Today, this former freeper cast his vote for the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama

[Seen the light]

Well, I guess I can finally rest easy. Back in 2005, shortly after Katrina hit, I saw the complete and utter incompetence of the federal government in action. The freeper I was at the time had been having uneasy feelings towards the Bush administration soon after I cast my vote for Bush in 2004, but the thousands dead due to Katrina sealed the deal for me. I was so disgusted that I actually registered on DU of all places, the very place that I used to ridicule and make fun of for being a bunch of kooks (Note: That still hasn't changed. There are still plenty of kooks here. Lovable crazy kooks. :P). I took my first step in saying sorry to the Katrina victims by making a thread on here decrying my sudden hatred of the Bush administration.

The love I found here was overwhelming and people quickly welcomed me in with open arms. As I continued reading more and more things on DU, I saw a complete overhaul of my political compass. Through the education I received online on this site and others, I started calling myself a progressive. It was pretty cool!

Last year, I decided that I was going to try and redeem myself tangibly by working my heart out for a Democratic presidential candidate. That candidate was Barack Obama. Yes, I supported Obama on DU before supporting Obama on DU was cool.

I did a little phone banking here, a little drive-people-to-the-polls in South Carolina on primary day there. When the primary shifted to North Carolina and Indiana, I did everything I could for the Obama campaign and cast my vote for someone I remember making fun of just a few years earlier for having a name that rhymed with Osama. I did my part in helping Barack Obama win North Carolina, which might have been the state that sealed his nomination.

Flashforward to today. I consider myself a new person today. I received my absentee ballot in the mail and, in the proper legal presence of two other witnesses, I marked my ballot for Barack Obama and Joe Biden for President and Vice-President of the United States of America.

To Senators Kerry and Edwards, to the men and women that have perished in places like Iraq and New Orleans since Election Day 2004, to the people that have lost everything and everyone under the immoral failures of the Bush administration, to the people that still can't afford health insurance despite the empty promises of those that have dominated so long in Washington, to our Founding Fathers whose constitution has been shredded by the actions of Bush and Cheney, I have just one thing to say to you all: I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry that I was partly responsible for Bush winning going back in office in 2004. I can only hope that you can forgive me and that you'll recognize my vote for Obama and Biden today as something that can redeem myself.

It felt/feels great though. I KNOW that Barack Obama is going to carry North Carolina and is going to be the next President of the United States.

To all lurking freepers that saw "freeper" in the thread title and HAD to look inside, I ask you: Are you better off now than you were eight years ago? Four years ago? Is America a better place? If you really and truly believe that you are and it is, then I'm not going to try and convince you otherwise. But if you know that you've had an inkling of doubt in the Republican Party in the past eight years, I urge you to do one thing. Actually go to www.barackobama.com/issues and see the Obama/Biden plan. It's actually pretty great once you actually read it. If you like what you see, join me in voting for Barack Obama as the next President of the United States!

[YDogg]

1. :-)

:thumbsup:

[Happyhippychick]

2. What more do I need to say other than...

K&R!!!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. amen, brother

welcome to the change

[redstate_democrat]

4. I wanna hug you ex-freepie.

:hug:

[Name removed]

5. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

6. Way to go!

It takes a lot to wake up and see what's cooking, only to find that YOU are the one they've cooked to a turn.

In my opinion, no apologies needed. Thank you, Seen, and welcome.

recommended!

[tulsakatz]

7. wow!!!

what a great story!! I'm glad to hear you made the choice to come here and to support Obama!!

[renate]

8. that's wonderful!

Reading your story makes me happy--and it sounds like you're happier now too, which is much more important! It's good to have a home where you belong, isn't it?
:loveya: and :grouphug:

[Olney Blue]

9. Great post!

:hi:

I was raised by Republicans, and I have seen the light too!

[CitizenPatriot]

10. what a great story

And for my part, I would never judge someone for being brought up the way they are...you must be a very aware and caring person to have made this shift.

congratulations and thank you for all your work! cheers!

[beac]

11. :-)

:bounce:

I think he'll win here in VA too!!!

[Frances]

12. You are an inspiration

I hope my brother in South Carolina will see the light one day.

[firedupdem]

13. Thank you for posting! I can't wait to cast my ballot! n/t

[VenusRising]

14. Good for you.

And thanks for posting your story.

:hug:

[vanderBeth]

15. This is great.

:pals:

[1corona4u]

16. Thank you!!

[FrenchieCat]

17. WTG! That is just simply Beautiful!

You have redeemed yourself....for that I am certain.

[TooRaLoo]

18. Gee, thanks a lot.

I just bawled my eyes out.

THANK YOU SEEN THE LIGHT

YES WE CAN!

[Democrafty]

19. I'm so glad you've re-examined your beliefs, but

I'm sad for you, too. It must be hard to feel complicit in what's happened over the past four years. Hugs to you.

