I didn't think I had a breaking point, but I did. To all............

[Are_grits_groceries]

I guess you can sum it up in 2 words, "burning turtles." That does NOT mean I believe that outcome is anything that anyone supports.

I can be as wrong-headed and too emotional about a lot of things.

When it came to the oil spill, it was too much. I was specifically addressing the clean up. I would look 'facts' up in a number of places. I tried to find my own independent verification.

I was approaching this as a scientist as much or more than a political entity. That seemed to be the best way to try to limit the emotional facet even though that played a part. When I considered things from that point of view, it helped me understand the practical problems more, and quite frankly, some of the responses even less.

It always seemed to boil down to, "Whose side are you on?" I believe that people want the best outcome for the Gulf and the people who live there. It was when I took another view of how that outcome should be reached that I was denigrated and called names.

Did I take my toys and cry and go home? No. I took my sanity and left. This issue has affected me to the bone and to the pieces of my heart. I believe it is also a culmination of other issues too. Memorial Day and its current significance for families was probably a part of it too. Too much lost over and over now.

Wait....there needs to be more time....the fault lies there.....

For some things the wait is over. They are gone, and soon to be followed by many more. It is going to happen. Only the who, where, and when are left to be decided exactly. When some events occur or are set in motion, there is no wait. Wait can be the same as gone in some cases.

I am not quitting the fight. I'm quitting the fight here. If I want to be denigrated for my views, I'll call my family. They have done it well enough for years.

I don't claim to be the only one who has fought or continues to on issues from a lot of points of view. Everybody is unique in their own way.

I watched one video and for some reason, that did it. It was my tipping point. I was tipping head long into a major problem. I realized how far I had gone then. Coming here offered some comfort, but it also offered too much utter disregard. I know myself, and I realized I was offering some of the same to others.

I don't really have one label. Depending on who is talking, I am given one on their terms.

I am ME for what that is worth. Every issue stands on its own merits. I will fight for what I believe no matter who is opposing me. That doesn't mean it's a zero sum game and that I won't try to push forward with some pragmatism at the end because of the whole picture. I believe it is the whole picture that each of us sees that crystallizes what we do.

I can sleep now and have some energy to fight. I never realized it until I quit posting here and just dropping in. It isn't the sleep of the innocent. It is the sleep of the so very guilty, but it is possible because I have more energy to fight issues here and now with the powers that shouldn't be.

That doesn't mean I think everybody here is wasting their time or energy. Each of us is different because of our experiences. If people find being here as a positive, I recognize that and I am glad it helps.

I can't spend my time here ultimately arguing about "burning turtles." In the end it seems that people do argue when there are very real consequences that become lost. Once again, that is my view.

It really isn't about me, President Obama, BOG, leftists, labels, or other issues. It is at the core about "burning turtles." That is MY view. That is the side I see that needs to be addressed now and in many ways. Some things won't wait.

My Mama used to say to me, "I am wounded, but not slain. I'll lay me down and bleed a while and rise to fight again." I am rising agin, but in another place. I would be slain otherwise.....so very close.

This post will probably be picked apart. Have at it.

I wish all of you the best. No sarcasm at all. I hope you find what you need to somehow. I have to use my energy to build a better place the way I can live with. We all do.

Shalom...........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jPjJPVdR4g

[Journeyman]

1. Shanti. Shanti. Shanti. . . .

Grant that you find peace in body, speech and mind.

[TheKentuckian]

2. Totally understandable. Of course it is about burning turtles, hungry children,

devastated families, homeless people, folks desperate for work, illness left untreated, air to breathe, water to drink, peace in our world, hope for our tomorrows, justice in our nation, education for young minds, leaving a better world.

The personalities from afar and the labels affixed were never important, I'm not sure I understand how it can be so hard to see from certain points of view but I'd not stand there for all the money in the world.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. What you said...

And, Grits, I am so saddened to read this. While I'm aware of the burning turtle horror, I didn't see whatever interactions contributed to you coming to this decision.

Your daily presence will indeed be missed.

Godspeed to you...

:hug:

[Scuba]

15. No, no, it's about....

...the investment of the shareholders. :sarcasm:

[Obamanaut]

3. I knew a guy one time who, according to him, knew everything and

and everyone. He probably did not, but acted as if he did. This got on people's nerves, and I was asked one time how I put up with it, because those same people knew I liked him.

The answer was this: I liked him, but sometimes he got on my nerves also. When I got enough of his BS, I went away for awhile. When I was ready for more BS, I went back.

[laughingliberal]

4. Speaking for myself, you will be greatly missed. eom

[havocmom]

38. You don't just speak for yourself

When good people are labeled into exile, we all miss something. For too many, what is missed is:'the point'

Grits is great.

[H2O Man]

6. I hope

that after a brief "vacation," you return to DU.

Peace.

[gleaner]

7. I do understand, but I will miss you ....

I enjoyed your posts and they made me think of things I might otherwise have missed. Shalom and peace to you. If you ever decide to come back I will be very glad to see you. Take care of yourself. You are good people.

[Solly Mack]

8. I'll miss you.

All the best to you!

[Betty Karlson]

9. Thank you for all you posted.

May we all find a way to make the world a better and kinder place. Drop by any time you feel like it, or drop a note of any success you had.

(I know, the coming years may be frustration concentrate, but even so...)

[PCIntern]

10. Although I fully understand and wish you well,

I want you to know that I, and I believe many others, will miss your posts and your viewpoint, to say nothing of the pic of the cat.

I can't argue with your frustrations. Please come back if you have a change of heart.

(And BTW, Eff all those who may attack you for posting a 'goodbye' letter.)

Best to you and your family,

PC

[inna]

11. It was my breaking point, too. (But lately I've been discovering one breaking point

after another. :( )


Your voice is needed and important, talk to you soon.

[era veteran]

12. The two words, burning turtles, are words that probably

never were used together until this disaster. I hope you come back.

[Bonobo]

13. DU, and those remaining here, will be diminished by the loss of your voice.

It saddens me, but I understand completely.

You may be saving your sanity and refocusing your vital energies.

Best of times to you and yours.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

14. So many bright lights leaving and it keeps getting dimmer. You will be very missed. Peace.

:hug:

[Scuba]

16. From a newbie who enjoyed your posts, thanks, good luck, I'll miss you.

[DemReadingDU]

17. Thank you for your posts, I've learned a lot

Take a break, and come back.

[HughMoran]

18. I hope you will be back after a time

I've had these feelings as well, and boy do I get a lot more done when I take a break from this place, but I inevitably find my way back. For some reason I think this place is not complete without a variety of perspectives - mine - yours ... I'm not sure that we've agreed on much over time, but it never bothered me - your perspective always seemed honest & heartfelt, it will be missed.

[xchrom]

19. Be well. nt

[Altoid_Cyclist]

20. As has already been stated by others above, I understand your decision.

However, I and a lot of others here hope that you find your batteries recharged in time and return to us.

This place has many posters and members so the obvious conclusion would be that one person won't be missed. However, in this instance, that conclusion would be erroneous.

You (and the "Meh Cat") will be very much missed by those of us who enjoy your posts and understand your frustration and fatigue.

Please take care of yourself and IF you feel recharged at some point in the future, we would very much appreciate hearing from you again.

[blogslut]

21. We have to do what is best for our souls

I hope you'll come back.

[boston bean]

22. Good bye for now grits!

I wish you the best and understand!

[NNN0LHI]

23. I reached my breaking point with "burning Iraqis" a long time ago

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-admits-it-used-napalm-bombs-in-iraq-589508.html

US admits it used napalm bombs in Iraq

By Andrew Buncombe in Washington

Sunday, 10 August 2003

American pilots dropped the controversial incendiary agent napalm on Iraqi troops during the advance on Baghdad. The attacks caused massive fireballs that obliterated several Iraqi positions.

The Pentagon denied using napalm at the time, but Marine pilots and their commanders have confirmed that they used an upgraded version of the weapon against dug-in positions. They said napalm, which has a distinctive smell, was used because of its psychological effect on an enemy.

A 1980 UN convention banned the use against civilian targets of napalm, a terrifying mixture of jet fuel and polystyrene that sticks to skin as it burns. The US, which did not sign the treaty, is one of the few countries that makes use of the weapon. It was employed notoriously against both civilian and military targets in the Vietnam war.

The upgraded weapon, which uses kerosene rather than petrol, was used in March and April, when dozens of napalm bombs were dropped near bridges over the Saddam Canal and the Tigris river, south of Baghdad.

"We napalmed both those approaches," said Colonel James Alles, commander of Marine Air Group 11. "Unfortunately there were people there ... you could see them in the video. They were Iraqi soldiers. It's no great way to die. The generals love napalm. It has a big psychological effect."

[kgnu_fan]

24. I hope you get rest and hope you will be here again

[seabeyond]

25. sometimes a break is all you need. i hope it is.

take care

[brer cat]

26. Shalom, grits.

You will be missed.

:hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

27. Kicking.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

28. I am right there with you.

The "breaking point" for me was the day O overturned the ban on offshore drilling. That was the final knife in the back for me. On that day I evolved from party politics to issue politics. I have never felt more clear politically and personally.

All the best to you on your own political and personal journey. :hi:

[dixiegrrrrl]

29. I understand, all too well, dear grits.

This slow moving man made disaster is a daily heart break, and sleep's nightmare.
So far, taking a day or two off is working for me, I do not how long that will last.

I hope you will find the heart solace you need, and re-charge, and join us again at some point.
I have always enjoyed your posts.

[blondeatlast]

30. Please find your way back if you can. I will indeecd miss you. nt

[glitch]

31. I agree with everyone here who said take a break and please come back. nt

[Hekate]

32. Oh, Grits, I am so sorry. Perhaps we will meet again some day, in better times ...

... or even just on the protest lines. 'Scuse me, but I'm weeping freely just now and I'm not entirely sure why.

Your voice will be missed here, but you NEED to be away. The Internet is a time-suck and an energy-drain, if one isn't very very careful (and I have not been careful, but that is another story entirely).

The Burning Turtles thread stayed at the top so long, and the title alone was so disturbing, that finally in cowardice I hid the thread. I've come to the point in my own existence that there is only so much I can let in any more: I can't bear to look at one more visual representation of heinous crimes against Nature and Humanity.

Oh shit. My mail just dinged and CREDO has sent me an email about The Turtles. I am not kidding. In this very moment, Your Turtles. Someone with clout has noticed.
Go here: http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bp_endangered_turtles/?r_by=9693-1044848-SV6xYtx&rc=paste1

Go with God, Grits. You have found your rallying cry, and the world needs you a lot more than DU does.

:hug:

Hekate

[SaveOurDemocracy]

33. Action will help to quiet the pain and feelings of guilt and...

helplessness. No matter how loudly we scream our rage and horror, it changes nothing.

I wish you peace along your path...

[janx]

34. What happened?

:shrug:

[Hekate]

35. You are not alone: link to CREDO petition here

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bp_endangered_turtles/?r_by=9693-1044848-SV6xYtx&rc=paste1

Everything else I said in my post upthread :hug:

Hekate

[OwnedByFerrets]

36. I understand completely.

[demmiblue]

37. A very big loss for DU, imo.

I have always enjoyed your posts.

Please take care of yourself.

:hug: