And for my 1000th Post... (hope this isn't against the rules)
I'd like to make it a two-parter. First, I'd like to introduce myself. I mainly only started paying attention to politics since just a little after September 11th, and delved in DEEPLY after the Iraq Invasion (I've IMMERSED myself ever since, going back as far as possible and learning whatever I could). If I remember my political evolution correctly, I first stumbled on to Bartcop and then soon after discovered DU. I've been mostly a lurker for the last 8 years or so (as is evidenced by the fact that I am just NOW eclipsing the 1000 post mark). But I've had a love affair with DU ever since. Incredibly informative, GREAT discussion (typically, haha), and just an overall oasis in the swill. I am an Arizona Democrat and am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED that we might have this state in play for President Obama this year (and CERTAINLY Carmona is battling for Kyl's Senate seat!). I'm not so good with the door-to-door thing (as an ex-Jehovah's Witness, it gives me panic attacks, LOL) nor the whole phone banking thing, but I will be out on Election Day driving whomever I can to the polls (hell, if you're anywhere in the Phoenix area and need a ride, PM me), and I've given where I could ($100 to President Obama after the convention speech, several shirts here and there which I LOVE to where to the gym and get looks hahaha, and $25 today to the DCCC).
I've never really gotten to know anyone personally on the board, but I've mourned a few losses along the way nonetheless (probably most notably Andy Stephenson and Khephra, whom inspired me greatly and are both still missed TERRIBLY). I've enjoyed some incredible posters (Drunken Irishman, my kindred spirit, FrenchieCat for her never-ending enthusiasm, and n2doc for some EXCELLENT scientific finds/pictures/postings). I refer to myself as "The Thread Killer", however. It seems that if I ever actually want to insert myself into the conversation, that brings it ABRUPTLY to an end. 
Overall, I just wanted to use this opportunity to THANK DU. To thank Skinner and EarlG, and EVERYONE ELSE who makes this one of the best goddamn discussion boards on the interwebs.
I want to thank this collective for keeping me armed to the TEETH with facts and figures (as well as with some excellent anecdotes along the way, helping to keep our spirits high). As far as voting is concerned, I've been able to sway at LEAST 3 people from my work, a couple of family members, and my brother in law (a REALLY good kid that feels he's a "conservative" because his parents are, but with a Libertarian lean, Hunter S. Thompson in his heart, and a REALLY GOOD head on his shoulders... he confided in me last weekend after MANY discussions, "Don't tell my girlfriend, because I don't want her gloating about it, but I'm voting for Obama. OBVIOUSLY I'm not voting for Romney, and Gary Johnson is a FUCKING idiot. Anything I need to do to keep that asshole Romney OUT." I consider this my BIGGEST win). I've even swayed a few FB friends. And Biden even gave me more of a backbone than I already had, I think. I was in a discussion with another friend last night, a lifelong Republican with a Libertarian lean (Ron Paul guy), and he started in on me and another Liberal friend of mine about the minimum wage. My friend started countering, "Well, that's not 100% accurate..." and I piped in, "No no no. I'm tired of playing NICE. I'm going to call that mother fucking LIE a MOTHER FUCKING LIE. And HERE'S WHY..." ("mother fucking lie" is Irish for "malarkey", apparently). And that conversation actually ended REALLY well! He's at least abstaining from voting this year (and I'm calling that another win).
Sorry if I was a little long-winded, but I just wanted to put myself out there, thank DU profusely for being my lighthouse in trying times (most notably in 2004... I remember checking thread after thread on November 2nd and 3rd about potential recounts being called for, all to no avail, but at least being able to commiserate through community), as well as being there to celebrate with (I'll never forget 2008, in much the same way as a Red Sox fan I will NEVER forget 2004, ironically enough), and, in general, just for BEING THERE.
Thank you all again. From the bottom of my bleeding heart.
Ryan.
= new reply since forum marked as read
And congratulations on your milestone!
It sounds to me as though you're doing great work in Arizona, and thank you for all of that!
Here's to many, many more intelligent, thoughtful posts!
REALLY great happens (politically). Such a haven. 
arbitrary reason). It's funny because I was going to use it to complain (jokingly) that I'd never been "welcomed" to DU... but someone finally did so somewhere around my 600th post! Rained on my parade. LoL
I tend to lurk a lot, also. My post count is much lower than yours...but I have been around here for a long time.
Congrats on hitting the 1000 mark.
apparently.
from mine 
Welcome to this side!
It feels great, doesn't it?
DU is a wonderful community.
thanks for being part of it all.
hahaha 
It seems like the MOMENT I have something good/poignant/clever to add, another DUer just responds a few moments earlier with almost the EXACT same idea! hahaha Gotta love that, though. Seems like we're on the same page.
Just add a twist
special of my 1,000th post, even if it did take me 8 years.
I'm intrigued. ok I looked it up LOL
From the master lurker. I was on years ago and got a new computer and forgot my password so I started a new account. I just love this place. 
sorry when I came to the end because it was over and I wished it wasn't. I so enjoyed reading it, TY
your usual sign off... "now get to work".
That is sheer bliss!!!!!
"I disagree with your opinion, but i will defend to the DEATH your right to go fuck yourself."
I may have to steal it! 
Rather, DU relishes them, as you can see by your responses. And just maybe sufficient late Sunday night DUers will keep this thread kicked so that many on the Monday morning team can take over showing you more love.
As do I here at 2:30 am (or so).
Nice one, BTW.
Your story is very inspiring, btw. And you're always welcome on DU. Always. 
I feel even a little "MORE" part of the community now.
K&R
again, a heartfelt thanks to all who read, responded, and rec'd. It really felt great (which is the feeling I get from DU most days anyhow, even when the polling days are shitty or the news is otherwise less than stellar). Let's all kick it into high gear for Dems across the nation. 22 more days to victory! And one last toast to my fellow "Thread Killers". 