[Arkana]

20. What turned you?

I'm curious--how far gone down the rabbit hole were you before you realized where you were and what you were doing?

[Seen the light]

22. Armstrong Williams actually started it

When I found out that he had secretly been on the Bush payroll, I first said to myself, "Hmmmm..." Another thing that happened soon after Election Day was all the celebration and jubilation going on at Bush's inaugural balls when people were being slaughtered in Iraq. But, like I said, the really big one was Katrina. That turned my world upside down.

[wildeyed]

21. I forgive you.

NC was magnificent in the primary and I know we can do it again for the general. :hi:

[FormerConservative]

35. So long as we learn from our mistakes, there is nothing to forgive IMHO :)

[timber84]

23. As a fellow Carolinian I applaud you!

:yourock:

[mascarax]

24. I Remember Your Post

I'll never forget Katrina and how helpless I felt. DU helped - even though I didn't post then.

Great post.

[Kahuna]

25. Here..freepie freepie freepie..

:loveya:

[TheKentuckian]

26. It means more for sinner to say amen than the choir

Its way shitty to beat up on someone for making a positive change and doing what they can to undo the damage done.

Its not about how you start but how you finish.

[DangerousRhythm]

27. Great thread and congrats to you!

:patriot: :thumbsup:

[Loge23]

28. We need your vote, thank you!

Personally, I'm sick of the hatred that has grown between Americans.
I'm guilty of it, but I'm sick of it.
It's so important this time to vote for the best choice for our future.
That choice is clearly Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
You owe no apologies. You did the right thing today.

[PerfectSage]

29. Thanks for seeing the light.

O8)

[Barack_America]

30. Your post sent a tingle up my leg.

;)

Kicked and, er, must-readed?

[darius15]

31. Great post, seen the light!

[FormerConservative]

32. I can totally relate....

I voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004. I try not to think about it too much... :(

I'm voting for Obama. I've convinced my wife and my Republican parents to also pull the lever for him. I'm going to continue to evangelize for the man til election day (and also make repeated reminder calls to those that have committed to voting for him).

Now I need to start volunteering for the campaign. Thanks for the motivation! :)


Sincerely,
A Former Conservative

[chill_wind]

58. It is good to see new people coming to the light :-)

:hi:

[MadMaddie]

33. Seen the light

Nicely written. We are going to win this thing with you and others that want to rid ourselves of the current squatters in the WH.

[Willo]

34. Big Hug for you Seen the light

All any of us can do is try to make the best decisions (and changes) in our lives based on the circumstances and when we come to know them.

Hopefully the changes you have made for yourself (and many others) will overcome any regrets you have about things that you cannot change nor undo.


:yourock: Big time!

[LittleBlue]

36. I am an ex-Republican too

Congrats, though I saw the light in 2001. ;D

[budkin]

37. Congrats on breaking ranks!

And coming on here to admit it!

[Cha]

38. Seen The LIght! Thank you

so much for your story!:kick: :party:

[Berry Cool]

39. I know not everyone here is a Christian, but I think the parable of the prodigal son

and the lost lamb from the flock are very applicable here regardless.

It's not that the faithful good son and the sheep who stay with the flock are unappreciated...and it's not that prodigal sons and lost lambs haven't made costly mistakes...it's just that when prodigal sons return and lost lambs are found, there is much rejoicing.

We really can't change what we did in the past, only what we do in the present and future.

Congratulations, Seen the light! And welcome to a better life!

[OneGrassRoot]

40. Thank you for sharing. :) Nice to know I have such a good neighbor! n/t

[kgnu_fan]

41. Thank you!!! nt

[TheDoorbellRang]

42. I actually remember reading your first OP

when you explained how you had "seen the light." (I was here with a different user name back then.) It was was so heartening to read that first OP of yours, and this one brings tears to my eyes. :hug:

[housewolf]

43. Hooray!!!!

Welcome, welcome, welcome and thanks, thanks, thanks for your help getting Obama elected! You're to be congratulated.

Thanks for your post, it gave me a warm feeling and a great big smile.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[democracy1st]

44. thank you K & R

[Mister Ed]

45. In 2004, I used to say that most Bush supporters were good people with bad information

Now I know that, in at least one case, I was right.

:pals:

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

46. K&R!

[calimary]

47. Just WUNNNNNderful!!!

So eloquent and heartfelt - THANK YOU for making me feel a little better this evening!

Dang - who couldn't be melted by this? I'm glad you're here - I know we all are! We NEED the enthusiasm and renewed commitment that you bring, and yours is hard-earned and open-minded. I wish there were MANY more at home like you!

:hug: :yourock: :patriot: :headbang: :thumbsup:

[casus belli]

48. :Hug: n/t

[Bjorn Against]

49. I was never a freeper, but I was once a right-wing Libertarian.

I went through a similar change and I was welcomed with open arms as well. Once I saw what the right-wing has done to this country I could no longer justify my ideology, I changed and I changed quickly.

Thank you so much for this post, I happily gave you a must read rating.

[patomime]

50. Thank you ...

for posting this. It is very enlightening and I am very excited for you!

:applause:

[clevbot]

51. GREAT POST

[graywarrior]

52. Kick this to high heaven

[DeschutesRiver]

53. Thanks, for posting your awareness story

and I'd like to say that since life is a journey, we all have a separate timeline to follow, and there are no set rules for changing positions or how fast or slow you do it. The fact that you did this is just part of the whole growth in thinking deal, and it is far better to be able to be flexible enough to make changes, rather than rigid stick with views that you know don't work for you any more.

Made me happy to see your post. At times, I've been quite worried about the lack of clear thinking that leads people to keep sticking with a candidate that at least some of them must know in their hearts isn't the right choice. There are way bigger things than party at stake here.

[Wapsie B]

54. As a former staunch conservative myself I say welcome to the party!

Many people have their own eye-opening experience and see the error of their ways. I strongly disagree with the idea that the older one gets the more conservative you become. It's been quite the opposite for me. Once you start questioning the gop party line things begin to make a lot of sense over here. That's one big reason why the gop is big on blind faith, and blind obedience.

Way to go!

[mzmolly]

55. Welcome! I rated this thread

A MUST READ. :toast: to you!

[Terri S]

56. Absolutely a Must Read !

What a wonderful post. Welcome to the light, luv. You can't change the past, but you've done a wonderful thing for the future. Thank you for helping get Obama nominated, and now helping to get him elected.

[Dammit Ann]

57. I'm crying and I don't do that.

Thank you so much for having an open mind.

[Dem_4_Life]

59. Wow, what a great inspirational story!

I got chills reading that. Thank you. We are happy that you decided to join the family. :hug:

[Oak2004]

60. Congratulations, my fellow ex- Republican

It feels good to be on the side of right rather than the side of anger, fear, and destructive ignorance.

I have the dubious history of once being up-and-coming enough in the party to know some pretty appalling people. My personal shame was, in the '70s and early '80s, letting party loyalty and a love of influence pull me into some radical right circles within the party despite, as a GOP liberal, knowing better. Fortunately, as I weighed the merits of trying to get a job working for one of my subcabinet-level friends in the Reagan administration, my conscience kicked in, and I never did the kind of damage I could have done to this country. It's much better to be an honest nobody than a traitorous somebody.

[OneGrassRoot]

64. Hi, Oak2004....

Thank you for sharing that.

I remember your wise, thoughtful posts during the primaries (though I stayed away most of that time), and simply wanted to jump in and say hello, and that it's nice to "see" you.


:)

[CampDem]

61. A vote for Obama! It is a happy day!

Thank you for sharing such an inspiring journey, it made me feel so good to read. I too grew up in a republican home and it is a very difficult de-programming process. Congratulations for making it through and committing yourself so fully to Obama and DU over the years. Your knowledge of the freeper mindset is invaluable and will give you the upper hand when discussing politics with those who are sitting on the fence. I bet you are a formidable debater! We are truly lucky to have you.


:) :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :hi:

[ladyVet]

62. Ya done good kid.

It takes a high level of maturity to look at the world and realize you were wrong. I wish more people could do what you have done (like my freeper ex). Don't let the negative replies get you down. You are a good person, and we appreciate you. :hug:

In fact, for all the others here at DU who have "seen the light": :grouphug:

[janet118]

63. He once was lost, but now he's found . . .

Was blind but now he sees.

Welcome and thank you for your vote and your hard work on behalf of Obama, our next president.

List of others who came over from the dark side to become champions for democracy:

Arianna Huffington
David Brock
Andrew Sullivan

[lapislzi]

65. In the immortal words of Victor Laszlo (Casablanca)...

"Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win."

[SunsetDreams]

66. K&R

I forgive you Seen the light, thank you for sharing your transition story.

Let's work to get Obama in the White House!

[shaniqua6392]

67. What a wonderful story!!

Thanks for sharing it with us. We are lucky to have you here. :grouphug:

[OnionPatch]

68. I just wanted to say thank you.

I felt back when Bush won that the majority of Americans couldn't possibly support what I saw going on in the government. I knew a lot of people must have been misled or misinformed, etc. I admire you that you were able to think for yourself and not let the media and your parents hand you your political philosophy without question. And I also admire that you have the courage to admit you made a mistake. After that person up-thread attacked you, I wanted to make sure you knew you have the support of most DUers. Thanks for all you do! I'm a lifelong Dem and you are doing more than I've ever done to support our party. :applause:

[Eyes_wide_ open]

84. Bravo, not only for the change of heart,

but for the courage to stand up and share your story :applause: Inspiring read.

