My DU sanctuary

[nookiemonster]

Do you ever feel like you're the only one who knows what the hell is going on? Your neighbors, family, and friends appear to be clueless to the travesty affecting our nation?

DU gives me hope and strength. I've become quite obsessive with what's going on and I'm so glad I found refuge.

Thank you.

:)

[texpatriot2004]

1. I am consumed with this now...nice to know I am not alone. nt.

[SeattleGirl]

2. I used to feel that way,

but because of the info I get here and on some other sites, I have been able to better educate others. Still, though, I agree with you -- DU gives me hope and strength also!

[Erika]

3. Yep

Many eyes are being opened because of the info on this site and our sharing it. It's happened to me with a few of my co-workers. I present a new set of facts to them and they look at me at first like I'm crazy. Then, a few weeks later they are acting like they authored the information. We're educating them one at a time.

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Yep. I know exactly what you mean. I get asked how I know so much

about what is going on....

[BattyDem]

15. Me too.

I get asked all the time.

When I tell people about DU, they usually say things like, "You can't trust the internet. You can't believe anything you read because it's all rumors and conspiracy theories. A site named Democratic Underground has got to be full of liberal fanatics. Why would you believe anything they say?"

I say, "Yes, it is a partisan message board and there are plenty of opinions being shared. However, all news and informational posts include a link to a reliable source. If the poster doesn't include a link to a source, every DUer immediately demands one. If the poster includes a link to a questionable or unreliable source, DUers will usually get annoyed and dismiss the info until a better source is found. In other words, we don't believe everything we read simply because we want to believe it. We're not like the Right Wing - we prefer to be educated and informed, even if the truth contradicts our beliefs."

A few people I know have given DU a try after my little speech, but most just repeat the "You can't trust the internet" line. Some closed minds can never be opened. :eyes: Perhaps they're afraid of the truth.

On edit: To answer the original poster's question ...
Yes, DU is definitely a sanctuary. It's the only place I can have informed political discussions with anyone. :-)

[nookiemonster]

16. That's one thing I love about LBN.

Actual news stories with links. No opinion, just the news (or what passes as news *snark*)

The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. It's become apparent.

[DIKB]

5. This place used to be

Now though I have gotten other people talking about these things, and focusing on where our country is going. At work, you can tell that the S**t has hit the fan. Even people I don't talk to are getting angry over how badly they are being screwed by this admin.

I still have to hammer home the details, but the gung-ho full support of the repukes has ended. It's nice to look around and see that people aren't nearly as brainwashed and eager to believe whatever they are told anymore.

[nookiemonster]

6. I'm seeing a progression, albeit extremely slowly.

It's gotta be denial. No one likes to be taken.

[SeattleGirl]

10. Exactly, nookiemonster.

One of my sisters, who is a Democrat, said once, some time ago, when the DSM first came out, "But I don't want to believe that the President would do such a thing." She wasn't defending him, she just had a very hard time taking it in that someone so crooked could be the President. Since then, she has come to believe that and more, because of the information I give her, which is great.

[nookiemonster]

14. Your sister is understandable.

We were raised with this great notion that our govt. was the best and brightest in the world. We were told that other countries envied us. We were told that our politicians were statesmen.

Hell, we were told alot of things.

The myth has screwed us.

[Maat]

7. This site has given me great comfort and kept me going ..

many times.

I felt like I was the only liberal in my town. But this site made me aware of groups such as Progressive Democrats and Democracy for America, and I was able to join local groups.

I'm also on the Board of the local PFLAG.

I'm helping with a Congressional campaign.

And this is just to name a few organizations.

DUers have encouraged me to get involved.

And it sure is fun to be able to have a conversation with friends whenever you are available.

[nookiemonster]

8. Maat, thank you for your direct contributions!!

:thumbsup:

I became political for the first time in my life in 2001. Born in '69, do the math.

I canvassed for Kerry last year. I expect to be more involved in the future.

[Maat]

17. Your story and mine are so similar!

I read David Brock's book, 'Blinded by the Right' and discovered DU within a relatively short time.

I took my daughter to Arizona (left Beloved Hubby-Spouse at home), and we canvassed for Kerry last year (starting from our home, California).

I was born in '58; YOU are a youngster!

I feel half my age, though.

I was too responsible, accountant-like, and serious when I was half my age.

Oh, well, I'm going through my rebellious phase at 47; I hope that is not too late!

:hi:

Now, let's have a DU grouphug!

:grouphug:

[nookiemonster]

18. I love HUGS!

:grouphug:

n/t

[Maat]

20. Oh, me too!

And thank you for your community contributions!

[waiting for hope]

9. Thank you for voicing

my sentiments exactly....earlier today as the news was talking about the 2000th soldier to die in Iraq, I made the comment to my Mom that we should have never gotten involved in this 'occupation' and she made a reference to living during WW2 and still having phobias about the Japanese and how Saddam Hussein is in league with Osama bin Laden......Can one divorce themselves from their family based on affiliation of political party? My whole family is Republican and I'm the lone Democrat - did I get switched at birth?

[SeattleGirl]

11. No my dear, you were born with an independent spirit

who seeks the truth. Don't give up -- there may yet be hope for your family!

[nookiemonster]

13. Certainly.

My family and I hardly ever discuss politics. They are apolitical at best, and have no formal affiliation with either party.

Sometimes I feel like I have to "dumb myself down" when I even discuss these matters with others outside of DU. It sucks.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

12. Thankful for the sanctuary and to knowing that

78,000 or so are here sharing similar beliefs. I keep telling friends who are not on the forum, "There will be indictments," and was very glad MSM are talking about them because I think they thought I was delusional. lol

Thanks DUers for providing this sanctuary.....you too, Skinner and Earl!

[Southsideirish]

19. Are you on ("off & on") from morning til night like me??

[nookiemonster]

22. Yep. It's a rollercoaster ride from dusk till dawn.

I could tell you about "highs" and "lows". I find it really hard to leave DU through all of this, but I have to occasionally just to maintain some shred of sanity. Sometimes I just get too "focused", if ya know what I mean.

:)


edited for spelling

[haydukelives]

21. I agree

DU Rocks

[applegrove]

23. Yes - that is the thing with the internet. We - who like politics and are

wrapped up in seeing Dems & adults get back into power - can all get together and meet. The web is amazing like that. And the DU a great place. I am so glad they made a place where Dems could go to seriously discuss stuff. It is very hard to be demoralized or dehumanized (if you are in a group or an individual who is being attacked) alone.

Thank god for the DU.:grouphug:

[nookiemonster]

24. You're right.

Facing this shit alone is one of my biggest fears. The internet, and DU, have provided us a conduit to express our concerns collectively.

:)

[shadowknows69]

25. I don't know what I'd do without DU

A lot of our raging against the machine seems futile a lot of the time but it's still better to hang together than hang seperately. I consider the people on this board to be some of my very best friends that I just haven't met yet. I still can't believe I didn't find you guys in Washington arrrgghh!:( When's the next upstate NY DU get together?

[nookiemonster]

26. I agree, our union makes us stronger.

Collectively, we will make a difference.

:toast: