2003: The year I discovered DU and saved my sanity!

[liberalhistorian]

This March it will be a whole year since I discovered the Delights of DU, and promptly became totally and hopelessly addicted, which should be obvious from my post count. If I'm not on for at least an hour a day, I not only go crazy, but I swear I suffer withdrawal symptoms!

I have learned so much from all of you, I've gotten some great research links from many of your posts, your support after my horrendous mugging-at-gunpoint experience was truly gratifying and healing, your support and advice after the experiences my son endured following his expressing himself politically at school was invaluable, I have made some great friends (a lifesaver when surrounded by freepers and repukes), meeting many of you at the D.C. March in October made the experience so much better, and your advice regarding my many dilemmas and questions has always been greatly helpful and appreciated.

You have truly made me feel like a valued member of the human race, and have continually validated my beliefs, principles, and values, especially during my darker times when I really wondered if anyone else felt the way I did. You have assured me that it's necessary and worth it to keep fighting for the kind of country we want and are capable of achieving, also during the darker times when Americans seemed totally asleep and I'd had enough of fighting.

So, a huge bouquet of thanks for all of you for a great 2003, and a heartfelt toast for an even better 2004, when we will finally make our fellow citizens aware and overthrow that Boy King Impostor in the WH, sending him back to Crawford, and TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY, thus averting the greatest danger that my knowledge of history tells me we've ever faced as a nation! I'm having a glass of Pinot Grigio white wine now for all of you, so CHEERS!!!!

[jonnyblitz]

1. I enjoyed meeting you and you son in DC!!

I will never forget your son bursting into hysterical laughter when he saw the sign I was carrying! I still get a kick out of that picture my sister took of you , the one fingered greeting one!! That picture is priceless! :loveya: :hug: :hi:

[liberalhistorian]

2. Hi Jonny!

Chris and I really enjoyed meeting you and your sister, among others, as well. And we both LOVED that sign; I got a real kick out of seeing it posted on freeper sites and all of the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth it caused the freeps.

[ewagner]

3. Hi Lib...................

April 2003 was when I found DU and a place to "run wild and free among my own kind."

Hope I'll get to meet more DUers personally in 2004.

[liberalhistorian]

4. You found it around the same time I did,

I see, and you're right, it is, indeed, a place to "run wild and free among my own kind" (I like that description).

[NightTrain]

5. March 2003...that's about the same time I got into DU!

Actually, I had been reading both Bob Boudelang and the Top Ten Conservative Idiots pages for at least a year prior to my finally registering and making my presence known. I started out in General Discussion, but eventually grew tired of all the nastiness over there (and this was even *before* all the "primaries" talk!) and relocated to the Lounge, where I remain a ubiquitous presence.

I know we have our bad moments in these parts as well, but I still find the Lounge a much kinder and gentler place than any other message board I've ever visited. Needless to say, I'm quite glad to be a part of this forum and will do my best not to get banned too, too quickly!

Finally...is anyone going to reveal to those of us *not* in D.C. in October what Jonnyblitz's sign said?!

[jonnyblitz]

7. here it is:

I have a good one of liberalhistorian but I won't show it. :P

[liberalhistorian]

10. Hey, Jonny,

Why don't you show the one of me and Chris in front of the Washington Monument holding our signs? That's a good one (and I appreciate your not showing the "one-fingered salute" pic of me, lol!)

[liberalhistorian]

12. Hi Dean-

I am DEFINITELY glad I met you through here! Sorry I didn't get a chance to call you yet, how about if I try tomorrow, probably when I'm at work.

[NightTrain]

14. Sure, call me on Friday night!

To quote the Spinners, "I'll be around." :hi:

[scarletlib]

6. I feel the same way

I read DU for many hours each day. It is now my absolute favorite. Thanks for the many voices of hope here.
(I also love the Liberal Oasis, Smirking Chimp, Bartcop, BuzzFlash, Democrats.com and MediaWhoresonline.)

[Orrin_73]

8. Without DU

Internet would not be interesting for me very much. I spent a couple of hours each day on DU, Im really addicted to it.

kucinich.us

deanforamerica.com
clark04.com
sharpton2004.org

Tom DeLay:"I challenge anyone to live on my salary" <$158,000 a year>

[Kamika]

9. yeah I have to agree

I used to chat in political rooms all the time but for some reason when you talk with "most" republicans any trace of sane debate is thrown out of the window.. anyway i stuck around doing that for over 2 years..

I found DU by a fluke I cant even remember how.. I registred but didnt really post anything..

Then I found it in my bookmarks.. started the post.. and DU never really got back to normal

[liberalhistorian]

13. LOL, yes,

I'm sure it never has been the same once you joined!

[name not needed]

11. Being at DU really opened my eyes

to the World. I used to support the War in Iraq and was blind to what was really happening.

[Cannikin]

15. I agree..thanks for pissing off Rush....

If he hadnt mentioned you, I might never have found my people!:yourock:

[GOPisEvil]

16. Just a glass of wine?

;-)

:hi: I'm glad you found us! :hi:

[liberalhistorian]

20. LOL,

yes, David, it is just a glass of wine (I'm really not much of a drinker, and this is about the only time of year I really imbibe), and I am, indeed, very glad I found all of you!

[Room101]

17. If it wasn't for DU I would have lost my sanity

I spend way too much time here, more time than I care to admit.
This is the single greatest resource for what’s going on in the world and especially the country.

[UrbScotty]

18. Isn't DU such an awesome place?

I just LOVE the Democratic Underground! Next month will mark a year and a half of DU for me.

WOW.

[populistmom]

19. Amen sister!

There have been so many times this past year this place made me feel a million times better. Perhaps even opened my eyes to new thoughts. It's great!