I just realized that I've now been on DU for almost a decade.

[MineralMan]

The entire time I've been here, I've tried to encourage a sense of reason and practicality to the political discussions here. For many years, a number of DUers, some from the earliest days of DU, found reasons to attack me in one way or another. Some dug into my postings on other websites, where I was playing the role of agent provocateur, and pretending that I was here to troll DU.

I simply continued to post what I thought were reasonable ideas and to encourage Democrats to work very hard to get out the vote and earn control of Congress and the White House. For that effort, I was called many names and derided as not "left" enough, or too willing to accept compromise in the search for a reasonable government.

Just lately, I've noticed that people are no longer doing those things in reply to my posts. I finally understand why that is. The people who formerly did all they could to make me leave DU, either willingly or unwillingly, were no longer here or were no longer so active. It appears that they departed this discussion forum to pursue other avenues of discourse.

The same appears to be true for others who have long posted on DU with the goal of actually moving Democrats into office and helping to remove Republicans from control. While DU seems to be a little less active than before, it is also far less toxic a place for those who believe that we do better when Democrats are in office than when Republicans are.

So, if you're still here, maybe it's time, once again, to encourage people you know and respect to visit Democratic Underground and join in the conversation. Let them know that they are far less likely to be attacked by people who are only pretending to be Democrats, as was the case in the past. Invite them here and let's build this forum up to once again champion Democratic candidates for office.

That's my meta discussion for the day. Thanks for reading it.

[guillaumeb]

1. Are you now eligible for a pension?

Just asking.

[MineralMan]

2. I have classed myself as a pensioner for some time now.

Once I became eligible for Social Security and Medicare benefits, I had little choice in the matter.

[BainsBane]

3. I've noticed some changes myself

Less sexism and racism, for example.

[MineralMan]

4. Yes. It seems that those things left with the recent departees.

Odd, isn't it? Or perhaps not.

[BainsBane]

8. Not so odd, in my opinion

I continue to believe their discontent with the Democratic party relates to gender and race.
Then what you experienced falls in the category of general assholishness, and that has decreased as well. The new jury rules play a part in that.

[MineralMan]

11. That was certainly true of some.

Like you, I noticed that connection. And yes, the new jury system did seem to help. I thank the admins of this website for making up their mind that it was going to be a safe place for discussion. I hope that never changes.

Cheers to you and all of the others who have stuck with DU!

[TexasProgresive]

5. I for one have always appreciated your points of view.

[MineralMan]

7. I appreciate that very much, too.

I don't expect people to agree with me always. I may be a little to pragmatic for some. However, my goal is to promote real Democracy in our government, something we are even more in need of today than previously.

[Docreed2003]

6. Just keep doing what you do...

Your voice here and elsewhere is often one of calm and inspiration when we live in times deprived of both. Some of us here haven't lived through the tumultuous history that you and many others here have experienced. We are just now coming into our own as voices within the party. Your leadership and guidance and sage advice is always welcome to those with ears to hear! We may never meet but know you are appreciated and loved for what you do and the voice you provide.

[MineralMan]

9. Thank you so much for your kind words.

If we truly work together to achieve the goals of improving people's lots in this country, we can't go wrong. It's a difficult process, because so many are dedicated to self-gain rather than the common good. But, we must keep trying.

[Docreed2003]

13. Agree x1000

We must shift focus to the importance of the commons in this country. We've allowed this idea of self sufficient, me focused, bootstrap pulling culture to inundate us so completely, that the idea of service to others has been lost.

[MineralMan]

16. Yes, and as we do so, we must cultivate an understanding

of just how broad are the commons of this nation. Too often, we think of the commons as our own little environment, forgetting that not everyone has the same perspective. There is not one commons here, but a multitude of them. All, however, are places of refuge and should be a resource that encourages growth and success.

My commons is likely not identical with yours, but I want the same goods for you as I'd like for myself.

[underpants]

10. Let's compromise

And agree that you are not left enough

[MineralMan]

12. Oh, I'm more than left enough, truly.

I don't let my actual political philosophy, which is socialistic, interfere with my attempts to achieve improvements in real time. I continue to live in a real world, rather than an imaginary, ideal one. That helps to reduce my level of disappointment.

[NCTraveler]

20. Well stated as how many of us approach things.

I imagine it looks like word salad to some.

[MineralMan]

23. Word salad or iceberg lettuce wedge,

it all depends on the dressing you use, I guess.

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Much More Prolific Than I, MM

I joined a couple months after the site was founded (maybe 3), and i've got 30% of the post number. But, i agree with your statements here and what BainsBane said in this thread. Seems like some faux angst and angry pursuit of perfect dissipated over the last 10 or so weeks.

Let's hope we can continue to culture civility as we continue to press against the disaster in the making.

[MineralMan]

15. Yes. And I hope we can build up the site's active membership, too.

DU can be a resource for progress. I hope it realizes that goal, which I believe to be the goal held by the admins of the site.

[Hekate]

17. Just keep on doing what you've always done, my friend. You're a great resource & a calm voice.

[MineralMan]

18. No worries. I'll just stay on the same steady path I've been on.

GOTV for Democrats! That's the bottom line. Sadly, we recently lost another round. Let's learn from it and move on to the next one.

[NCTraveler]

19. I've enjoyed sharing a part of that time with you here.

We agree far more often than not. When we have disagreed the conversations overall have been very civil.

[lpbk2713]

21. Some people change. Central core issues don't.

I paid a brief visit to a site some people migrated to from DU a while back.
I recognized some of the screen names. They are welcome to speak their
mind wherever they want AFAIC. But as for me, I don't expect DU to change
all that much and that's what I like about it. As you say in your OP some of
the topics brought up may not have been representative of the mainstream
of DU but I have noticed the discourse has been somewhat more civil. I have
always thought one can attack an issue if need be but don't attack the author.
I renewed my membership a few weeks ago and I expect to stay for a while.

[MineralMan]

22. Thank you for sticking around.

[SoCalDem]

24. 16 years for me