This is such a supportive group and I thank you all

[Heddi]

(pardon me...I've had a bit too much wine...just so you know)

But I do want to say that this is the greatest group in the world. You all are so supportive and helpful and if nothing else, just THERE, you know. You completely understand where I'm coming from. Maybe not down to the personalization of a matter, but you get it. We all get it, and I suppose that's why we're all here, right? Because we get it.

These last few weeks have been really dreadful at DU. But then again, there have been few week stretches that have been dreadful in the past. I appreciate everyone who posts in this forum and what they have to offer as far as experiences, antecdotes, advice, and compliments.

We stand by each other. We may disagree on things---but hell---I get bored when everyone parrots what I say, you know. I like disagreement--it fuels debate and thought and I think it would be a boring place if we all looked at every situation the exact same.

So I want to say thank you for helping me keep my sanity. Things are rough in this country and have been for quite some time. I am grateful I found DU wayyyy back in 2001 right after 9/11. I'm glad this forum was created before Sandra Day retired. I'm glad we can flesh out ideas amongst each other.

I'm glad you all accept me for my long and rambling posts :) I think I'm too used to posting in my journal and have forgotten the internet rules of "shorter is sweeter". Well fuck whosever said that ha ha ha.

Again, thank you. You are all wonderful people, and I've learned so much from DU in general, and from this group in particular.

I appreciate all of you.

now where the hell did I put my box of wine....

[Celeborn Skywalker]

1. Yes, this is a great group.

Although I never post here I do enjoy reading this forum from time to time.

[Heddi]

2. post! post! post!

and if you're not going to post, the least you can do is get me some more wine....i'm thoisty

[BlueIris]

3. I, too, like this group. But, respectfully to all, I think it could be

an even better and more supportive environment if everyone who has not done so already went and gave the forum rules a once over. Many if not most of the people posting in this area have already read them; some of our contributors clearly have not. Sadly, I don't feel that everything feminists have posted here has received the most supportive, or even polite response. As those of you who have read the group rules know, this forum is for feminists. People who do not consider themselves feminists shouldn't be posting here.

[Finder]

4. I personally haven't seen any "non-feminist" posts...

but many diverse views for sure.

[Misunderestimator]

6. Hear, Hear.

I'm glad to say I've seen a bit less of some people who made this forum their second home right after it was formed, for no apparent reason other than to insult feminists and feminism.

[spooky3]

5. Well said!

[Hello_Kitty]

7. Thank YOU Heddi.

You get a feel for the people you encounter online and I just have to say that you are one of the coolest and most impressive I've come across. You've been through so much hardship and come through it beautifully, with a strong free spirit and a wisdom far beyond your years. I really appreciate your no-nonsense attitude, your insights, and the skillful way you use your personal experience to enlighten and inform.

As for the long posts, I don't think they're too long at all. You've got a lot to say. Plus, and this is a very good thing, you understand the concept of Breaking It Up Into Separate Paragraphs. Something that all too many blog denizens have no concept of.

And I have to say, for being under the influence that post was very coherent ;-)

[BlueIris]

8. On second thought...

I would like to add an addendum to my previous post, and add my very great thanks to our group's regular contributors for their kindness and support. Not a day goes by now that I don't think of something that someone here has stated about feminism, society, government and relationships as I am going about my business. Like many of you, I am really struggling with the changes we are witnessing in America at the moment and the many daunting challenges they are leaving especially women to deal with. It is a significant help and comfort to have all of your here whenever things get extraordinarily stressful. I wish the best for everyone here and for the continued flourishing of this forum.