Confession Time. I used to be a Freeper (and pretty well known there)

[The Straight Story]

I left freerepublic of my own will. I saw them as the idiots they are.

But I was still a conservative when I came to DU. I made fun of DU'ers, yet at the same time secretly saw them (us) as being closer to the truth on things.

I was wrong in those days, out of my freaking mind. I was ignorant of so many things.

And here at DU I learned.

It took me awhile though. Mainly because I believed the lies, and I was an idiot.

I was still a freeper during the 2004 election, only slightly so. I was seeing the light. I was seeing how stupid I was, and close minded.

So let me tell you this: Your posts, your infightings, your arguments day in and out - they are not lost on the lurkers here.

Don't you ever think you don't make a difference, because you each do.

You pulled me up from the gutters and gave me hope. You taught me true compassion, and not the fake crap those idiots were peddling.

The more time I spent here the more I saw the light. To the point that I would never, ever, call that hellhole home again. I was so damned wrong it makes me shudder to think about it.

But I did learn alot, being on both sides of the fence as I have. And what I learned really scares the shit out of me now at times. The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam, and that leads me to believe that bush is not our biggest problem, but people much more deeply entrenched who hold the real power.

Clinton had power, and it was wasted - mainly I think because there are hands we don't always see pulling the strings.

We must win this election day - but if we don't, we must not give up in despair. Too many are counting on US to save them.

I cast off these irons made from the days of idiocy, and many more out there need us to stand and fight - no matter what.

I let my fellow Americans down once, I won't do it again.

YOU my friends are the hope of this country, don't let people like I used to be keep you down. Stand and fight, keep the assholes out of power. And even if they win by cheating, don't ever stop the fight.

Your fellow Americans need you. Many died for your rights, and they are calling on YOU now to keep up the good work and to keep fighting.

I was converted because you didn't give in, you didn't give up. Others will follow. I saw the light because you refused to quit shining it. Don't stop ever.

Thanks to you one and all for being here for me, a closet liberal. All this time you were my true friends, and all this time I screwed you over. No more.

I stand with you, because you did not run off. You took a stand, and you taught me.

I was lost, but you did not give up hope. I was against you, but you took me in and helped me.

No matter the outcome of this diebold election I will stand with you, and I will fight. Because you fought for me, you taught me, and you did not throw this crazy old man out in the cold.

YOU are my friends, and I count myself lucky to be in your company.

Thank you.

[EST]

1. Good on you.

Your story is inspiring; thank you for sharing.

[Rainscents]

2. At least, you also didn't give up on your deep inner soul.

You knew right from wrong. Thanks for not giving up on DU.

[The Straight Story]

5. I knew it, was just too blind to see it at times

Took me awhile :) But here I am and proud to call myself a DU'er.

[No Exit]

80. Welcome to the club. Ex-rePUKElican supporter, and ex-freeper, here.

I was never a registered republican, but I had always voted republican in national-level elections, and usually did so in local ones.

I love DU, but it wasn't DU that changed me. It was George W. Bush, the bastard for whom I voted in 2000. End of 2002, beginning of 2003, I realized we were going to invade Iraq.

That was when I checked out--in a hurry. I even private-mailed some of my freeper friends and told them, sorry, but I can no longer support this president and his administration. Some understood, but others are still there to this day, hyping the "Terror Matrix", etc.

I voted for Kerry in 2004, and I certainly supported him in online forums during that campaign season. On Liberty Post, I met with vile paid shills who relentlessly criticized me as a "liberal", "anti-American", "anti-Semitic", blah blah blah. Fuck them.

I was not liberal then. I even pointed out to those assholes that William F. Buckley, for cryin' out loud, had opposed the Iraq misadventure. To no avail--those posters were earning money, so why should they EVER be convinced to see reason and realize that it was not just "liberals" who opposed the fraudulent and disgraceful war?

I will NEVER, EVER, vote republican again. I don't even care if they were to somehow by some miracle evolve into a viable party again. I feel that they NEVER, EVER deserve my vote again--because they foisted this Bush administration on myself and on others.

I was never banned from FR; I just never went back. And I never will go back. FR is led by an undereducated, possibly over-drinking (?), sleazy, paid shill who, as we all know, used to oppose Bush, but sold himself out for LUCRE. Lucre--that's that thing that all the preachers tell us to not sell ourselves out for, you know?

So, welcome; who were you over there?

[Matariki]

86. "those posters were earning money"

I find that statement interesting. Could you explain. Do you mean people being paid to post? Where and by whom?

[No Exit]

204. Yes. Earning money.

Back when I posted on Liberty Post, from time to time, some posters (whose politics happened to agree with mine) would tell me, "Look, don't be too frustrated by your failure to convince (various Bush-loving posters) of the fraud/dishonesty/etc. of the Bush administration--some of these posters are just paid by the RNC, or similar republican agencies, to go on these forums."

I would reply that I had my doubts about that. It took me a long, long, time to finally come around and realize that the republicans/neocons do indeed have some people whom they pay (or otherwise compensate) to go on political forums and express their official views: that the Bush administation is the most glorious period of American history, that "everyone" is prospering under the Bush administration, etc., blah blah blah.

I have, since then, seen some news articles that actually reported on the phenomenon of paid posters at news/politics forums. Such articles, when they appear, are usually found by someone and posted on Liberty Post (where the forum boss, who posts under the name of "Goldi-Lox", immediately banishes the articles to Liberty Post's "Biker Bar", which is their version of a humor section.) They've probably got quite an archive of such articles by now, if it could be accessed.

One poster had had enough of "Badeye", a relentless Bush shill who posts at Liberty Post. This poster took the time to analyze the times that Badeye would make his posts. What he found was that the times during which Badeye posts correspond fairly closely with a typical 40-hour work week. His posts, while pretty constant during the week, were almost never seen on weekends--or at night. Now, "Badeye" claims to be a "successful business owner" who was "honored" by the Bush administration. (Note: the republican machine, from time to time, will "honor" individuals who donate a certain amount. For example, they send out letters to doctors, essentially telling them that they will receive an award if they donate a certain amount. They do the same for "business owners" who donate a certain amount.) Do I know for sure if "Badeye" is a PAID shill? No. But I suspect it. He/she certainly seems to spend more time posting pro-Bush hype there, than "running a successful business".

You know how Cheney/Chalabi/etc. had certain phony stories that they continually pushed, both in public and in private, in order to get the Iraq war ginned up? Stories such as "Mohammed Atta met with the Iraqi ambassador in Prague before 9/11", and "mobile Iraqi biological weapons labs", etc.? Well, there is a poster on Liberty Post called "BeAChooser" who would argue these very points, during the years 2003, 2004--and he is probably still pushing those points today--even after every one of them has proved to be a LIE. When one would argue with "BeAChooser", he would respond with huge reams of cut-and-paste "information" which he claimed supported his posts. Where did he get these vast stores of misinformation? I think he got it from the "WHIG" group--I think they disseminated it to shills all over America. Just my opinion.

Regarding Free Republic, do you know that back in the 90's, their owner, Jim Robinson, was strongly ANTI-George W. Bush? He was known to make some anti-Bush online statements that would rival those found here. Yet there came a time when all of a sudden, it was verboten on Free Republic to be anti-George W. Bush. It has been thought by some that Robinson was simply bought off. I don't know if he was, but it was amazing how the man did a complete and total about-face. (This is not to say that this Robinson guy was ever a liberal--although I was told that before he had his internet forum, he supposedly was a Democrat at one time.) Robinson's about-face occurred before I ever posted on Free Republic; I have no inside information as to what actually happened, but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say he was bought off.

[cool user name]

210. I know a few posters like that at WhistleStopper.

Both liberals and conservatives post there and there are about three or four conservatives that fellate Bush et al as if it was pathological.

[No Exit]

212. With posters like that, it's usually all about money.

They may or may not be paid shills. Another possibility is that they work for a defense contractor, or for some other entity which is earning (I mean, stealing) tons of money under the Bush mal-administration. For example, I've been told that "Goldi-Lox", head honcho at Liberty Post, works for Northrup-Grummon (defense contractor).

I am so sick of the "I got mine" attitude of some of these f**king Bush-defenders. This includes media shills like Chris Matthews, Sean Hannity, and Junkie Rush. Their attitude is, "I got mine, so f**k (fill in the blank: the poor, the kids who are being killed in Iraq, the people unable to afford medical care, people who actually have to survive on their social security check, etc.)"

Last night I watched a show about Marie Antoinette. The show was very much biased in favor of "Marie Antoinette was not as bad as people think she was." While I felt a twinge of sympathy for her, I couldn't help picturing an angry group of Americans doing to the "I got mine" republicans what the starving French peasants did to certain elites in Marie Antoinette's time. I almost wished for such a phenomenon here.

[FatDave]

113. I second that "earning money" question

Paid to post? Wouldn't surprise me.

[No Exit]

205. Here's a copy of my post to the other poster:

There's more "evidence" than this, but my fingers are tired from typing! But, here, read this:

Back when I posted on Liberty Post, from time to time, some posters (whose politics happened to agree with mine) would tell me, "Look, don't be too frustrated by your failure to convince (various Bush-loving posters) of the fraud/dishonesty/etc. of the Bush administration--some of these posters are just paid by the RNC, or similar republican agencies, to go on these forums."

I would reply that I had my doubts about that. It took me a long, long, time to finally come around and realize that the republicans/neocons do indeed have some people whom they pay (or otherwise compensate) to go on political forums and express their official views: that the Bush administation is the most glorious period of American history, that "everyone" is prospering under the Bush administration, etc., blah blah blah.

I have, since then, seen some news articles that actually reported on the phenomenon of paid posters at news/politics forums. Such articles, when they appear, are usually found by someone and posted on Liberty Post (where the forum boss, who posts under the name of "Goldi-Lox", immediately banishes the articles to Liberty Post's "Biker Bar", which is their version of a humor section.) They've probably got quite an archive of such articles by now, if it could be accessed.

