I want to personally welcome all the new DUers

[Eloriel]

I have been stunned, amazed and totally delighted at all the brand new DUers who've made their appearances here on these threads, a good many of them bringing absolutely amazing and helpful links and other information to our efforts. We've had scads of you joining us since the election and I'm SO glad, and so happy to see each and every one of you.

I'd love to see you check in and tell us how you heard about DU.

A hearty WELCOME and a

:toast: to each and every one of you.

Eloriel

And oh -- be sure to see these links:

VOTE FRAUD Links - a DU Compendium
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=201&topic_id=1984#

VOTE FRAUD Links Compendium - Thread #2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=201x3223

ALSO SEE: VOTE FRAUD? What can we do? http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2701028#

********SEND THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND MEDIA TOO *********
Best Fraud Summary I've seen!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x57214
Link: http://www.bopnews.com

[Vidar]

1. Thanks for the welcome.-nt

[No Mandate Here.]

2. Moderators,

Do you have daily or weekly numbers so we can chart the membership? It seems to be exploding. A few weeks ago, I commented that it was about 100 a day. Now it seems to be more like 400 new members per day!

[JD Lau]

6. This is really wonderful. I don't know, this was the

only place I found that had information that I felt was cutting edge, well informed, well researched, and pertinent!

I still have not much of an idea how to navigate through the bee hive, or what some of the terminology is, but if anybody has any data entry type stuff or anything I can do in my spare time at home, please feel free to contact me.

[Eloriel]

14. I've got something you can help with, and it's REAL important

but not all that difficult, just could be a little time-consuming.

Let me see if I can find the links involved so I don't have to re-explain everything. Thanks so much for the offer!!! VERY much appreciated.

Be back a little later.

[Chimpanzee]

69. I looked yesterday and there wer 40K registered

I don't know how may are active accounts, but you also need away to account for the lurkers. There must be close to a million or more!

[merh]

131. If I am not mistaken, yesterday, the number was at 57000 plus

today it is at 58000. Absolutely amazing!

[BlackVelvet04]

3. Thank you for the welcome.

I don't post a lot but I am spreading the fraud information to other boards. Strength in numbers you know!

[yjmom]

Thanks!

And, can't remember how I found DU, but glad I'm here.

[newyawker99]

36. Hi yjmom!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[rockedthevoteinMA]

4. Thank you Eloriel!!

I don't know how I came upon it - I think I googled something, and it popped up.
However, I read for days before I joined, and was fascinated by the grassroots work going on here - and was uplifted that I wasn't the only one feeling as if there was something wrong with the election. To stumble across this as I did - well it is certainly something to be thankful for.
It has restored hope for my family, and friends (including me) that there are so many others in the country who think like we do.
Thanks everyone!! :D

[truehawk]

145. Thanks for your most gracious Welcome

I originally got here following a link from kos.

For a while it looked like they were going to kill the DNC blog by neglect, so I had to find a new homebase from which to fight the ReThug takeover.

[Missy M]

5. I was outraged....

by the 2000 election. I could never accept the fact that G. W. Bush was in the White House. I of course still believe Al Gore won the presidency. I started going on the Web and found DU through the Smudge Report. Up until this election I just read DU every day but felt I finally had to join in.

[indy_azcat]

7. THANKS!

Found it by yahoo-ing Political Comics of all things (need to get my Tom Toles fix:)) in late October.

Lurked here there and everywhere - DU's definitely the best (sorry www.democrats.org/blog)!

:grouphug:

[blondeatlast]

122. This DU vet invites you to check out the AZ Forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=139

Hope to see you there!

[Kellis]

9. Thanks for the Welcome!

I am soooo grateful to have found this place.I can't remember how I found it but thank God I did.
This place is the only thing keeping me from completly losing my mind over the re-appointment of ShrubCo.

Thnak You all for the information and support
:toast: :grouphug: :yourock:

[New Earth]

8. hi

i heard about this board i think on the Randi Rhodes board. i've gone through a few similar boards - georgewbush.org forums, Randi Rhodes, even BBV.org forums - gwb forums=way too negative, they have absolutely no hope in anything whatsoever, they BARELY talk about any of the election fraud info, they all hate Kerry. Randi Rhodes is ok, but they are a little to negative for me too - but I still like it over there i guess.

This board=best so far, i hope it doesn't change. There is actually a few ounces of hope on this board, the majority here are optimistic with HUMOR rather than just cynicism. and the News updates come out so fast - everything here is so fast i can't keep up with it, but the quality is making me stick around - actually i thin i'm addicted, i've been on here for about 24 hours straight now, minus the few hours of sleep i got last night and the one hour i spent at the gym today.

anyway, that's how i found this board and i don't plan on leaving any time soon. :)

[jdog]

12. I felt like I was home

when I found this board. I've never done forums or posting before, but this issue is SO IMPORTANT. It was nice to find like-minded people who were so intelligent, responsible, and ACTIVE. It's helping to ease the pain of this election, and war, and Condi....

[merh]

132. my name is merh, and I am a DUaholic - Welcome to you and

all newbies - ENJOY :hi:

[NewInNewJ.]

10. Thanks for the welcome

I have been following DU for a couple of years. It has helped me keep my sanity and become much more informed. DU is a great community that I wanted to be part of. Thanks.

[jhgatiss]

11. Thanks for the welcome!

I think I found DU when I was googling the web for information about the election being hacked. I started reading and felt the need to join up and chime in with anything that I found.

It also helps to have a support network that seems to be as generally enraged about all of this as I am. :)

[IAMREALITY]

13. Thank You, Eloriel

You are one of the most impressive members here, I might add.

Though I am speaking for myself, I'm sure that quite a majority of us new DU'rs would agree that we wouldn't know what to do without this site. It has held me together and given me a place to be amongst what I now consider family.

I can't ever possibly express my gratitude to this site for giving me a place I can come to see all the real news, updates, stories, and opinions about what is happening each day with this mess, and to be able to do it without the real threat of repub back banter. It is because of how much faith I have in all of you here, and all the intelligence I've seen here, as to why I can stand up proud with belief when I tell all the 'unawares' out there that Fraud took place, and then proceed to hit them with stories they can't believe aren't on the air. This site is so well managed, and the members so informed (well, for the most part hehe), that it is invaluable when making my case.

So Elorial, THANK YOU and MWAH!

[caligirl]

15. Okay, Looks like I'm first.

Came here after the Kerry blog was abruptly shut off.. STarted with the Dean blog. First time politically activeand first time donating to the DNC or any campaign. Until Al Frome and Terry McA are gone I won't be giving again.
I saw this site around the time of the election but had seen references to it at daily kos before that. I worked in the Cakerry4Ohio swing state group for Ohio phone banking every weekend.
Did phone banking for the Kerry on line volunteers nightly.

I like this group for the activism, you guys just dive in after this stuff and it amazes me.
But it does look like if we want our democracy back we are going to have to take it. And I'm not talking about the courts or media. I think we have a bigger nastier fight coming than anyone here is saying yet. Makes me think of Kent State.
:hi:

[newyawker99]

37. Hi caligirl!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[jsascj]

16. Thanks so much for the warm welcome...

I stumbled upon DU while googlig '2004 election fraud'. I KNEW something was very, very wrong. So glad I found all of you guys. It's so nice to know I'm not alone in my beliefs!

I actually lurked for awhile before I could actually post and have learned A LOT!

Thanks!

[Timebound]

Awww

I feel special. I've been so busy since 11-2 that I've not been able to hardly turn around...

Thanks for the welcome!

[kedrys]

17. Hi Eloriel!

And hello to everyone here! :hi: Used to lurk unregistered, and decided to join the week before the election. Originally heard about DU on Smirking Chimp, and read the Top 10 religiously for months.

[TexasLawyer]

18. Another New DU Person

Thanks for the welcome. I didn't know about DU until I registered on Free Republic and dared to contradict a Freeper's outrageous and very, very wrong description of John Kerry's Iraq policy. I was accused of being a "troll" and "another DU-er".

I knew what trolls were, but I was SO NOT a DU-er I had no idea what they meant by that accusation. Depleted Uranium? Duke University? Luckily, I figured it out and visited here a few weeks ago. Have been addicted ever since.

So Free Republic is good for something after all!

[JohnnyCougar]

110. Welcome, Texas Lawyer!!

Cheers!:toast:

[CheckyPantz]

156. Similar DU-finding experience here

I've been trying for a number of years to try to understand where the folks on the right are coming from. I grew up in a place where Blue Laws were coming back in vogue, and places like Bob Jones and Wheaton were destinations for some of my high school friends. I sought out Republican points of view, trying to see what appeal these people found in an ideology that seemed so hostile and exclusionary. It used to be the case that I could at least see where the other side was coming from, even if I did fundamentally disagree with them.

But in the past two years, an astonishing thing has occurred: they have completely abandoned the pursuit of backing up their claims with reason, logic, or even proof. I signed up for the newsletter from the Daily Misleader (who, sadly, appear to be too despondent to continue updating in our post-11/2 world), because they consistently provided scads of honest-to-goodness Evidence that some sort of bizarre wool was being pulled over the eyes of the electorate. I get no sense that the other side is even interested in evidence.

I forget how I came across FR initially, though I'm sure it was on one of my effort-to-understand quests sometime last winter. It was nothing short of shocking and bewildering how much manifest hatred was embodied there. It was like a really horrific car accident on the Beltway. I just had to stare and gawk. I never registered, and I never challenged. I'd seen a couple of folks get positively hammered (and banned) when they made even the slightest hint that something GWB said or did was contrary to reason, established diplomatic practice or even his own speech. There are more than a few people on that board who feel that all liberals are traitors. Traitors!

It was at once one of the most hurtful, most absurd and most infuriating things someone's ever said (indirectly) about me. This attack, and the many dozens like it which have followed in the ensuing year, coupled with their frothy hysteria (my word, can those folk whip themselves up quick) and their near-constant complaining about "DUers" made me seek the "DUers" out a few months ago.

I don't register for forums, by and large. I belong to one for my favorite author's fan site. I contribute to one of the too-numerous-too-mention political sites based here in DC on an irregular basis. But as we moved through September and October, and it became plasma-screen clear how close this election was going to be and how much was at stake (see: the entire rest of this board) and how energetically the posters here were fighting for the soul of this country, I was moved to make at least a token effort to contribute here.

The key point from this is a small one, but one that I need to distill for my own understanding: we are fighting for this country. I believe, based on my reading and study of history, that it is my patriotic duty to do nothing less.

I'm glad that DU exists, not only because I can sit here and grandstand as long as I want, but I know that every bit of energy spent typing here by all of you is energy exerted in this fight. Thanks for that. And thanks for the company as we move forward.

[Horse with no Name]

19. Thanks for the welcome

I had been posting on another board up through the elections and simply got tired of the people who supported * without any rhyme or reason and then getting smeared into the ground whenever I showed my support for Kerry.
It was then that I decided that I needed a new place to go..where I didn't have to argue about the truth and could read intelligent postings from people who felt the way I did.
Thank you so much--it's nice to be here.

[tll]

20. Hello

I found it when researching for the primaries (and through other sites' links pages when I started to wake up to the state of things).

I check throughout the day for news, can't wait for the return of the Top Ten and am so relieved to know you're all out there.

Before (and before the internet), I'm not sure if I would've been able to figure out what to do in terms of "getting involved."

[Eloriel]

21. OMG, you guys have me in tears

Really.

For those of you newly "addicted" -- I've got good news and bad news: The bad news is we specialize in getting you addicted. I joined when we had about 12,000 members (can you believe it?), and I was addicted from the get-go and have never gotten over that (and don't expect or plan to). And that's the good news too. :evilgrin:

I know DU has certainly saved my sanity as well, and BOY! am I better "educated" than when I first arrived.

So glad you're all with us, so grateful for your contributions already.

[WestMichRad]

25. Thanks for the welcome!

Have been a reader for quite a while before the election but rarely eager to post. Mostly keep an eye on the issues at my work station, and the bosses probably don't want me posting from that machine, so it's only when I can get time at home that I can respond. Readers, please also check out the excellent editorials at www.opednews.com, they also do a great job of keeping us left-minded citizens well informed of what is REALLY happening out there.

[newyawker99]

39. Hi WestMichRad!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[go west young man]

71. You know what theres something else

here at DU that I've noticed that isn't at other boards. Its a vibe. A real one that is addictive and warm. I don't think Republicans can know how it feels to have cool civilized discourse like this. I hope anyone reading from the media realizes there is something extra special going on over here. Its the real search for the truth.

[GingerSnaps]

119. I don't know about you but when I am pissed off I have to express myself

Boy, was I pissed off after the 2000 selection and I am very pissed off right now :grr:

Eloriel, any College has a class entitled English 101 if anyone is interested in learning our language on here :D

[Buzzkitty]

22. Thanks!

Here's my first post. I'm out! I found the site a few days after the election and have been back a little more each day.
Anxiously awaiting the results of Nader's recount in my home state tomorrow.
When I voted with the scanning machines, the machine at our polling place was down, and my s/o and I had to place our ballots face down in a file basket. There were some really angry people over this. My s/o heard one woman say she wanted to make sure it wasn't going be another Florida in NH.
Anyway, thanks, and I look forward to posting more!

[newyawker99]

40. Hi Buzzkitty!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Laura PourMeADrink]

23. Thanks Eloriel

It was SUCH a depressing day - Nov 3rd. I thought I would die of a broken heart.

I had to find something to help. I think I finally found this site by searching on "BUSH SUCKS" or something like that.

Now, I am hooked and I can't wait to come home to read it.

A wise judge just told me not to get my hopes up on overturning Bush. Even with all the proof in the world - they will stop it. BUT -it still makes me think we have a chance, however small. The world will never make if we don't

[Stephanie]

96. best screenname!!!

too funny!

[shakerbaker]

24. Thanks! We are Counted here!!

And feel welcome here.Too bad we can't say that about the election and those who sought to disenfranchise so many of us for their evil purposes!

[mother earth]

26. and I thank all of you!

For giving us hope that something big is on the way. I think so many of us found our way here because we could not believe the loss. It is so wrong and unacceptable...you made us believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel....

[Karenca]

27. Thank you for the welcome

if I hadn't found you, I would still be crying like I was the night of the Election.
Because of DU, I now have hope.
Thank you, thank you thank you!!!!

[BamaBecky]

28. Thank You Eloriel !

Very glad to be here. And thanks for the web sites!:hi:

[KaryninMiami]

29. Thank you- and thanks to all of you

for reminding me many times each day, that I'm not crazy, not over-reacting, not losing my mind and that there are hundreds, thousands and probably millions of us who share the same passion and determination to protect democracy, our constitutional rights and freedom and who are deeply concerned about the direction this country appears to be taking.

Together we can make a difference!

(Does anyone know how many member this group can actually hold? If we keep growing at this rate, we could reach 500,000 in no time!)

[politicasista]

31. Thanks

This is my first time ever voting, and this was perhaps the most important election in our history. Like many of you, I cried days and night after 11/2 wondering why Kerry conceded before the votes were completely counted. I find it to be cool around here, even though it can get negative here every now and then. I don't know if we will know how good a president Kerry would have been, instead we are talking about the coulda, woulda, shoulds anyway. Thanks for the board.

[BlueStateBlue]

30. Thanks!

I think I found you through Randi Rhodes' message boards.

I'm hooked!

[jasmineblue]

32. Thanks Eloriel

:) I found DU after feeling totally hopeless after this sElection. I couldn't watch any more cable news, so I started listening to AAR & thankfully found sanity here @ DU. I was so relieved to find out I wasn't crazy for feeling like something VERY, VERY BAD just happened to this country. DU has been my link to sanity. Thanks!:yourock:

[shakerbaker]

35. A Nexus-A Bond!

I cried and cried and cried....... I live a bike ride from Canada and have entertained thoughts of going there.I felt like my Country had just died. My poor Cat probably thought I was going to slit my wrists. He stayed away. I was unconsolable... The Dark Side had won.
Then I found you and so many others here in my desparate search online to find my country. I found that America hadn't died. That wonderful passionate Americans here still had faith...and not just that-A determination to conquer the Dark Side to conquer injustice,ignorance and greed. So many here at DU have enpowered me to fight and reclaim our country.

[Wordie]

33. Thanks for the friendly welcome, Eloriel!

[Deb S]

34. Utter shock of election results

Here I sit in middle class America and knew enough to know Bush had to go but the shock and dismay I felt 11/2 never left-I needed some answers and this has been a good place to find info. Very few things in my life have driven me to this kind of obsession. WE CANNOT QUIT!!!

[newyawker99]

41. Hi Deb S!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[APizzedOffDem]

38. Thank you :)

It's nice to wear my tin foil hate with all of you.

[m berst]

42. welcome all

I lurked for months and joined recently. I have a high post count because I am a big blabbermouth.

New people - a suggestion: tell the members a little about yourself and your politcal views early on rather than just posting a lot of one-liners. I waited until I had a couple of hundred posts before I disagreed with one of the old-timers on anything and have tried to give the other members some sense of who I am before I shot my mouth off too much.

Especially on the election theft issue, people are suspicious. There are hundreds of "yeah that's it let's get those repukes!!" or two line posts, and then on the other hand "naw, you are barking up the wrong tree here" one or two line posts on those threads by new members. That can have the appearance of people who are hostile to us and who are attempting to steer the conversation one direction or the other. (Which might just be paranoia on my part, but you see what I am saying.)

[wlubin]

43. Thanks for the welcome. I first saw the DU link on liberaloasis.com but

did not check out the site too much. But then I heard Mike Molloy one night on his show mention how he thought your site was great, and that he is always checking it out, so I decided to check it out too. I have spent most of my time so far in the election 2004 forum, and am amazed at how much information I have received there. I was going around telling my friends for days how there was going to be recounts in Ohio and NH, and they all thought I was crazy. They wanted me to just leave them alone to cry in their coffee. Now one of them finally heard it on CNN, I think from Fat Candi Girl, and he was shocked and impressed at how I knew it for days before he found out.

I am very impressed with this site. I have briefly been to the Breaking News forum and, it looks equally impressive.

I am hooked for sure.

[republikkkon]

44. THANKS!

heard about the board when i was doing some sinclair broadcasting boycott work... some freepers kept telling me to go back to DU... i didn't know what they were talking about but i'm glad i ended up here.

you're not nearly as bad as they make you out to be :)

been lurking for a minute.................

still waiting for someone to formally welcome me with a cheersing emoticon

LOL

[Eloriel]

74. Welcome to DU, republikkkon !!

I'm not sure what you mean by the "cheersing emoticon," but will this one do --


:toast:

[madmadmad]

45. thanks for your welcome!

this site gave my great solace after the election. i found it through the forums at the datalounge, and i've been hooked since. it's a nice feeling to know i'm not alone in my thpughts about this whole charade of an election! so many people i know really think i'm nuts for thinking the election was rigged- they just can't conceive that such a thing could happen in america. so it's nice to be here where we all know we're not crazy!

this is my first post.

thanks again everybody!

madmadmad

in los angeles

[nashville_brook]

46. D-U or die

you know like semper phi

[oceania]

47. Thank you and sending love to you all from New Zealand

Thank you for the welcome- I found DU via Buzzflash on election night. I watched the election unfold with total disbelief. Even though I was watching from the other side of the world watching Bush get back in was a totally devastating experience. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach and I didn't sleep much that night.

Thank you all so much for being prepared to fight what has happened in the USA election- you are fighting for both yourselves and the rest of the world. I am totally powerless- I am not allowed to vote or give money to support BBV or any of the other worthy causes- so watching you all in action gives me hope for the future of the world. There are some just amazing people here.

I know some of you want to leave the USA but in truth it is impossible to get away from Bush anywhere in the western world. His face and the effects of his policies are everywhere. If we get climate change it will impact the world. If you feel you can bear to stay and work for change in America it would be the best thing you could do.

This election is probably gone- but my thoughts on election night were that you will never, ever get a democrat back into the white house unless your voting system is dramatically overhauled. It is really scary how quickly a democracy can become a dictatorship once the voting system is corrupted. You will need to fight really hard for the next two years for an honest voting system.
And it is just vital that you get your own media. The right wing took over your media years ago and without a strong left wing voice to educate the sheeples in your country you will not be able to fight back.

Keep up the good fight!

[eowyn_of_rohan]

64. Wow, thank you for your perspective...

What an amazing letter. You have given us a charge, and I hope we can succeed for our sake and yours too. These are truly frightening times and circumstances.

[Eloriel]

75. Thanks, oceania

It means SO much to me that DU has a nice contingent of people from around the world, some of them ex_pats. I want so much for the rest of the world to know not ALL of us are crazy fascists.

Glad you're here, and you're so right about everything you've said.

You know althecat (publisher of Scoop NZ) is a regular here, I take it?

[oceania]

100. Eowyn_of_rohan & Eloriel

Thank you for the kind words and for making a non USA person feel at home :-)

No- I didn't know that the publisher of Scoop was a regular at DU- I have wondered why www.scoop.co.nz was so up to date with the USA voting fraud!! Now I know!!

[NY lib NY]

48. Thanks for the welcome....

After the election Randi Rhodes turned me on to DU and it really helped deal with my Post-elction blues

[GraphicQueen]

49. Thank you

so much for the welcome. I haven't been one of the people who post these wonderful informative links. But I came here because I just knew that the election was stolen from us and I figured this would be one of the best places to keep up with information. On top of all of that I have met some great people here and am very happy I joined. Thanks again.

[MelissaB]

50. Thanks for the warm welcome!

I found this site through the JREGrassroots site, which is wonderful, too. It looks like I am in good company with all of the new addicts. After the election, I didn't want to leave my computer and had trouble sleeping because of everything that was happening. Only in the last couple of days have I been able to sleep well (with the help of tylenol pm :-) ). I'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome and hope you give me. I live in the deeeep south, and it's been tough.
BTW, this was the first election I gave $$ to a political party. I've told my family that I will be an "activist", and since the election have given to more "funds" than I ever thought I would. You guys are sending me to the poor house, and I thank you for trying to make a difference!!

[faithfull]

51. Thanks!

Im just here for the :donut:

[driver8]

52. Thanks for the welcome

Thank you for the welcome...it is appreciated.

I'm not sure how I first wandered in to DU. I think someone sent me a link to the top 10 lists and then I started reading the forums. I found in the forums a lot of people and ideas that I could identify with, and the information the forums offer is amazing.

I lurked around here for a couple of weeks before registering. I was as excited as everyone with the way the election was going for Kerry and thought for sure he would win. I even told my father in law that "there is no way Kerry will lose." I am eating crow now...

Anyhow, I am happy to be here and looking forward to getting more involved with elections and the political process.

Mike

[oldgrowth]

53. Thanks for the welcome

[Justathought]

54. Hi and thank you for the warm welcome.

I was and still am on a site that is trying the ideal of getting Dems and Repubs together whereby good debates can occur. I am currently a moderator for the board by our membership is far from being as large as this one.

I found DU because I needed a place to voice my thoughts without head banging, degrading, crude and insulting slams for what I believed in politically. I found this site by using the google track and first read your rules as to slamming or crude not acceptable. I want to thank you for that and I have been way to addicted since I came. Two and three o'clock in the morning makes one tired when you need to get up at six.

Thank you this is an awesome site and I would like to thank all the DU members for thoughtful, insightful, and informative information. :yourock:

[Revolucionario83]

55. Muchas Gracias

[Carl Brennan]

56. Whaaa? Even the freepers..........

(((Just kidding)))

Great idea. Welcome all the newcomers.

:toast:

[Longgrain]

57. Thanks...

thank you so much for the welcome...
I've actually have been lurking here, off and on, since shortly after selection 2000, but only recently had the courage to post...
Hope to stick around

Longgrain

[donachiel]

58. Thank you kindly for the Welcome Eloriel!

It's been a real pleasure sharing my thoughts with others on this forum. I found it the day after the election because I was so distraught on the outcome of the election. I had first gone into the Kerry/Edwards forum which then moved to the commond ground common sense forum. In that forum, I saw a link to this forum and have taken up residency ever since. :)

[Helga Scow Stern]

59. Thanks, Eloriel!

I am not as new as some, but I did just find the site after the election. I woke up one morning and knew it was stolen, then went online to find someone else who thought the same thing. I thought it would be all over the news, it seemed so obvious.

But no, the real news is here!

I feel like I have come home somehow. This is such a critical time in our history, and I am honored to be among you all.

[Silver Gaia]

60. Thanks, Eloriel...

I came here and registered during the debates. I knew, from friends at my "home" forum, that this would be the place to be, and I wasn't wrong. ;)

I've come here every day since I first registered--not just once a day, but several times a day--to learn what is REALLY going on.

DU has saved my sanity more than once. Until recently, my "home" forum was flooded with FReepers, and had become rather unpleasant (to say the least). (For the most part, they've been weeded out there now, but DU still has me addicted. hehehe) Coming to DU has been like a soothing balm for my shattered nerves, and since November 2nd, I've needed that more and more.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to all the dedicated and long-time DUer's here. You have my highest respect and my deepest admiration for the work you are doing here. This is grassroots at its finest. And I am proud to be a new member.

I wish I could do more. I'm a college student (not a young whippersnapper, but a silver-haired one), and am taking five classes this semester from some very demanding professors. (whew) My free time to spend doing research or helping with any of the efforts here other than by reading and donating and spreading the word has been hampered by my classwork. But the semester is winding down, and perhaps there will be things I can do when finals are over. I hope...

Nontheless, just know that I am here, and that I am supporting the efforts here with all I can give for now.

Again... THANK YOU!

[dewaldd]

61. Thank you--I would have gone nuts without DU

How else can you handle being unplugged from the Matrix (main stream media and the realization that we are being controlled by the corporations--eg we are in a fascist state)

[Guava Jelly]

62. BEAT IT NEWBIES!!!..just kidden

We welcome all uprightwalkers and freethinkers...
You are the future .

[eowyn_of_rohan]

63. Nice welcome!

I have been a lurker off and on for almost 4 years. Don't know now why i waited so long.

[Turn CO Blue]

65. Thanks, I really like it here.

[Roger_Otip]

66. thanks

it's great to be part of it.

[Chimpanzee]

67. Eloriel - thank you! You are too cool n/t

[professor skisurf]

68. My thanks too

for the nice welcome. I first heard about DU on the Kerry/Edwards blog. Since then, I've been addicted. My husband was hoping once the election was over, he would get his wife back from the blogs... Oh well!

[Zan_of_Texas]

114. Oh do I know what you mean, prof!

I think a lot of people thought that after November 2, SOMEthing would go back to what passes for normal.

Instead -- ha, it's time to ramp it up another notch!

Hang on, because our democracy is really at stake here, and every day that goes by, BushCo gets a stronger grip. We have GOT TO work together in a focused way to get at the corrosion on the bedrock of democracy -- the ability of criminals to steal votes.

[go west young man]

70. I stumbled on DU the day after the election

and have been here everyday since. I happened to be moving on election day and my new house has no cable just the internet so DU has made me forget about TV. I'm so glad as I didn't need to see gloating assholes telling me how there was no fraud. I know I'm in good company here with real American patriots and truth seekers.

[BlueDog2u]

72. Hey, Big Guy

Right back at you, for all the incredible work you are doing to keep us focused on substance and strategy. That's why we came here, and we plan to stay to see this thing through to whatever happy end we can salvage from this rotten world, whether its Kerry in the whitehouse or radical election law reform and indictments all around at Diebold.

[savetheuniverse]

73. thanks for the welcome Eloriel -- and thanks for your WORK

even as the horrific reality of what happened in these elections was revealed by all your efforts, there was a stupendous beauty in seeing the way you guys just got massively organized and pulled off an amazing stunt.

I hope you'll forgive some of us Newbies for the myriad transgressions and fumbling, stumbling attempts to keep up with you!

Thanks to all of you for have the "testicular fortitude" (qt. from a response to my NYT letter) to take on America's Dumbest criminal.

[Eloriel]

78. Oh, you changed your name!

And I liked CatastrophicSuccess so much!

OTOH, savetheuniverse is pretty cool too, esp. since that's what we need to do starting with -- well, you know the routine.

[savetheuniverse]

82. Name change etc.

was due to the hope inspired by the efforts you have made....note that zappa and the gottagetoutta here is also gone....you have given me hope in the despair and the changes seek to reflect that...btw...i wrote a kind of "tribute" to DU and rant against the shrub which I buried as a comment to my own NYT article (unfortunately still riddled with typos) ... it's pretty wild but you may want to check it out sometime when you aren't busy with more important things ...

it is odd: the act of what DU has done as a thing of absolute beauty juxtaposed against the most horrific crime in the history of humanity....

Worse than Watergate? Yep. Worse Yet. Worse than Hitler.

http://www.opednews.com/friedberg_111504_media_whitewash.htm

:yourock:

[Eloriel]

101. It's excellent --

I remember reading it here at DU. Excellent. Thanks for sharing it again.

[Northwestmom4Kerry]

76. Thanks for the welcome......

I was a Kerry campaign volunteer since the primaries, and from time to time a blogger on the Kerry website. I'm not sure how I found my way here, but I think it may have been through a link from BBV. I've been trying to follow everything I can about the fraud, and one way or another found my way here.

[muse]

151. Hi, northwestmom! muse4kerry here from the kerry blog!

Just wanted to say hi! I wonder who else from the blog found their way here?

[indigoblue]

77. Election result analysis for Florida, Pennsylvania, and Nevada

I'm new and can't start a new thread...

I posted my election result analysis at:

http://findtruthnow.blogspot.com

It is very long and has a lot of figures. There is a summary at the end.

Can anybody start a thread with this link?

Sorry for the multiple postings.

[Eloriel]

80. I'll be happy to post it. Thanks -- and welcome!

This is what I mean by so MANY of you wonderful newbies bringing absolutely terrific info here to DU. It's mind-blowing (in the best of ways).

Edited to add the link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x59085

[Longgrain]

84. Hey Indigo...

You killed my father...prepare to die...

Jus' kidding...

I'll post this link for you...

From one Newbie to another...

Just give me a few minutes and pray for both of us that we're not Trolls or Freepers...

[floridadem30]

79. Thank you, you are the first to welcome me here.

I found the website by doing a search for democratic committees.

[bunny planet]

81. Thank you for the welcome.

I also had someone put up the little smiley guys clinking beer mugs for me a few posts back. That was great. Thanks again.

[Longgrain]

83. My 50th post....

This is my fiftieth post...a milestone I guess...
So as a fellow newbie, I'd just like to also thank everyone, who posted on this thread...

{hear that oldbies...you reign is over...the age of newbies is upon you...);)

Jus' kidding oldbies...:yourock:

:hi: :7 :toast: :7 :hi:

[PeterPan]

85. thanks for the welcome

really don't know why it took me so long to find du - but i sure feel at home now :)

[scotjohn]

86. Thanks!

Glad to find all of you here.

I spent election day handing out Democratic voter guides at my precinct, and another volunteer mentioned DU, that's how I found it.

Just when my wife thought I was weaning myself from political Web sites... *grin*

[BernieBear]

87. Depression ... is what brought me to DU

Thank you for the welcome!!! I didn't find DU until close to the election and then after Kerry conceded I became very depressed for several days. I found DU to be a lot of support during that time. It seems to be inhabited by great, caring, activist types. Oh, and intelligent people are here... willing to allow people to have opinions and discuss them...

Thanks to all of you who work so hard on behalf of your beliefs... BernieBear

[AmyCrat]

88. Hi All... Glad to be here

I don't exactly remember, but I think I read about DU on another political (liberal-leaning) site. Leading up to the election, I was addicted to following the polls numbers, the campaigns, and watching political news til I could watch no more. My husband insisted on watching Hannity (my husband's a liberal too) so we would get "the other side" and it got to the point I couldn't take it anymore! hehehehe

Glad to find this site and to know I'm not alone in thinking something really STINKS about this whole thing. I want our democracy to prevail.

Amy
A NYer who refused to vote for Bush post 9/11

[klebean]

89. great idea Eloriel

to give us newbies opportunity to say how/why we're here.
I've been on a number of listserves over the years and realize the trouble
trolls cause, as well as the addictive nature of getting involved with an impassioned
internet community (hmm...sounds like a love affair '-)

I've been reading smirkingchimp for the last few years, but don't post.
It's where I'd begin my news search everyday. I first heard about DU
on the freeper site. Too busy to get too involved in conversation on
the net (ucla grad june 04 - I'm a late bloomer) my activism has been
directed by moveon, to which I've been a subscribed from its beginning, ie, monica...

I live in LA, so traveled to las vegas to work the precints for the labor unions.
Spent three days just prior to the election, headed home when the polls closed,
feeling pretty positive. Friends and family called as we traveled home, telling us
about the exit polls, but then the news stories soon broke our spirits. I arrived home
about 1am, opened a bottle of wine (and later another) staying up all night surfing
the net and cable tv. A poster on smirking chimp alerted me to the CNN exit poll
switch, and it wasn't long after that event that I found DU that night. I was all night, but next morning found myself crying, listening to Kerry's concession speech, ( I woke just
in time to catch it live).

I've put my life on hold, gone into a sort of hibernation, creating a huge file
"2004 Unelection."

My 17 year old, with a shit-eating grin, asked me last Sat AM, "So mom - whatcha gonna do today?"

"More of the same, no doubt, " I replied unashamed. (i've become an info conduit for
my family and friends; have mentioned this site to them and internet pals, too. told my kiwi girlfriend the best analysis is coming out of NZ - thank you althecat).

Yesterday was my b'day (47) - employed the blow dryer and a bit of make up and broke out of hibernation mode. my husband gave me satellite radio for the home and my car - because he understands my passion for unadulterated facts and info.

Thank you to you all who have provided what I crave.

[Jadeblue]

90. You guys are my heroes!

As a newbie I limped over here after the Bush "victory". I have never been so devastated by an election in my life. Just disheartened beyond belief. Reading all these posts have been such a great experience. I'm impressed, encouraged and awed by the commitment and intelligence shown on these boards.

You are one amazing group of people (Democrats, the best kind!).

Thank you for standing up and fighting, it give us all hope!! We can be a force in this country.

[unpossibles]

91. like many here

I started out lurking THE DAY AFTER (cue ominous music) trying to find information about wtf had just happened and got hooked fairly quickly. I like not only the wealth of information (and even if one or two things have been "debunked" the stuff that is being ignored is far more important), but the fairly open spirit of camaraderie and the desire to do something. It is refreshing to see grassroots movements and people who are not swamped with apathy or FAUX News/Lush Rimbaugh coached hate.

my background: I consider myself an independent lefty. In the past 2 years, I grew from an Anybody But Bullsh stance to supporting Kerry. Sure, there have been elements of his beliefs where we may not see eye to eye, but he has the maturity and the intelligence to know what is personal and what is professional, and that really struck a chord with me. Although I was decided for a long time, watching him in the debates really nailed it for me.

That said, when I noticed the discrepancies between the vote and the exit polls, bells went off and I got scared and angry. How the hell could they take away what is the keystone of our democracy? How dare they?

At first I was concerned because I could not find anyone who seemed to care, then I found here and realized that many of us do care and I've been working my butt off to get the message out that it's far from over. Thanks to all and thanks for the warm welcomes.

Don

ps - I also like the fact that despite what many say, we are all very different with varying backgrounds and beliefs. That is what makes us and America strong. Now let's Impeach the Pretender while we still can!

[Ann Arbor Dem]

92. Welcome everyone!

Like many of you, I read the board frequently for a long time before I joined. It's an oasis in this crazy world.

We have a lot of work to do for the elections in 2006 and 2008, and this is the place to be!

:hi:

[proudtobeadem]

95. Thank you for the welcome ...NEED HELP WITH FLYER

I am soo grateful to have found this site I also like many others was just devastated after the "election" I must have cried 3 times. But by that thurs I realized that i really could not get my brain around the idea that he won -it just seemed like such an impossibility, so went Googling for Election fraud and I found this site -I have been addicted ever since!!! I signed all the petitions I could find, emailed people, donated to Cobb and BBV, (and I'm not working).
Now I want to print up some flyers and distribute them on car winshields and in the subway (I Live in NYC), but I need help deciding what to put on it -Help??
What is the best title -or should and can I use the titles of some of the articles online -such as "Evidence mounts election..." ??

[Eloriel]

99. FLYERS -- here are some links

Several links:

FULL COURT PRESS! Here's a RECOUNT FUNDRAISING/FRAUD flyer w/many links..
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x51578

FABULOUS flyers re voting problems -- must see, must download
http://www.bigpath.net/politics/Home/home.html
originally posted here:
Great new educational flyers on voter problems
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1352028

An open letter to my Repub friends
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=201&topic_id=2986#3134


Culled from here (good place, I hope, to check for keeping up with news and developments -- see Activism, Resources, Background and other posts) - and be SURE to see this last link as well:


VOTE FRAUD Links - a DU Compendium
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=201&topic_id=1984#

VOTE FRAUD Links Compendium - Thread #2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=201x3223

ALSO SEE: VOTE FRAUD? What can we do? http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2701028#

********SEND THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND MEDIA TOO *********
Best Fraud Summary I've seen!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x57214
Link: http://www.bopnews.com


Hopefully you can cut your work short with some of these resources. I LOVE the idea of flyering. Be sure to give them internet links -- places they can get more info AND volunteer and DO something (i.e., other activist stuff).

[proudtobeadem]

103. Thank you -it looks good!

[GingerSnaps]

120. Do you think that it would be a good idea to provide a link on the draft?

People keep asking me about how the draft works.

One of the states have already started making people sign a card before their 18'th birthday.

Can we provide some of the "newbies" with a link on how the draft works.

What I heard is both males and females are going to get drafted and they don't provide an out clause for someone with an abscess or a rich daddy.

[blondeatlast]

124. Get in contact with Rosebud_57; there is also a Graohics group

accessible from the Lobby/DU Groups.

[carolinalady]

93. Thanks for the welcome

I found this site by posting on Yahoo politics several weeks before the election. I am totally addicted. My boys and husband all have their "chat rooms and forums"-- now Mom has her own site. Sorry to say that my house has been a casualty of this newfound addiction. I finally tore myself away today and shoveled it out!

[blondeatlast]

125. If it gets overwhelming. join me and many others in the

Parenting Group.

Go to the Lobby, then look for DU Groups, scroll down.

Hope to see you there!

[strangemedicine]

94. Hello and thank you for the welcome and your hard work, good woman!

Bright blessings DU'ers and all you fellow Newbies!I found DU in the spring, searching for alternative media sources on the net. You all have taught me soooo much ... made me think, laugh, tear up ... sigh. I love it here.

I come from a very red state. My family have been democrats for several generations ... my grandfather used to say of his home county, "Kingsbury county would elect a hog if it was republican." My 95 year old grandmother was the only democratic pollster in their county for many years. When my brother had a double transplant 4 years ago, and the insurance company wouldn't cover his life-saving meds, it was our junior Democratic Senator and his staff who went to work and straightened out the mess. He is doing very well, and it's a miracle, I think.

DU and all of the folks here are part of a miracle too, have helped to create that miracle ... the people have begun to rise up and fight.


"Many colors of the spirit, many lives below the sun. We are colors of the spirit. We are many, we are one." -Perry & Schon

[masshole1979]

97. finally, thank you

thank you

This is one of the most intelligent boards on the internet. And to think it actually might help save the electoral process!

So much of the insider-ism on this board, the abusive freep calling rather than just alerting the moderator, reminds me of too many of the "leftists" i worked with in college who weren't interested in converting the unfaithful, but endlessly preaching to the choir and taking a more left than thou attitude. That is one tendency the left needs to do without, and I think most DUers are well on their way to ridding us of that attitude.

[umtalal]

98. I am an oldie but I found the DU from a right wing freeper who was

complaining about it on the Charlie Rose Forum. I was banned from his forum but thank you Qwinn ( he is a major a*)(&*^*&(*

[blondeatlast]

126. Oldie but a goodie! nt

[Eloriel]

102. What a wonderful group of people and a great thread --

would love to respond to each and every one, but that would make the thread too big for me to read on dial-up. :-)

Welcome home, everyone!

[thatcoloredfella]

104. DU Newbies Unite!!

Thanks Eloriel!!

Can't remember exactly, but I think it was a link from BuzzFlash.com or extension thereof!

I've gotten a warm reception here, and have benefited from how current posters are here. If I read something on Yahoo News, DU is my next stop to get links for more details.

DU is also a big part of driving the election fraud story and keeping everyone up to date. I've already recommended DU to my blog readers.

I've also written a couple of posts asking DU folks to be a bit more patient and not ignore credible evidence when it disproves something you believe to be true! That is the MO of Freepers - were better than that.

Also, we need to be smarter and not take every word literally - that's why they call it politics!!

http://ThatColoredFellasweblog.Bloghorn.com

[Miami Liberal]

105. Thanks!

I love it here, wish I could be on more often.

[deansyawp]

106. Thanks for the Welcome

I've known about DU for some time but have spent my blogging time at dKos and Atrios. I've started coming here more frequently over the last couple of weeks to compare the voting irregularities news with what is up on the Kos diaries -- it seems as if much of what is posted there either originates here or is posted here first. I count myself a skeptic, but a VERY interested skeptic.

[Pooka Fey]

107. Thank you, Eloriel

I was looking for a community of democrats before the election, because I wanted to become more involved. I did a google search, and that's how I found DU. I'm really glad I did.

[mitrueblue]

108. Getting Politically Active Again.

I found this site the night of the election. I was so distraught I was frantically surfing for information. Anything that would change what I was witnessing. I've reading DU every single day and night since the election. I'm addicted.

I was much more involved in politics while I attended Michigan State. I was at MSU during Clinton's 92 campaign. MSU hosted the debate with Perot, Bush and Clinton. The campus was energize by the election. I started working on Clinton's campaign with the college Dems on campus. Was invited and attended the inauguration in D.C. The whole experience made me switch my major. I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science.

I really have not felt that inspired since then until I watched the first debate between Dubya and Kerry. I was screaming at the T.V. during all three debates. From then until November 2 I was on board and volunteered when and where I could. I truly believe Kerry had (and has) all the potential to be a great president.

[crispini]

109. WOW! Hey, everybody, please check your STATE forums!

They are a little slower moving and are great ways to get hooked up with locals who are politically involved.

I KNOW there are some Texans in this thread and weeeee need yooooou... to run for office, to volunteer, and to help us take the place back! Woot! No matter your state, drop by your state forum! :D

And welcome all ya'll!

[blondeatlast]

128. I LOVE the state forums--Blue or Green AZers, you are

decidedly not alone!

[selmo7]

111. Thank you Eloriel -

I am really happy to be here and already I've been able to pass on what is shared here with others, especially with regard to recent election fraud story. It's fabulous! What a great group of very genuine people.

A friend told me about DUers at Clerys during DNC...I went, met some of yous that were there, enjoyed it, was interviewed for a documentary about voting machines by some neat filmmakers, and then emerged from lurker status to sign on. Became more familiar with the list and slowly started posting here and there. (I am furious and furiouser by the day with "_resident" cartel policies and actions.)

[RagingInMiami]

112. I feel like I found home

I love it here. I think DU will be known as one of the contributing factors to bringing that SOB down. It's going to be history in the making. A revolution through cyberspace. We'll be telling our grandkids about it.


http://bringbushdown.blogspot.com

[althecat]

113. And that's a BIG HELLO from me too

HELLO

You guys

:yourock:

BIG TIME

[mirandapriestly]

115. This forum saved me during the "crisis"

I honestly don't know what I would have done emotionally if I didn't have you guys to read. And now I'm hooked!

[noonriser]

116. Top 10 Conservative Idiots

That's how I found DU. I was emailed the link by a friend and have been lurking ever since. For a long time, I read the Top 10--the articles and of course Plain Adder and Auntie Pinko. I finally started spending all of my free time here on the discussion board as the buildup to the election was making wrecks of all of us. Now I'm here helping to take back our country, our democracy, with all of you. I'm so proud to be a part of it with all of you. Thanks DU!!!!

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[proud_Kucitizen]

117. Thanks

Hope I can do my share to keep this administration from at least using there so called mandate to distroy my country.

[ewulf]

118. Thanks for the Welcome,

I'm not sure how I found DU. Maybe linked to from a blog, or maybe google? After I got back from a long trip through Nevada during the campaign, I really wanted to find real exit-poll data, and I think DU might have come up at some point in my search.

Now that I'm here, though, I like it. You guys have a great operation going here.

[HEAVYHEART]

121. Thanks for the welcome Eloriel.

As with many new DUers, I came here to DU because I was outraged. I was so crushed on that dreaded Black Tuesday (wednesday actually, next day), that I literally did nothing but sat on my ass, crying, not knowing what to do next. I just sat here in front of my computer crying my eyes out. First of all, I had been a member another political forum, a forum with a mixed group of people from different parties. Of course the repugs on those forums gloated and went on and on about what the democrats did wrong yada yada yada, moral issues, blah blah blah, which only flamed my ever growing anger. So I said fuck it. Screw these bastards.

I then did a google search on Democratic forums to find others like myself, I was desperate. And that was the day I stumble upon DU. And I never turned back. Actually I did go back to that forum, just to post some of the voter fraud findings from DU. I couldn't wait to show the bastards. And you know what happened? The repuke son of bitch admin/moderator, banned my ass. He fucking banned me for posting the truth!

I did think about going back to that one forum, as a troll, so I can continue to enlighten the bastards on all the fraud stuff. But why bother. They'll just keep banning me for exposing the motherfucking repukes! I don't belong there, or anywhere else for that matter.
This is my new home now.

Here's the link to that dreaded forum in case any of you wanna lurk and see what these bastards are discussing. Every now and then, I still lurk to see what they're talking about. Specifically, I'm interested in seeing if anybody is talking about fraud. I did see a couple of posts from other liberals posting info/links on voter fraud. But of course the rethugs are quick to squelch those threads telling the demos to get over it.

http://www.politicalcrossfire.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=ff96a8fdc72399d61711dc4c3be5b15b

[intelle]

123. Thank you Eloriel!

I have been an active member of several mailing lists dealing with truth in media and offshoring. After the election, I posted several posts asking if anyone was questioning the results of this election. Someone on the offshoring list mentioned DU. I checked it out, and the rest is history!

Glad to be here. It is a relief to know that there are others like me out there!

:grouphug:

[illuminaughty]

127. I just want to thank you

I just finished copying much of the info from your threads to take to the next "No Stolen Elections" meeting in K.C. tonight. It will be at the Teamster's Hall.

You have done a great job and put in so much time organizing and updating this info. It will be a great tool to use for those who are confused and think this is only about Ohio. Also those who don't have access to a computer. Since our media cannot do its job, you ARE the media for us. Thank you.

[blondeatlast]

129. I love this idea, Eloriel! I propose we post a thread like this

every month, maybe on the 1st of the month.

It's really heartening to read all these great stories.

And to Eloriel, for this thread and to all the newbies:

:toast: all around!

[pipes]

130. Thank you for the welcome

I heard of DU from my neighbor, a Vietnam Vet, who can't stand what is going on in this country. I am not sure he is a regular but I am. One thing he told me that I will always remember..."when I was sworn into the service the oath was to protect the constitution from all foreign enemies as well as domestic..."

Where is the outrage form everyone else in the country? the DU is the only place where people seem to be really sane. I have been reading and making sure to spread the word as best I can, although even my wife thinks I am crazy...

Thankyou DU for all the stories and facts that the MSM is to yellow to cover.

Now if I could just get some work done...it would be great!

[ruthg]

133. Thank you so much...

My next door neighbor ( who still has TWO Kerry/Edwards signs on her lawn) told me about you. I am sorry I didn't know about you earlier. I have teenage kids and getting time in front of the computer is not often easy so I have totally neglected my housework, reports I need to write, and phone calls and the dogs haven't been walked in days....


Good to be here

[mak3cats]

134. So very, very, very glad to be here...

And thank you!!!

(I found this website from a posting on whatreallyhappened.com.)

[From the south]

135. Thanks for the welcome

Why were new user not allowed for so long?

[Left Brain]

136. Taking the Plunge

Longtime lurker, can't say why it has taken me so long to show
my face. This first post is a tough one, but the words are
from my heart.

Although I've been in and out of the DU from time to time, I
have to say these boards have been a lifeline since the modern
day of infamy, November 3, 2004. DU has become my primary
source for news, information, and honest discussion. I've
recommended it to any and everyone who shared my heartbreak,
shock, and utter disgust at the result of this election.

This website gives me hope. Sincere thanks to the hosts and
mods. You are true trail blazers. Never give up the fight.

[gizmonic]

137. Thank you for the welcome!

I was a lurker over at Smirking Chimp and kept reading about "DUers". I finally found out what it was and now I love this site!


:hi:

[trashcan]

138. thanks for the welcome

[blranger]

139. I thought I was alone

in thinking that the election was rigged. I have never been on a discussion board before and this is the first time. After the election I searched everywhere on the Internet for some kind of information of vote fraud and found DU that day and without you I would be deeply depressed and I can always find something to make me laugh or smile when I come here!:hi:

[zann725]

146. Ditto!

Me too! DU pulled me through (and is still pulling me through) post-election blues! As I was never a blogger before either, I was very impressed by the warm DU welcomes to newbies.
Thanks! :bounce:

[Eloriel]

140. Once again,

I'm sitting here with tears welling up...

What a gorgeous bunch of people. Ya'll fit RIGHT in here, and it's wonderful to see new blood, and to see others who feel as so many of us (not all) here at DU feel about this stolen election.

I was so impressed with this thread that I posted a link to it in the Ask The Administrators' forum, so the guys who own this joint could get a good look at some of the new crowd and be reminded again of what great, desperately needed work they do running this place. If Skinner (main admin guy) gets a chance (they all stay pretty busy), he'll maybe pop in and say hi.

I want to share something, not sure why I'm feeling impressed to do so, but I'm going to run with it. After several years here (I joined when there were about 12,000 registrations), and watching this unfold as well as the response (or lack thereof) from our illustrious Dem Leaders, one thing stands out above all others: it's up to us, folks. If we want anything done, we're going to have to do it ourselves. I see various DUers post in other threads that maybe the Dems have a secret plan, maybe they're flying under the radar, and soon they'll pounce and ....

Ain't gonna happen. They're either clueless, in denial, or perhaps even complicit. It gives me no joy to say that, but you can't find any evidence to the contrary. There are a few exceptions -- Congressmen Conyers, Waxman, Nadler, probably the bulk of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) -- but for the most part, whatever we do to save this country, starting with the election mess, is going to have to be on our shoulders.

I personally was anticipating the Bush "win" -- tho I kenw he wouldn't win at all, that he'd steal it again. I let myself be lulled a bit by the momentum ABB (Anybody But Bush) candidate Kerry had going into the election, and by the promising exit polls on Nov. 2, but it was no surprise that things didn't end up right at all. So I didn't have the emotional letdown many of you suffered, but I can certainly sympathize and commiserate.

Curiously, I feel more energized than ever about all this. MORE people are questioning, MORE people are waking up, MORE people are finding DU and other ansers and evidence they're seeking online. So, let's get busy. :-)

I'll leave you with three of my favorite quotes (which you'll no doubt see me posting elsewhere when the occasion arises), two from Gandhi and the third from Harry Belafonte:

First they ignore you.
Then they laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then you win. -- Gandhi


When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Always. -- Gandhi


Do not submit. It is extremely critical that repression be met head on and that it be resisted with every fiber in our being. There is absolutely no compromise that can be made with it. As a matter of fact, compromise is what oppression feeds on. Without compromise it would be defeated.
-- Harry Belafonte, on being asked how to survive political repression

Again, so glad ya'll are here.

[GingerSnaps]

157. Thanks for posting your message

For 4 years we have been fighting against the fraudulent election that went down in 2000. I knew in my heart that * was going to steal it again but I had hope that the true winner "Kerry" would get in and prove my feelings wrong.

We are going through a dark age right now and if people don't wake up it's going to stay dark for a long time. The repugs are ecstatic about their boy * winning. The part that they ignore is that the way that * won dissolved their rights for voting in the future. They don't understand that our country fought for our voting rights and it took years for different groups of people to obtain their rights to vote.

I pray for their souls so that they will stop hating people. What "we" lost on 11/2 was our freedom because if you don't have a right to vote then your freedom is at stake.

What would happen if the tides turned and our guys hacked into the computer system some day and they can't do anything about it. I bet that would change their views on someone being elected illegally.

God help the Repugs they don't know what has happened to this country.

:hug:

[99Pancakes]

141. Thanks for the warm welcome

Found my way here via Michael Moore's site. Was a lurker pre 11/2, and jumped in after the election was stolen (again). Also, the media is seeming to abandon us more each year, so I have bookmarked the Leftist Blogs, news sites and such to stay informed of what "really" is going on.
:hi:

[blitzburgh55]

142. Thanks

Not sure how I found this site.

The day after the election, someone pulled out in front of me. They had a Bush/Cheney sticker on their car. I swear, if I had an old piece of crap car, I would have just rear ended the SOB instead of slamming on the brakes. :evilgrin:

I knew there were many others that felt the way my family, friends and I felt when the Chimp got reselected and here you are.

Glad I found ya! :toast: :hi:

[juajen]

143. Gosh, so many newbies on one thread. THANKS Eloriel

I have been remiss in welcoming all of you, so, this way, I get to do it in one post. Sorry for being so lazy. I'm still way depressed over the pseudo-election.

For you sincere newbies, we are glad you joined us and your contributions are so very WELCOME. I remember how I felt when I found DU, and many posts later, love it just as much as I did at the beginning. The greatest part of this forum, IMHO, is being among like-minded people and not having to put up with raving lunatics, plus we just have so many smart people here, sometimes it's hard to keep up, and, it is so informative, funny and provocative.

For any insincere newbies who just might be on here pretending, we will hunt you down in your caves! BEWARE of the tombstone.

[EC]

144. Thanks

Have been registered since 2001, don't remember how I got here. Read the Top Ten weekly (in fact look forward to it every Monday, makes my day). Never posted until recently. Used to argue at Bill Mahr's board, (my posting name over there was HiThere) until I got tired of the same old talking points being religiously quoted as arguments in the debates. I swear they're either brain-washed or party line trolls, hired to control free-thinking. Anyway, I write letters to the VOP's in several newspapers and this site has the best info for citing sources. You guys keep me sane...I refuse to just give up and become a puppet for the state just because it may be easier to survive in this day and age. I'm also a Randi Rhodes and C-Span junky.:grouphug:

[yardwork]

147. Adding my welcome to the others here....welcome everyone!

[LisaLynne]

148. Add another big ...

thank you and welcome to the newcomers! :hi:

[Her Blondness]

149. Thank you!!!!

How did I hear about DU?

On election day, I was volunteering to help with the campaign efforts. Someone at our local headquarters pulled up DU on the laptop we had and told me he was "addicted"!

I had to check it out.

Thank you for the warm welcome!!!!

[muse]

150. Hi! I'm new. Would you believe my cousin's freeper husband told me about

DU? I had actually heard about DU previously, but just barely. When I knew that a dedicated freeper considered this the promised land for liberal dems, I knew I needed to pay it a visit. And, here I am. Thanks for the welcome!

[proudtobeadem]

152. kick

[leanin_green]

153. Thanks! Query?

I have been here since before the election/fraud.
I got here through Astroworld.
I just wondered, am I the only Utah Liberal here?

[Eloriel]

154. No, but I doubt there are thousands of you

:-)

You might check the Utah State Forums

And another :kick: for all the beautiful (new) people --

:kick:

[boi1946]

155. Thanks for the welcome!

I guess I found this site thru my 39 y/o son the computer geek who was recommending places to get unbiased, unreported news.
Was active in the 60's, then did the usual marriage-family-work-divorce-remodel houses-more work-more school....
Now semi-retired, and got angry first at B* over the way this upstart counterfeit cowboy trashed my home state.
S/O was ill during the first election theft, but I resolved if B* ran again, I was going to work for whoever ran against him. Fortunately, the more I learned about JK, the more I respected his life, work, and ideals. Although always considered myself an Independent, volunteering for the DNC was fun!
Early AM 11/3 I knew that the b***tards has done it again. They'd had 2 dress-rehearsals, and thought that they'd gotten away their latest, maybe biggest, crime.
But I just can't let them get away with it.
This place gives me a chance to work against them--new ideas and information, links to causes I can contribute to, info to pass along to friends with less time on their hands than I do...
I'm glad to be here!

[loupe-garou]

158. Thanks Eloriel ! I finally stopped lurking!!

There are so many smart and articulate people here, I was intimidated!

We've gotta be smarter than those in the alternate chimp reality.

Welcome everyone You all give me hope for our country!!

[empathy]

159. Hi Eloriel

Thanks for the welcome, and I really like your name.

To answer your question, Im not sure I remember how I stumbled onto DU. But it was certainly in the first few days after the election while browsing the internet trying to figure out what caused the exit polls to be so far off...

I live overseas now (and have for a while) but am a Minnesota resident. My brother, who is an extremely active MN Dem, told me that some people had expressed doubts about- well, exactly what all the postings here are about.

Anyway, I am glad to see Du has so many like-minded people who are so willing to write exactly what they are thinking.

Thanks,
SpockinPrague

p.s. i wish I had chosen a different name - its probably too late to change it?

[Karenca]

160. Thank you Eloriel

Im not sure how I found you, but I found you on Nov 3.
For some reason, I couldn't post for a week. Reading all your posts and realizing that I wasn't alone in my feelings about the election being stolen confirmed my doubts. And the best thing is that through DU, we are doing something about it.

[dmac]

161. Thank you for the welcome and I don't remember exactly

how I found you. But I found you shortly after the election, following a link I believe. All I know is once I found the site, I stayed up 3 nights in a row (4:30, 3:30, and 1:30) reading, reading, reading and then couldn't sleep even after I went to bed. I was frustrated because for some reason every time I tried to join, I received a message that because of the election, DU wouldn't be accepting new members until after the election. But I finally sent an email through "contact us", and was sent a link that allowed me to sign up. Ever since DU is part of my daily routine, though sometimes I do not get to spend as much time out here as I like. And I am still having some navigation issues finding my way back to sites that I wanted to go back to. But overall, DU has been my lifeline. So thank you. I hope to give back as much as I have received from my time here.

[s-cubed]

162. Thank you

I was so devastated by the election, and then I found DU. At last I have a way to channel my anger into something that will help. On with the revolution!

[Wiley50]

163. Let me introduce myself

This account was started a couple of months back when I was a campaign worker ( which I was for several months ) I started it when I was trying to publicize a film festival I was doing at my HQ. That is why my former screen name was maurycodemparty. I have been way too busy to get back to it.
Since election day I have been the BBV volunter for my county requesting, obtaining and relaying data from my county elections supervisor to BBV. I got that all accomplished Friday.

Now I have time to catch my breathe, kick back a bit,educate myself some and join in some discussion with my compatriots. It may only be temporary. I'm trying to get my situation organized in such a way that I can go to Ohio and help out.

I'm disabled, at least in the sense that I can no longer do the work (carpet installation) that I've done for 27 years. That's good in that I have time to volunteer for what I believe in and bad in that I am penniless ( I've lived almost exclusively on $149 in food stamps since my operation in 2000 )and have been fighting Social Security for almost 4 years for some of what I paid in for the last 30.

[SeekingDemocracy]

164. Thanks - the Top 10 brought me here years ago...

...and the 2004 "election" will be keeping glued to the site for weeks.

[mirrera]

165. Lurking to Newbie

Thank you for the welcome. My profile fits many of the others. A wake up call in 2000 then political ever since.

I was a Kucincich supporter, and registered Dem for the first time in order to sway my little Maine town at the 70 person caucus. If I could type with more then 2 fingers you would here from me more. As it is I have been typing since 11/3 to all my despairing friends and family who are MSM addicted, to silent editors, and most especially to reporters that don't do any homework, yet spout uninformed divisive drivel. I have donated to as many recount efforts as I can afford, and joined the list for Badnarik and Cobb.

I believe we have a huge fight to get back our democracy. We need to be the media, as Bev Harris says on her site http://BlackBoxVoting.org. We waited for the voting situation to be fixed by someone else for four years, and it ain't gonna happen. Read Vote Scam by the Collier Brothers, they had evidence of Vote Fraud since the 70s, video tape, witnesses, and documents. They took it all the way to the top, and no Network touched it, including 60 minutes who taped a segment for the show, and never aired it. This is big and well entrenched.

It is mind control pure and simple when the MSM laugh off vote fraud when even a glance at history shows rigging of elections to be a consistent part of our American experience. There is the circular defense which goes "It can't be rigged because he won by so much", while the evidence is showing "It has to be rigged because there is no way he won by so much"! Hitler said it perfectly "The great masses of people will more easily fall victims to a great lie than to a small one. "

The machine vote of one kind or another, started in the 60s, and the fraud capabilities have grown in relationship. There has always been fraud, but this is their biggest effort yet (I Hope!). Never has the ability to affect so many votes existed. And the information is all out there. They don't even need to burn the books, because no one reads!

I went from tears when Kerry conceded, to blazing anger, to fear after reading Vote Scam, back to anger. We can change the system with our power. If the Internet doesn't get shut down due to "homeland security". If we are going to be the media we have to be well informed, and DU is a great start.

I Highly recommend the book Black Box Voting by Bev Harris, and she has chapters right on her website which I listed above. and Vote Scam, to really get a glimpse of what we are up against. Greg Palast "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy", is also an eye opener to the wider corporatization of the planet, not just the USA. We have to educate ourselves in order to educate the pacified!

Sorry for the rant, but my mother was a refugee from Austria, so I have NO problem believing that a perfectly "respectable" country can become a Fascist threat.

[mirrera]

166. oops hear not here