"I made myself a promise 6 months ago that I'd stop and Thank You "

[proud patriot]

This was said to me by a perfect stranger today .

He came up to my house just now and we talked for
an Hour . I'm crying right now , because it's
been such an extremely tough 4 years standing
here in defense of my Country . I've had some
really Hateful words directed at me . I've been
told I should be shot for treason , I've been called
Idiot , Dumb Democrat , Stupid Hippie . You name it
being on the front lines hasn't been easy .

Still I stood strong , because I had All of you
standing with me .

Thank You DUers for helping me make my Stand
here in my hometown . Thank You Mike Malloy,and
Randi Rhodes for keeping my passion strong with
laughs and rants .

I couldn't have done it without you

:loveya:

proud patriot

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. This is for all of us

We deserve a big Ooo---RAHHH

Now expect the righties to reach for the industrial back hoe

[proud patriot]

2. Hugs to you nadinbrzezinski

:hug:

[noiretextatique]

3. keep up the good fight, trish

:hi: my goodbye lunch (leaving a year-long contract) had a few tense moments yesterday. one of my co-workers starting talking about how kerry's medals were "fake," how we were getting the iraqis back for 911, and various other rushisms :puke:
a bunch of us countered all of her non-issues, and i asked her: as a federal employee, why do you support republicans, who are *supposedly* so interested in reducing the size of the federal government? if some had their way i told her, you wouldn't have your safe, comfortable, federal job.
she went on and on about lower taxes and other nonsense, and i told her, again: decreased revenues to the federal government only put your job in jeopardy...would you rather have a $300.00 tax cut or your $40,000.00/year job? she finally shut the hell up.
anyway...thank you for all your efforts, proud patriot :loveya:

[proud patriot]

10. good to see you noiretblu

:loveya:

[cally]

4. You have made a difference

and have told all of us to make our beliefs known. Take a bow, thank you, and now we have to close the deal. We're going to win. Kerry did us proud, Edwards will make a dent, and then Kerry will close the deal. Then we can all go back to debating each other. ;-)

[proud patriot]

9. Thanks Cally

:loveya:

[Eloriel]

5. Congratulations! Now a question

what did you do specifically that got this person's attention? Or what did s/he say about the thank you -- thank you for what?

(I'd just like more of the story.)

[proud patriot]

8. About Feb. 2002 I put up Support our Troops and anti bush signs

my yard has evolved over time.

I've got yellow ribbons , Old Glorys
The Gadsden Flag . A Kerry Sign , A Support
out Troops vote bush out sign. I enlarged and
lamenated the 31 greatest accomplishmants of
bush/cheney into a sign. I have a Bushocio
in the yard standing before my largest yellow
ribbon.

[soleft]

6. You make me a Proud Compatriot

:thumbsup:

[proud patriot]

12. You Rock soleft

:loveya:

[DemExpat]

7. Oh, PP.....you can be a proud patriot!

I was only worried sometimes that you guys would get physically harmed by standing your ground so visibly....:-(

Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do...
:thumbsup:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

DemEx

[proud patriot]

11. Yeah My mom has those same worries

but everyone who has ever known me knows
when I make my mind up to do something
I go all out .

:loveya:

[pmbryant]

13. You're the greatest

Thanks for all your hard work, proud patriot. You are an inspiration.

--Peter

[proud patriot]

32. pmbryant Friend

:loveya: Thanks for all you've done

[GregW]

14. Thanks, Trish!

You and the rest of the Bay Area DUers are the bestest!

[proud patriot]

33. Hi GregW How's married life treating you ?

:hi:

[Dem2theMax]

66. I'm so new here. And I don't know a single one of you, but I just had

to say "now THAT is a picture of America!" And a beautiful one too.
Thanks for sharing it and thank you to everyone who has been here and been fighting for so long. As a newbie, I've learned so much, and learned how little I really know. But as time goes on and I read every post I can and hit every link I can, this old brain of mine is actually retaining the things all of you are teaching me. And you're not even getting paid! ;)

Don't know what I'd do without DU. I'd truly be :crazy: by now if I hadn't found this place. THANK YOU to everyone for being here and for never giving up! :) :)

[proud patriot]

67. Thanks for being here learning with us Dem2theMax

I know I learn something new everyday .

