DU is NOT what it once was. Whereas at one time we were able to discuss our differences without resorting to snark, insults, or drive-by snippets, that's no longer the case. I miss though days. Consequently, I don't post anywhere near as much as I used to on account of the attitude of some and the general atmosphere. In fact, I haven't recommended that anyone come to this site since about 2009.

[lunamagica]

12. It's a must read for everyone on DU

[NurseJackie]

13. Amazing. Only ...

... I get the feeling that it's wasted on GDP. That essay needs to be published somewhere bigger than just here.

[mcar]

14. It is wonderful

[wysi]

15. Thank you for posting that link...

I never would have seen the OP otherwise, and it was a magnificent piece of writing indeed. I almost felt like I was living the experience through the OP's eyes, incredible.

[Lucinda]

16. TY! It's a great post isn't it?

[Stand and Fight]

18. Thanks for telling us about this...

Since I'm reluctant to go on the rest of the site -- given the vitriol, rudeness, and snark -- I wouldn't have read that without you. Thank you so, so much, sufrommich!

[sufrommich]

19. Glad you read it and liked it,Stand and Fight.