Well DU, it's been fun.

[F4lconF16]

How to begin?

Well, I think I'm about done posting here, at least for a while. I love this place, but it's time for me to leave for a bit. I found this site back in junior year of high school, and I've been hooked on it ever since. DU is the reason I'm now an incorrigible political junkie. No one I talk to in real life cares in the slightest about whether Obama's latest speech signifies a slight shift in federal policy, but I'm glad people here do. Someone has to!

DU is where my political understanding was first developed. Through years of careful attention to the never-ending stream of posts here, I think I managed to learn something. I hope. There's been a ton of amazing articles, fact checking, and original research that's been left here for anyone to find, and I'm lucky I did.

The people on here are a fantastic community, and more helpful than often is necessary. I still can't believe that someone took the time late at night from the other side of the country to get my number and call me to make sure that I was okay one night. I've had local resources provided, and a little bit of money given when I was really in need. This place has got some good peeps for sure.

As for why I'm leaving, first and foremost, I'm simply running out of time to devote to this place. Y'all are great company, but I've got a lot of things to do in the coming years, and now's a time when I really need to tuck my head and work. I'm getting involved in campaigns for local leftist candidates, I'm starting work with a social equality education association, and my participation in various leftist groups, forums, and social justice activism is ramping up. DU was only the very beginning for me.

Second, I'm fighting some other addictions in my life. Thankfully, they're not harming my quality of life right now, but they might at some point, and I want to nip them in the bud. DU is kinda an addiction for me too. I find myself on here more often than I'd care for, though I haven't posted much recently. It's not just this site, though, it's internet usage in general (it's tough being a millennial sometimes). I think it might be best if I decide to fight the urge to chain-read articles here. It's surprisingly helpful when I'm trying to keep my head in the real world.

Third, I don't identify as a Democrat, and have only gotten more radical over the years. I'm not sure how to reconcile those ideas with the liberalism advocated on here. I'm sure I could keep posting in the groups and be fine, but I can feel the radicalism bleeding into my conversations, and I think it's only a matter of time before I'd violate the TOS, intentionally or not. Maybe in a few years I'll learn how to discuss things without causing trouble, but for now, it's probably best I don't. Thankfully this is only a minor reason I'm leaving, y'all couldn't drive me off if ya tried. Since this is GD and not GD-P, I'll just say I've got some final thoughts on the Clinton vs. Sanders mess over there, found at this link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251942737

I want to toss out some thanks to some specific posters here before I wrap this up.

To an old dude who taught me more than I think he realized, you were a tour de force of human empathy and our capacity for self-awareness and reflection. You may be gone, but you live on in me and countless others. JackpineRadical, I miss you.

To TishaLA, how cool is it that DU has a cannabis forum? We did that. It's pretty awesome. I'll smoke a bowl in your name one of these days. Thanks for your insightful comments here.

To 1SBM and ChitownKev, thanks for teaching me how to understand a totally foreign perspective. You kept me on my toes with your writing. We don't agree on lots of things, but you taught me how to disagree without disrespect, and how to argue without alienation. If you're ever in Seattle, hit me up. I'd be happy to drink a beer with either of you. I'll see you on the front lines.

To SalmonChantedEvening, because your Sunday puns played a shockingly large part in helping me nab my current girlfriend. We continue to read lolcats every week.

To BeamMeUpScotty, thanks for teaching me how to talk to people about my atheism. I've always been pretty comfortable with it, but now I feel fine discussing it even when surrounded by conservative Christians. Though they're a little less comfortable with it than me, haha. I've really valued your kindness and friendship.

To LostOneForEver, thanks for helping me be comfortable with my identity. I don't think we've talked that much on here, but you're a heck of a special person. I don't think I've ever disagreed with anything you've said. You are one of the best of us, and your thoughtfulness and empathy has touched my heart and others. I wish you the best.

To MadFloridian, I don't think I've told you this, but I'm becoming a teacher in large part because of you. Your dedication, your knowledge, and your passion inspire me.

To Ismnotwasm and Seabeyond... You are amazing people. I've been a lifelong feminist, but you guys kicked that up another notch and now it's an integral part of who I feel I am. Without your words, it might have taken me years more to realize my bisexuality. Your thoughts have taught me more than I'll ever be able to explain. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

To Punx, cause you know why. You really shouldn't have told me about this place. Look at what you've done to me. I was gonna be a fluid dynamicist designing rocket ships! But I guess that's life.

There are so many more of you out there who have affected my life, and I couldn't begin to name you all. My apologies to anyone I've forgotten--rest assured I remembered you about 30 seconds after I posted this.

And...well, I guess that's it. I'll check my account occasionally, so PM if you want. I have contact info.

Thanks, DU. I'll be back, I'm sure.

[kcdoug1]

1. Best of luck

Remember, your health comes first. It's a good thing to take a break, think I would have lost my mind if I didn't step away from du once in awhile. As for its current state wish people would remember "you fall in love during the primaries, but you fall in line in the general" no matter who the nominee ends up being it a million times better than the alternative. Wish you peace in all your journeys

[valerief]

2. What a perfectly lovely "Ciao for Now" post. Happy holidays. nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Take care, have fun, good luck with your life plans!

We'll see you on the flip side...

[beam me up scottie]

4. You take care of yourself and I'll always be here if you need to talk.

I do hope you change your mind and stick around but I'll understand if you feel it's necessary to move on.

Be well my friend.

[MerryBlooms]

5. Take good care... we'll leave the light on for you.

[rhett o rick]

6. Best of luck. nm

[TexasTowelie]

7. Good luck to you, my friend.

Remember that the door will be open for you when you decide to return.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

8. Well okay then. nt

[demmiblue]

9. See you on the flip side, sir!

[tishaLA]

10. thanks for the cannabis forum, my friend

I have consistently loved your postings and your passion. I do hope we will see you in the relatively near future. Please take care of yourself and know we are thinking about you.

[840high]

11. Wishing you the very best in life. Take care.

[Cal Carpenter]

12. Take care of yourself

And best of luck with real world activism. As someone who has been on and off DU for more than a decade, I can tell you that face to face activism on the street and in the workplace is far more productive and fulfilling than what happens here. And I don't mean that as a slam on DU, because DU has a different reason for being. Social movements must be independent of political parties to be truly successful, as history has shown us. The hard-core partisans are generally the last to sign on except when they are trying to co-opt things. So don't ever apologize for your radicalism.

Many years ago, an older dude challenged my leftist radicalism with the whole 'oh, you'll mellow with age when you understand how the world works' crap. Here I am, many many moons later, more radical than ever. So don't let the old bastards get you down.

Cheers!

[TygrBright]

13. You will be much missed, I know.

Not least by me, F4lconF16.

I hope that the trajectory of your life brings you back around this way, now and then.

Understanding when we need to change something-- the choices we favor, the way we spend our time, the things we admire-- is a priceless insight and attending to that understanding is a gesture of strength and faith.

May yours take you where your passion and your vision lead, and may it be rewarded with accomplishment as well as experience.

affectionately,
Bright

[Cassiopeia]

14. K & R

[Number23]

15. What a nice post. You're one of the good ones, F4lconF16

[Skittles]

16. best of luck to you, F4lconF16

please do check in every once in a while

[pnwmom]

17. Take care, F4lconF16. I wish you well!

[Bubzer]

18. May you find everything you seek! Best wishes to you and happy holidays!

[Omaha Steve]

19. We will leave a light on for you

Come by when you can.

K&R!

OS

[roguevalley]

20. Take care and Happy Holidays.

[aikoaiko]

21. Long may you run.

[2naSalit]

22. Best wishes in all your endeavors...

[Doctor_J]

23. I've gotten consistently more radical over time too, and I'm in my 50s

So Mrs Clinton is not very close to me ideologically. Happy travels, keep getting liberal.

[tblue37]

24. Good luck and pop in from time to time to say hi. nt

[Half-Century Man]

25. Later.

Be strong and lead by example

[Javaman]

26. Peace, stay strong, fight the power and never give up.

I truly wish you all the luck and good fortune in the world.

spread the word to your peers.

[salin]

27. Peace to you.

I respect your decision, and need to spread your wings. May you thrive while expanding your wingspan.

I hope that you drop in now and again. Your voice and perspective is always appreciated.

A number of years ago I needed to back out. I still did a quick read of LBN, and sometimes of GD. But stopped engaging in extended conversations. It was surprisingly easy to shift my DU consumption/pattern - after having spent a number of years being very engaged. I think I still recall marking benchmark posts with another poster as we reached 40 K posts (I was *that* engaged). I think more than 9 years have passed since that was hit. Then for a few years work was so demanding that my time posting (still pretty engaged) was limited to an hour in the early am, and in the mid evening. Point being if one were to look at my post numbers it would look like I am very present. But the great majority of my posts are from quite some time ago. But I am still here. Reading pretty regularly, responding rarely. Most current posters don't recognize my name - which is fine. Yet, I keep running into old friends here from time to time and it is good.

Changing how you utilize the community at DU and respond to DU, I have learned, does not have to be all or nothing. Though it takes a lot of self-discipline initially to break the patterns - or it takes as you are doing - stepping away, until enough time has passed that the DU commenting compulsion subsides.

Side note: another educator here. Love that this will become a part of your life. May it give you energy renewal in your life as it has for me.

Best of luck.

salin

[The Polack MSgt]

28. Good Luck to you

As a 2nd generation USAF guy, your handle always stuck out to me - I like that kinda thing.

I would never recommend staying with a situation that was becoming problematic, so do what you need to do and come by when you can.

Peace

[SusanCalvin]

29. So long, it's been good to know you.

https://m.

[Squinch]

30. Best of luck to you F4lconF16. Be happy!

[madfloridian]

31. .....

[GeorgeGist]

32. Good read. Thank you.

Live long and prosper.

[Starry Messenger]

33. Happy Holidays!

Educate, Agitate, Organize.

[Andy823]

34. Take care of yourself

Addictions are hell, I know I was an alcoholic for many years. I have been sober now for 30 years, but I got help from others who had been in my shoes. Their are a lot of support groups around so don't be afraid to find on that fits your addiction, it really helps.

[bvf]

35. Peace to you.

Good luck, and hope to see you back.

[Uncle Joe]

36. I hope things work out well for you, F4IconF16.

Come back when you can.

Peace to you.

[scarletwoman]

37. Well F4lconF16, it's been fun having you here!

I've really enjoyed your posts when I've come across them - not sure if I ever let you know, because I hardly ever post at all these days. I read and read, but generally keep my thoughts to myself. Just want you to know that I've appreciated your presence here.

And I wish you the best as you go forward. It's wonderful to know, for an old baby boomer like me, that there's at least one young'un paying attention and caring.

[FloriTexan]

38. Kick

For the great compliment to a great teacher!

[FailureToCommunicate]

39. Strength for your new endeavors. I'm sure DU will welcome you back if and when you stop by.

[bbgrunt]

40. good luck and all the best to a very classy person.

[1StrongBlackMan]

41. Posted to for later comment.

[progressoid]

42. Going to miss your voice.

But I totally understand the need to move on. Safe travels.

[Person 2713]

43. Good luck with life. Sounds like you are on your way to making it a good one ! :)

[ChisolmTrailDem]

44. Gonna miss you, F4lconF16. Hope you find great success in all your endeavors and the path that...

...leads to those things that make your life happy and fulfilling. Look forward to seeing you occasionally and saying hello when I do.

So long, for now.

[DinahMoeHum]

45. "Happy Trails to you. . .until we meet again. . ."

Best wishes to you. Enjoy the journey.

[blackspade]

46. Safe travels!

I have a lot of the same feelings as you.

May the sun light your way and the wind be at your back!

[Dont call me Shirley]

47. "Tag, you're it". You're really doing it F4. Many good energies I'm sending to ease your journey.

I've been spending less time here, doing more in the world too. Addictions are tough to beat. But once you start to effectively lose one they just begin to drop away. Much good luck to you.

[yuiyoshida]

48. Sayonara watashitachi wa futatabi au made

good bye until we meet again.

[kentuck]

49. What a thoughtful post!

Take care.

[JackInGreen]

50. Godspeed and Goodluck

btb, find yourself in beltown late at night? pm me, we can bullshit.

[LostOne4Ever]

51. Awww man! You are going to make me tear up!

[font style="font-family:'Georgia','Baskerville Old Face','Helvetica',fantasy;" size=4 color=#009999]I will miss you.

Like you said, we post in mostly different areas, but I have always liked your posts and you are one of my favorite posters. Every time I have had a conversation with you it was always been a positive experience.

I have to admit, I love your idealism and passion, and I truly believe that you helped me get over some of my own cynicism. I wish you the very best and I truly hope that your absence is short and that I will see you posting again soon.

Take care my friend![/font]

[BeanMusical]

52. Missing you already.

[cwydro]

53. Come on back when you're ready.

We'll all be here (god willin' and the creek don't rise).

[ellenrr]

54. Glad to hear you are ramping up your participation in real life::

"I'm getting involved in campaigns for local leftist candidates, I'm starting work with a social equality education association, and my participation in various leftist groups, forums, and social justice activism is ramping up."

Sounds great! I wish you the best. Stay left.

[MrMickeysMom]

55. Farewell for now... and best to you!

I hope to see you on more than just this discussion board. Life should encompass all manner of reaching out to each other. That is what true liberalism is built upon.


MMM

[PatSeg]

56. What a nice farewell

Quite unlike what we usually see here.

Good luck to you!

[seabeyond]

57. Life has been 100 mph and I still owe you an email. You are awesome in walking your journey.

I have backed off the net significantly myself the last 3 or 4 months.

Moving on, moving forward, is a good thing. Maybe at some point you can be a here and there poster. But, I think you are a terrific person that works hard at walking life in an insightful, meaningful manner.

Take care of you

Happy holidays. A little joy in life takes us a long way

[merrily]

58. Good for you for taking control.

Best wishes dealing with your addictions and in everything else you want to accomplish. You will make a fantastic teacher.

[NoMoreRepugs]

59. have to agree with you F4lconF16

DU has been (and continues to be) an excellent source of information distilled down a bit to eliminate
most of the absurd and nonsensical

[bigwillq]

60. Bye, Felicia.

I kid, I kid.

Enjoy your time off. Happy Holidays.

[w0nderer]

61. will miss you

will toss a pm

[hfojvt]

62. so you are like a college sophomore now?