Reply #64: I first came here as a lurker back in 2001 (following a link to something Will Pitt wrote). [View All]

[branders seine]

I lurked sporadically, but found comfort here in dark, dark times. Now, I have joined officially, and I post sporadically. I too have been educated beyond my reckoning over the years by what I've read at DU.

Lately though, I've seen this place start eating its own. Indeed, many of my favorite DU "personalities" have either left or been killed off over the last year or so. I think there is a war at the heart of DU right now, exemplified by the differences between the GD and GD-P forums, over whether this site is devoted to the progressive/liberal principles long associated with the Democratic Party or to unquestioning loyalty to the party itself, independent of principle (rah rah, go team, wear the team colors).

Despite all such, thanks to Skinner and the admins and the mods for keeping this place available. It has been a special place to me for the last 8 years or so.