Dear DU, thank you from a lurker.

[treading_water]

Last edited Fri Nov 9, 2012, 12:09 AM - Edit history (1)

Dear DU,

I feel the need to tell you, though its difficult to express, what this website, this community, has meant to me since I found you in 2004 just prior to the November general election.

In 2004, I despaired with DU. In 2008, I rejoiced with DU. In 2012, I came to be talked off the ledge and to have my courage bolstered. And finally, this week, to rejoice that the country once again made the right choice. I celebrate with you democratic wins in races that, without DU, I wouldn't even have known were important to me.

Democratic Underground is the first place I come for a reality check, for affirmation, to be challenged, to be educated, to become better informed, and to find rebuttals to crazy crap.

I thank you so very much for being here. You help keep me sane when the crazy threatens to become overwhelming.

To other lurkers who feel like me: *fistbump*

In gratitude, Treading Water

Edited to add:
Thank you for the recs! I'm honored to hit the greatest page. What a rush.

[Skittles]

1. OMG YOU'RE FINALLY HERE, treading_water?

WOO!!!

[treading_water]

6. Well, I'm cautious by nature. Wasn't sure about you guys....

Thought I'd take awhile to think about it.

[silvershadow]

2. Your post is exactly how I feel, except I started here right away. I still mostly lurk, and learn.

(and snark). I come around at election times, mostly.

[UtahLib]

3. "fistbump" It's as though you are reading from my journal

[femmocrat]

5. Welcome to DU, UtahLib!

It must be lonely being a Utah Lib! Glad you found us and hope to see you often!

[UtahLib]

8. Thank you so much

Every time I drop in, it's difficult to leave. I'm elated to say that Democratic numbers are rising in Utah. I happen to live in the deepest red county in the state, so it can be hard to connect with like minded people. Just another reason that DU has become so important in my life. Sometimes I come here just to clear my mind of the poison it might have collected throughout the day.

[Aristus]

9. Welcome, UtahLib!

[UtahLib]

20. Happy to be here

[treading_water]

12. Welcome to DU, Utahlib

The thing about Democratic Underground? It will be here when you need it.

[UtahLib]

19. I feel welcome

Although I've lived in Utah for many years now, my father was a career serviceman in the Air Force and I was lucky enough to live in many different States and one foreign country. Because Utah is like no other community I've experienced, it was quite a culture shock when my father retired and we settled here. Considering how much I miss the diversity and camaraderie of my youth, DU has become a balm to my heart.

[femmocrat]

4. Welcome out of Lurkerdom, treading_water.

DU is always the first place I come to catch the latest news. I learn so much here and most people are so nice and eager to help with advice or information.

Happy to meet you!

[Liberalynn]

7. We joined at the same time

and I feel the exact same way about this place.

[treading_water]

14. I know, right?

Its where I want to come to celebrate victories and where I come when I despair that huge portions of America will never learn to question the manipulation of the right.

[il_lilac]

10. 2004 for me too!

a timid lurker most of the time-but it still feels like home!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Welcome to DU, my dear treading_water!

This place has become my online home.....It too has saved my sanity and provided me with hours of incredibly good conversations!

I hope you will post more and lurk less...

[treading_water]

13. Thank you, CaliforniaPeggy.

And congratulations on reaching that 100,000 post milestone. I hope there are many more.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. Thank you for your kind comments...

As long as I can type, there will be posts....

[Lady Freedom Returns]

15. Welcome to The Lounge!

The place with enough insanity to help you escape the insanity!

[flamingdem]

17. Welcome to DU!

[KauaiK]

18. I couldn't agree MORE!

[lexw]

21. I wasn't a lurker, but I discovered DU for the same reasons.

Common Dreams was my nest in 2008, and it was depressing me as the 2012 election approached. Somehow I found DU through a link.

[dog_lovin_dem]

22. I found this place during the

same time frame as you, treading_water; during the latter months of the 2004 campaign. I signed up in January of 2005 and, I too have kept my sanity by being a lurking member of this wonderful site. I post very seldom but read others posts on a daily basis.
I am thankful that you made this post and second every word you have written! Here's a fist bump right back atcha!!
DU Rocks!

[treading_water]

28. I figured I wasn't the only long time lurker on DU.

[texpatriot2004]

23. Welcome. Glad you are here

I found DU in 04 too. I remember the rush of making it to the greatest page. It is a nice feeling.

[Paka]

24. I wish I had discovered in 2004.

I could have used DU back then and all the in-between years. I didn't even get educated enough to be a lurker until shortly before the 2010 elections, but I've been an addict ever since.

Like you, it helps to keep me sane.

[libodem]

25. Welcome

We are redecorating in here. Don't mind the mess. And those old posters will be covered with new posters every week. Staples everywhere.

[Phentex]

26. LOL!

A nice welcome.

[Phentex]

27. I lurked and joined a little bit after you...

I cannot believe we made it through the Bush years and I have been bitter about that for a long time.

It feels good to have a place where, for the most part, you can feel safe with people who share some common beliefs.

[erinlough]

29. Fistbump to you,