My Proposal for CHANGE

[bobbolink]

Here on DU, we have ALL (except for the occasional troll, of course) desperately wanted CHANGE for 8 years now.

We've wanted change from the name-calling, the lies, the denigrations of character we've been subjected to over and over and over and over.....

With this historic upset to the RW national rule, we now have that opportunity, and I suggest we start with bringing change HOME.

From this point on, could we vow to make DU a safe place to discuss thoughts of a "left-wing", "progressive" or "liberal" bent, whatever term you wish to use?

Could we change to an atmosphere of respect and cordiality in our dealings with each other, and leave the snide, nasty putdowns to the RW, where they belong?

Could we make this a place for the safe exchange of ideas, without fear of being attacked, or told to "grow up", "deal with it", "get a life", and all the other hostile insults meant to put another in her/his place? All these insulting jabs came into being during the Raygun era.. can we finally put that to rest?

Could we manage to CHANGE DU to a place of good will, understanding and cooperation?

That would be a most welcome change.

Are we reading and willing to inaugurate this change?

[Parche]

1. Get a 'changed' Life

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
:woohoo: :hi:

[Donnachaidh]

2. It's a great thought Bobbolink, and I agree - K&R

Whether we have enough people to actually stand up and say NO MORE to the childishness - I dunno.

[bobbolink]

9. Thanks... I would certainly hope there are "enough" ^_^

Oh, and I'd like to add "drama queen" to the list of insulting slurs we can do without...

Really, it seems we could respond with ideas instead of insults.

[uppityperson]

3. Are you willing to listen to other people's thoughts? Even if you may not immediately understand,

are you willing to give it a try? Realizing that sometimes we do not communicate well right away, clarification can help?

[Greyhound]

4. I'm willing.

The anonymity of the internet does seem to bring out the brave in some people that I'm (pretty) sure would never be so cruel IRL.

Let's do it, maybe it will catch on.
:kick: & R

[bobbolink]

5. PEACE... what a concept!

The split between the "Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party", as Paul Wellstone (RIP, dear Senator!), and the DLC wing will become more pronounced, and will result in a party civil war if we don't commit ourselves to PEACE.

Maybe I should have included a "loyalty" oath? :rofl:

Here's to you, dear greyhound! :toast: :hug:

[maryf]

6. Fantastic idea, k&r

bobbolink, this should be true here and IRL, why not try it?:yourock:

[bobbolink]

7. YEs, we could go back to the age of civility.

Novel concept, although it doesn't seem very popular.

:hug:

[bobbolink]

8. nuke the dupe...

..sigh....

[dajoki]

10. A wonderful idea...

I know that the Dem party has a wide array of ideologies and issues that people truly care about. But instead of one group attacking the other we can all stick together and have our thoughts heard without being labled or stereotyped. We can help each other instead of belittling each other. We are all very passionate about the issues we care about and that is great, but we should be able to show respect to ALL, not only those who are in lockstep with our own ideals.

K&R:hug:

[bobbolink]

11. Thanks dajoki... it not only seems like a good idea, but workable.

But you can see how unimportant it is to most...

:cry:

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

[JeffR]

12. Along with a 5th rec, I just would add that I'd like to see urgent

issues like poverty - an issue that you and a few other DUers work hard to keep front-and-center - discussed here.

[bobbolink]

14. Thank you, JeffR! for the rec, and especially for your interest in poverty.

As you can see, civility and poverty aren't big priorities for DU or the wider "progressive" population.

I would welcome your input.. more than you know.

Also, I'm working on some ideas for that which are timely and need immediate attention.

Would you be willing to join in?

Some of us are feeling very alone and invisible.... we need some support and company!

Thanks... I do appreciate your post more than you know!

:pals:

[JeffR]

15. Delighted to join in any constructive discussion

though I can't vouch that my input would be of much value or insight. But I do believe that this place can function more effectively as an ad-hoc think tank than most of the self-described think tanks out there.

We can learn much from each other here.

[sutz12]

13. Well, I've always thought that I should worry about how I act...

and let others be others.

:shrug:

[bobbolink]

16. A wonderful quotation, very fitting for this CHANGE...

"If there is love, there is hope to have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost, if you continue to see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education you have, no matter how much material progress is made, only suffering and confusion will ensue."
- The Dalai Lama

[hippywife]

17. Thank you!

What a fabulous thought. I hope everyone here signs on! :hi:

[bobbolink]

18. Thanks, hippywife! Us dirtyhippiecommiepinkobums seem to understand

this "Make love not war" thing. :rofl:

Sadly, you can see how "popular" it is....

:(