One poster had had enough of "Badeye", a relentless Bush shill who posts at Liberty Post. This poster took the time to analyze the times that Badeye would make his posts. What he found was that the times during which Badeye posts correspond fairly closely with a typical 40-hour work week. His posts, while pretty constant during the week, were almost never seen on weekends--or at night. Now, "Badeye" claims to be a "successful business owner" who was "honored" by the Bush administration. (Note: the republican machine, from time to time, will "honor" individuals who donate a certain amount. For example, they send out letters to doctors, essentially telling them that they will receive an award if they donate a certain amount. They do the same for "business owners" who donate a certain amount.) Do I know for sure if "Badeye" is a PAID shill? No. But I suspect it. He/she certainly seems to spend more time posting pro-Bush hype there, than "running a successful business".

You know how Cheney/Chalabi/etc. had certain phony stories that they continually pushed, both in public and in private, in order to get the Iraq war ginned up? Stories such as "Mohammed Atta met with the Iraqi ambassador in Prague before 9/11", and "mobile Iraqi biological weapons labs", etc.? Well, there is a poster on Liberty Post called "BeAChooser" who would argue these very points, during the years 2003, 2004--and he is probably still pushing those points today--even after every one of them has proved to be a LIE. When one would argue with "BeAChooser", he would respond with huge reams of cut-and-paste "information" which he claimed supported his posts. Where did he get these vast stores of misinformation? I think he got it from the "WHIG" group--I think they disseminated it to shills all over America. Just my opinion.

Regarding Free Republic, do you know that back in the 90's, their owner, Jim Robinson, was strongly ANTI-George W. Bush? He was known to make some anti-Bush online statements that would rival those found here. Yet there came a time when all of a sudden, it was verboten on Free Republic to be anti-George W. Bush. It has been thought by some that Robinson was simply bought off. I don't know if he was, but it was amazing how the man did a complete and total about-face. (This is not to say that this Robinson guy was ever a liberal--although I was told that before he had his internet forum, he supposedly was a Democrat at one time.) Robinson's about-face occurred before I ever posted on Free Republic; I have no inside information as to what actually happened, but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say he was bought off.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

120. Thanks for this, No Exit. It's good to know at least SOME Republicans saw the

Iraq War, which is really (along with Katrina) the whole legacy of the Bush Administration, as an unmitigated disaster even before it happened.

[No Exit]

206. You're welcome! We have George W. Bush to thank for this, actually...

You know the phrase, "Had enough?" Well, I had had enough, at about the end of 2002. By this time, I've had too much!

Cheers!

[wryter2000]

149. Good to have you here, too

:applause:

[No Exit]

208. Thanks!!

:toast:

[gaijinlaw]

166. Hmmm....

I'm curious as to how many freepers have come over to DU vs. the other way around. If the stats were available, I bet it would make a delightful bar graph.

[No Exit]

209. People just don't like to admit they were wrong!

I'm here to say, I WAS WRONG!

Be that as it may, I think George W. Bush has done a lot to increase membership in the democratic party! Thanks, George!:)

[Richard D]

3. K&R

Nice. Thank you.

[blm]

4. Welcome to the anti-corruption, open government wing of the Democratic party.

I hope you find it fits you well.

[The Straight Story]

6. It fits me damn well

And I salute the DU'ers here that showed me the way! Man, was I messed up :)

[Cha]

141. Poor thing!

:) Your poignant story made me get all teary eyed. Thank you for writing your political board history down..it's pretty damn thought provoking. It's what one would like to happen but you don't hear of it all that much.

I was talking to two D.C. activists today who came up to New York to GOTV for a "New York Unity" strategy and I asked them if they've heard of DemocraticUnderground and they said, "Yes!" and so I told them, "I've been on there for four years and it's kept me sane". "They have excellent political analysts and the activism is bar none." :D

[Syrinx]

7. Welcome to the Side Of Light!

Sorry it took you so long, but glad you are here! :hi:

K&R.

[The Straight Story]

8. I am so glad I am here I am near tears

You folks stood by me and welcomed me here, even though I was a dumbass.

[grasswire]

9. are you Howlin? (eom)

[The Straight Story]

13. Nope, PM me though

And I will let you know.

[Carni]

110. I am dying to know your handle lol

First of all thanks for this post because that site made me want to dip my own head in lye so it's nice to see that not every member there is so totally brainwashed that they can never recover.

I was never a freeper and didn't like what I read there, but I spent about five years reading the posts there daily trying to understand how in the hell the site went from a rabid anti Clinton AND Bush site to a die hard Rove propaganda tool (in the course of a couple of months no less!)

I was also monitoring the site (for FREE and not for any Democratic organization) because I could not believe how right in the thick of stealing the 2000 election some of the members and organizers there were and I thought at some point I would solve the mystery (didn't happen and I haven't read their crap for about the last two years because I just can't take it at this point)

If you were active there I probably read your posts back in the day and cursed you out lol

I am just very glad to hear that people can wake up from the spell this crooked admin seemed to put on a lot of Americans...I couldn't stand the man since I heard he was a contender in the primaries but there have been many times when I wished I had just been oblivious to what was going on because in the end I personally couldn't do anything to change events--I tried, but there the SOB is some 7 years later.

Let's just hope to God this election restores at least a small measure towards checking and balancing the criminals running the show currently--if it doesn't happen I don't even want to think about what the future will bring.

[Syrinx]

21. I want you to know that you touched me deeply

Your posts about your wife and Parkinson's disease were deeply moving. I was already in the pro-research camp, but your story made me even more determined to never lose sight of the goal of a Reality Based Society. Bless you and your family.

[arewenotdemo]

201. good to be with you, bro

:dem:

[Seen the light]

10. My story

I posted this shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit. I look back on it now and can't believe how sloppy it was, but it was from the heart:


Hi there DU. I never thought I would actually be making a topic here but I'm going to post some of my experiences in the past year to show you how there still is hope that this country can turn around.

Some of my background: I was born and raised an evangelical Christian. My family has always been very active in the GOP. My dad even headed up our local chapter of the Christian Coalition back in the mid '90s. I've been to the Road to Victory conferences in both Washington and Atlanta. Basically, I was just about as right-wing and Republican as they came.

I was known during high school as the big Republican guy. I would go around preaching my words of wisdom of how wise a man Bush was and how just about everything he did was the right decision. I would get into heated arguments with my history teachers and I would tell them how Joe McCarthy and Nixon were misunderstood.

Last year, I proudly slapped a Bush/Cheney bumpersticker on the back of my car. I walked into the voting booth November 2nd and stuck it to John Kerry by voting for Bush. I had recently heard about some fringe website called Democratic Underground. I logged on that night laughing as all of you were crying and espousing what I thought were cockamamie conspiracy theories about voter fraud.

Then...it all started to change. I believe it was back in January that the thing about Armstrong Williams being on the government payroll started leaking out. I thought it was a joke or something by the liberal media. I did a little digging and found out that it was indeed true. Then I started to be disappointed with Bush going to his fancy balls for his big inaugural gala, while there were people dying in Iraq. Little by little, my faith started waning.

I kept coming to DU to see what I felt were the latest conspiracy theories about Bush. The Guckert/Gannon thing surprised me, but I still wasn't anti-Bush just yet. No, that didn't happen until the Downing Street Memo popped up. I felt betrayed and disgusted when I read it. When Congressman Walter Jones finally stood up to Bush and was relentlessly hounded around here in the Charlotte, NC area where I live (WBT has......interesting hosts. A Libertarian, then Rush Limbaugh, then Jason Lewis, then another Libertarian. Oh, another thing, be glad you don't live down here where you can hear Jason Lewis. He makes Rush Limbaugh look like a lefty in comparison) I finally had the cover to come out against the war and the president.

Ever since I made that major step, it seems like I've been against everything the Chimp has done. This has resulted in some painful moments between me and my family. They still support Bush, but thankfully had started blaming him in part for the pathetic response to Katrina.

So let me apologize for rambling. I just want you all to know that there is hope for you all. People CAN change their fundamental views on things when presented the right evidence. I did. I just wish I had done it earlier so I wouldn't feel like I have blood on my hands for voting for that monster.

[ima_sinnic]

23. I love it! I find these stories fascinating. I love learning how

people's minds work, and how they were able to admit to things deep in their heart that they've really known all along. Thanks for sharing!

[orleans]

31. thanks for sharing this story. glad you decided to stay. n/t

[dalaigh lllama]

64. I remember you posting this

and it gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, more folks would start paying attention and realize what this administration has done/is doing. I still have the bumper sticker on my car: "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention." That's really all it takes -- paying attention.

My very Republican husband, who has never voted for a Democratic senator or president before, is voting for Claire McCaskill on November 7, thanks in great part to my private "drip, drip, drip" campaign that I've waged for three years. I'd tell him stuff I learned about here, knowing full well he'd check it out himself later, which he did. He's too proud to admit his vote for * was a mistake, but earlier this summer he told me he agreed that Al Gore would be a good president, and last month told me he's voting for McCaskill, because "We need to throw these bums out."

Threads like these are what keep me hoping.

[yorkiemommie1]

99. i have been conducting my own 'drip, drip, drip' campaign

but haven't been successful yet. dh is still a blinders-on Repug. I'm so glad for you!:)

[arewenotdemo]

203. nice job on your husband

wish more women did the same

:kick:

[The Count]

79. The Dawning Street Memo was a relevant, good wake up call

My own apathy stopped with the first stolen election, in 2000.

[Vorta]

90. I think Free Republic is poisonous

Even if you are just there to be an opposing voice, reading all that malicious crap day in and day out is like working with toxic chemicals: you don't need to eat it for it to make you sick.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

122. It makes me feel unpleasant (emotionally) so I quit even lurking after a short time.

[tenshi816]

138. Me too. It makes me anxious

and deeply upset that there are so many Americans there - Americans - who claim to love our country so much, yet hate so many of the people in it, and apparently hate the very foundations of our government as well.

[renate]

101. mmmmmmmmmmwaaaaaaaaah!

(I don't know how else to spell a great big kiss)

Glad you're here!

:applause:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

119. Thank you so much for this post, it's very educating. I find it important info,

how a "tidbit" like Armstrong Williams, which wasn't really a major event in the grand scheme of things, could be a window of reality peeking through the lies and illusion that might start someone questioning.

There are so MANY "Armstrong Williams" moments, including Gannon, even the little yawning boy on Dave Letterman (how many remember THAT), where the reality peeks through the movie set, that I would hope that some of this would open the eyes of those under the spell, but I rarely see it.

[wryter2000]

150. I'm pretty sure I remember reading that

Thanks for reposting it.

[DAMANgoldberg]

180. FYI

I know this post was written a while back, but Jason Lewis left to go back to MN. Jeff Katz is in his place, and all I can say is that Ed Schultz on SIRIUS LEFT 144 is a better option at that time slot.

Do you remember Mike Church from his BT days. He is as whacked as ever on SIRIUS.

[Bluebear]

11. 'Love comes from the most unexpected places.'

An old favorite tune of mine.

:pals:

[Jamastiene]

12. Thank you.

Wow, you are really turning out to be a really cool person. :hug:

[Nite Owl]

14. A beautiful story and it

gives me more hope than can be imagined. Thank you so much for sharing this. I for one will never give up, never give in. It is what they want, to wear us down and discourage us but no matter what they say or do to me at this point I'm in til the end no matter what that be. I've learned from life which hasn't been easy that you can do one of two things: use the adversity to gain strength and courage, to learn from it and move forward or you can crawl up in a hole and fall apart. You chose the first, I'm glad you are here with us.

[The Straight Story]

16. Don't ever give up

You matter, a lot. It was because of DU'ers I finally came to see the light. Sure, we fight amongst ourselves and complain a lot, but that is part of it all. It helps us to hone our skills and spread the word.

over at that other site they follow in lock step. Here we talk openly about things. And that is key to me - open discussion.

Damned sad how they close it all down for the few without seeing the needs of the many!

[Mountainman]

130. You also matter a lot. I have always felt that this administration would fail sooner or later

because people would begin to hurt enough to turn on them. You are in the front of a big wave that I hope brings this country together again. I know we can't all agree on everything but there is so much we all need and if we could put our differences aside we could make this a hell of a good country for all of us. Let's stop letting those in power use wedge issues to split us apart.

[KT2000]

15. Wow - that is amazing

You have been on quite a journey.

Do you have any insight into what keeps a person a freeper? Is there some kind of hook that appeals to people?

[The Straight Story]

19. Yes I do actually

Fear and supression.

You fear the things you cannot control, and oppress those who don't conform.

The right wing wants to control us. To tell us how we should act and behave, because they fear what we represent - true freedom to be ourselves.

They HATE gays, feminism, et al, because they see it as a threat to their world view - while at the same time preaching freedom.

The right is lost because they mixed up freedom of religion and freedom from it.

[KT2000]

26. Thanks

Its the contradictions that make discussions difficult, or rather hopeless. But put into the context of fear -it makes sense.

Thanks for telling your story. I think it was someone on an Oprah show who said "A miracle is a change in perception." Pretty cool!

[TahitiNut]

83. "Fear is the mind-killer."

Frank Herbert had it right.

[InvisibleTouch]

121. "They fear what they can't control, and oppress those who don't conform"

That's about as succinct a summary of the everyday rethug loyalist as I've ever seen. As distinguished from the vile operators at the top who are pulling the strings and stirring up the fear and hate, with a very directed agenda. In their case, I think it has less to do with fear than with greed and lust for power - and they're willing to manipulate the masses to their own ends. Problem is, every now and again, one of the manipulated masses wakes up and breaks free. Glad you're here. :)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

17. I don't blame you

as a matter of fact, I admire you for admitting that you were mistaken. It takes a real man to do that.

:hug:

[The Straight Story]

24. I was so lost I am just now truly finding myself

A damned shamed I was held back by their lies. I was an idiot.

I saw the light, but ignored it.

And I mean it when I say I am thankful to DU'ers for keeping the light on, even through these dark times. I really was lost in it all. And ignorant.

But you all kept up the good fight, you stayed the course.

I spent HOURS tonight trying to download a good program to help me make a video about DU and Andy, and others, to show my appreciation. In the end my laptop died and all my files with it :) So I was reduced to this thread.

Soon I hope I will get that video made. If for no other reason then to piss off the asshole freepers :)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

29. "pissing off the asshole freepers"

is always time well spent. :evilgrin:

SS - I always read your posts, they speak to me.
I just wanted you to know that.

[The Straight Story]

32. THAT means a lot to me

I feel so isolate at times, given the current situation.

Thanks a ton from me and AutumnMist!

[bobbolink]

218. I, also feel very isolated....

I'm not in the "preferred demographic" Being poor and homeless, I'm not exactly a recipient of concern by Dems, either.

Isolation is truly the killer in this society. Much written about, but not really understood, or acted upon.

I'll tell you a story, which illustrates that I think I understand some of what you're going through. I grew up in a politically unaware family. When I got out of high school, I literally didn't know the difference between liberal and conservative. :silly:

I went off to college, and married a guy who was from a family who was New Left before there *was* a New Left. It was during Vietnam, and we were all getting a quick education about our country. We were in the Berkeley area, and besides hearing him talk about what his professors were saying about Vietnam, I was also reading all the underground newspapers, which is what we had before we had DU. :)

I was truly getting an education, and it was not only stressful, but very..... sad. I went into a funk, finding out what my country was really doing, and what it was really all about. Finding out that it wasn't just Vietnam, but all the things that had gone on before. I wanted the truth, but the truth hurt so badly. I had never been truly naive, but I just couldn't grasp that my country could house that much evil intent. That kind of funk *is* isolating. It's wearying and mind-numbing.

Yes, you eventually come out of it. Then you start to fight. Fighting it is the only way to deal with that depression, and the isolation. Fight for your country... she's worth it.

[Senator]

52. For your video

On the chance you might be able to use them in your video, here's a few pics of Andy.



I'm sure I've posted them before, but could be hard to find.

[truedelphi]

145. Good luck on the video

Ow did you decide that you could make this decision on your intrnal attitudes without the support of the MEDIA?

i have a friend from childhood who just will not come aboard because what I say is not for the most part presented by mainstream media...

What approach would work do you think?

[cooolandrew]

18. All welcome from the darkside.

Randi Rhodes intro ' Air America where the Hanni-tised get sanitised.'

[Surya Gayatri]

20. How inspiring and touching, Straight Story...

and how apt your user name. I nearly teared up reading this. The proverbial

advice of "each one, teach one" was never more validated than through your

personal journey to the light. May your experience be multiplied by a

factor of thousands among the misled. SG :hug:

edit: typo

[ClayZ]

22. Yay!

:applause: Good for you!

[Skittles]

25. you give me hope, my sweet

thank you for that

[tkmorris]

27. Here's a confession

I remember when you were a newbie here, and you pissed me right off. I didn't think you'd last a week to be honest.

I'm glad you did. Have one on me.

:beer:

[The Straight Story]

30. Just one?

LOL. As an aside, my freeper son is now a DEM! WoooHooo. Took me awhile, but you folks made it happen!

[ima_sinnic]

28. Thanks for sharing! I love hearing these kinds of stories,

learning how people broke through to the "inner democrat." :hug:

I am hoping that you still post "over there" in a way that f**ks with their heads. I signed up with them years ago but have only posted a couple of times--I'm just no good at posing and always figured I'd be outed--and booted off--quickly.

[BlueIris]

33. "...but if we don't, we must not give up in despair."

Heed those words fellow (and alleged fellow) Democrats. I wrecked my life again volunteering in a campaign office this fall, which was more crazy and stupid than anything, but here's what I learned: even with a victory after this November 7th, we are in this fight for the rest of our lives. There is no going back. Pitch in and do your part. Otherwise, we're so fucked..

[Recursion]

34. I'm a conservative

I believe that change should be incremental (which is why I'm not a radical), that policy should have an empirical rather than ideological basis (which is why I'm not a liberal), and that progress is by no means guaranteed if we try our best (which is why I'm not a progressive).

I'm a Democrat because they're the only sane people out there.

[casus belli]

42. I think having people of differing views is important.

I think one of the biggest mistakes the Republican party has made is trying to homogenize the party and pull it further to the right. The problem is, the further to either polarity you get, and the further away from the center, the less receptive people are to ideas which differ from their own. So, naturally, they can pnly pull people so far before people start to realize they don't have nearly as much in common with the message as they thought. I think it's important to clarify that BOTH plarities are guilty of it. Ultra-liberalism is every bit as wrong, in my mind, as ultra-conservatism. Both become quite militant and perverse at the extremes.

[Swamp Rat]

35. Great post. Like you, I think more and more Americans are waking up.

I hope more people try to reform the republican party from within because we must restore the balance. One-party rule, no matter what political affiliation, will destroy this nation. We Americans must take back our government and hold the criminally incompetent responsible for their actions.

:kick:

[glitch]

85. Here's what I want (don't tell anybody)

IF we have to stick to just two parties: I want the DLC to take over the Republican party (since they are really moderate Republicans, IMO) and the Progressives to take over the Democratic party.

Then we'll have adversaries we can respect again and the debate will shift back to American v. American rather than American v. Fascist.

[Cleita]

116. Hear, hear!

I'm thinking that too and in addition the PNAC controlled GOP needs to be outlawed as a treasonous organization. Their movers and shakers need to be put on trial for treason against the people of the United States of America and our Constitution.

Five years of their criminal activities have put me in a lynching mood, figuratively speaking of course.

[glitch]

126. {{{{{{visualizing}}}}}} :) nt

[wryter2000]

151. Exactly what I've been thinking for years

You hit the nail right on the head.

As liberal as I am, I feel there has to be someone disagreeing with me to keep me thinking. But they have to be fact based and non-hating. The DLC would be perfect for that. :)

[jannyk]

36. Oooh, that teared me up and gave me goosebumps

but it made me feel very hopeful. Thank you friend.

[QuestionAll...]

37. can I ask what you mean by 'pretty well known here'? nt

[AJ9000]

40. He said he was well known there (not here.)

[Guaranteed]

38. NICE post.

Good to have ya here. :)

[AJ9000]

39. That was a great post, and I commend you for your courage. n/t

[mntleo2]

41. Straight, You Brought Me To Tears

...sometimes when you see the truth and feel like you are either not being heard or merely preaching to the choir, it makes you wonder why you keep going, you know? I have been talking about this stuff since the '80s (I was not too enamored with Clinton, and believe me I could have cared less about some stinkin' blue dress, that was not it). I was a kook, a "librul," a starry-eyed idealist because I was driven to speak my truth.

One time my teenage son, while enraged with me said, "You know what Mom? You know all those times you write and when you go to your legislator to tell them why they need to vote for us Mom? Well they don't give a DAMN about what you are saying, even when they know you are telling them the truth, because all you are is a poor person, and they don't give a damn about US!"

I thought about that for awhile because he had a point and it seemed like I was speaking to a wall, all right. So I went back to my son and I told him, "You are right, Son. They don't give a damn about what I am saying. They don't want to hear the truth and I know this. But you know what Son? I have to speak because later, down the road when the truth comes out, I will know that I stood up to their face and I SAID IT." A few months later when I was wearily heading to our state capitol to speak (again) about an issue that was not too popular (and still isn't because it is in defense of the poor), my son gave me a hug before I left and said, "I am proud of you Mom. Go out there and give them hell!" All I could do was fight back the tears and hug him back wordlessly.

The sad thing about it all is that it causes so much separation for those of us who are all part of this world, and fellow country folk. I do not hate freepers. And, if its any comfort, I wish to GOD I was wrong sometimes with what I see, but unfortunately I have not been so far. I do pity the ignorance and the almost suicidal insistence that there is no elephant in the living room even though he is blocking the view and making big piles of steaming crap that's being tracked all over the house. I am not sure I understand why this is and I am mystified how to convince someone who refuses to see it that there IS an elephant in the living room (forgive the symbol, but it is SO appropriate, lol). I hope that the words you say are true that persistence is one key.

Thanks Straight your words meant more than I can say. Not that I could ever shut up because I am driven to say my piece, still you give me courage to go on. I am proud of you that you had the courage to listen to something that must have seemed foreign and scary to hear. To me this is the sign of true character. If there is one thing we all have in common, freepers, "libruls" or whomever, it is that we love our country and are merely trying to make things better. You have reminded me that this love is something I need to always keep in mind.

Love
Cat In Seattle

[casus belli]

44. "Go get 'em, mom." I love that! He sounds like a great kid. n/t

[Hav]

57. .

You have a great son. You must be very proud of him as well.

[casus belli]

43. You have repented, my son, now go in peace.

:)

I jest.

I don't see any reason to apologize for being a conservative. Unfortunately, due to the polarity of the political environment at this time, I think the terms liberal and conservative have been demonized to the point of obfuscation. My grandfather was an old school conservative. For that reason, I was really surprised by the ideologies of some people who today call themselves conservatives. It wasn't the conservatism of my grandfather. He believed in smaller federal government, in more state control, that the government should spend OUR money wisely and as frugally as possible, and probably most importantly, he thought the federal government had no business in the personal lives of people. That's not the conservatism I see today. In fact, were my grandfather still alive, I seriously doubt he would call himself a Republican.

It seems to me that the Republican party we see today has done a very good job as snake oil salesman. I won't say that some Democrats haven't made it easier for them through some really bad personal decisions, but the Republicans have been making promises they know they can't deliver. They learned the core values of people and they essentially sold them messages that they thought those people wanted to hear. Though, from what we've seen recently, they don't necessarily hold those who RUN the party to that same standard they demand of society at large. And the problem with setting yourself on a pedestal morally, is that you become subject to additional scrutiny, and rightfully so. It's like the old saying "Beware of any man who tells you he's honest."

It just adds insult to injury that while pushing this false agenda and artificial moral high-ground, they also have incorporated hateful language and rhetoric into their speeches, which would have us all declare some among us less than equal to others. They have tried to paint their political opponents as less patriotic, less American, less human. That is simply unforgivable. It is even more unforgivable from people who have the audacity to use religion to legitimize their hate.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I can understand why conservatism appeals to some people. I get it, but I don't agree with it. What I don't get, are those who continue to hold up the torch for the party once they become aware of the hypocrisy spilling forth from it's talking heads. That, I believe, counts as willful ignorance, which I don't have a lot of patience for.

I always enjoy running across your posts, my friend. Be well...

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

123. A lot of wives, when they find the lipstick on the collar, or the phone numbers

in the jacket pocket, still pretend to themselves that everything is okay. Sometimes they can maintain this denial forever, if the conditions are otherwise right.

Same reason why, when the rank hypocrisy from leaders is exposed, people still go on like nothing happened sometimes.

[K8-EEE]

45. You're My Favorite Kind Of Freeper...!

REFORMED! Good on ya...I know a couple of them myself, people aren't freepers because they are bad people but because they are massively, repeatedly, constantly exposed to totally wrong information to the point of being brainwashed.

I think most of them are totally capable if shown the light, of seeing BushCo as they are. Doesn't mean they will be "liberal" or agree with me on everything, and I don't expect that but Jesus Christ, BushCo has GOT to go!! That's something I think liberals, conservatives and all good people anywhere on the spectrum would/should agree on.

THANKS FOR THIS POST, LOVED IT...

[leveymg]

46. One of the best, most meaningful, threads I've read in a long time

You are indeed welcome here, TSS.

Thanks for staying around.

[xchrom]

47. amazing grace.

:applause:

[Gelliebeans]

48. We are glad to have ya!

K&R

[Tactical Progressive]

49. How many posts in before you converted?

I'm sure there are thousand-post members that are really Republicans incognito, but usually you can sense certain right-wing ideological tendencies, which I never really noted in your posts. I'm surprised. There must have been times where you were saying things you didn't believe.

Tell us a little about your infiltration attitudes and methods.

[The Straight Story]

155. Over 10,000 posts

And yes, at times I didn't believe all I was saying, but to my defense I did try to stand up to some petty things. FR started getting a dividing line through it. Many good members were lost.

Despite all the things said here about freepers, I knew many that did not fit the stereotype. Good people, just misled. There are huge factions of the conservative party that despise bush (even Jim Rob railed against him before he won). They still won't vote dem, but they want the fundie idiots out and the old guard in.

I basically posted news of crime and such, though I did rail on clinton a bit, and DU :)

[C_U_L8R]

50. You are a brave person

Thank you for your honesty.

No matter whether we're DUers, or Freepers
we always need to look at ourselves with a
critical eye. Sure sometimes things here at
DU can get out of hand with herd mentality
just as they do at FR... and lord knows we
can all be meanspirited about Republicans
and Evangelicals... most of it well deserved.
But no matter how passionate we get, I hope
we always have the insight to step back and
question ourselves. I think we're on the right
path and everyday we all do our bit to battle
hypocrisy. Lets make sure we never become
hypocrits ourselves.

Thank you again Straight Story .. for the Straight Story

[democrank]

51. That was then and

this is now. Welcome.

[nookiemonster]

53. Good on you!

Welcome friend.

:)

[Nimrod2005]

54. Welcome to the reality based world....We live here, welcome to our home...

I have always liked your posts...

[OneBlueSky]

55. welcome to reality . . . :) n/t

.

[Hav]

56. .

Great story and you are very welcome.
It's also good that you see the infighting here as something positive (I guess it can be seen that way) as you will probably see much of it when the primaries start ;).

But again, you are very welcome. I think that we need the support from Independents but also from Conservatives who realize how badly Bush is hurting the US. We need them all to be heard and to field a successful opposition.


And btw, from time to time, I was checking out Freerepublic as well and I have to say that by far not all of them are bad or evil ;).

[RestoreGore]

58. Funny, you don't write like a freeper

What was your handle there?

[rosesaylavee]

59. You are not alone

in your transformation. There are many here that have walked that path and ended up here - maybe not all as dramatically changed as you were but I would guess you are speaking for many of the posters here who don't have the confidence to post about it.

Check out H2O Man's Make it Plain post - he discusses Campbell's Hero's Journey in that... your story reminded me very much of that.

From one former Republican to another, :patriot:

:hug:

[The Backlash Cometh]

60. I just want to know,

Did you lose that hair on the nape of your neck once you made the transition? I'm just amazed how freepers (when they're in freeper mode) come across as so primitive, and then, all it takes is illumination and they sound normal and reasonable.

Thank you for writing. It's nice to know there may be hope for others too.

[mmonk]

61. Great The Straight Story.

Although when I came here, I wasn't a freeper, I did hold some more conservative views than I do now. In fact, when I first came here, I was constantly called a freeper. One thing I have realized is that the truth speaks for itself. If you don't see it at the beginning, eventually you will. So many people today are influenced by framing. Once the human mind accepts framing, it first will automatically reject something that doesn't fit in that framing (and this is what the right has been doing). But when shown, the logic of the mind can force someone to see where and what it was missing about a truthful disclosure. One thing I do know now is this is where I feel comfortable. DU is a great resource and compilation of work by people who know something or a place where eventually truth can be found through people seeking answers. I know it gives me the drive to be active and do the right things for people and my country.

Thank you for sharing and becoming a part of all this.

[zeemike]

62. An amazing story...one I can relate too

I also confess I was a member of the John Birch Society, but way back in the early 60s.
And I too came around to my senses over time buy just seeing the obvious lies they tell themselves.
But for me there was one moment that seemed to mark my final break with the right...When RFK was assassinated one of my rightly friends said "it's about time they killed that nigger loving son of a bitch"
That is when I felt the shame of what I was involved in.

[lostnfound]

63. The greatest bridges are built..

between lands that are far apart.

Not a great analogy I guess because the lands seem to drift closer after the bridge is built.

Thanks for bringing hope, not merely of 'a Democratic victory', but of a less-hateful society.

[BlueEyedSon]

65. Yes, the problem is the system. We need candidates who will work to fix it

First to address the symptoms, and then the root causes....

[Arkham House]

66. Welcome back to the fight...this time I know our side will win...

[brer cat]

67. Great post, TSS

I've run across many of your posts that I found insightful. You were part of the process that brought you "home" and we are glad you are here.

Your video on the Tin Soldier is one of the best!

Please take care of AutumnMist and yourself....we need you here.

[Vidar]

68. Turned from the dark side under Reagan myself. Glad you made it.

I frequently find your posts insightful.

[lyonn]

198. Ahhh, the Reagan era, voted for him twice, sooo sorry now

The second time not sure why as it was becoming apparent his "trickle down" was crap, and then there was the huge debt and many having to file bkcy. After awhile you feel like a sucker, and I did. Money trickling down from corps. is bs. Oh, and how the Reaganites liked to tell us how to be moral and the hell with small govt. They were making new rules even back then.

Clinton damn sure got us out of debt and did try to push other good policies and was one hell of a diplomat! Course he got hammered day and night by the superior ones, how dare a hick from Ark. take the presidency away from Bush. Clinton paid dearly.

We all have our days of revelations like Straight Shooter. Yipeee!

Edit: Oops, Sorry Straight Story, memory is failing me.

[Vidar]

213. Bad habits are hard to break.

[roamer65]

221. Voted for Reagan in '84...

...and I got Iran-Contra and S&L debacle for my vote. After that I swore off Rethugs and my truthseeking journey began. Only Rethug I have voted for since 1984, was McCain in the infamous MI 2000 primary. I did it just to bugger Bush.

[radfringe]

69. :)

got me a bit teary-eyed..

and yeah, we do fight amongst ourselves, but more often than not it leads to good discussions once tempers cool down

I know to some lurkers it does appear we may be drinking the Dem-Kool-aid, but for me anyways - it's not drinking the kool-aid, it caring about our Country and the direction it's going and right now the repubs are just a bunch of rubberstampers..

ennywhoo- I've blathered enough.. and isn't nice being out of the closet?

[mom cat]

70. You just brought me to tears with your post. Thanks for sharing so much with us.

I am so glad that you came to find what rang true with your soul. The truth has set you free and thanks for all your work in advancing that truth now.Although I do not know you presonally, I count you anomg the circle of friends for truth.
:dem::toast::bounce::bounce::headbang::smoke::smoke::yourock::smoke::smoke::headbang::bounce::bounce::toast::kick:

[cally]

71. I've admired your commitment to your wife

and your compassion. Thanks for telling your story and for being here. You give me hope. :hug:

[Bassic]

72. I'm happy to know it's possible for Freepers to see things for what they are

Thanks for this, and congratulations! :yourock:

[breathe peace]

73. I am moved...

Straight story...your voice is the voice of hope. So often it feels like we are screaming into the darkness...or to folks with fingers in their ears and a smirk on their face, and it is painful for me, considering the present and potential consequences. Thank you, thank you for sharing your transition. I know there must have been some sleepless nights wrestling with yourself. It takes humility to change course. I am really looking forward to your upcoming video. Yes, I believe you will make it. I know you will stay in the fight for truth...you can't go back. You are an inspiration.

[Laelth]

74. Inspiring.

Your intellectual curiosity, it seems, is what made it possible for you to change. In "wanting to know" what the latest anti-Repuke conspiracy theories were, you came here, and you read what we had to say. Then you had the power to change your mind based upon the reality that you exposed yourself to here at DU. That's impressive. I wish more conservatives were as intellectually curious as you are.

Welcome!

:patriot:

-Laelth

[The Straight Story]

156. I think that is one major factor in it - and comic books too :)

When I was young I read a lot of comics, and related to the heroes battling those evil in power who were selfish. The more I saw how my party treated gays, the poor, the needy, etc the more I realized I was not like that, and was hating myself for ever being like that and thinking that way.

It is all about power and conforming to those people. They fear, I feared, things being different and out of control. I guess that came about from living in such a controlling relationship like I did for years prior.

At any rate, I wronged a lot of people with my words, time to make amends :)

[JHB]

168. Heh. I have to tell people not to knock "comic book morality"...

Batman never sends a bill for rescues.

When an ocean liner is on the rocks, Superman never hits up their insurance company for a little green before saving the day.

Spiderman laid it out in plain English: "With great power comes great responsibility."

You help because you can. It's that simple.

[ourbluenation]

75. Most excellent - now say three hail mary's and roll up your sleeves...

4 more days and there's still much work to be done!!!!!

Welcome to the light, friend. :)

[BeFree]

76. Man o' Man

Did I need to read something like this at this time.

This old man has tears streaming.

[Roland99]

77. I came around in the fall of 2003. Shed my freeper ways and feel so much better.

I feel like an American now.

[ananda]

78. Truth

I believe that so many humans love the truth. Here's an example from your post, Straight Story:

"The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam, and that leads me to believe that bush is not our biggest problem, but people much more deeply entrenched who hold the real power."

I tend to agree, yet I also believe that there are a few honest, well-thinking politicians in our system who make an impact on people who seek truth and policies based on people-first humanist philosophies. I just wish that we could elect more of them.

Sue

[JoMama49]

81. I would love to know what the freepers are missing? I get so

perplexed about how they don't seem to understand the truth when it is right in front of their faces. How can they just continue to believe all this RW crap and just blindly follow and believe the * Administration rhetoric. It would be extremely enlightening to hear more about your metamorphasis - what first got your attention - what made you start questioning?

[Roland99]

82. Willful ignorance.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

84. "The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam"

Not so.

Roughly 50-50 in the Senate.
Roughly 60-40 in the House (against).

And millions upon millions upon millions against in the street. 70-30 against.

[WillyT]

87. Thank You For This !!! - K & R !!! - These Words Came To Mind...

after reading your wonderful post.


"All alone, or in twos,
The ones who really love you,
Walk up and down outside the wall.
Some hand in hand,
Some gathering together in bands,
The bleeding hearts and artists,
Make their stand.
And when they've given you their all,
Some stagger and fall.
After all it's not easy,
Banging your heart against some mad bugger's wall."

-- Pink Floyd's Outside The Wall

Peace...

:hi:

[Tigress DEM]

88. DU is such a complex place. But the human to human aspect is real.

Somedays I truly hate myself for logging in because the infighting and the attacks by fellow DUers & lurkers cut me deeply at times and I feel hopeless afterward because of how much potential we have here if we work together.

BUT even on those days if I stick around long enough I find reason to believe in the good being done here.

I've always liked how DU tends to link to source material so people can make up their own mind about an issue and defend their opinion.

It occurs to me that policy may have been helpful to you even when you were battling against things you had learned were "true" but simply weren't.

I feel so humbled that even what I thought was one of negative aspects of DU, people lurking here and making fun of us, was no match for the committment we all share to tolerance and doing our part to make this the best country it can be.

Welcome to DU as the new and improved you, Straight Story.

[wryter2000]

89. Wow

<speechless>

[kestrel91316]

91. Welcome, again, to the family. Don't you worry about what you used to

believe. From here we go forward, hand in hand.

I wish they could all figure out that we only want what's best and what's right for all of us. Fairness, compassion, justice, freedom..........

[gully]

92. "I saw the light because you refused to quit shining it. Don't stop ever."

Thank you.

[readmoreoften]

93. Wow! Great post, Straight Story! Glad you're here! /nt

[tabasco]

94. I hope there's a lot more like you.

But I'm really doubtful about the remaining one-third who continue to support the Bush/Cheney corporate cabal.

The corporate media is a huge problem, but still, people should be able to think for themselves and see through the smoke screen.

[Generic Other]

95. Thanks for posting

I know if the tables were turned, and a Democratic administration was acting like * is acting now, I would feel like I had betrayed myself if I didn't muster up the courage to speak out against them.

We have to defend our values or else we are no different than those who believe in nothing.

[The Wielding Truth]

96. Yes. We are here because we believe in a Just and Free America!

A People striving for the common good and respecting the rules of Democracy laid out in The Bill of Rights and OUR Constitution.

DU,Greens,Immigrants,Soldiers,people living without a thought of government,and all those fearful freepers are our family. We will keep pulling and scraping for the golden rule.

Thank you for remembering that we have only one world to share. Let's do it for peace and respectful individual freedom.

You listened,and that's what we do in a true Democracy.

You are the hope of Democracy.

So glad you are here!

[terip64]

97. No, thank you.

[No DUplicitous DUpe]

98. I am deeply moved by your post, my friend.

You are what makes DU great, You are a great American!

Thanks to all of you on this thread, The A-Team of DU!

And to all you lurkers, join the threads, we need you too!

[johnaries]

100. Welcome, Brother in Arms! And thank you!

That was a beautiful, inspiring post.

Never Give Up!

[stop the bleeding]

102. thank you

this is what DU is all about


ultra-cool

[JackBeck]

103. Life takes us on many journeys.

A friend used to say that life isn't a straight line. There are many curves and forks in the road. I'm glad that your journey has lead you here.

Your post is inspiring and honest. We will prevail on Tuesday, brother.

[OnionPatch]

104. Thanks for that inspiring story

I'm on my way to participate today in the first GOTV activity I've ever participated in where I have to call people because I'm feeling so afraid of what they (the extreme right) are doing to our country. I'm really nervous about calling but your post gives me inspiration.

If the tables were turned and I were in the same position you have been in, I would hope that I'd have the guts to see that I had been wrong and the courage to change. Cheers to you for being able to do that. :toast:

[Bullwinkle925]

105. I can well understand how you feel.

It's so very difficult to believe that these kinds of things can be happening in our beloved country. As a child of the 1950's - after WWII, it is a slap in the face to think that this country could behave as inhumanely as it has.

My fervent hope is that people are beginning to actually 'see the light' and remove the blinders and vote to restore decency where it has been so very sorely lacking these past 6 years.

Welcome, my friend, to the fold. We will also be holding the Dems feet to the fire as well.

:grouphug:



edit for typo.

[Aristus]

106. Thanks for a wonderfully inspiring post, Straight Story.

I had some similar problems. Although I was raised in a family of progressive, well-educated Christians, I got turned on by Ronald Reagan's faux-patriotic Rambo crap. I thought simply waving the flag and talking about 'American pride' meant that you were patriotic. My dad is a Vietnam vet and had some pretty poor memories of how things were when he got back in-country. I swore I would never be one of those "un-American hippies". I really fell hard for right-wing politics. I called Reagan "Uncle Ronny" and starting being a bellicose, militaristic asshole.

Election 1988, my first Presidential Election, I voted for Bush, Sr. My mother was furious with me. She was (and still is), a dyed-in-the-wool liberal and a passionate Democrat who attended LBJ's alma mater, and marched in JFK's inauguration parade. I didn't pay any attention. My heart had always been liberal and progressive (my parents had taught me well) but my head had gone all right-wing. Strangely enough, that all changed when I joined the Army. In the service, I met some REAL right-wingers; thick-headed, uneducated, ill-informed, bloviating braggarts who repelled me with their bigotry, racism and lack of basic knowledge of the world outside the U.S. My head really got turned around. As a kid, growing up, I had always been around gay people, because my mother was heavily involved in theater, and I didn't think anything of it. Now in the Army, I began to see the horrible injustice of prohibiting gays from serving their country. I cultivated gay friends in my off-duty hours. They found it odd that a straight soldier (and a hyper-macho tank crewman) could be gay-friendly. I felt accepted for the first time in my life. And although I voted for Bush, Sr. again in 1992, that was my last Republican vote ever. I voted for Bill Clinton in 1996 and for Al Gore in 2000. The Supreme Court selection of Bush finally dragged my inner liberal out of the closet, and I've been a full-speed-ahead liberal ever since.

In fact, I've adopted the slogan "Liberal till I DIE, motherfuckers!" to get any right-wingers in my life off of my case. Plus, I have my Gulf War medals to jam up the ass of anybody who calls me "un-American."

Glad you're here, Straight Story; you are welcome and I hope you stay around for a while. :thumbsup:

*manly chuck on the shoulder*

[alteredstate]

107. Cool!

Just curious --- what was your username at FR?

[JeffR]

108. Incredible post

:patriot:

[Fovea]

109. More greatness of spirit is shown

by your evolution than by those who came to these truths in childhood.
I salute you!

[JudyM]

111. That's powerful. Consider writing an LTTE if you live where there's a close race.

[fearnobush]

112. Nice Work, Thank You.

[StellaBlue]

114. I voted for Bush in 1998.

My only regret in my life, truly.

What can I say - though I was by no means a conservative, I was nineteen. And stupid.

Welcome to the big tent. I am now a radical libertarian socialist, and I love it here.

:hi:

[Cleita]

115. Come into the light of truth.

As they say, the truth shall set you free.

:grouphug:

[KyndCulture]

117. Thank you so much for your inspirational words.

Sometimes, we do get down and out, but this pulls me back up to know we are making a difference.

Its been a long hard 6 year battle, the more people who see them for what they are, the better our nation will be and someday the world will respect us again, when we are once again the good guys because people like the us on DU stood our ground and never gave up.

[raysr]

118. I don't believe you.

Repukes don't change, not really. It's not a political party anymore it's a cult.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

191. Actually, Many Of Them Do. To Think Otherwise Is Cultish In Itself.

If repukes can't change, we would've had no chance this election. In my deepest opinion, it is of extreme obviousness to anyone reading it how sincere the OP is and how one time republican or not, he's as genuine or more of a progressive DU'er as any other one of us. He is an amazingly caring person who is intelligent, thoughtful, objective, kind, honest, sincere and courageous. He is every bit a part of the heart of this community as anyone else, and I now even have more respect for him. I'm touched and inspired by his story, and am pleased to see so many others were as well.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

124. Great post, TSS. If you still supported Bush in 04 though, what was it that

was the "final straw", if there was anything, for you? Katrina response? Or was it just a whole lot of things?

[The Straight Story]

157. Everything really.

I did not vote for him in 2004. It wasn't even as much bush himself as his followers.

bushbots we called em :) I started to see more and more deeply the ugly side of some factions, and realized such a poison would only hurt more and more fellow americans. They are inept and do not care.

[merh]

125. thank you for sharing

I've spent too much time arguing with the right at other forums. I'd almost forgot the inspiration and reason that can be found here.

:hug:

Never.Give.Up.! :patriot:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

127. Wow. I Had No Idea. You're One Of My Favorite Posters. I Think It's

absolutely awesome that our community was able to do that for you. I must say, I'm a bit surprised by your admission, but that doesn't change in any way the respect I've found for you. I think your story is one of the most inspiring I've seen here. It shows that what we do here does matter, and that even somebody who at one time was at the other end of the political spectrum can be enlightened with truth, and upon awareness of that truth come to the conclusion that our side is far more fighting for what is right.

I am quite inspired by your post, and I'm glad as hell that you started seeing things from our side. I consider you to be quite intelligent and open minded, so it actually isn't that big of a surprise to me that over time you were able to see quite clearly the deception from the other side. I think your story is a great testament to this community, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing it.

Kudos to you, SS, and welcome to the light! :toast:

[omega minimo]

165. "!"

:yoiks: :wow: :rofl:
:rofl:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

175. Do You Mind Explaining That Nonsensical Reply Please?

I don't want to think you're just baiting me or harassing me, but since you provided no context and there was nothing in my post that warranted such silliness, I'm not sure there's much of an alternate explanation. If you do somehow have some other reason for posting such a meaningless reply to me, I'd appreciate hearing it. Thanks.

[The Straight Story]

200. Thanks man

And whether you know it or not, you are one poster I keep an eye out for. I don't think we have locked horns yet - mainly because we generally agree.

Thanks for the kind words, means more to me then I can say.

[madmusic]

128. Ha! You sucker! DU is really a Freeper front group to find traitors.

Tomorrow you will be living in a brand, spanking new concentration camp courtesy of BushCo and Halliburton.

Thanks for your post. Gave me some chills.

[On the Road]

129. A Lot of Here Seem to Doubt the Existence of People Like You (and Me)

although my conversion came about 10-15 years ago. It's all in what you're exposed to and how it's presented. If you go beyond your comfort zone, you'll end up finding out a lot more about the world.

[Pharaoh]

131. Fuckin beautiful man

K&R:dem:

[elehhhhna]

132. You never belonged there, anyway..

because you can spell properly.

GOTV!

E

[boolean]

133. Everybody has a liberal inside of them

IGNORANCE is what freepers feed on. All humans are naturally ignorant. It takes effort to go out and find the truth amidst all the lies. Once people become aware of the truth, all of a sudden, they realize the liberals have been right all along.

It also takes guts to admit you were wrong all that time and to change your mind. Some people are too proud. These are the two things that keep people from leaving the freeper sheeple. Ignorance, and pride.

[NNN0LHI]

134. I told you guys this place was getting infiltrated by freepers

By the way. You are one of my favorite posters here The Straight Story.

Don

[Joanne98]

135. Welcome to DU! You crazy old man!

I remember when our conspiracy theories were a joke but I knew, as they kept coming true one by one, that people would sit up and take notice. You can't argue with success. I'm still fighting for the 9/11 Truth Movement. I hope someday people will know more about that even if they have to read it from the dungeon. I think it's good that we fight in the open for lurkers to read. They get to see the different opinions debated in real time. I read Freerepublic sometimes. It's gotten pretty boring over there. I think they are suffering from "groupthink". Groupthink makes people dumb. I'm glad we don't have that problem.:)

[durrrty libby]

136. This is such a great thread. I must save it for later when I

have time to read it all

[U4ikLefty]

137. Well knock me over with a feather!!!

NOT!!!

[Marr]

139. Fuck you.

Haha, just kidding. Welcome welcome. It's not easy to question your own assumptions- congratulations to you.

[Gregorian]

140. And you give us hope.

I have feared that conversions like yours are all to infrequent. But your perspective is invaluable. We here know that we are looking at the truth. But sometimes we wonder if anyone but us see it.

I am always moved when I see a metamorphosis. I often wish for my own. I am unhappy with things in my life. A renewal. A new beginning. Honesty. Acceptance.

Now if only we could bottle this. You are the key here to helping those others who don't see, to see. I suppose it's openness. You wanted to see.

How can we make them want to see?

[AnotherMother4Peace]

142. Questions for you - What's with all the bullying & "in your face"

behaviors by the right wing? Why does a simple bumbersticker move them to violence? Do they believe the end justifies the means? How do they rationalize negligent treatment of our troops as support for the troops?

Thanks for your insightful post.

[GoneOffShore]

143. Brilliant!

For some reason you brought to mind an old song we used to sing when I was in LRY back in the 60's.

No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man's joy is joy to me
Each man's grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother
Each man as my friend

No man is an island far out in the blue
We all look to One above
Who our strength doth renew
When I help my brother
Then I know that I plant the seeds
Of friendship that will never die

I saw the people gather
I heard the music start
The song that they were singing
Is ringing in my heart

No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man's joy is joy to me
Each man's grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother
Each man as my friend

[mcscajun]

144. Nos absolve te. Great post, wonderful thread.

It's a heartwarming thing to witness. :)

Another marvelous post, sir.

[SunDrop23]

146. Glad you're here!

Thanks for your story.

[BlueJac]

147. Nicely put

[ruggerson]

148. JimRob!

I knew it was just a matter of time.

[The Straight Story]

152. ROFL like that would ever happen!

That guy and his cronies are another reason my eyes were opened. Petty little bastards (and you cannot ever cuss on FR...sheesh).

[Mr_Spock]

153. Cool post

I think I remember you in '04 - you have come a long way - glad to see you are happy with the choices you have made.

[tinfoil tiaras]

154. Aww...what a good story

There should be a MTV True Life called "I used to be a Freeper" :P

thats what i first thought when i read the title of your post...haha.

but in all seriousness, good post. k&r.

[ninkasi]

158. That was beautiful

I'm glad to notice that I have lots of company in reading your post through tears. You belong with us, you and AutumnMist, too. I already had respect for you because of your posts, then I came to admire you for being so protective and loving to your wife. I could feel your anguish when her illness was diagnosed, and was touched by how fiercely you cherish her. Every aspect of you that I can see based on your posts, indicate to me a good, loyal, caring man.

I'm so very glad you decided to join us, and stay with us. You will never be without loving friends, and we are grateful for your presence here. You are the kind of person we want to join us, people who might have been republicans at one time, but backed away from them when their party became overrun with the kind of extreme, corrupt people we see in the Bush administration. You were never really one of them, once they showed you their true nature.

[Hailtothechimp]

159. We need more like you. Thanks. n/t

[femrap]

160. Thanks for telling us...this gives me hope. nt

[Clarkie1]

161. I read one of your poems, "Spirit of the Woods"

I like it. I've always loved the redwoods.

It's unfortunate that the religious conservatives seem blind to the fact that when we are closer to nature, we are closer to God and that if they respected the Creator they would be on the same side as the environmentalists.

[FedUpWithIt All]

162. I have great respect for you, TSS

I remember reading your post about your love for your wife. I cried. I called a friend and read it to her. It was one of the most purely touching things i have ever read.

This will all turn around, somehow. There are too many good people in this country. Too many are waking up to the lies.

:toast: Here is to looking back on it all one day.

[omega minimo]

163. No kidding

Wow, they have "fake crap" "compassion" Over There?
:sarcasm:


When I asked you why you kept dragging really horrendous, disgusting news stories into DU and posting, you told me because your more thoughtful posts dropped too fast (you're not the first to point that out.......but the UGLINESS!! for the sake of it!)

"But I did learn alot, being on both sides of the fence as I have. And what I learned really scares the shit out of me now at times. The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam, and that leads me to believe that bush is not our biggest problem, but people much more deeply entrenched who hold the real power."

There's a kernel of truth in their hiding in the shite. There's also a problem:

"The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam....."

Now we've had two "back in the days" and engagements with saddam, thanks to Bush I and Bush II. There's another similarity-- in BOTH cases, Bush(es) administration(s) said to Congress "WE'RE GOING TO WAR AND THERE'S NOT A GODDAMNED THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT SO YOU BETTER PLAY ALONG."

So much for "The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam....."


Anyway, I hope you have success in posting your own threads without resorting to cut and paste nastiness from the daily news.

:thumbsup:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

170. I'd have to agree that if the suggestion is that a Dem president would have

been just as likely to have BULLRUSHED the nation into this invasion and occupation, there's no evidence of that. IWR votes are evidence of weakness and "follow the leader"-ship but by no means could you prove that those who voted IWR would have made up the whole war initiative in the first place. That's a right wing justification talking point and a poor one at that.

I'm not even convinced that most REPUBLICANS would have committed us into this disastrous war if they had been in Bush's shoes.

[omega minimo]

174. Repugs would never let Dems get away with making war just cuz they felt like it

would they? The historians don't tell ya that Bush 41 was hell bound and determined to go to war with Iraq, whatever resistance was put up was swept aside and spat upon, at the very last minute he got Congressional approval for what he'd already announced he was doing........ everyone has to save face, so the historians just LIE to future generations. The support for both Iraq invasions was quite underwhelming.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

176. It's really amazing to think that there was quite a debate over the merits of the FIRST

Iraq War, before it began, and basically ZERO over the second, which had far less justification than the first. Beyond the protest movement, of course.

[omega minimo]

179. Bushco. circa 1991 steamrolled over all of it and said SCREW YOU WE'RE DOIN THIS

And spent the next decade pacifying the public....................................... preparing for the PNAC that was "radical" back then.....................................

[The Straight Story]

188. The evidence to me was:

both gore and clinton saying that saddam had to go, that he had wmd, etc and so on.

The core of it all to me now is - someone deeper is feeding people lies. And that worries me a lot.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

193. It's a far cry, saying someone has to go, and starting a war. I don't consider

this "proof" by any stretch of the imagination, but I won't tramp further on this thread debating it.

[The Straight Story]

202. My point was about being enablers

And agreeing with the lies (and not coming out hard enough against them).

No one is perfect, and I am a good example of that. I believed in the war, because I was an idiot misled by the lies of many. From bush to Clinton. So yeah, i am a tad pissed at em both on it ;)

Overall, I was an idiot - but I think that Clinton and crew could have done more. As I could have.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

216. I agree with the enablers part by the way. But the statement you made

("Dems just as pro-war as the Repubs") has often been made by wingnuts, especially since the American public's take on the post "Mission Accomplished" Iraq adventure has gone sour, to actually argue that we'd be in there just the same if Gore or Kerry or Clinton were President during this time.

Um, no to that.

So, no hard feelings.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

181. Actually, Most Of Us Love His Threads, So I'd Say He's Already Had Much Success.

I give all the credit in the world to the OP for having the balls and courage to post this. He's a stand up DU'er of which I carry a ton of respect for, and am quite proud of him for coming forward like this and also for being open-minded enough to have come over to our side to begin with.

SS, you rock!

:yourock:

[omega minimo]

214. And what brought you to DU?

:hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

215. A Computer And A Modem.

:hi:

[canichelouis]

164. Seems like a good place to post this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Free Hugs!

Be inspired

[judaspriestess]

167. checking in a little late but none the less here

You are welcome!!

I feel fortunate that I have always been a democrat. When I was about 9 or 10 I asked my grandmother, after seeing Ted Kennedy in our Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio, who he was, she said he was a democrat and that is what we were. I've never looked back. My first election was 88 and I voted for Dukakis.

[eridani]

169. You are right about it not being enough just to elect Demcrats

That's just a start, and pushes some bad elements further away from power centers. We have to constantly push them toward more open and transparent government afterwards.

[Liberty Belle]

171. It takes a big person to admit when they were wrong, & you are welcome here.

[Lochloosa]

172. Front Page....Hello Skinner

Let the freepers eat shit on this one....

[Kerrytravelers]

173. K&R

[AikidoSoul]

177. Oh Joy... another convert. Eeek. Should I use that word?

Me and my husband just read your DU post that hit the number one spot today.

We are moved.

But some part of us is in reserve... and hoping that you're not not conning us.

(Gotta be cautious these days. Too many con-jobs coming our way these past six years).

But while we hesitated for a moment, we took the opportunity to behave as though you are the genuine deal.

It was in the final analysis.......... an irresistible move.

I cried.

He didn't.

But he did looked flushed... you know... like a guy trying to hide his feelings.

He then swallowed hard and made a relevant comment after clicking on the link that took us to your web site.

He mentioned that it doesn't seem normal for Repugs to be poets.

So.... the question is.

Have you ALWAYS been a poet?

Maybe a closet poet?

Or ...is this poet tendency a recent phenomenon?

Hmmm... if not.... that might mean that you have a PREDISPOSITION to being a progressive Democrat!

It is our sad experience that most Repugs don't seem to feel very much for others... and would make very, very, very, lousy poets.

So happy to read your great post!




*****************************************************************************************************

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin

"Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security." ---Benjamin Franklin

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." —Benjamin Franklin, July 4, 1776"

"The enemy had a weapon – it was the greatest weapon of all, and that was the ability to astonish. No one would believe how ruthless they were, until it was too late." - Found inscribed on a wall of a stone temple in China

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." -Voltaire

"Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear." --Harry Truman

"It would be much easier if this were a dictatorship...as long as I am the dictator, heh, heh" -- George W. Bush

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." - Sinclair Lewis

October 17, 2006 after the signing of the Military Commissions Act of 2006: Senator Russ Feingold said, "We will look back on this day as a stain on our nation's history." I think that is entirely understating the reality of what truly unfolded today. Today the people we elect to serve us cast aside all sense of ethics and civility and gleefully passed a law that completely destroys the fabric of the republic for which they claim allegiance to. Thomas Paine once said that these are the times that try men's souls. He could not have known how prescient his words would be two centuries later. In another discourse, Paine lamented, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

"The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth becomes the greatest enemy of the State." Dr. Joseph M. Goebbels, Hitler's Minister of Propaganda.

Paper ballots. Hand counted. It's the only way back.

Politicians are like diapers. They both need to be changed regularly, and for the same reasons.

[The Straight Story]

187. Got your email and replied

Sorry, been busy working on a video tonight.

As noted in the email I made those poems when I was in my early 30's, am 41 now.

I was raised repub and fundie, and could not see well outside my own box. Took me time, and it would never have happened had it not been for DU. And that is no joke.

I have lurked here since it started. Glad I did. Sad I made fun of you all. I was wrong, period.

I grew up, because people here did not stop. I saw the message, and finally got it.

[Minnesota_Lib]

178. You made my day! K&R

:toast:

[SeattleGirl]

182. Straight Story, people like YOU are the reason that I continue to

fight the good fight. People like YOU are what give me hope, and give me the energy to keep on keepin' on. :hug:

[TwentyFive]

183. Well said! It is an emotional experience. BTW - did you ever see F911?

I was a mind numbed robot from the MSM...until I walked into F911. I went to see the movie, just wanting to see the other side. I was of an 'ok, convince me' type mindset - but I still walked into that movie thinking Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld knew best. I trusted them. I felt uncomfortable standing in line with all the 'unamerican' antiwar types. I thought they were so smug. Didn't they know that Bush has so much more intelligence info that he cannot release. I trusted his judgment to lead the country.

But then the bombs started dropping. My Pet Goat and seven minutes of blank stares? Osama's relatives secretly being flown out of the country? The Saudis? The pre 911 plans to attack Iraq? WMD? Oh my. I wanted to throw up. I was the victim of a con by the corporate owned media. Every 2 minutes there was a shocker, backed up by cold hard facts. My head felt like it was going to explode.

I'm not christian and don't believe in baptism. But F911? That definitely felt like being dunked in a vat of cold water. Stung like hell when it happened, but it felt so freeing to know the truth afterward.

[The Straight Story]

186. Yep saw it

Moving to me. Have also watched several other 9/11 videos (though I thought loose change was off).

[Rex]

184. I've been here on DU almost since it started and I've come to the

conclusion that there are no longtime freeper operatives here on DU.

I just don't see how it is possible to be on DU for a long period of time and NOT be converted to the side of Truth and justice. I've seen my share of posters I thought were freepers and over the years the exposure to the Truth has changed them into hardcore DUrs.

You can't fight the overwhelming proof of Truth here on DU, that is why lurkers lurk and trolls have a short stay. IMO.

[susanna]

185. Welcome to you.

I loved your post.

If it helps, I have 27 conversions under my belt and work each and every day for more. So I don't think I will stop fighting anytime soon. :-)

[upi402]

189. well that's cool. I used to debate on freep sites a LOT!

it made no difference what the evidence was to support my assertion, they would end up just attacking the messenger. Very witty sloganeering and name-calling.

The cons I debated never let the facts get in the way of a perfectly good opinion.

Welcome to an open way of living and thinking. It feels right to me too OP.

[Sugarcoated]

190. I was surprised to read your confession Straight Story

And I too have enjoyed your thoughtful posts. I've always been a Democrat and voted Democratic, just more centrist at one time. A few years ago I had the luxury of finally having the time to school myself in politics and I actually looked at both sides was somewhat surprised that I wasn't a centrist at all (and was in for quite a shock at when the realization of what this administration was pulling). There's very little in Conservatism that I agree with.

Bush made me activist, and I guess you as well.

Not to bring things down, but my younger brother who was sort of right leaning registered Independent is becoming a bona fide Wing nut. We were talking about the election and he said, "I guess I'll have to teach my kinds Arabic since the Democrats will probably win". He listens to Hanutty. :cry:

I'm gonna have to tell him he's flagged from talking politics with me, but I sure wish I could do or say something to intervene and pull him back.

[The Straight Story]

196. Tell him to call me :)

I will talk some sense into him as someone who was there, for many years.

[Sugarcoated]

217. Let me know when you're gonna be in the Philly area

and I'll set you guys up. :P

I'd love to see one of the converted try to get through his cueball head.

[eleny]

192. Why yo-o-u ... come here and take your medicine...

:pals:

[colorado_ufo]

194. Glad you are with us!

We are stronger because of it.

[TygrBright]

195. Thank you. A very timely reminder.

Reminder of what, you may ask, she asked rhetorically...

Well.

I've said it (occasionally) all along. The funny thing being that I was raised so dyed-in-the-wool liberal Democrat that I never even knew Republicans didn't have horns and tails until I was an adult. But with living a certain number of years comes a range of experiences that sooner or later penetrate the conditioning.

GOPpies DON'T all have horns and tails. They are human beings with the same complex array of motives, feelings, and experiences as the rest of us. I've come to appreciate, if not agree with, some of the more moderate conservative positions. Sometimes the good ones make me change my mind. Not necessarily to agree with them, but because they put a finger on some factor I hadn't taken into account, and when I take it into account, it changes how I view things --always from a liberal perspective, of course-- and so I've over the years learned to listen. (Well not to the really nutjob rantings.)

If you regard the ideological spectrum as moving from 1 (being Darth Cheney or Pat Robertson) to 10 (being Noam Chomsky or Al Sharpton) I was never anything less than a nine until I was thirty. I'm probably more of a seven, now.

Straight Story, you provide a 'moment of clarity.' A sincere Freeper can morph into a sincere DUer. What are the implications of this for a major victory next week?

How about this: Let's put off the bridge-burning, fence-smashing spree for a bit, shall we? Tempting as it may be. No, we don't have to cave in to The Dark Side. We just have to recognize that, given the opportunity to hear truth, again and again, hopefully without too much vilification, accusation, insult, and revenge, there will be more Straight Stories.

Unlike Newt with his Contract On America, let us be gracious, or at least mannerly, in victory. That doesn't mean not going after the truth, it doesn't mean covering up the filth GOPpies and their puppetmasters and lobbyists have been accumulating under rugs and in corners all over Capitol Hill. It doesn't mean letting them disrupt the orderly flow of business.

Americans who regard themselves as "independents" will be watching. As will folks like Straight Story who have not yet made the final leap of consciousness. 'So what are they (Dems) like when they're in charge, again?'

Yes, we'll raise taxes, lord help us all. We have no choice. The GOPpie whinging about "vote Democratic to raise your taxes" is a cheap shot but true. I look at the situation as analogous to the schmuck who makes $50,000 a year, who gets talked into buying a million-dollar house by a slick real estate developer who sets them up with an ARM that has a fantastically low interest rate and really low payments. For five years. Guess what? Year six is staring us in the face. The GOPpies talked us into buying tax cuts we couldn't afford, a war we couldn't afford, a huge new do-nothing government bureaucracy we couldn't afford, and now the payments are due. We've got two choices: Sell our grandchildren into debt slavery or grit our teeth and pay. GOPpies want to connect us with a great child broker. Dems are handing out protective mouthpieces.

So THAT'S going to be rough. And a lot of other things we'll have to do that will be unpopular with the crowd who think that if you look under enough rocks, you'll discover that there really IS such a thing as a free lunch.

But here's the deal. I think we'll still end up way ahead in 2008 if we do what has to be done, but do it with grace and good manners and a bare minimum of gloating. But lots and lots of honest discussion, honest explanation, presentation of as many facts as we can bring to light, and plenty of open, but mannerly debate. Well, WE'LL be mannerly. Let the Bushbots whinge and smear and innuendo and throw mud and generally demonstrate exactly why they shouldn't be in charge of anything more important than a coat check at Bo's Beer Hall.

Slowly there will be a trickle of Straight Stories. The ones who can't stop themselves from asking questions and listening to the answers. The ones who can look the ugly truth about their past beliefs in the face and acknowledge the ugliness and decide to give it up. And the trickle will get stronger. It'll never be a flood, the backwash will always be there, but with luck, they'll not be able to recruit enough fellow-travellers to grab power again for a generation or two. And we'll be able to restore the Constitution, restore our influence in the world, restore our ability to make government do what it's supposed to do, without (much) corruption, inefficiency, waste, and pork.

Straight Story is living proof that it CAN happen.

Thanks.

appreciatively,
Bright

[The Straight Story]

199. It is called 'middle of the road' to me

and thank you for a wonderful reply.

I was raised a rw fundie, but still had some open parts to me.

It took me a while to reconcile things, but the last two years of hell have shown me a lot. I was a closet liberal. And glad I finally found my home.

My first inkling was when I was a little boy. The Klan was in town, and I was scared. My mom told me not to worry, they were just idiots.

I never understood why blacks did not have the same rights as whites. And as I have grown I have seen which group has stood for us all.

Hence my video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-10_iPus9g

I made this tonight because I have learned - thanks to those liberals who never gave up on my sorry ass.

[Synnical]

197. Ah. shit, I'm feeling all shades of guilty now

A friend of mine has apparenlty moved over the the Dark Side, and I just e-mailed her a goodbye e-mail.

[cool user name]

207. That's fine but how did you still not know in 2004?

The writing was all over the fucking wall well before that.

[Maestro]

211. Congrats!

Welcome to the "Bright" side.

[davsand]

219. That polarization is what scares me most when I look to the future.

As "liberal" and "progressive" as I am, it scares heck out of me that so much of our political landscape is that "us" against "them" sort of mentality. I see it at a local level all the way up to our highest elected offices that we are too busy squaring off against each other to actually work toward anything.

I'd like to think that sometime soon everybody will settle down and just try and solve the problems. Wouldn't it really benefit us all if we had a lower individual tax burden, yet everybody had access to food, shelter, health-care and educational opportunity?

Wouldn't it be nice to see ANYBODY run for an office that was talking about ideas to get to a solution rather than slinging mud at the other side or spouting talking points for their side?

I think it is really easy to get discouraged and get into that mindset that it is only one side that has all the answers. I think it takes a lot more than choosing a side to get the actual work done. The political process is not dead, and representative democracy is not dead. Our common national values will awaken one day and then we can all have honest debate and legitimate solutions.

Regards!


Laura

[Redstone]

220. Welcome home.

Redstone

[Ferret Annica]

222. I was over there too as ferret several years

and at LP as well. If you were at LP, I'm sure you remember me.

Here is a thread on Freedom4UM on this thread:

http://freedom4um.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=38861&Disp=1#C1

[Jeffersons Ghost]

223. ALL I HAVE TO SAY TO THE OP IS, WHICH SHINES THE BRIGHTEST...

the candle or the mirror that reflects it?