What if we considered DU to be a ThinkTank rather that a forum....

[Flabbergasted]

Instead of thinking discussion; think action and planning?

[valerief]

1. That means government funding, doesn't it? n/t

[spindrifter]

3. Great idea!

[Flabbergasted]

6. Only if you want Bush to control u?

[spindrifter]

2. We are a think tank--at least some of our posters are--

we have researched and nourished numerous topics that have later made it to the big-time: rendition is one of "our" topics, for example. And The Lounge is always thinking....

[Fridays Child]

4. ...about what, we have no clue.

;)

[Flabbergasted]

5. There is a psychological difference between think tank and forum!

[Ecumenist]

7. I've been thinking along those lines too,

Flabbergasted:hi:

[Flabbergasted]

8. Yeah any thinks?

[lumberjack_jeff]

9. It successfully avoids all that "independent thinking" unpleasantness. n/t

[Flabbergasted]

10. Are you saying that it is better to disagree or to have multiple opinions?

[lumberjack_jeff]

18. Here's what I'm saying

I've seen so many threads with the sentiment; "What's happening around here? We all used to harmonize to Kumbayah so well. Lately, there have been people who have expressed opinions different from mine. Democrats are all about free speech, rational dialog, and prudent policy. Now a bunch of people come in and infiltrate the place trying to explain to me why my viewpoint is bad policy. They should just SHUT UP and go away!"

Personally, I think it's just now getting interesting. If I were DU's "decider-in-chief" the only litmus test I'd give participants is "Do you hate, I mean really hate, George Bush and Republicans in general?" If the answer is "yes", the participant would be awarded their official Project X decoder ring, with instructions to go raise hell.

When it comes to the important issue - retaking power - I'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone here. But when it comes to debate on the second-tier issues, it's not unreasonable to expect people to stand and deliver. Consider it training.

Turning the place into a think tank will only be accomplished at the expense of vigorous discussion. Vigorous discussion on contentious topics (cough *immigration* cough) is what happens among people who truly value what we say we do.

That's the ground rules for us rabble. The ground rules for our elected dems are different. Howard Dean will issue them their hymnal.

[longship]

11. Sounds nice.

I volunteer for the DU Lobby. Give me access to the DU megabuck checkbook so I can start buyin' myself some of them Congress critters.

Which Congress critter would you buy?

So many choices...

[Flabbergasted]

12. Maybe we have different definitions??

[LoZoccolo]

13. I think the action and planning people...

...are out acting and planning. It doesn't have to be, but for many people, complaining on a message board gives them enough emotional satisfaction in the realm of politics so that they don't feel they need to act. I have a proverb I made up: DUers are seldom doers.

But if anyone out there is in the state of Illinois, especially the Chicago area, and would like to plan and act, please visit the Illinois Dem Net web site, where we hook people up with opportunities to get involved!

http://www.illinoisdemnet.org

[Flabbergasted]

14. It really does not need to be non-DUers!

[skeeters2525]

15. I Second That Emotion

I have always considered it a think tank. We need action, big time. Do we not realize the media is the enemy. We have to take it to the street or we are, F*&KED, BIG TIME.

You know I am really getting tired of, do you know Bush lied. Really? No Chit, I knew from the day he stole office he was an evil degenerate.

And no more, Dems are doing nothing, or I won't give them money, or we need a new party.

Get off your F*&KING ASS and change the Democrats.

Mexicans can do it. And we just sit here.

Are you embarrassed to be an American, I am.

If you aren't on the street making change, shut up.

Give Us Action, Or Give Us Death.

[Flabbergasted]

17. I want you to express your vision here every day!

[skids]

16. You mean like this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=358