Traffic seems much lighter than normal...

[kentuck]

Have DUers checked out?

Or are many just taking a break to re-charge their batteries?

I tend to think the latter because we have been fighting this battle too long to give up. If you feel like giving up, just think how the common, less-partisan citizen must feel?

In my opinion, we are at a point where something must give? In about 11 days, Robert Mueller will testify before Congress. Perhaps we should not put so many eggs in one basket, but I believe a lot of people are waiting to see where he goes? In effect, he will either indict Trump or he will clear him. The expectations are high that he will bring the truth to the people. If he does not, we cannot give up.

The struggle to keep our democracy is too important.

[DFW]

1. I just got off a stint of three 6-7 day work weeks with an average of 3-4 hours of sleep a night

My wife and I just arrived in the States to our favorite down-time spot just to find that one of our favorite eating spots closed over the winter (we had been going there since 1984), and our favorite beaches are being closed regularly due to regular sightings of numerous great white sharks, which never used to be seen this far north. I'm still here, but I need to chill for a while and get used to the changes.

[kentuck]

4. Slow down...we need you. :-)

[DFW]

6. Starting right now

I intend to follow your wise counsel for a couple of weeks. I'm not running for public office, but I do still work for a living, and have kind of painted myself into a corner, jobwise. I can't find anyone to take my place.

I have to remember that old phrase attributed to Clemençeau: the cemeteries are full of indispensable people. And then I have to remember to be in no rush to prove it.

[kentuck]

9. Very true.

Give yourself a little time.

[pwb]

2. I lay low when we tear our own candidates apart in the primaries.

We need one voice coming from our 20 or so candidates all over the country. It is tough, we have Putins bots, trolls, fringes all looking for a fight between us. And they usually get it. Our candidate is pretty battered by ourselves before we vote. We have met the enemy and he is us. One Voice all over and we will win. Divided voices and we lose.

[Scarsdale]

7. You are correct.

However, I am weary. How much will tRump be allowed to get away with, before the gop realizes what a mess he is? Nothing seems to stick with him, or his loser "kids". It has been a lifelong way for them, never having to pay for misdeeds. Mueller? I give up, he has let us down already after all the expectations. I get SICK of logging on each day, and seeing the orange blob, grinning, saying stupid things, and being treated as though he is normal. When will enough be too much?

[DFW]

8. One reason I refuse to "qualify" to post on the so-called "primaries" board

You are forced to make a statement of preference or lack of one. That is one boxing ring few leave without a few scars.

[Sherman A1]

3. Holiday weekend

Folks might have other things going on.

[kentuck]

5. Like a barbecue...

This evening...

Our neighbor is a master chef on his "smoker".

Pork, I believe?

My wife will take a mess of her world famous deviled eggs, right down to the paprika and olives.

No doubt, there will be numerous libations.

I'm debating whether I should take my old Epiphone?

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

10. Summer is here...

and I think we’re all a little weary of Thing #1’s antics. Personally I’ve been in a seemingly forever eye roll, one stupid thing after another by accident or design it’s getting tiresome.

What can you possibly say when you’ve commented on idiotic actions over and over? How many times can you say he’s insane? How long can we wonder about impeachment without commenting the same concerns again and again? How many times are we going to pin our hopes on Mueller, he basically stated that he’s going to give the audiobook version of his report?

So maybe people are taking a little time off to recharge, enjoy life for a while forgetting the terrible todays contemplating on the past idyllic days BT. (before trump)

Never give up...

[marble falls]

11. We do that on occasion ...

I'm coming back from a tough surgery from June 19th and I am avoiding the primary stuff.

Though it occurred to me during the debates for the first time in my long life, I actually was seeing platform building for the first time. It was exciting and confidence building.

[IronLionZion]

12. DU can be mentally exhausting sometimes

and it can be beneficial to take a break and do some exercise or housework or watch the Women's World Cup final without someone telling me it's objectifying to watch powerful women kick balls across a field.

If I'm not doing stuff to actively help elect a Dem majority in the Senate, it can be frustrating commiserating with my fellow DUers as we wait for Mueller or Pelosi to save us from Trump, or argue with each other over the presidential primaries.

[underpants]

13. Summertime Blues

Eh, it's the middle of the summer. Those of us lucky enough have the ability to check out and relax. That's why all polls until everyone goes back inside for stew and football are meaningless.

No vacation for us. Just finished moving everything out of the old house and are unpacking at the new one. Gotta go back to work tomorrow. Wore my ass OUT yesterday doing a one man move from the attic. Pretty sure I at least had heat prostration.