Sad that some people don't see that we all make mistakes, what's important is that we learn from them and you obviously have. The past is good for nothing but a learning tool. What matters is the future, and what we are doing now to ensure that we have one.

Thank you!

[tomg]

69. Reading your post, all I can say is

what a great way for me to start the day. Thanks.

[holiday]

70. Ignore the mean people here, they ruin our party's unity

You have done a great thing. I'm very proud of you. It's always hard to admit you are sorry. You not only said you were sorry you actually campaigned for Obama.

I do have to ask though, how does your parents feel?

[FourScore]

71. I have a brother who is convinced Obama is a Muslim.

ANd he believes ALL Muslims are radical and want to destroy America. My Mother just called me in a fit of fury about it. Tell me, please , how to convince such a Faux News listening fool that he's wrong. Or is he just a lost cause?

Thank you for your beautiful post.

Kicked and recommended MR.

[dionysus]

72. boom!

:thumbsup:

[medicswife]

73. Thank you!!!! When Obama wins, you will have been part of

something great!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

74. I only wish

there were more like you! :D :hi:

If you are ever in San Diego, drop in for a margarita -

[LiberalAndProud]

75. 70x7

I am moved by your narrative. Still, your vote in 2004 is difficult to overlook. That election cost our country so much in terms of lives and fortune. Nevertheless, we must keep looking forward. What has past cannot be changed. Thanks for all you're doing to help US move ahead. I'm glad you're on our side.

[Uzybone]

76. Amen

wonderful post.

[immoderate]

77. Great story! My story is a lot older.

As a college student, I supported Barry Goldwater. A lot of that was based on style and rebelliousness, as most around me were democrats and maybe some elitism. The things that woke me up were the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. I always knew that denying people their rights was wrong, but where were the conservatives? No shows. And learning about the war showed me that the government would not do the right thing for the people unless it was pushed.

I was always a radical, (which means "root") but I was not picking the right issues.

I am happy you were able to achieve that awareness. You should (and apparently do) feel good about yourself. It's great that you're here.

--IMM

[No Passaran]

78. You're not alone. I was a Republican once

Voted for Bush in 2000 and came to my senses a year later. Better late than never.

[Politicub]

79. Fantastic! I loved reading your story :)

Thank you for posting it.

[redqueen]

80. Thank you. (nt)

[Claire Beth]

81. thanks for sharing!

[nam78_two]

82. Good for you

:hug: Ignore the negativity from a minority-we are very glad to have you and others like you.

[democracy1st]

83. kick

[Downtown Hound]

85. Awesome dude!

I remember when you first came here. My, how far you've come. Congratulations and keep it up!

:toast:

[Doityourself]

86. beautiful

[Native]

87. Enlightenment is a place of beauty! n/t

[yellerpup]

88. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

And for giving hope that people can be turned around by thinking and by experience. That you speak out about it rocks! :headbang:

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

89. Often, the strongest advocates for a cause are those who were previously on the other side

It's true of a lot of criminal defense attorneys who formerly were deputy DAs and prosecutors.

[Thegonagle]

90. You're never to old to learn from your mistakes.

I remember being ambivalent about the 2000 election. Naturally, I voted for Al Gore, but with all those "debates" where "I agree with my opponent" seemed to be the most common phrase, I wondered if it mattered which one became President.

I was younger and more idealistic, and also didn't believe in the pure evil that has since taken over the Republican party. I'd seen my state under a Republican governor, and then fiscal conservative Jesse Ventura, and it wasn't all falling apart as far as I could tell. They seemed like the "good" kind of conservatives, and while I didn't know much about George W. Bush, I held no animosity toward him. (If only I had done my research about his earlier days in business and politics.) That changed a day or two later, when I smelled the evil in him.

It was smack in the face, as from a wolf in sheep's clothing, when George W. Bush filed in court to stop the recounts in Florida. THAT was the exact moment I realized that he was evil. What good, honest American would take every action possible to HALT the democratic process? Answer: There isn't one.

Then, well before the mess in Florida was settled by the supreme court, he started "appointing" all those cold war chicken hawks to his supposed cabinet. I didn't see the exact significance of this until my mom pointed out that these were all former Reagan and the Senior Bush people, and she told me that she had little doubt that George W. Bush not only wanted to, but probably would, take this country to war.

By the time Al Gore conceded the election to Bush, I was scared. I knew we, as a nation, were headed for big trouble.

[samsingh]

91. kick i guess

[OakCliffDem]

92. Good for you

[stuntcat]

93. every single vote

every vote's important now, thank you! :hug:

[elias7]

94. WooHoo!!!

:yourock: