Just For The Record.

[DistressedAmerican]

I have one and one goal only. To make available any stuff I make that contributes in even the smallest way to the undermining of this criminal administration and ending this war sooner. Those that know me personally know that to be true.

I do it because I now live in a country that does not play be the rules I knew when I was growing up here. Simples rules, we don't torture people (at least theoretically), an established system of checks and balances, rule of law that applies to all even the president, an election system that you could have some confidence in, etc.

I have a baby girl. She should not have to grow up in a country that does not respect those rules. I think about it daily. I think about it most often when she is around. So, I do what I can as an individual. I have little or no power. But, I have some graphics skills. So, I apply them to then end goal of returning some sanity, the only way I can think of.

Now, some attack me as some sort of self-promoting prick, as if it is all about me and my name or something. That is the biggest complaint they throw at me on freep sites and a number seem to be under the same impression here. It has gotten to the point that some feel the need to walk into every thread I post and kick sand in my face over and over. Then after several attempts, if I say something back that is snarky, they dance around and tell everyone how rude I am. I even got attacked like that on what I felt was a perfectly reasonable thread thanking DUers for helping that message spread.

I guess there will always be some of that. But, I do not give a shit about that nonsense. I do what I can to get the stuff seen because I feel it is the best thing I personally can think of to do to restore some sanity. If I were rich, I'd throw money at it. If there were a war over it, I'd fight. There are elections, I work them on the ground. Maybe my critics have better suggestions on how I could use my skills?

The bottom line to me is getting a message out. I am not here for me. There is NOTHING in it for me but bare bones survival (metaphorically). Any notion that I profit to any degree presonally is way off base. Fuck. I am sick and tired of feeling the need to turn out this work out at all. Especially, when I see so little positive change over all of this time. I'm not deluded into thinking that I have a large effect. But, as long as the administration sits where it does, I doubt the urge will leave anytime soon. If I make a few people think about these issues in a day that would not have, I feel like I'm helping in some concrete way.

So there you have it. Anything I do is yours to use.

If some want to hate me for it, accuse me of some other motives, etc. I can't stop them.

But, at least I'm on record. People can take that for whatever they think it is worth.:shrug:

DA

(prediction: Now I get to here all about how self promoting this post is. Sometimes I can't win for trying.)

[annabanana]

1. DA my dear... Those of us who have been watching

(and passing around) your artwork understand that your motives are pure. You are no needier than most of my artistically gifted friends.

Don't let them get you down.

[Sydnie]

2. I love your work DA

and I missed it very much when you weren't posting it here.

Never mind the naysayers. Keep on posting them!

[EFerrari]

3. I'm so glad you're posting again. Self promotion by another name

is sharing. Thanks!

:hi:

[Debau2005]

4. Keep posting!

Don't give up.

We all have to fight this together...

[stellanoir]

5. wows this thread is so shamelessly self promotional

KIDDING

I empathize with much of what you've said: The motivation to see the restoration of what we always thought our country represented and would forever strive to embody, the grave concern for my kid's future, .the deep seated urge to do something despite the veneer of apparent powerlessness. . .etc.

It's odd. I'm oblivious to most of the snark attacks around here but I'm sorry you've had some trouble.

Keep up your spunk and your spirit and know that your efforts are truly appreciated by more than you know.

[shadowknows69]

6. You egotistical bastard

You're so full of yourself I'm suprised all your graphics aren't self portraits!! I don't really need the sarcasm thingie do I DA? You know we love ya.:toast:

[bigtree]

7. I know how you feel

folks get caught up and fail to realize or accept that there's not really much to be personally gained by dropping other pursuits and applying whatever talent or ability to the struggle to unseat this bloody regime.

Take whatever talent you have and throw it into the pot. We need ALL hands to work. The backbiters just haven't found their own lever. It's high time folks who engage in that find something meaningful THEY can contribute other than just nitpicking at the efforts of others.

In the end, we may be an imperfect bunch of activists and agitators, but, at least we're committed!

:hi:

[Nimrod2005]

8. We like your work anyway....

[shadowknows69]

10. And some of us should probably be committed lol

And if DA is a shameless self-promoter than that makes me a flat out DU whore. I'll kick one of my own threads until its ass is black and blue. I admit it. I'm needy. B-)

[havocmom]

9. If some go after you, it's probably a sign you are effective.

There are forces about the internets that want very much to piss off effective communicators to the point they just walk away from the medium.

Glad you are staying in the fight. Your methods at getting some important points are very effective to a wide audience. Take it as a compliment when some try to take you down. Must mean you are doing something besides just coming here and grumbling. ;)

:thumbsup:

[livvy]

11. I love your work also, and appreciate the time, work, and effort you...

put into it. You can't please everyone all the time...people will be people....let's see, can I think of any other trite little phrases to try to make you feel better? Thankfully, no! :)
The bottom line is keep up the great, creative, fun jabs you incorporate into your artwork. I enjoy what you post here, and love perusing your site also.
You are making a difference every time someone sees some of your work. If it makes them think for a minute or two, or gives them a chuckle, you've been successful.
Thanks for all you do!

[Tinksrival]

12. It's people like you that make DU special!

Your friends are many :grouphug:
and the foes are few :popcorn:
but when poo pooers pop up :hide:
I laugh and say "Well, only on the DU!" :rofl:

It's all part of what makes this place interesting. But you are part of the best of what DU is, so
cheer up my friend and rock on! :yourock:

:toast:

13. You show these people infesting our government for

what they are. And I think it is cathartic in some way. Without having images like yours, I would feel much more threatened by them, because of feeling that the world is too silent on their crookedness. So Thanks.

Hopefully you are benefiting from doing your own art, as we all need to grow and be nurtured each day.

[NoSheep]

14. Please stop letting others get to you. I love your work and am

very appreciative that you share it with us. I too make political signs. I don't have your skills so I just use a magic marker and a pair of scissors but IF I could, I would love to make pieces like yours. We need all kinds of people and skills in this struggle to free ourselves from the grips of fascism. What you do is part of that. Everyone has their own way. I think any jerk who lashes out against someone such as yourself is just trolling around trying to pick a fight. It's obvious to anyone with any sense. We should just ignore these nut balls who clearly have so little self esteem they have to prey on other people. If we ignore them, they have no power. I've had it happen to me too. Some people cannot allow for anything they either wouldn't do or don't understand. These are sad people.

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Emerson

YOU know your motives. Many here know them as well. Don't bother with people that don't get it.

[Moderator]

15. locking

Do not start a new topic in order to continue a flame war from another discussion thread.