We are a party of second chances (and third, ... etc). We know folks aren't perfect, that they may be in a bad way (money, physically, mentally). It could be family problems, deaths, and the list goes on.
DU'ers have done well in many ways in helping others. I just wonder if there are not more things we can do. And I suppose before answering that we (myself included) might need to examine ways to help and build up/help people.
And no - not saying folks here aren't doing enough - but like posts here about our party, there are always ways to improve. I know I could sure as hell improve :)
I am thankful to Skinner for allowing people to post here for help when they get in a bind, just wondering if maybe we could go one more step or so.
1. We have some great DU groups several folks have turned me onto lately, and it is evident there are many of our fellow DU'ers who need some loving.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=352Ashamedly, I have only recently started reading there. I spend a lot of time in GD - and I can tell by views so do many lurkers. I urge you to take some time to wander over there and at least read some.
2. I don't know how, or if here is the place to even try, or if it is even a good idea - but here is this one:
Find a way we can set aside a small space to donate some funds to a central location which people could delegate to those in need as either free money to assist or loan it out to them.
Now before someone says 'hey that is what a bank does' I can tell you, and I work for a bank, tons of people who need help are turned down. Where were they for Andy? It took a lot of good people to make that happen.
Yeah - I know folks, it is a crazy assed idea that most will say does not belong here. And maybe it doesn't. But I would be willing to kick in every few paydays a few bucks. I spend a lot of time here talking to damn fine people and I don't have enough to help alone. Having grown up a church goer one thing I can say is that they knew how to get money together for others, though they lacked in some general ways in that department.
My fellow DU'ers are like an extended family to me. You get to know people here over time, and you get frustrated when you see em in need and there is little you can do. Would that I were wealthy. I got my own damned problems I am facing right now that are killing me, but I could still find a few dollars to add to a fund (ie, when able I could add to it, and when someone needs something if I don't have it now at least I put some into the pot for others). Hell, the interest it gained could go back into running DU.
Donors could have a say in how it is dispersed, or maybe the mods, whatever. Hell, I have no idea - just tossing it out as an idea in general.
3. Forgive posters, or at least give em some leeway, when they go off the deep end as we see it on some posts. People have bad days, and it comes out on here sometimes. I know one time I told skinner just to tombstone me over something so trivial it is not even funny - but I was so depressed that day that little things were enormous.
People have really bad days, and we are not in their situation. Let's cut each other some slack. If you think you are having a bad day check out some issues fellow DU'ers are having:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=276I don't want to get so lost in politics and my hatred of the evil oozing from the rw fundies that I forget to help my fellow human, especially those I see here day to day on DU.
Sure we can, and should when able, go out and help people in need. But there are those right here on this board right now we can help, without leaving home - unless, of course, you have to go to a cyber-cafe for internet connection ;)
YOU have all done this well, and I hope I can do better at it. I just wanted to toss this out there are food for thought.
Folks on here have feelings, and sometimes they are in a mess and little things can be really hurtful - or tremendously helpful.
We have to stick together and be an example of real compassion, not the fake shit the rw talks about :)
We all make mistakes. I made mine. It's a Wonderful Life should not just be a movie, it should be something we can relate to and engage in.