Countdown to 20,000

[jillan]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=348

We rock! Check us out compared to the other groups.

To us!

[PatSeg]

1. You're so funny

I was just thinking about that today. I was so impressed with our group and how it never faded away. It felt like we were usually more active than the others.

Then I thought, what if we'd never started the group? Where would we all go? We'd probably be scattered to the wind. I am really grateful for the people here. You've gotten me through some really rough times even though you don't know it.

[Muttocracy]

2. I'll add another cheer. My internet went out last night and it was sort of a blessing.

I was wondering, why do I spend so much time on DU that I could spend on other things in the real world? Sick of Biden-bashing, snarky responses, people accusing you of being a new foreign policy expert when you're just trying to share info and learn from others. And you have to wade through 1000 Edwards threads when there are really only about 3 perspectives on it.

I thought about the larger context of things feeling out of my control. The anthrax lies from our government make me feel physically ill. I am way more frightened of biological warfare than terrorism. I can stay away from public buildings, airports, crowded places. I can't stop using paper and air. And though I'm not working in a lab now, I used to, and was trained as a biologist, and this is all depressing me because the govmt is taking advantage of American science illiteracy to do a snow job.

The conflict in Georgia is, as far as I can figure out, between (A) Georgian forces trained and supported by the U.S., protecting western oil access, happy to get rid of Ossetians in their region who identify with Russia in order to keep more territory and (B) Russian forces protecting ethnic Russians, happy to kill Georgians in the Georgian capital, to reduce oil access, and get back territory, and they can use Kosovo's recognition, which they disagreed with, as justification. Bad guys on both sides. Oil barons running both sides. The U.N. is weak. Even if the U.S. had the best interests of the people there in mind, we are complicit in our support of Georgia (who of course supported us in Iraq), and we are economically and militarily overextended, and have no moral standing left.

This and everything else wrong in the world all feels beyond my ability to do anything. Why bother informing myself? I'll just vote for Obama in the fall, but I'm in NY so my vote doesn't even matter much due to the electoral college. The thing that pulled me into politics this year was hearing Biden and feeling like, maybe now is finally the time in history when we can elect the smart guy who understands foreign policy and knows the details. Then, well, you know...

I've been going through a very rough and lonely time in life too. It's pathetic to have more virtual friend contact than real-life friends, but well, things are just strange and difficult right now. At work and home, I keep hitting walls and not making progress in life. I'm frustrated all the time, and things in life feel out of control just like bigger political forces.

This morning my internet is back, obviously. I thought, well, I'll see what's up in the world, but not do much posting. I looked at the Biden group first, and realized, this is why I come back. There are kind people here, who try to help each other out finding information, and to understand the world somehow. Maybe it's a pointless exercise. But at least I feel less lonely about the way I view the world because there are a dozen or so Bidenites who seem to approach it the same way I do. I may be nuts but I'm not alone. I'm going to try to spend less time on DU, but spend most of it here.

:pals:

[PatSeg]

3. Your assessment of Georgia

sounds similar to what I've come up with and I have the feeling that it is even more nuanced that. Meanwhile, innocent civilians are getting bombed.

I like having virtual friends and I don't think it is pathetic. We connect with the people we have the most in common with, people we probably would have never encountered if it wasn't for the Internet. This group serves an important purpose right now and it goes far beyond the original purpose of its formation. Came for the Biden and stayed for the exceptional company.

[Muttocracy]

5. yeah, I should have said, it's those poor people who are stuck in the middle of it all. nt

[Eurobabe]

4. Me too. Staying out of the swamp GDP

There won't be anything of import there until after Labor Day. I'll have to watch the news here and see what THEY are saying about Georgia, it's a bit of a different slant than what you are hearing in the US, of course.

Sorry you are going through a rough patch, hang in there...sometimes life just sucks. And then things right themselves again. :shrug: Maybe staying off of DU except for JBSG will do you good. I spent the entire weekend riding my bike, enjoying the spectacular beauty in Bavaria. I am getting ready to post another thread with boring Germany photos :boring: Check it out. :hug: :hi:

I hear you, this place is my favorite hangout these days.

[PatSeg]

6. I really like read the news stories at DU

so I can read the different perspectives of other DU'ers, many who are more informed than I am. Some of these stories, like the war in Georgia, are just so complex and at DU there usually are people who can fill in the blanks.

Bike riding in Bavaria - sounds like heaven!

[CrispyQ]

9. JIOOU,

while I was off line I noticed my overall outlook was much more positive. I didn't watch the 'news' cuz, well, it's not news! There seems to be some truth to the adage "ignorance is bliss."

I too, suffer from wondering why bother informing myself since there is little I can do but take care of my own little corner. My only consolation is that when the shit hits the fan I won't be wondering "What happened?" Not sure that is much consolation, but most of the people I know are living blissfully unaware & I think are going to be stunned when the shit storm hits. Remember when 9/11 happened and so many Americans were asking, "Why do they hate us so?" I wanted to scream, "You clearly haven't been paying attention the past 60 years, or you would know why they hate us!" :banghead:

It's painful to be in the minority, but I would rather be here than there. ;)

:hug:

[gateley]

7. This little haven is my hood.

Were it not for you guys, I wouldn't be able to learn -- and more importantly, discern -- what's going on in the world.

I rely on you all.

And I'm in the same boat (somewhat), JIOOU. The other day I was felled by some mystery ailment and literally was thinking that if I died, there would be no one here in this town that would know. I'm going through the hardest time I've ever experienced in my life, and I compare you guys to my friends here (none of them close - an occasional lunch or two), and this is where I come to feel so not alone. With 'real' people, you have to keep up fronts. Not so here.

And I think it speaks highly of us AND Joe. Exceptional.

:hug:


RE: Georgia - I agree with your assessment (I think I always do). This morning I listened to a live feed from the UN Security Council, and it was inane. One country's representative said we need to act decisively. (That always means military action, in my book.) Meanwhile, AS I'M LISTENING TO THIS, I'm reading the MSNBC.com headline that Georgia is asking for a truce and talks with Russia.

Hmmm. WHO was it who said that we need to step back and approach this with diplomacy? And WHO was it who threatened the players?

[CrispyQ]

8. JBSG is my virtual home.

I always come here first. Then I peruse Latest, Greatest & Economy. I never venture into GD or GD/P. For a progressive board, there is not much kindness here. There is a lot of snark, a lot of "I know better than you" & a lot of "If you don't agree with me you've got your head up your ass" mentality.

My husband & I tend to be very reclusive. We don't like going out & dealing with people. Because of that, I have very few real time friends (two) & they are not interested in politics at all & think I'm a bit of a freak for my interest in it. They are what I call social democrats - very well off economically & believe in a woman's right to choose, gay marriage, separation of church & state, but are all for tax breaks for the rich & discarding the social safety net. Hmmmmm, this is why I have more virtual friends than real time friends. ~sigh

You guys are great! :grouphug:

[Muttocracy]

10. I saw where someone who'd been saying I was clueless

in another thread said homeless people got dogs just so they could panhandle more money.

And that told me all about them I needed to know.

[PatSeg]

11. That's pretty revealing

Doesn't sound like the Democrats I know.

[PatSeg]

12. Oh my god

I just read the posts and that guy just doesn't know when to quit! Unbelievable.

[Muttocracy]

14. Really knows how to wreck a thread, eh? Ignore list l o n g e r nt

[PatSeg]

21. I've never seen anything like that at DU

and he has been around for a long time too.

The pictures were amazing, so nothing he said could take that away. I'm going to send to a dog lover I know, though they will probably break her heart.

[gateley]

13. That's just awful --

First of all, calling you clueless when you present countless references and links, secondly saying such an ugly hateful thing about homeless people. I hate to admit this, and I hate to feel this way, but I hope people like that become homeless themselves. (I'm Catholic so I can say a good Act of Contrition and still get into heaven, so don't fret about my black soul.)

[Muttocracy]

15. well, they didn't come out and say clueless, just implied it snarkily

and failed to answer my questions about where the source was wrong. I'm here to learn so I don't mind being corrected or told if I'm reading a slanted source, but all I got was more snark. Then I saw the other thread wreck and said, OK, that's their MO.

[gateley]

17. Some people only look for an opportunity to criticize and snark --

either other DUers or the politicians or the media -- They ONLY post negative stuff. Apparently the person you're referring to falls into that category. My only satisfaction (besides wanting them to become homeless) is knowing that they must be miserable people and living miserable lives.

Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee... etc. etc.

[WheelWalker]

28. You may get to heaven for a while, but you're coming back

as a US Senator.

[CrispyQ]

16. I read that thread.

The stupid fuck just wouldn't stop! People were appalled & he just kept spewing his vile crap.

[Muttocracy]

18. I wish I could un-read it. Or that I had stopped with the lovely OP. nt

[CrispyQ]

19. The photos were wonderful!

I saved them all.

For others who missed it: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3768067

[Muttocracy]

20. they're great, just don't read the comments!

You know, a few years ago I was unemployed and really struggling, thinking I was just going to have to drive south in my car if I couldn't pay the rent and heat. Giving up my dogs never entered my mind.

[CrispyQ]

23. It would never enter my mind either.

I get so angry when I hear about people in foreclosure walking away from their house & leaving their animals.

:grr:

[Muttocracy]

24. Great quote from a woman at a shelter where I volunteered

When asked if she was taking her elderly cocker spaniel with her when she moved to another state, "Am I taking my right arm?!"

:)

[PatSeg]

22. They really were

Definitely worth saving.

[PatSeg]

25. Okay

I saw the other thread. He definitely has an attitude, as if he's just out to start trouble.

[Muttocracy]

26. one of those things where I say, oh, someone I would avoid in person. nt

[PatSeg]

27. But his avatar is just perfect

Reinforces the smartass demeanor.