I realized why I often seem so cranky on DU [View All]

[Armstead]

Maybe it's the spirit of the holiday. But something occurred to me, that I thought I'd toss out here.

I wonder how many other people do this.

There are spells when I don't come to DU for a while. Usually it's when things are not exciting on the national political scene, when the business of government and public affairs seem kind of humdrum. When the car seems to be running on all cylinders. (Or conversely when the car seems permanently stuck in the mud).

During those periods, I am m more inclined to go about the business of living, focused on my own world and immediate surroundings. I watch or listen to a lot less news. The battles between left and right, among progressives and the DLC, between the GOP and Democrats, the pissing matches between Keith Olberman and the current right wing Worst Person in the World all seem kind of remote and irrelevant. I'm more inclined to give people like Obama some slack. "He's doing as well as anyone could given the mess he inherited."

These spells may last for a few days or a few weeks or sometimes even a few months. I may check into DU periodically, but don't feel inspired to post very much.

It's usually when something engages me -- and/or enrages me -- that my scope widens again. The aftermath of 9-11, the buildup to the War in Iraq, the financial meltdown, the Elections, the health care debate....Those are the times when I get reengaged emotionally and practically.

As part of that, I also tend to feel more need to vent, debate, express my ideas on DU. And because it usually involves something that pisses me off like George Bush, nasty Republicans, weasel Democrats, etc. I tend tlo spout off angrily.

I also am more inclined to be argumentative with fellow DUers who have the gall to have a different opinion than I.

I supposed my online persona would be more balanced if I were inclined to also pose when I am in my comparatively mellow mode....I might, for example, be more inclined to give Obama more "attaboys" when he does things I agree with.....I actually am in real life a fairly easygoing fellow, and am generally agreeable, even with people I don;t agree with.

Dunno....But it makes me wonder if that's one of the reasons this place gets so contentious, because the subject matter here brings out passionate sides and tends to attract the most participation when the applecart is being upset in one way or another.

Just a thought.