[Hutzpa]

15. We are proud of you Patriot

very, tell your stranger we love and cherished his effort, we will do what we can to point out flaws, thanks to the web which they can't control we can be a force among criminal, hatriotism etc.

Let us continue this fight, its not over by a long shot, these mongrels are dirty and they have not given up yet so be prepared, be very prepared, now they know what they up against they are ready to do the dirty.

Sorry to go back, but remember Gore 2000, media said he won but what was the outcome. Just a reminder not to get complacent.

Gung-Ho I say.

:yourock:

[proud patriot]

34. I did , I let him know how much it meant and why

Thanks spokane

[calimary]

16. This place is my lifeline, too. A long cool drink of water while I remain

hostage in bush-HELL.

Glad you finally were able to collect that thank-you. You deserve it. It IS tough! I just had my nice little car keyed because of my pro-Kerry/anti-bush stickers in the back window. Or maybe it was the "War is Not the Answer" sticker they didn't like... My husband wonders if I should change the stickers. I'm actually tempted to find some MORE anti-bush stickers that may actually be even more offensive.

Just think of it this way (if any vandalism happens to you, too, HEAVEN FORBID!!!:

Gee, how nice! (what I'D say) Some nice bush supporters keyed my car to show how they feel. Isn't THAT a noble, patriotic, all-American gesture? They MUST be so proud! That's why they did it in the dark when nobody was looking and forgot to sign their names! bush supporters like vandalism, I guess. Domestic terrorists, maybe? How 'bout THAT one, then - "Domestic Terrorists for bush."

bush supporters. What "nice" people! Aren't you glad you AREN'T one?

Anyway, thanks for sharing this! It's been hard, and cold, and lonely here in bush's america for the last three and 3/4 LONG MISERABLE years. People like you and others here on DU have been my solace during some mighty dark days - and far too many of them for my taste! Dear Lord I hope they're finally over. You are to be applauded for your TRUE patriotism. You're doing what Harry "give 'em hell" Truman always recommended - you're giving 'em truth, and they THINK it's hell.

[proud patriot]

35. Hugs calimary

:hug: thanks for the advise . Thanks for all your
help . :loveya:

[G_j]

17. and Thank you!

it seems like ages since you first shared with us about your yard signs. Things were a bit scarier back then. Very few had the nerve to speak up. I know it gave me strength to read these and other posts you have offered here.
I'm glad we have all been able to offer support and courage to each other. It HAS been a long four years!

[proud patriot]

36. Way Way scarier back then

thanks G_j . Thanks for the strength

[Mz Pip]

18. Kinda makes it all worth it

doesn't it? A bit of recognition amidst all the anger and chaos reinforces continuing the fight.

Onward we go. This is certainly the toughest fight we've ever had.

:hi:

MzPip
:dem:

[proud patriot]

37. Most definately MzPip

Onward indeed :loveya:

[TexasSissy]

19. wow. Strong stuff. I feel the same way.

[proud patriot]

38. TexasSissy Thanks

Keep up the fight :D

[blm]

20. Proud to be with you fighting for democracy, through thick and thin.

Don't Tread on Us!

[proud patriot]

46. That's right blm

Liberty or Death :hug:

[newyawker99]

21. You are welcome Trish. You are an inspiration.

:loveya:

[proud patriot]

48. Thanks again Roni

:loveya:

[ProudDad]

22. And I'm very, very proud of you too

I've watched your growth over that last few years from someone who just didn't know what to do to a major force in our common struggle to survive.

I have NO idea what I may have done right, but I'm really proud to be your dad...

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[OKNancy]

23. Oh my

I'm sorry, but I'm going to cry now. You two are just so lucky!!
Proud of you both!

[proud patriot]

26. Thanks Dad

:loveya:

[flamingyouth]

24. Thank you, Trish

What a wonderful post. You are a first-class DUer, moderator and American! :loveya:

[proud patriot]

39. Lisa

you are one of the stongest people I know :hug:
Thanks :loveya:

[Ksec]

25. Thats touching

And its true. I know exactly how that feels PP.

Sometimes I get tired or burnt out trying to educate the ignorant or set the whackos back in reality.

But then I see another wrong and I get my juices flowin again. Back out there .

[proud patriot]

44. It's so hard to not just yell out "I mad as hell and I'm not taking it

anymore" Keep up the good fight Ksec :loveya:

[Ksec]

68. you too.

Youre a good egg

[sffreeways]

27. Hey PP

Thank you. You're a really decent person.

[proud patriot]

45. sffreeways

:hug:

[sffreeways]

47. ...

:pals:

[proud patriot]

49. :-)

My buddy

[bo44]

28. You should be proud

I have followed you and others around DU forums for almost three years now. Thank you for being a leader.

[proud patriot]

50. I'm totally taken aback with that bo44

Thank you

[rasputin1952]

29. Great post...

YOU have fought the good fight, and now we are moving ahead.

I too, say thank you to all of the DU'ers and especially Proud Patriot for never losing faith, and showing us, that every day, we all make a difference...:D

:loveya: :hi:

[proud patriot]

51. Damn straight

Ras :yourock:

[undergroundrailroad]

30. "Poetically" well said Trish! You're the greatest!!

Mina :hug:

____________________________________________________________

[proud patriot]

52. Mina you are the greatest

You have been a great friend to me . Thank you so much :loveya:

[BeFree]

31. Wow

It's people like you, Proud Patriot, that make DU into a warm hearth on a cold winter night.

I am so happy to read that you have been so influential. It makes me proud to be associated with you, and your example encourages me.

Peace and Love...Befree

[proud patriot]

53. I just put another log on the fire BeFree

:hug:

[Cleita]

40. Peace

and thanks for being around. I do so miss a lot of the old "faces" here and you are one of them who is not around as much. :hug:

[proud patriot]

54. Thanks Cleita

good to see you :hug:

[vetwife]

41. Thank You and Hope is on the Way !

[proud patriot]

55. KERRY !

thanks vetwife it's been an honor :loveya:

[bpilgrim]

42. thank you PP

for helping us all :toast:

peace

[proud patriot]

56. Brother bpilgrim

thanks for all your hard work :loveya:

[kentuck]

43. Proud Patriot...

You know you are one of my favorites.

[proud patriot]

57. kentuck

you've been here right alongside helping all of us .

Thanks Friend :loveya:

[Jokinomx]

58. Never feel bad for living what you feel in your heart.

I feel your pain.... My own Family has called me everything in the book including a traitor and a collaborator with the enemy because I stood against this war before it started. I have a nephew who was in the 101 Airborne and served his country proudly during the invasion. My Family misunderstood that I could be against this war and yet be proud of my Nephew. I haven't spoken to my oldest Brother(my Nephew's Father) since.

Anyway... we all have a reason for being on this planet...some of us have matured to a point of understanding that many have yet to realize. Just know that when you go to your grave...you will have always stood by your convictions. We all will have to answer to someone about how we lived while we were here. You will not have to bow your head in shame when asked if you left this world a better place than when you entered it.

Always do the right thing ... because its the right thing to do...

:grouphug:

[proud patriot]

62. wise wise words Jokinomx

Thank you

[anarchy1999]

59. None of us could have done it without us all. PP, you are just one

of the many here that inspire us all, every day. Thank you.

[proud patriot]

64. I read all your posts about your hard work anarchy1999

your an inspiration :hug:

[WillyT]

60. *singing* If You Had A Blender, We'd Party On Your Laaaawn...

We'd Gather Up DUers, and Wave Kerry Placards All Daaaaaay...

We'd Wave 'Em In The Mornin, We'd Wave 'Em In The Evening...

We'll Get Hammered All Daaaaaaay.... er, or something like that.

Love ya lots Trish!

:bounce::loveya::bounce:

How's the weekend of Oct. 16\17 sound?

:shrug:

[proud patriot]

63. LOL

man that would be a fun day :D

that weekend sounds good :thumbsup:

[SammyWinstonJack]

61. It has been a tough four years!

And if not, for DU, I don't know how I would have made it! This place and all of you have meant so much to me.

[proud patriot]

65. Together I think we all can do so much

Thanks for being here texasblueeyes :loveya: