OUR DEAR ANDY ..FLY WITH ANGELS OUR LOVE...

[flyarm]

our Andy lost his fight tonight at 9:27 pacific time

Ted asked me to tell you all..


ANDY SAID TODAY " I WANT TO LIVE ".....and he will in all of us.

You all gave him hope, and you shared your hearts, I know he loved you all.

Andy lived to love, and was loved living..he will live on in all the peoples lives he touched. And in all who knew him, and even those who only knew about Andy.

He was a very special man.

To you my friend ..I will miss you dearly.But you will always be in my heart.


And a youth said, speak to us of Friendship.
And he answered, saying:


Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love
and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger,
and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you
fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor
do you withhold the "ay."
And when he is silent your heart ceases
not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all
thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born
and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you
grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may
be clearer in his absence, as the mountain
to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friend-
ship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the dis-
closure of it s own mystery
is not love but a net cast forth:
and only the unprofitable
is caught.


And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide,
let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should
seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not
your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let
there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart
finds its morning and is refreshed.



Andy may you sing with the angels..you will have very special angels.

fly

[BurtWorm]

1. Rest in peace, Andy.

Peace.

[48pan]

384. Deep sadness for the loss of a young man...

with much left to give. RIP.

[ooglymoogly]

484. i raced over this post many times before i had the courage to

open it, knowing what was inside...fly with angels is an overwhelming sentiment...at least we know we did our best for andy...maybe we will all meat up again someday...farewell andy...and may you rest in peace.

[Radio_Lady]

629. I didn't know Andy, and he didn't know me -- but he was brave

and fought pancreatic cancer, one of the swiftest of the lot.

It took my grandmother in 1969 in three months, and others in my family, including recently, my daughter's sister-in-law in her 40s, who had also had the Whipple procedure.

I hope Andy's family will gain solace from over 600 posts. I have just seen this message and I'm in tears....

Along the path of life ... in peace ...

Radio Lady

[Andromeda]

676. The measure of a man is how he lives...

and Andy did it well. His life touched us all and in death Andy's light will never die. His activism inspired many and the universe will rejoice.

Andy's grace will live on forever.

[praxiz]

2. Oh dear.

You have my deepest condolences. :(

:hug:

[ogradda]

3. Awwww fuck.

:cry:

[Lerkfish]

299. I am so sorry, too.

I just now came upon this in another thread.
I'm shocked. I thought things were going better.

we were blessed to have him as long as we did.

[Maddy McCall]

4. My condolences to his family and friends.

I'm speechless. :cry:

[SoCalDem]

5. Well just SHIT...

I was so hoping that he would beat that damned thing.. I am always astonished at the sweet people who perish, and the truly evil ones who persist:cry:

Love to Andy's family, and friends who tried so desperately to hold him here with us..

edited because I forget to hit the darned 'm' key 50 times to get it to work :(

[shraby]

7. Rest in Peace Andy

You were a good person.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

FUCK! RIP Andy!

[yewberry]

6. Deepest, deepest condolences.

I don't have the words.

Please know that many of us are thinking of Andy tonght.

[cynatnite]

8. My deepest condolences to Andy's family and friends

I think I got to know him some by the warm regards, friendship and love expressed here at DU. I look forward to the memories that will be shared by others about someone who did so much good.

[spuddonna]

9. Peace and the grace of God be with you, Andy, and your family...

It's so sad someone so full of life and the conviction to bring justice to our country has been lost... You will always be remembered and will always be in our hearts...

[Oversea Visitor]

10. Sad

:cry:
I thought he was going to be ok
:cry:

DOES THE FAMILY NEED HELP?

[Oversea Visitor]

163. In Memory of Andy and Scott

They fought not for themselves..
But for their brothers and sisters

They choose to walk a route...
With a soul full of good intentions

For those that believed like them...
The journey was truly brighten

But sad the days it was....
When heaven call did beckoned


Tan Lai Keat aka Oversea Visitor

[Samantha]

303. We need to start a DU Hall of Fame for both of them

They should have special silver stars with something like a rainbow shining over them. The rainbow would symbolize the beautiful contributions these two made to our Internet community. They are gone but we will never forget them. They left a legacy behind that will always, always remind us of them.

Goodby, Andy. I so much enjoyed the chats I had with you on so many subjects. I am so sorry that while we tried to do so much for you at your time of need, we could not do enough. You did so much for us, we can never repay you, but we won't forget you.

On a distant star, in a far away place
See him soar into the new day,
At ease, at peace
Of smiling face.

Rest in peace, Andy.

Love,

Samantha

[KamaAina]

582. You can add nostamj to the list as well

perhaps one of our many talented Photoshoppers can make us a DU "Mt. Rushmore"?

[Janice325]

11. I'm crying now.

Thank you for letting us know.
What a sad day.
Rest, Andy. You are in our hearts.:cry:

[EFerrari]

53. He's free, Janice. Not in pain any more.

[faithnotgreed]

550. yes.... important (and difficult) to remember this

[RummyTheDummy]

12. God damnit

I guess Billy Joel said it best. RIP, Andy.

[bettyellen]

13. ......

:cry:

[dogonarug]

14. Only the good die young

Sweet dreams Andy...:cry:

[EstimatedProphet]

15. Oh man

Andy was one of the few DUers I have met in real life.
This is a funny medium. It's hard to really see a person for what they are across a CRT screen-you really have to meet them in person. I met Andy at the Bush Coronation protests, and what I was most impressed with was his dedication to his beliefs and what he considered to be right-the same things all of us at DU believe in.
Andy, you will be missed.

[enigmatic]

16. Be At Peace, Andy

I know you'll always be around and I promise we'll all keep fighting.

Rest, my friend.

[nadinbrzezinski]

17. RIP Andy, RIP

[aquart]

18. Met him. Liked him.

Never met anyone who walked away from pancreatic cancer, though.

Funny, I don't know what most DUers look like. But I have pictures of Andy and Nostamj, together.

I guess they are.

[libnnc]

29. Oh Andy

My partner's sister is fighting this same battle with pancreatic cancer--her pain is unbearable. Andy gave me hope for her. I don't know what to say. This is so sad. :cry: :cry: :cry:


We love you, Andy.

[Wetzelbill]

74. i'll keep your partner's sister in my thoughts and prayers...

stay strong.

[Nothing Without Hope]

611. In earlier threads of encouragement to Andy, a number of DUers

stepped forward with stories of loved ones who DID beat pancreatic cancer. There is good reason to hope.

Sending my wishes for healing and peace.

[dalloway]

183. I Have (met someone who walked away with pancreatic

cancer). 15 years survivial after a tumor that took out most of her gut in surgery.

(Just a note of hope to others)

[Zan_of_Texas]

453. Met him. Liked him. Too.

He was fiercely passionate about elections, and was fearless when the Diebold boys told him to "back off."

He was a fighter.

He is already missed.

Peace and solace to all who helped him through his medical fight.

And, to all who helped him with his paper ballot fight, well, the fight is just begun.


(PS Remind me not to let you take any pictures of me, aquart....)

[Cassandra]

686. That was a lovely night, wasn't it.

I miss them both. Who would have suspected they'd both be gone now.

[goodboy]

787. They come in 3's...Kephra, nostamj, and now Andy. (nt)

[Warren DeMontague]

19. :(

Rest in peace, brother.

[Must_B_Free]

20. Celebrate his life

I'm not a mourner. I resolve to keep people alive in my thoughts. Andy will always be remembered by me.

[AlienGirl]

21. This is so sad...

:cry:

If I and/or other Seattle-area DUers can do anything to help out, please PM me.

Tucker

[KT2000]

22. Oh no...

this is so sad.
Thank you to those who have been at his side.

[gardenista]

23. Oh no. Rest in peace, Andy. You were one of a kind.

You were never afraid to speak your mind, and you never stopped fighting for what you thought was right. If more of the world were like you, our world would be a very different, and much better place right now.

Bless you, Andy, and thank you for all you did for all of us.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

24. I'm so very sorry....

I haven't been on DU, I didn't know anything was wrong.

My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved him. I'm heartbroken and I never even met Andy.

Andy, you will not be forgotten nor will your cause. You created a legacy that will go on in your name.



Edited due to shock and post made no sense

[EFerrari]

73. Thank you, lone_star_dem

His cancer was voracious, and he put up a hell of a fight.

An exemplar to us all. :)

[BamaBecky]

431. This is the saddest thread I have ever read.......I feel so sorry

for Andy, all his friends and his family.............

Peace Andy....much peace!

We will carry on...and we will never forget you!

Andy was the first one to call me "Bama". I have been using it ever since.
Bama

:grouphug:

[EFerrari]

579. What a piece of work, that Andy Stephenson

We were so lucky, Becky.

:hug:

[BamaBecky]

691. We really were sfexpat2000.........we really were! I have thought about

yall a lot today......been so busy getting two houses ready for this storm.....Bama:cry: :hug:

[goodboy]

782. he brought so many people together. He posted a message in

early Jan. that he was in columbus, and if any Columbus DU'ers wanted to meet him PM him. I did, and I never thought in a million years, I'd meet such a wonderful person. He came over to our house that day, and we ate pork and sauerkraut I made for New Years.

My wife and I just adored him.

[fooj]

25. A candle to light your way...

I've kept it lit for you all day, sweet friend. I wish you peace.

[hiley]

500. my candles are burning as well...

Andy has peace now and no more pain .
He has touched our souls and will always be in our hearts

Sweet Andy you will be so missed...
hiley

[Mojambo]

26. That is very unfortunate

Rest well Andy.

[Ladyhawk]

27. I don't know what to say.

My condolences to his family and friends. I am so very, very sorry. :( :cry: :(

[Hissyspit]

28. Damn.

Comfort to all.

[JackRiddler]

30. Also met him

In New York, early 2004. He was still "God Bush and Cheney" here.

We had a long night walking about with a couple of others before and after a benefit for Greg Palast. He left quite an impression. A very sensitive, honest and courageous man. He felt the spirits of the dead in the wind coming up from Ground Zero, and made the rest of us feel it, too. Spooky moment.

Rest in peace.

[LastKnight]

31. Rest in Peace, Friend.

i didnt know him, but i knew of him. and he was a great person.

best description of a friend ive heard, ever.

[Dem2theMax]

32. Dear Andy, may your soul be free and at peace.

You will ALWAYS be with us and we will NEVER, EVER give up your fight.

Damn, this hurts like hell. If we ever needed a group hug, it's now. :grouphug:

Too many tears - can't put them into words.

[merh]

33. Peace sweet friend.

:hug: Thank you for touching my heart :hug:

:loveya: You will be in my heart always :loveya:


:patriot: ((((((((((((((Voter Verified Paper Trails)))))))))))))))))))) :patriot:

[EFerrari]

65. Right on, merh

He always will be. :hug:

[merh]

69. Always . . .

:hug: Now he is free to watch over us! :hug:

[fooj]

555. He called us "his angels"...

now he will be our guardian angel for eternity.

Andy represented all that is good in this world and I am committed to honoring his memory by moving forward with hope, enthusiasm and a sense of humor in these troubling times. Andy...my shining star in the middle of a black, endless night sky. He will always be my beacon of hope.

As we struggle through life's journey, certain people come into our lives and make a real difference. A tireless, courageous patriot, Andy was one of those people. The gifts he passed on to us are invaluable. To my truth warrior...:patriot: I salute you!

"to fight for what's right, without question or pause...to be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause..."

His spirit lives on in us all.

peace.:grouphug:

[merh]

572. I've got your back fooj.

:hug:

We will never forget. :loveya:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

118. Thank you for all your efforts

Andy had the best assistance he could ever wish for

[magellan]

34. OMG

I just lit a candle for him. I'm so sorry. My condolences to his family and many friends.

Peace, Andy.

[theplutsnw]

35. This totally sucks

How can this be? I saw him less then 3 weeks ago and he seemed like he was getting better and talked to him on the phone last week. I am glad he is not in any more pain but we have to fight on in his memory for both our votes and a top notch healthcare system that works for everyone. I am in total disbelief.

Alyssa

[EFerrari]

148. You're right. It does totally suck.

And he wouldn't want us to be weenies.

I'll see you in the Election Forum. :)

[Beam Me Up]

36. Peace, Andy. Peace, All.

When at last silence comes.

[sojourner]

37. This seems so sudden, so sad. Peace to all those he held dear.

[EFerrari]

38. You are free, my friend.

You are free.

[goodboy]

39. Goodbye my friend! I'm a better person because I knew you! (nt)

[lildreamer316]

40. ...fly with love.n/t

[WilliamPitt]

41. A Warrior's Face

Spring waters flow,
Warmed by Father Sun,
Swelling beyond the keeping banks,
Leaching winter’s frosted ores,
Through spreading fingers,
Of the water’s course,
Renewing those, along its path,
That seem at first, to succumb,
Then emerge from the inundation,
With the strength of stamina,
And will to persevere,
Ultimately without complaint,
In understanding and appreciation,
Of the gifts of the tribulation,
As the water keeps its sacred task,
Cleansing Mother Earth,
Like the tears on a Warriors face,
Cleanse the soul.

[Mnemosyne]

42. His soul flies free

Our hearts are broken.

Rest in Peace Andy, you did good!:grouphug: :cry:

[ConsAreLiars]

43. He lives on.

He made a difference.
I met him a couple times.
Tears in my eyes.

[Gemini Cat]

44. RIP Andy

My deepest condolences to Termite and family. I am so very sorry.

Andy will always be my hero!

:hug:

[Generic Other]

Oh Andy

You will be missed.

[AmBlue]

45. It's hard to lose a hero...

I pray Andy bequeathed to each and every one of us his energy, his courage, his devotion to truth. God bless you, Andy. You will be sorely missed.

Sincerest condolences to Termite and all of Andy's family. :cry:

[Janice325]

46. So many posts

in such a short time.
Condolences to Andy's loved ones and family.

[ninkasi]

47. This is so very, very sad...

we have lost a dear friend tonight. Rest in peace now, Andy, and know that you will always be loved and remembered. The fight will go on. My deep regrets to Andy's family and loved ones.

[VTMechEngr]

48. Oh God Damn it.

My condolences to the family.

[Bluebear]

49. Thank you for everything Andy

A debt we can never repay to you.

[EFerrari]

50. You've got a smile so bright

you know you could have been a candle
I'm holding you so tight, you know you could have been a handle
The way you swept me off my feet, you know you could have been a broom
The way you smell so sweet, you know you could have been some perfume


Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

As pretty as you are, you know you could have been a flower
If good looks was a minute, you know that you could be an hour
The way you stole my heart, you know you could have been a crook
And baby you're so smart, you know you could have been a schoolbook

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

You made my heart so rich, you know you could have been some money
And baby you're so sweet, you know you could have been some honey

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

You really swept me off my feet, you made my life complete
You made my life so bright, you make me feel alright

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

[bobbieinok]

51. you will be missed....I pray your spirit and dedication live on in us

[Raksha]

52. I would do it again, dammit! Send what money I could...

...and keep praying, right up to the end. I'm typing this with tears in my eyes. I thought that with all the people pulling for him, all the love holding him up, that he just HAD to pull through and there was no way he couldn't pull through. But it seems it was not to be. Yet I still remember the incredible feeling of empowerment when we actually raised the money for his surgery. And THAT was real, and in Andy's memory I'd do it again for the next person, if the situation ever comes up again.

NGU, my friends.

[Ladyhawk]

54. To all of Andy's Angels, family and dear friends,

I send my most heartfelt sympathies. The love you showed your friend was pure and strong. He was lucky to have you fighting for him. He felt that love and knew he was loved.

Andy's Angels, his family and closest friends: you are the ones who will miss him most, but the rest of us are sitting here with lumps in our throats and tears streaming down our faces. Andy touched all of us. So many people will mourn his passing. He was well-loved.

:grouphug:

I am so very, very sorry.

[EFerrari]

61. Ladyhawk

:hug:

[dmr]

55. Rest in Peace, my friend

Rest in peace.

[Sapphocrat]

56. Goodnight, God_bush_and_cheney.

And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.




My heart hurts.

[NMMNG]

57. I'm so sorry to hear that

I never had a chance to cyber-meet him, having joined after he left for his surgery but I know he was well loved here. I know he will be missed.

:cry:



Note to any lurking freepers: F*ck off!

[ebayfool]

58. My heart goes out to Termite, his family & all of his friends.

The world is a poorer, sadder place w/out him.

I'm so sorry.

[ebayfool]

59. My heart goes out to Termite, his family & all of his friends.

The world is a poorer, sadder place w/out him.

I'm so sorry.

[Kenneth ken]

60. my deepest condolences

to his family and friends.

Sad cap to a sad day.

:grouphug:

[American in Asia]

62. So, so sad....

I have no words right now - my heart just feels heavy.

My deepest condolences to Andy's family and friends.

And strength to all of us to fight on for all the things for which Andy fought so valiantly.

Rest, peace, love and joy to you always Andy.

[EFerrari]

70. Thank you for all your encouragement and all of your help.

It meant a great deal to Andy, and a great deal to all of us.

[American in Asia]

177. He touched us

and any small thing in return was a joy and a privilege. I just wish, oh dang, now I'm crying. You know what I mean, right?


:hug:

[EFerrari]

569. Yes.

:grouphug:

[Pathwalker]

446. Rest in Peace Andy, my deepest condolences, Termite.

Vaya con Dios.

[Stockholm]

63. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends

:cry:

I am tearing up at work! This is just so sad....

[JI7]

64. bye Andy

:cry:

:hug: to his family

[earth mom]

66. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Andys' family and friends.

I never met him, but admired his dedication and bravery from afar.

Rest in Peace, Andy.

[Horse with no Name]

67. With sadness and respect for Andy and the important work he started

"The love that once was born can not die
For it has become part of us, of our life,
Woven into the very texture of our being.
Each of us would wish to leave some part of ourselves,
So here and now we bear witness to the one we knew in life,
Who now in death bequeaths a subtle part, precious and beloved,
Which will be with us in truth and beauty,
In dignity and courage and love
To the end of our days."

Rest in Peace Andy.

[WhoDoYouTrust]

68. I didn't know you, Andy, but I did...and I will miss you.

My deepest condolences to Andy's family and friends.

:grouphug:

[fleabert]

71. oh no.

just, no.

I am so sorry, for all of us, and especially those who were very close to Andy IRL. Peace to you and to DU.

[Wetzelbill]

72. My condolences to friends, family and loved ones...

wow. speechless. God bless you, Andy.

[PittLib]

75. No no no no no ...

I don't understand. This is absolutely heartbreaking. My heart goes out to sfexpat and Termite and all of you who had the fortune of knowing Andy, and now feel his loss most of all. I am so sorry ... :cry:

Perhaps the rest of us can carry on the battle in Andy's name ...

On edit: Rest in peace Andy. We'll miss you.

[EFerrari]

76. Peace, PittLib.

:hug:

[PittLib]

110. Peace to you ...

if only there was something I could say - until then ... thank you :hug:

[Klimmer]

77. Andy, God's Speed . . .

I'm better for knowing you here at DU. Learned a lot from you in the 2004 Election Results and Discussion Forum. You changed my mind on a lot of things. We will keep fighting the good fight.

Voter Verified Paper Ballot (VVPB)

NGU

Take care friend.

(This is truly, truly a sad day in so many ways :cry: )

[Bake]

78. OMG! Unbelievable.

RIP, Andy.

Bake

[LosinIt]

79. NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!! Is there a curse on us??

Why do we seem to lose our best and our brightest??

Wishing peace and comfort to his loved ones and to those of us in this online community who loved him in our own way.

[dxstone]

80. My heart sank as I read this...

I did not know your friend, but knew of his recent trials thru these pages...
Sounds like a great guy, and certainly well-loved from what I've seen here...
A sad and dark day indeed.
My deepest sympathies.
d


"Oooh, what a lucky man he was..."
Emerson, Lake & Palmer/Lucky Man

[JimmyJames]

84. im sorry i didnt have a chance to get to know him

i've lost people too
it is always hard on those left behind

my best wishes to his family and those who loved him and those he loved

and to all of you who are feeling the pain of this loss to your community

[yowzayowzayowza]

81. RIP GBnC.

You are missed.

[Lorien]

82. Very sad

Rest in Peace, Andy. :cry:

[NoSheep]

83. Your efforts have given us an example of our responsibility to

our fellow beings. Your spirit inspires us to move forward and continue the fight while we enjoy the great pleasures we encounter in this dimension. We will take you with us Andy. Power to the People.

[lildreamer316]

85. Great post.

[Swamp Rat]

86. Goodbye my friend.

I will never forget what you did for America. O8)

[EFerrari]

88. And he is still cracking up over your Bev.

(((((((((((Swamp Rat))))))))))))

[Pachamama]

112. I'm speechless right now...I thought he was getting better...

Why do all the good people trying to save the world or the innocents seem to be passing on and the evil ones get to live?

Goodbye fellow warrior...thank you for your brave fight for us all...may you find peace in your next journey.... :hug:

[Swamp Rat]

115. Oi Pachamama!

:hug:

[Pachamama]

121. Hugs back....

:hug:

This has been a bad day 7/7/05....

We lost another warrior against this evil empire....he led a good fight...we must continue the fight and cause....I'm glad he's no longer in pain though....Rest in Peace Brother Andy....:grouphug:

[mom cat]

383. I thought he was getting bettet too! Oh my God. I am crying like a baby,

It's just fair. I keep screaming inside myself, would he have made it if his surgery had not been delayed by the assholes who tied up the funds from all of the DUers. Maybe he would not have made it anyway But God Damn Them All to Hell for what they did to him! They hated him for pointing out the truth about the rigged election. We can honor Andy bought not letting that truth die with him. God bless you Andy for all of your courage and determination. We have to mourn first, :cry: ....but then we go back to organizing.

[TheUnspeakable]

87. This is so very sad...

Goodbye Andy- May you rest in peace. Your hard work and dedication will never be forgotten and will inspire us to try harder.

[MADem]

89. How dreadful, how sad for his family and friends

I was hoping he would pull through.

This has been a day of bad, sad news.

[expatriate]

90. I posted this elsewhere, but wanted to put it here too.

Winter Stars

I went out at night alone;
The young blood flowing beyond the sea
Seemed to have drenched my spirit's wings --
I bore my sorrow heavily.
But when I lifted up my head
From shadows shaken on the snow,
I saw Orion in the east
Burn steadily as long ago.

From windows in my father's house,
Dreaming my dreams on winter nights,
I watched Orion as a girl
Above another city's lights.

Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too,
The world's heart breaks beneath its wars,
All things are changed, save in the east
The faithful beauty of the stars.

Sara Teasdale

We come from the stars. Andy has gone there.

Let him be the star that inspires us.

[LiveWire]

91. Our only cause of action is to

move on with what Andy would have wanted us today. Stay the course and be vigilant.

I never met the guy, but Ive lost too many people to cancer. My thoughts go out to him, and any person who came to know him. His writings affect me as well as numerous men and women throughout the world. It is for this, that he will never truely be lost. As an archaeologist, I know that great mens' bodies fade away, but their marks they leave on this earth stand the test of time.

God speed Andy.

[EFerrari]

92. Exactly, LiveWire. Can we say "voter verified paper ballot:"?

I almost knew the man. And what I almost knew was splendid.

We were lucky to have him here for a time. :)

[goclark]

94. Sleep Well Our Prince, sleep well

[Hissyspit]

95. From Guantanamera:

(English translation)

"I'm just a man who is trying
To do some good before dying,
To ask each man and his brother,
To bear no ill toward each other.
This life will never be hollow,
To those who listen and follow."

[goclark]

Sleep Well Our Prince, sleep well

[xxqqqzme]

786. can we say 'voter verified paper ballot'?

VOTER VERIFIED PAPER BALLOT!

ah yes, I knew that you could.


Andy, I treasure the accidental meeting & conversaion we shared, B4 all the other late DUers arrived.


this sucks so bad....................

[anitar1]

93. Andy--we willnever forget you, May you rest in peace.

My most sincere condolences to your loved ones.

[benburch]

96. I lost a friend tonight.

And so, I think, did we all.

[EFerrari]

101. We didn't give up though, Ben, did we?

Thank you. I'll never forget all that you did for Andy and for all of us these long weeks.

(((((((((((((Ben))))))))))

[benburch]

113. And the same back at you!

:hug:

[Boredtodeath]

263. We did, Ben, we did.

The country lost a friend. A friend willing to fight for democracy and all that is right in this country. A friend who refused to give in to all that is wrong and evil about our votes. A friend who stood for us all, even when we wouldn't stand for ourselves.

And, in his memory, I refuse to sit down and rest for a single moment until we win the fight he started.

As we continue on this battle, let us all know that Andy is standing by our side and pushing us onward.

Rest now, dear friend, Andy, you taught us well and your fight will continue under your guardianship.

[demodonkey]

97. Andy has passed the torch to US, folks...

...we have a job to do.

In honor our of country and our beloved Friend.... VVPB... and NGU.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872-1918)

[ailsagirl]

667. Thanks for quoting that beautiful poem

I have a book of poetry that has that poem in it, but also
"response" (poems) to the original. Here is one of them.

Rest ye in peace, ye Flanders dead.
The fight that ye so bravely led
We've taken up. And we will keep
True faith with you who lie asleep
With each a cross to mark his bed,
In Flanders fields.

Fear not that ye have died for naught.
The torch ye threw to us we caught.
Ten million hands will hold it high,
And Freedom's light shall never die!
We've learned the lesson that ye taught
In Flanders fields.

-- R.W. Lilliard

[Garbo 2004]

98. I can't find the words. Expletives come to mind and sadness.

Andy touched so many people, a man so rich in friends, some he may never have met in person...it's remarkable, really.

God Bless, Andy. And to all his friends and family :grouphug:

[EFerrari]

102. Bless you, Garbo, for your kindness and all your support.

There are things too important to say. So, all I can say is, thank you.

Beth

[tjdee]

99. He's in peace now...very sorry for his family and close friends.

This is very, very sad news and my heart goes out to those who were close to him.

He is past the pain now, and I hope he rests in peace.

[Piperay]

100. R-I-P Andy

you are with the angels now O8) but you will be missed here ... :cry:

[housewolf]

103. The silence for you, the sorrow for us

A blackbird singing
On a moss-upholstered stone,
Bluebells swinging,
Shadows wildly blown,
A song in the wood,
A ship on the sea.
The song was for you
and the ship was for us.

A blackbird singing
I hear in my troubled mind,
Bluebells swinging,
I see in a distant wind.
But sorrow and silence,
Are the wood's threnody,
The silence for you
and the sorrow for us.

Francis Ledwidge

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[EFerrari]

106. The blessed silence of no pain.

(((((((((((((((((housewolf))))))))))))))))))))

[eridani]

104. Don't mourn, organize!

The finest memorial we could give him would be to make VOTER VERIFIED PAPER BALLOTS the law of the land. The second finest would be universal health care. Let's go get them! Andy, you will always be there out in front leading us.

Do not go gentle into that good night
Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.

What an asshole of a day! The bombings, and now this!

[EFerrari]

108. Now, there's an idea.

:)

[mom cat]

402. Can we start a DU Verifiable Voting Forum to carry on his work?

[goodboy]

428. The Andy Stephenson Voting Rights Forum

[mom cat]

492. I just e-mailed the administrators with the suggestion. I like your

idea of having his name in the title. That was a very good idea and it would be a very appropriate living memorial to Andy.

[EFerrari]

587. Andy loved the Elections forum

Maybe we could get Skinner to tweak the name? Whatever you all decide, I'm in.

[mom cat]

593. A tweek would be Great. I will send him an e-mail.

My sympathies to you and all of you who knew Andy.:hug:

[EFerrari]

598. Thank you, mom cat. I swing between grief and relief and

memories of Andy.

Good thing I'm not driving.

:hug:

[mom cat]

619. Stay safe. We can't lose you too!

[EFerrari]

623. Oh, you're stuck with me.

So, thank you. :hug:

[LWolf]

321. I'm with you.

Let's go get them.

I am stunned. As I think through what I want to say to Andy, to send him on his next journey, it's "Goodbye, friend. Go with peace. We'll take these issues forward."

[ailsagirl]

670. "Don't mourn, organize"

Reminds me of Joe Hill.

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead,"
"I never died," says he
"I never died," says he

"The copper bosses killed you, Joe,
They shot you, Joe," says I.
"Takes more than guns to kill a man,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die."

And standing there as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe, "What they forgot to kill
Went on to organize,
Went on to organize."

"From San Diego up to Maine,
In every mine and mill,
Where working men defend their rights,
It's there you'll find Joe Hill,
It's there you'll find Joe Hill."

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me
Says I, "But Joe, you're ten years dead,"
"I never died," says he,
"I never died," says he.

Now we have our very own "Joe Hill."

[tblue37]

105. This is so very,

very, very, very sad.

[mogster]

107. Rest in peace, Andy

It's hard to imagine you're gone. Kudos.

[EFerrari]

111. It's okay, mogster, he's better now.

Shortly he'll be organizing the choir of election nerds.

You know how Andy is. :)

[Daphne08]

109. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this.

You were so young, and yet you worked so diligently for all of us.

Rest In Peace, Andy. Perhaps we can meet sometime on the other side.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

:cry:

[satya]

114. I'm grateful he's free from his suffering.May his many friends and family

find comfort and peace in knowing how deeply he touched even those of us who were not privileged to know him IRL.

:grouphug:

[donheld]

116. Andy, May God rest your weary soul

You fought the good fight. :cry: :hug: :loveya:

[EFerrari]

119. He was honest - to - God amazing, no matter what.

That doesn't happen every day.

:-)

[Bunny]

117. Rest in peace Andy.

My condolences to his family and friends.

[Melodybe]

120. Thanks for everything Andy, I know you'll be smiling down on us

on that day that we finally send these treasonous war profiteering monsters to jail.

Until then, it's nice to know that someone up there likes us.

:toast: To Andy, an angel I'm glad to have looking out for us.

RIP

:patriot:

[Crunchy Frog]

122. I'm so sorry Andy!

I really thought you were going to pull through.:cry: :cry: :cry:

Why do we keep losing the very best people here? What a tragic day this has been.

[uhhuh]

123. I didn't know how much

Andy had touched me until I read that he had passed. I am crying now. He had such a fire in him. He was so focused on fighting the good fight for verifiable voting. He did it with an energy and humor that was amazing to me. Whe he got ill, I was so happy to see so many DUers step up to help, but I knew we would. Andy was exactly the kind of person that every DUer should be. He exemplified the best qualities of progressive politics and dedicated activism. He was rarely, if ever, devisive and gave his all to his cause, not for his personal gratification, but for all of us.

To look at what I have accomplished by comparison makes me first ashamed, then motivated to go out there and do something that will truly make a difference.

I will miss him.

Andy R.I.P.

[Romberry]

124. I am so, so sorry.

I never knew Andy except through his posts here and his work but I am moved to tears by news of his passing. I feel a real sense of loss. I can't imagine what his family and friends must be going through.

In my heart I know that the world was a better place with Andy Stephenson in it and his passing leaves a hole. If we are to honor him, that is a hole we must try to fill.

Peace be with you, Andy. God speed. God bless.

[fed-up]

125. My condolences to Andy's family and friends

May you find the strength and love you need as time works to heal your grief.

I never met Andy as I joined DU just when the major fund-raising for Andy started and knew that with so many kind, caring people that DU would a great place to join. I have never witnessed such an awesome support group for someone that fought such a hard fight, in politics and in health. I had been hoping for a better outcome...

I have lost many family members and friends to cancer in the past 5 years and it never gets any easier.

May those of us that remain here help carry on Andy's work.

{{{Hugs to anyone that needs them}}}

[EFerrari]

126. Thank you, fed-up, and welcome.

This is the heart of our nation right here, and it's hurting right now. Thank you for being here.

[displacedtexan]

127. Such sad news.

Andy continues to be an inspiration to us all!

[MissWaverly]

128. May the perpetual light shine upon him

Andy gave everything that he had, even his life for his country. He
was a real patriot who believed in America and that everyone should have the right to vote and that every vote should count whether it was a Republican vote or a Democratic vote. Let the naysayers say what they will, would they be willing to make such a sacrifice for this country.
For those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him, he was a gentle guy who had an aura of goodness. I remember him talking to his 85 year old mother; patiently repeating everything over and over again, because she has a severe hearing loss. He was not stupid or lazy or a slacker, he was just a guy who had one bad break. When he stayed with me, he helped reconfigure my computer so it worked faster, redid my shower on a hot summer night, and patiently took all the parts off that had not been
worked on in 50 years and reassembled everything with new parts so I now have a working shower, he even made me a meal with a cake from scratch as sick as he was. Let people throw stones as much as they want, Andy was a good man, we need more people like him in this country. For Ted and his family, he was a credit to the love and support that you gave him because he tried to give to constantly give that love back to the world to make it a better place.
Goodbye and God Bless you all, Miss Waverly

[EFerrari]

131. Miss Waverly. I think I see a new star and it is very bright.

:hug:

[MissWaverly]

133. I always thought he was like an angel

now he is an angel, I hope that God heals him and brings him comfort.

[goodboy]

He cooked pot roast for goodgirl and me the day before he had to fly

back down to Hopkins. He never stopped working while he was here. He insisted that I run him all over town to get supplies to send out his thank you notes. He made the best fucking guacamole I ever ate...(guess that's the Texan in him) He did a crazy German accent that always made us laugh...

good memories.

[MissWaverly]

407. he truly loved others and touched many lives

there seems to be so much meaness and pettiness anymore, but Andy was never like that, he always was willing to take a call no matter how tired he was or how ill to advise people trying to set up polling for the primaries and to advise on how to monitor electronic voting. He used to do this really funny irish leprechaun imitation that made me laugh.

Yes, they are good memories

[senseandsensibility]

521. Thanks for posting those personal memories

They make Andy seem more real to those of us who never met him. I am so sorry for Andy, his friends, and family. He was one of the good guys. RIP, Andy.

[goodboy]

668. you're welcome... :)

[vanboggie]

129. I hardly knew ya

But as word spread on the web about your battle to repair the voting process, you gave me hope and courage to fight on in my own smaller ways. You were a great and true American patriot, Andy, and you made a difference in this world. Yet another candle will be lit in our house to help light the way for you. As we continue your fight to put integrity back into the electoral system, we'll know you are over our shoulders helping light the way.

My deepest sympathies to Termite, your family and the rest of your online friends.

[loudsue]

130. I feel like I've been kicked in the gut by a 10,000 pound mule.

:cry: Andy! Why??? Why Andy??? :cry:

This absolutely breaks my heart to pieces. I'm having trouble believing he's gone...I just can't wrap my brain around this.

There was only one Andy. And the world was a kinder, sweeter, kick-the-bad-guys-in-the-ass place while he was here.

Ya didn't have to be so nice,
We woulda loved you anyway.

:cry: Gawd we're gonna miss you, my friend! :cry:

:kick::kick::kick::kick::kick::kick::kick:

[New Earth]

132. it's so sad

i wonder if that is why i was in such a rotten mood yesterday and couldn't figure out why? i had no idea he was even sick again, i hadn't been paying attention over here enough :cry:

i got to hang out with him a few times in D.C. - good memories. drinking, laughing, spending the night at scubed's house with him. what an awesome, energetic guy. and so sweet.

this is very sad, i feel for Ted and all of Andy's family. i'm crying now :(

well as a dedication to him, he goes into the 'heroes' section of my myspace page.

so sad :(

[New Earth]

134. whoops double post

[New Earth]

135. and dont' forget

EVER

it's VOTER VERIFIED PAPER BALLOT. he always asked me to remind people of that, if he ever did go.....

and he said that i tought him it's ELECTION FRAUD, not vote fraud, not voter fraud! :hug:


ps) andy has green flannel plaid pajamas! :o :hug:

[EFerrari]

144. Won't forget VVPB or green flannel

sorry, that's green PLAID flannel.

((((((((((Faye))))))))))

[DoYouEverWonder]

136. After all he's been through

Damn, this sucks.

:hug: to termite and the rest of Andy's family.

:cry:

[ET Awful]

137. Rest in Peace Andy. You'll be missed.

I don't need to tell you how loved you were, you know that already.

:cry:

[nofurylike]

138. deepest condolences, DU

(((((((((Voter Verified Paper Ballot)))))))))



peace.....

[mopaul]

139. .........

............

[no_hypocrisy]

140. Dear Andy,

I'm glad you are at peace. I only wish you could have stayed with us longer.

Thank you for your courage and warmth.

You gave us all something to believe in: you. I've never witnessed such collective love and encouragement.

Rest in peace. You will be missed and remembered.

[bklyncowgirl]

141. Rest in Peace

My condolences to his family and friends.

[Wilber_Stool]

142. Rest in peace. You will be missed......n/t

[Cooley Hurd]

143. Oh, Christ....

I'm speechless. Utterly speechless.

Rest in peace, Andy Stephenson.

God DAMN it.:cry:

[Rhiannon12866]

508. Thank you for letting me know, my friend.

I echo your sentiments. Andy was one of the best ever to grace DU with his presence. Just a path of light to help him find his way...

Rhiannon:hug:

[Hepburn]

145. OMG, I am so very sorry to hear this.

RIP, Andy. You gave it the good fight, now it is your time to rest and then soar on high with the angels. :cry:

[Mandate My Ass]

146. Oh man

Sad, sad, sad. Peace and comfort to his family and friends.

[Karenina]

147. Deepest condolences to Andy's loved ones...

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

-Author Unknown-

[Blue Gardener]

149. My condolences

To his friends and family. I always enjoyed reading his posts, and will miss him greatly. :cry:

[BlondieK143]

150. Oh my God! NO!

Oh Andy you will be so missed. May you rest in peace. :cry:

[New Earth]

151. I want to leave a poem too i wrote when my grandfather died

i can see andy feeling this way as he was 'going'.

i am a weak flower
in a minute i'll be gone
but please do not cry,
do not cry for me.
i know my stem is broken
and one by one my petals fall,
but please do not cry,
soon, silent i will be.

just place me in your palm
and hold your hand up to the sky
let me blow away
blow away with with the wind.
and when there is silence,
it is then that you will know
that i am home
and i am safe.

© me

[Twist_U_Up]

192. beautiful Faye

so kind of you. :puffpiece:

[Stephanie]

366. Andy loved you, Faye

He told me so.

[New Earth]

424. aww

i loved him too :hug:

i'm sure he knows that.

[MrScorpio]

152. I first and last met Andy on Inauguration Day

We sat and talked about life and the state of the world.

We formed an instant connection, two people whe became friends

When we parted, we hugged.

We've all lost a great frind and inspiration.

Andy, May You Rest In Peace.

:hug:

[hootinholler]

430. Yeah he was like that.

So mote it be.

-Hoot

[Rhiannon12866]

524. My condolences to you, too, MrScorpio.

I never met Andy, in real life, but he was one of my first friends on DU and I was always touched by his kindness and generosity.

Rhiannon:hug:

[Avalon Sparks]

153. So sad to hear this....

I guess Andy will have to meet up with Abraham, Martin, and John



anybody here
seen my old friend abraham
can you tell me where he's gone
he freed a lotta people
it seems the good, they die young
i just looked around
and he's gone

anybody here
seen my old friend john
can you tell me where he's gone
he freed a lotta people
but it seems the good, they die young
i just looked around
and he's gone

anybody here
seen my old friend martin
can you tell me where he's gone
he freed a lotta people
seems the good, they die young
i just looked around
and he's gone

didn't you love the things they stood for
didn't you love the things they gave to you

anybody here
seen my old friend bobby
can you tell me where he's gone
i saw him walkin' up over the hillside
with abraham martin and john
saw him walkin' over the hillside
abraham martin and john


Oh why oh why do the best and sweetest people get taken so early??
Maybe it's just that we feel so much more pain when they leave I guess.

Give Abraham, Martin, John and Bobby a hug for me Andy.

Peace and Love to all Andy's family and friends. We will fight the good fight always!

[Lefta Dissenter]

154. I am simply stunned

and heartbroken. Somehow I had been living in denial yet again, thinking that of course he would get healthy again - to continue his fight for our democracy.

We have an enormous responsibility to carry on in his name. :grouphug:

[Jeanette in FL]

155. Rest in Peace, Andy

Such sad news to wake to.

[Debbi801]

156. RIP Andy, you will be missed. You honored us all with your presence...

I am glad I was lucky enough to know you.

My heart goes out to Ted & Andy's family.

Debbi

[WCGreen]

157. I didn't know of andy....

But if someone dares to say that people on this board are not spirtual in the sense of the word, let them read this eulogy.........

[Rhiannon12866]

639. Here. Read this. He was special to DU.

http://www.andystephenson.com/?q=node/view/10

[Minstrel Boy]

158. Dammit, no!

Just, no.

[hiley]

645. Minstrel Boy

I know it is to much...
hugs to you

[Enraged_Ape]

159. So sorry to hear this

My heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family. And my thanks to all who worked so hard to try to help him in his hour of need.

[xmas74]

160. He lived a good life.

He taught so many people and he did something that he was passionate about. Most of us could not say the same for our own lives.
Now is not the time to be sad. Now is the time to rejoice about a life well lived and to reflect about how to change our own lives.
Now is the time to decide how to carry on his legacy.
For Andy, now is the time to drop all his burdens and rest peacefully.

[mtnester]

161. I can only offer my puny words of sorrow

but my feelings of sympathy really cannot be shared with words.

God bless you Andy, and God spread his arms over his loved ones and family to help share their sorrows.

[B Calm]

162. Oh my god... This is so sad.. Andy went out fighting to the very end.

[Bobbie47]

164. RIP Andy

My condolences
To his family and friends.

[diddlysquat]

165. So sorry....

[Amaya]

166. Oh my God

So sorry. I really have no words.

[LaurenG]

167. My deepest sympathy for those of you who knew and loved him

I never had the chance to know Andy, except through you here at DU. I am so sorry for the loss. I personally believe that energy never dies. Einstein found that you can't kill energy you can only change it's form.

I just know that Andy will be helping on the other side.

Love and Light to all of you.

[coffeenap]

168. Thank you, Andy. You helped to begin to change the world.

Knowing you was a privilege and I want to publicly thank you for the inspiration you gave my son. You showed him that good people are out there fighting for our world, you shared yourself with him, you were his friend. He will love you forever.

[madmax]

169. Rest in Peace, Andy

Our condolences to his family and friends.

[converted_democrat]

170. I'm so sorry your gone Andy...........

You will be so missed.

[tommcintyre]

171. Our loss is great, but Andy's spirit will always be with us.

My condolences to his family.

[Walt Starr]

172. We'll pick up the banner and carry it for you, Andy

Peace be with you!

[mod mom]

173. :(!

[Clark2008]

174. Oh my God.

:cry:

Fly... who are we going to spin yarns with regarding Jeff Gannon? We had such fun that night. So interesting!

God bless Andy. Thank you for letting us know.

:hug:

[Kindigger]

175. Goodbye Andy

You're free to sprinkle your strength, courage, and love like pixie dust on us all. Perhaps mine arrived this morning. I woke up with a smile, and a great sense of peace. I would have loved to know you. You were "my kind of people".

Hope to meet you on the other side someday. Sleep well....

drag

[salin]

176. RIP Andy -

we were blessed by your presence. We remain motivated and moved by you selfless fights... may we be worthy of carrying on your battles and your spirit.

You will be unbelieavably missed.

RIP dear Andy, RIP.

[phylny]

178. RIP, God Bless n/t

[gademocrat7]

179. My thoughts and prayers are with Andy's family and friends

May he rest in peace.

[Kip Humphrey]

180. Carrottop's spirit will live on and continue within me and my children

Andy's Gang will continue his fight for justice and Democracy in his memory. A fallen warrior, American patriot, and friend; I will hand down his memory to my children. He will not soon be forgotten nor will his fight be in vain.

[katinmn]

463. Hugs to you, Kip

another fighter for freedom.

:hug:

[ghostsofgiants]

181. Wow...just, wow.

That's terrible news. He fought the good fight and from what I can tell, he fought real fucking hard. He brought DU together in an astouding way and I hope that he's inspired all of us to keep fighting. Whether it be for fair elections in the US or justice throughout the world.

You'll be missed, Andy.

[Serial Mom]

182. So sad, so quick ... my heartfelt sympathy to his family ...

:cry:

[LizW]

184. Rest in peace, Andy.

You will be greatly missed. :hug:

[dalloway]

185. What a tragic, untimely loss!

My sympathy goes out to his family and closest friends. His work was inspiring, and his death is a huge blow to the community of activists here.

Maybe he can put in a good word with the guy (or gal) upstairs to clean up all the crap in the world at the moment.

[unhappycamper]

186. The torch has been passed.

RIP, Andy. We will do our best to carry on. It will be difficult without your guiding hand, but we will try.

Peace to you and your family.

[papau]

187. Rest in peace Andy as you go with God, and may the good Lord

comfort all those around you.

You are in our prayers.

[sniffa]

188. aw fuck man

RIP

i'm here for anyone who needs me. i know many of you were cLose with the man, and i'LL keep you in my thoughts.

[Twist_U_Up]

189. so sad......

A true American Patriot. While I have only been a member of DU for a little over 1/2 a year, I`ve come to appreciate Andy and I applaud all he has done in the name of the real USA and Voters Rights.

Truely a sad day

[OzarkDem]

190. Prayers for Andy

Such a tremendous loss. My condolences to his friends and family - you were a great source of love and comfort to him when he needed you most, I'm sure.

Everyone here did a great job in coming to his aid during a difficult time and it speaks volumes about how wonderful you all are.

Though I didn't know Andy personally, I was inspired by his work and will work with all of you to carry the torch.

[qanda]

191. RIP Andy

Prayers for your family and friends.

[Paradise]

193. You couldn't help but loving him...

[progmom]

194. I am so sorry.

Several of you became such a great support network for Andy, and I know this has to be incredibly painful. My thoughts are with you. :hug:

[sabra]

195. RIP. Your voice will carry on...

[FearofFutility]

196. My deepest sympathy to Andy's loved ones

This is so incredibly sad.......

[supernova]

197. Andy's struggle has come to an end

no more pain, no more suffering.

My heart goes out to Termite and and the rest of their families.

Andy, you fought so heroically. I didn't know you except in your posts here. As with Khephra, I hoped to meet you at a future DU meetup.

The circle of life continues. We will continue your journey here, Andy. Go in peace and with our affection.

[demnan]

198. Why do the good ones always die so young?

:cry:

[Tsiyu]

199. With love to Termite and Andy's family and dear friends

Can't think of any words, just sending love and hope. :grouphug:

Melanie

[Liberal_Andy]

200. Rest in peace, Andy

No more pain, no more indignities laid upon your body.

[all.of.me]

201. oh what a sad day.

prayers and thoughts for everyone.

[nuxvomica]

202. My heartfelt condolences to Andy's friends and family

Every soldier who has fought for freedom, even those without uniform or rank, deserves our undying gratitude.
In honor of "God_bush_n_cheney":

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the Lakes
From the hills
From the sky.
All is well,
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light
Dims the sight
And a star
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

:cry:

[G_j]

203. RIP brave man, goodbye Andy!

(in shock)

[Jawja]

204. Thank you for your

patriotism, Andy! I am so sad.

O8) :cry:

[Liberal In Texas]

205. Damn. We'll all be a little less without you Andy.

:cry:

[wellstone dem]

206. Rest in Peace Andy

Rest in Peace.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

207. My deepest sympathies to Andy's family and friends. RIP.

[Vinca]

208. What sad, sad news. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

[Dee625]

209. It's hard to type when you're shocked and crying

My sypamthies to his family and friends.
He had wonderful friends - that much is for sure.

:cry: :grouphug:

[Junkdrawer]

210. RIP Andy

Condolences to family and friends.

[In_The_Wind]

211. rest in peace Andy

the world lost a very special person at 9:27 when your spirit was welcomed back to it's true home


I'm sorry for your loss Ted :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

514. You were there for him when it truly counted, my friend.

And that's what matters the most.

Rhiannon:hug:

[In_The_Wind]

732. Rhiannon !

:hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

777. I actually looked for you on this thread.

I imagined that you were feeling as bad as anybody here, so I had to give you a hug, too. Did you ever get to give him one from me? This is one sad day for all of DU, but more so for some than for others.;(

Rhiannon:hug:

[Blue Diadem]

212. RIP Dear Andy. My sympathy to his family,friends and all of DU

To find out this morning that he's gone is such a shock. I was never fortunate enough to meet him but through the world of cyberspace, he touched not only my life but so very many others. He was a good man who gave the good fight. We were all blessed to have known him.

Thank you Andy for being part of our lives and for fighting for our rights to vote and be counted. Thank you for being you.

[im10ashus]

213. In the arms of the angels.

May you find some comfort there.

God bless Andy and his family. You've taught us how to fight the good fight, Andy. You WON'T be forgotten.

[Liberal Veteran]

214. My deepest sympathy to his family...

...and to all of us for this loss.

[KittyWampus]

215. Goodnight Andy, You're A Beacon Of Light. We'll Remember-Paper Ballots!

[frictionlessO]

216. Nothing but tears....

Oh Andy....

[laylah]

217. Another sad loss

for the DU family. RIP, Andy. My condolences go out to all. :cry:

Jenn

[GCP]

218. OMG, I had no idea

I'm so sorry for his family and friends. He put up such a good hard fight, this is so sad.
RIP Andy, I'm glad to have helped you get your surgery, go fight those bastards on another plane.

[no name no slogan]

219. Thank you for everything Andy

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest In Peace.
O8)

[Flammable Materials]

220. Thank you for everything you've done, Andy.

You will not be forgotten.

[RetroLounge]

221. RIP Andy...

words fail...

RL

[Brewman_Jax]

222. My condolences

from me and the cats.

[Tim4319]

223. Aw man! I am so sorry to hear that.

[Dinger]

224. My Condolences, And A Question

I am sorry, but I plead ignorance. I am not sure I know who Andy is. I have seen his name in posts, but know nothing about him. Could someone explain? Again, my apologies, and condolences.

[OneBlueSky]

292. Andy was a voting reform activist with many friends on DU . . .

earlier this year he became ill and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer . . . since he had no health insurance, friends on DU initiated a fund raising drive and in less than a month raised $50,000 online for Andy to have specialized surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore . . . after going through the surgery and beginning his recovery, complications developed and Andy was re-admitted to the hospital, where he passed last night . . .

the unfortunate sideline to this story is that a small group of lowlifes on the other side started a rumor that the fund raising for Andy was all a scam . . . in addition to undergoing a painful and risky surgery, Andy also had to contend with proving to the world that he was indeed sick and that the funds raised were indeed used as intended . . .

Andy was much loved by all who knew him, and by thousands who only knew of him and his work . . . it's work that must go on in his memory, for without fair and honest elections, we are all doomed . . .

I didn't know him personally, but from what I know of him I have this vision of Andy storming the Pearly Gates this morning and demanding "Will you PLEASE do something about George W. Bush?!?!" . . . that's the kind of guy he was . . .

Rest in Peace, Andy . . . your work will go on . . .

[merh]

515. Thank you OneBlueSky, that is how I see Andy too

"will you please do something about George W. Bush?!?!"

:hug:



All my love to you termite and Mother Andy and sisters. :grouphug:
:hug: He was so loved and will be missed. :hug:

[ChiciB1]

532. Thanks For This Info.... How Old Was He???

I've seen his name here at DU, and I've seen some he posted too, but never knew him.

I just recently lost a dear friend on 7/5/05 due to Asbestiosis. Funeral is tomorrow. Also my mother died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 67.

This cancer is a KILLER! And the suffering is horrible! She lingered for a long long time and was only drinking demerol when she died, and weighed only 63 lbs.

My condolences to all of his family and friends. Andy seems to have been a real "bright light" to many here at DU! From what I gather, he wasn't very old either.

[marions ghost]

317. Who is Andy?-- for those who may not know

I'm sure his longterm friends can do a better job of describing Andy, but on the surface, here's an answer:
----------------

:patriot: "Andy Stephenson is an activist, a vigilant worker on behalf of clean voting in America. He has worked tirelessly to help uncover details of electronic voting fraud in the 2000, 2002, and 2004 elections. He's devoted years of his life to making America a more democratic nation." Thom Hartmann http://www.opednews.com/hartmann_050105_save_andy.htm
---------------

:patriot: "A great friend of the activist community named Andy Stephenson needs our help. Andy has been a tireless fighter for election reform in America for years. He worked closely with the Black Box Voting organization, spent every waking moment traveling and speaking on the issue of electronic touch-screen voting machines, and even ran for Secretary of State in Washington on a platform based on this specific issue.

I remember meeting up with him last August in Seattle for a Rolling Thunder event. The day was dedicated to a variety of group conversations on topics ranging from the Iraq occupation to environmental protection to electronic voting and the upcoming election. Every gathering where Andy came to speak was packed, and he described in eerily prescient detail what eventually happened in Ohio and elsewhere during the November presidential election."

William Rivers Pitt, PDA Progressive Democrats of America
http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=22
----------------

:patriot: "For two years this brash Seattle businessman has crisscrossed the country and Internet chat rooms, sounding an alarm that your vote could be lost or altered by corporate-controlled software or incompetent bureaucrats.
To those who refuse to let the presidential election die, he's become a heroic watchdog of voter rights — first for Renton-based Black Box Voting and now for Help America Recount, which still is pushing for new vote tallies in three states."

Seattle Times http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002119969_danny15.html
---------------

:patriot: "I am just back from the Progressive Democrats of America Conference in Washington. The trip was a very productive and the consensus coming from that is, that we all believe that a paper ballot is the first step in a larger battle for election reform. This is the beginning of a new Voting Rights Movement … and we are all on the front lines because democracy, itself, depends on us."

Andy Stephenson
Action Alert--read the rest at:
http://www.udpc.org/alerts.htm

PAPER BALLOTS PAPER BALLOTS PAPER BALLOTS PAPER BALLOTS PAPER BALLOTS
:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: NGU NGU NGU :cry: Andy Stephenson :cry: NGU NGU NGU :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[helderheid]

395. I put that action alert up at the udpc site

:cry:

[mmonk]

225. Truly sad news

Rest in eternal peace Andy

[Taxloss]

226. That's awful. I'm so sorry.

[Solly Mack]

227. Damn

Damn.Damn.Damn.Damn.

Rest in Peace, Andy.

[in_cog_ni_to]

228. RIP Andy.

My condolences to his family.

I'm so sad. :cry: This is heartbreaking.

[mikita]

229. Namaste Andy...

you will live on in our hearts.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[BattyDem]

230. Goodbye Andy ... you will be missed.

My condolences to his family and friends. I wish I could say more, but there are no words ... I'm just stunned. I am so sorry. :cry:


edited ... to make more sense

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

231. My deepest condolences to Andy's family and friends

Rest in peace, Andy.

[spooky3]

232. I am so very sorry to hear this. Rest in peace, Andy. My

condolences to all of his dear friends and those who did so much to help him.

[mopinko]

233. shit shit shit

if we could all leave such a legacy of good behind, this world would not be the screwed up mess it is. my condolences to his family, especially to termite. rip my friend.

[Misunderestimator]

234. Rest in Peace, Andy.

You will be missed.

[Saphire]

235. Rest, Andy.

[eyesroll]

236. Thanks for everything, Andy.

My heart goes out to Termite, and especially to Andy's mother -- she'd already been through so much with Andy's sister.

[Cassandra]

237. SHIT!!!

In honor of Andy

VOTER VERIFIED PAPER BALLOTS which can be counted.

Really stinks to wake up to this sad news.

[Darth_Kitten]

238. This is shocking....

:cry:

I'm so sorry he didn't pull through. :(

[brainshrub]

239. Rest in Peace Andy.

A verfifiable paper ballot. I will demand a verifiable paper ballot.

Rest in peace, buddy.

[Hobo]

240. I am really broke up

weird, over someone I have never met.

Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

Let four captains
Bear Andy, like a soldier, to the stage;
For he was likely, had he been put on,
To have proved most royally.

Hobo

:cry:

[OneBlueSky]

241. Rest in Peace, Andy . . . your work will go on . . . n/t

.

[Jo March]

242. No no no no no NO!

This can't be right! This can't be. Andy had too much work to do, too many people who loved him. This can't be!!

Dammit.

Rest in peace, Andy. Thank you for all that you brought to our lives.

O8)

[SalmonChantedEvening]

243. Oh no....

Rest in Peace Andy. :cry:

My condolences to his family, friends, and to everyone here at DU.

[newportdadde]

244. I should have followed the update threads better.

I knew Andy had been readmitted but I did not know things had progressed this way. Was very shocked to read this when I got in this morning.

RIP Andy, you fought hard and did everything in your power to keep fighting just as you had for the causes you believed in. You will be missed.

[elehhhhna]

245. with love

You inspired me to get involved, andy. the pm's, the coaching calls, and your warmth and intelligence nurtured this budding voting-rights activist. where there was one, there are now many.

you did your job, honey. trust that we will carry on.

"Voter Verified Paper BALLOT as the ballot of record, darn it!"

XO,
e

[Mutley]

246. Rest In Peace, Andy

I never knew you, but I know you were a wonderful person.

:hug: to Ted and all who knew and loved Andy.

[peekaloo]

247. Goodbye Andy.

Overwhelmed by sorrow and anger right now.

Peace and strength to his family and those special DUers for rallying around Andy in his time of need.

Out of respect for A. I won't vent my anger at those who mocked and taunted a sick and dying man.

:cry:

O8)

[Rhiannon12866]

248. God_bush_n_cheney, Andy, was one of my first friends on DU.

I got to know him when he posted a heart-wrenching thread, because a young man he had helped and mentored had suddenly and unexpectedly committed suicide. What he had to say was so anguished that it broke my heart, and I was just so impressed with the compassion of other DUers, who posted sympathy and support for more than a day. But Andy got himself together, actually PMed his thanks to each and every one of us who had replied, which must have been quite a job, and pledged his support to his friend's surviving wife and baby. He started a fund for them. I couldn't have been more impressed. This was one of my first introductions to DU.:-)

And, over these few years, I have been continually impressed with Andy's many kindnesses, especially to other DUers, including me, by his intelligence and involvement, and his hard work for the cause which meant so much to him. God bless God_bush_n_cheney, Andy, a man that I was proud to call my friend. I'll sure miss you, Andy. I cannot believe that you're gone. You were just the best and you have my promise that I'll never forget you and your generosity and kindness! Godspeed, God_bush_n_cheney!:hug:;(

And damn FR to hell.:grr:

[spanone]

249. Dammit......so sorry, so sorry.

[bunny planet]

250. This is unspeakably sad I can't even wrap my mind around it this morning.

Rest in Peace Andy.
We love you.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

251. So sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace, and my thoughts

and prayers are with his family and friends. :(

[Lydia Leftcoast]

252. What can one say except deepest sympathy to

Andy's family and many friends? His family has had so much grief and sorrow.

Last night's post about Andy "resting comfortably" gave me a sense of foreboding--people with cancer can go into a steep decilne and die in a distressingly short time. But I didn't expect to wake up to this news. :cry:

I know it's too soon, but someone farther up in the thread used the term "Andy's Gang." As one who remembers the TV show of that same name, I think it would be an excellent name for some sort of organization that continued his work.

But first, a prayer.

Into your hands, o God, we commend your servant Andy, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock...Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light.

(adapted from the Book of Common Prayer)

[Skinner]

253. I am so sorry.

I can't believe it. Rest in peace Andy.

[MissWaverly]

358. Thanks Skinner for all your help with the drive, I know it was crazy

he was truly one of the best people I ever met, I always thought that he
was like an angel and now he is an angel.

[flyarm]

404. THANK YOU SKINNER...

you were and are a kind soul to have helped Andy and us as you did.
It was a very worthy cause..and i can tell you Andy had the utmost respect and love for you.

Andy stayed with me after the surgery, and i will tell you he knew the gift he was given by so many wonderful people at D.U. and he was so appreciative. He didn't get the time he wanted to truly Thank everyone the way he wanted.

He was in the fight for his life and he fought gallantly from an inner place i wish i knew i would have, under the same circumstances.

Andy was a fighter..and he fought for life to the end.
I know i have been touched by a very "special " man, we all have been touched by a very "special man" i can tell you that .

Andy was humble man , who loved so many and was loved by so many..
i applaud you Skinner for helping , and letting Andy's community come together for an inspirational act of love and caring.

I trust that all of us have been made better people for knowing Andy and being able to work together for one of gods wonderful people.

I kept thinking, isn't this what we are supposed to do as human beings, help one another?

I am confident that with all the love poured out here for Andy , god is happy that we did our jobs as humans, and we did it well.

I just ask one thing,of everyone... please let go of the nasty people who would harm anyone who are ill or sick out of jealousy , or some sick pathetic agenda..let it go...

let it go for Andy... don't confront these people who would have done him harm, you only give them the legs for their hatred.
You can not change hateful people..they will hate to their end..let it go..for Andy.

And again thank you skinner for helping us as a community to reach out to one of our own in a very loving way.

fly

[lavendermist]

429. You have such a generous heart, flyarm, and all the others

who were close to Andy. Thank you for supporting him when the rest of us couldn't. And thank you and Beth and Ben and everyone for supporting us. Our hearts are broken. :hug: to you.

Beverly

[EFerrari]

568. He loved DU, Skinner.

Thank you.

[Patsy Stone]

254. Andy, you will be missed.

RIP and thanks for all of your efforts to bring truth to light.
O8)

[chalky]

255. Andy. Oh my God. I'm so sad to hear this.

Rest in Peace, Andy. You've earned your wings.

[PDittie]

256. Now he rests in peace

Thanks, Andy, for showing us all how to fight.

Rest now, thou good and faithful servant.

[Just Me]

257. Andy, your fight for "the people" will leave a mark of inspiration here.

I'll see ya' when I come home. Love ya' O8)

[Stephanie]

258. Andy!

Oh, I didn't think this would really happen... just found out now, reading this. Andy!

Ted, we love you. We've got you back Ted. Whatever you need, sweetie, just let us know.

xx
Stef

[katinmn]

259. When I'm tired and I don't wanna fight anymore I will remember you

Andy you fought so hard for all the right things. You fought against the evil in this world, you fought for justice and equality.

And man, you fought SO hard to stay alive.

I'm gonna carry some of your warrior's courage with me always.

Rest in peace, sweet one.

Voter Verified Paper Ballots and Health Care For All!

[MadisonProgressive]

260. What a way to start the morning (mourning)

Andy, I never knew you, but I will really miss you. I hope you are at peace now. My condolences to his family and friends.

This is turning out to be the week from hell...:cry:

[BooScout]

261. You're in the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here

[lapislzi]

262. My thoughts are with Andy's family and friends

He fought--is still fighting--the good fight.

Condolences and warm thoughts.

Ginny

[FourStarDemocrat]

264. My heartfelt condolences to Andy's family and friends..

I did not know Andy personally, but his selfless work, determination and humanity has been an inspiration to me. He will be greatly missed. RIP Andy Stephenson.



.

[HeeBGBz]

265. Oh dear, what happened?

I was moving to Mississippi and haven't been on the boards.

I thought he was doing better after surgery.

Rest in peace, Andy. My prayers and sympathy to Andy's family and loved ones.

My heart is saddened by this news.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

266. Rest in peace Andy...

I never met you in person, so why am I crying?

You fought so hard, it's not fair!


Condolences to the family and please post the arrangements when they are made, I'll be there.

[acmejack]

267. You fought the good fight.

I wish you fair winds and following seas. I hope to see you in the next life...

[Q]

268. ...

...No mere words will suffice...

[cyberpj]

269. Peace and blessings on Andy -

- his family and friends, of which there were many.

Would that all of us could have the impact of this one man before we move on.

I'm sorry we lost you but glad you will find peace and I promise you I will help to keep your voice alive in the battle here.

VOTER VERIFED PAPER BALLOTS!

[soup]

270. Rest in peace, Andy.

My condolences to all. I didn't know him personally, only through his work and his posts here. What struck me the most about him was his unflagging spirit and the ability to just keep going.

In his honor - because I don't think 'impossible' or 'can't' were even in his vocabulary:

Listen to the mustn'ts

by Shel Silverstein


Listen to the mustn'ts child

Listen to the don'ts

Listen to the shouldn'ts,

the impossibles and the won'ts

Listen to the never haves

Then listen close to me

Anything can happen child

Anything can be.

He will truly be missed.

[ClintonTyree]

271. Another DUer gone.....

there have been far too many of late. Rest in peace, Andy.

[meganmonkey]

272. Be at peace now Andy

We all love you so much. We will carry on your work.

O8)

[ArchTeryx]

273. A sad ending...

...to one of the of the best acts of charity I've ever seen in my life. At least it can be said that it wasn't lack of money or support that killed him in the end, and that makes this story at least slightly less tragic.

Clear skies and fair wings, far above the muddy world of politics.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

274. .

:(
I have no words.
Rest now, Andy.

[DeepModem Mom]

275. I believe he said he knew he'd made a difference with his life...

although that life was far, far too brief. Peace, Andy, and angels. Love to his family, and deepest appreciation to the very special, and truly compassionate, people here who gave so much of themselves to Andy's battle, and to everyone who helped just by contributing to the shared generosity of this community, which so badly wanted Andy to have the best chance.

[graywarrior]

276. I am so sorry. He fought so hard.

He will live forver here at DU.

[Cerridwen]

277. Rest in Peace, Andy.

My condolences to his family and friends.

We've lost a great warrior. Too many will never know what he has done for them. I mourn for them as well.




:cry:


:grouphug:

[VelmaD]

278. I just wanted to say how much I love you all...

the expressions of love for Andy...I don't have the words to tell you what they mean.

Andy was one of my closest friends and as much as it hurts right now...it was an honor and a privilege to have known him. He had the biggest heart of any human being I've ever known and I know that he taught me about how important it is to open up and love people without reservations.

He taught me one more thing just yesterday morning...always always always tell the people you love that you love them. The last phone conversation Andy and I had the last thing we said was "I love you" and I'm so very glad now that we did.

Honor Andy...tell someone you love them today.

[tavalon]

682. What a magnificent blessing for you

So many learn that lesson because they forgot to say the words at the last.

My heart is with you and his family.

[warrior1]

279. Oh no

he was just a fighter.
Rest in Peace Andy, you will be missed.

Mary

[Spike from MN]

280. I am really sorry to hear that. What a huge loss.

I really thought he was going to come out of this OK. My condolences to his friends and family. RIP Andy. You will be missed.

[indy_azcat]

281. We are deeply sorry

rest in peace Andy

:cry:

[Tess49]

282. Sweet baby. You will be missed.

[Mikimouse]

283. I am so sorry, I have no words to describe....

Rest in Peace, Andy. You fought the good fight, now it's time to rest.

[indigo32]

284. Rest In Peace Andy

you are missed already.
My thoughts are with his loved ones today.
;(

[DemReadingDU]

285. I am so sorry

My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

[DemonFighterLives]

286. That's terrible news

Rest in Peace Andy.

[KatyaR]

287. God bless you, Andy . . .

and God bless everyone who worked so hard to help Andy during this difficult time.

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest . . . .

[understandinglife]

288. Peace, my friend.

[MsUSA]

289. Oh my gawd!!! I didn't know he was so close to dying.....

prayers, prayers, and more prayers for those left behind to morn his passing. *hugs* *hugs* *hugs* So very sorry for his family and friends.

[Renew Deal]

290. I am very sad to hear this.

It has happened again. I suppose that when you have 70,000 friends, this will happen often, but damn. Some of the best are gone. I remember when Andy told us that he was going to run for office. I was one of the first posters in that thread. I wasn't that familiar with him, but he seemed like a nice guy. Of course, I got to see him in action a lot after that. It's so tragic. RIP my friend.

[RogueTrooper]

291. Sleep well Andy

[Greylyn58]

293. RIP Andy n/t

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

294. So sorry to read of this...

I remember hearing him interviewed on Air America, and posting on the BBV forums, and in one of the films from them, Invisible Ballots.

RIP

O8)

[AtLiberty]

295. Tears...

In your honor, Andy, I will continue to fight for election reform.

Your spirit fortifies me.

[arcos]

296. This sucks...

Rest in peace, Andy :(

[Window]

297. I am so sorry.

Condolences to all who knew and loved Andy. RIP Andy

[madrchsod]

298. "sorrowful angels wept into their wings"

[SmokingJacket]

300. Devastating.

No words.

He's left such a legacy for us, such a responsibility to carry on.

:cry:

[Shell Beau]

301. I am so sorry! My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones!

[GardeningGal]

302. I never met Andy

But I felt like I knew him and considered him a friend. My heart goes out to Ted and the rest of Andy's family.

If anyone knows what Andy's favorite flower was, please let me know. I want to plant it in my garden in memory of him.

Peace to you my friend.

:cry:

[readermostly]

304. I'm so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to all of Andy's

loved ones.

[wtbymark]

305. My condolences

we lost another warrior, it saddens but strengthens.

[bleedingheart]

306. words can't express how sorry I am that he has lost his battle

but I hope that he is in a peaceful place right now...

[msanthrope]

307. My heart is heavy...and I am so sad at this news. RIP, Andy..n/t

[MadisonProgressive]

308. Scamdy.com is requesting access to all autopsy records!!

What a evil bunch of losers! I've never witnessed anything so vile in my life. They should be truly ashamed.:grr:

[FighttheFuture]

448. Andy is an INSPIRATION and a counter to these types of sub-humans.

It is scum like them that has infected our country. They will continue to spread their lies about Andy, it is all they can do to stand against the light and the truth. They have none of their own.

[KamaAina]

585. They'll have to live with the thought that the delay THEY CAUSED

by behaving like, as you said, sub-humans, may have put Andy over the edge. :banghead:

[shrike]

685. Do you know they're blaming Andy for his own fate?

And his friends, for causing his death?

I just popped over to that site. Felt like taking a bath after I clicked off. At first I thought DU should leave a message, but then I thought, "Why, bother?

[KamaAina]

693. Excuse me??!!

How, exactly, are we his friends supposed to have caused his death?! Have these people* no humanity AT ALL? (Oh, right...)

On second thought, never mind. If Will Pitt sees any of that toxic bilge, his head is gonna :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: .

[underpants]

309. I'm very sorry to hear this

Rest in Peace Sir and to the family and friends our thoughts and prayers

[Suziq]

310. OMG - I am deeply saddened

I truly thought Andy was going to make it.

Andy will always live in my heart. Rest in peace . . . We will continue your fight.

:cry:

[SheepyMcSheepster]

311. RIP andy, you are a hero.

thank you.

[MuseRider]

312. Oh no.

I was so afraid of this the last few days.

Andy will live on in all of us who came here and learned from him what commitment meant. He worked so very hard and he did it for us and with us. He inspired me as I know he inspired others.

Andy dear, we will do our best. Your time for rest is here and you deserve it so rest well and in peace.

[Lannes]

313. Thought he was going to pull through

My condolences to his family,friends,and partner.I never had the priveledge of meeting him but I do know from reading his posts and about him that he spent his life trying to make a difference.I dont believe there is a higher calling.

"Who are we to put a question mark where God has put a period."

Rest in Peace Andy

[K8-EEE]

314. Andy We Will Carry On

Thank you for your work.

[MadHound]

315. Rest in Peace Andy

We will miss you and your voice. May you find the peace and joy that you so richly deserve.

[DrRang]

320. So sorry to hear it. n/t

[halobeam]

316. So long.

I didn't know you, but I felt your heart.
I didn't speak to you, but I heard your message.
I didn't lose hope, we are kindred souls,
I will carry on stronger, because of you.

All my heartfelt prayers for Andy's family.

[Kelvin Mace]

318. No, no

I just found out and am on the road.

Andy, you deserved better than this, much better. I am sorry I couldn't do more to stop your tormentors. Please forgive me.

David.

[MelissaB]

571. You did the best you could, and thank you for that!

:hug: You have nothing to feel guilty about.

[Dob Bole]

319. And so one man's journey comes to an end...

and what a spectacular journey it was. I'm glad that we were able to give Andy hope. I didn't know him very well, but personally, I'm taking on the cause of Universal Health Care.

For Andy.

[freedomfries]

334. Thank you Andy

Thank you Andy
And Thanks to you
Flyarm, Sfexpat and many others
For bringing us together
To fight his parting
We lost that one
But we won't forget
- VVPB -
Thank you Andy!

[blondeatlast]

322. God bless you, Andy. nt

[Bonhomme Richard]

323. Rest in Peace Brave Warrior.

[myrna minx]

324. Oh Andy.

You will live with us in our hearts forever. May your spirit live in peace. :cry: :loveya:

[xultar]

325. WOW!!! I'll miss you!

[Name removed]

767. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

768. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

769. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[crispini]

326. Peace and love to Andy and his friends and family.

[sinkingfeeling]

327. What a terrible loss to the world! At least, Andy is free from the

pain and ugliness of this life. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this time of great sorrow.

[BrklynLiberal]

328. I am speechless. I truly thought Andy was winning his battle.

Sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him better than I did.
His passing is a great loss to all of us who value courage, integrity, and a heart dedicated justice.
This sad, sad news.

:cry:

[wildeyed]

329. I am so sorry.

Peace to Andy and my thoughts and good wishes to all his friends and family.

[malmapus]

330. To the close friends and family Andy had

Wow, I didn't know Andy and this news hit me harder than I thought when I first read the topic.

From the way your friends rallied to get you the help you needed, and from your work to make this country better can tell you were a real strong and stand up guy.

I still think the DU getting behind and helping out was our greatest moment.

Thoughts and prayers with everyone whose life he touched, as well as to Andy.

[bj2110]

331. To Andy and all who knew him and for their untold grief:

I offer my deepest condolences. I know he worked hard for a just cause, and never got the respect he so dutifully deserved. He will be remembered, and he did make a difference...

[bluedog]

332. Rest in Peace Andy

So sorry to hear this....

[doubleplusgood]

333. rest in peace, Andy

[rockymountaindem]

335. Rest in peace.

[alfredo]

336. It's just too sad. The good die young.

We need to pick up where he left off. We need to continue the fight for a transparent verifiable vote.

[lateo]

337. So sad.

You will be missed Andy.

[CarolNYC]

338. awww....

One more piece of bad news in what has been a horrendous week...Rest in peace, Andy...and God bless you and your family.

[DinahMoeHum]

339. Andy, I'll see you up there someday.

'til then, be at peace.

:hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

340. I am so sorry

Please pass on my prayers and love to his family.

[kedrys]

341. Oh dear God.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

Rest in peace, Andy, and thanks for everything.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Andy's family and friends.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[rox63]

342. OMG - This is so sad

I had no idea he was getting sicker. Rest in peace, Andy. You were a true patriot, and your work will continue. Now we have an angel watching out for our votes from above. :cry: :grouphug: :patriot: O8)

[Name removed]

755. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[funkybutt]

343. Andy faught the good fight.....on so many fronts

Rest in Peace Andy. You will be missed. My condolences to all of Andy's loved ones.

[Jack Rabbit]

344. Rest in Peace

Our condolences to the family.

-- Jack Rabbit and MaryBear

[skylarmae]

345. Andy, RIP.

condolences to family and all who cared you.

[ChickMagic]

346. Aw shit.

I never got to meet Andy, but contributed to his health care costs. I am so sad to hear this. I'm a cancer survivor and I hoped he would be too. May he rest in the peace he truly deserves. :cry:

[Mixxster]

347. R.I.P. Andy.

My sincere condolences to all Andy's family and friends.

[Pithy Cherub]

348. Andy is organizing the Angels (and making them laugh)

and we will honor him by organizing here so that everyone will have VVPB!

May Angels sing thee to thy rest. Onward and Upward Andy! Peace be unto his loved ones everywhere!

Thank you for a life well lived! :toast:

[XanaDUer]

349. Damn!

I thought he was doing better. May he RIP and my condolences to all his friends and family. :cry:

[gollygee]

350. How sad

my condolences to his loved ones.

:(

[JCMach1]

351. Damn....

:(

[flvegan]

352. It's the "good ones" all too often. Thank you Andy, for all you did.

Rest in peace.

[Catshrink]

353. Andy

:cry:

[SarahB]

354. Goodbye Andy.

You will be missed. O8)

[RedEarth]

355. Rest in peace Andy

We will carry on your fight.......

[mia]

356. God bless you, Andy,

and peace to all your friends and relatives.

[Coexist]

357. goodbye, Andy

I never met you, but was touched by you all the same.

[Octafish]

359. My deepest sympathies to Andy's family.

He will be missed by his friends and colleagues on DU.

Until we meet again, we'll keep up the good fight.

[helderheid]

360. Andy you are so loved

and you'll live forever through us. We'll carry the torch now and continue the fight in your name. God bless you and thank you - you're loved - rest now.

[melissinha]

361. Rest in peace, Andy

We must continue to further his causes. I know we can live up to his legacy and make him proud.

[Jara sang]

362. So sad...

RIP Andy. My condolences go out to your family.

[Coloradan4Truth]

363. Rest in Peace Andy

and peace to his family and friends.

I only knew Andy through his posts here, but I know the world is a better place because he was here, and now heaven is a better place too.

[quiet.american]

364. Such sad news....

"...the spirit shall cease to be never...."

Peace, Andy. And thank you for making a difference.

[goodboy]

365. "Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep"

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond's gift of snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the autumn's gentle rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die.

[goodboy]

367. Ascension...

Ascension

And if I go,
while your still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name to your heart,
...I will be there.

Collen Corah Hitchcock

[meganmonkey]

391. Hey

:hug:

:cry:

[goodboy]

414. hey...

:hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

368. Rest in Peace, Andy.

We miss you, man.

FSC

[StaggerLee]

369. Peace be upon you Andy

You fought hard.

You were an inspiration to us all.

O8)

[Chi]

370. To a true warrior of democracy, and to a man who would lead thousands

I salute you.
Your passion, and sacrifice for the cause
will never be forgotten.
(with tears rolling down his face, Chi stands on his desk and says,
'Oh Captain, my Captain'.)

Condolences to Termite, and the rest of Andy's family (bow)

[LibDemAlways]

371. Rest in Peace, Andy.

Back when you were still known as God Bush and Cheney here, I PM'd you and asked you for the location of your sub shop so my husband could stop there while in Seattle on business. He came by one morning just as you were opening, and asked "Are you God Bush and Cheney?" (Imagine how that would have sounded to a non DUer.) With a big smile and handshake you replied, "I AM God Bush and Cheney." You then spent an hour talking politics and election reform with a stranger, taking time out from your day and business to talk about that which was important to you. My husband was so impressed by your dedication and passion.

You are gone too soon. The loss is great, but the best way to honor your memory is to carry on the work and continue the fight. I know DUers won't let you down.

Heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.

[Dudley_DUright]

372. Andy was a dedicated fighter for democracy

We can honor him by continuing the fight. He will be missed. :cry:

[Flying Dream Blues]

373. Rest in peace, Andy.

The beauty of your spirit was obvious to all of us who never met you. You have inspired so many, and you will not be forgotten as we carry on in your name.

Love and peace to you, Ted, and your family.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

[PleadTheFirst]

374. Damn it.

You fought for all of us, Andy. We will never forget, and will honor your memory by fighting harder.

Godspeed, brother.

[derby378]

375. Peace be upon you, Andy

My love and condolences to your family and loved ones.

We'll keep up the fight on your behalf. Rest easy.

[GrapesOfWrath]

376. Dear, precious Andy

with a smile that could light up the sky. I am so very heartbroken at your passing. We will never forget you. You will always inspire us.

[KansDem]

377. RIP...

The fight is over.

[yankeeinlouisiana]

378. Peace and Light be with your Spirit, Andy.

n/t

[Old and In the Way]

379. You made a difference, Andy.

Thanks for the work you did on behalf of us all. You will be missed.

[Coventina]

380. I just can't believe it. I think I'm in shock.

I never knew him personally, but I was following his story here on the board pretty closely.

I'm so sad. I can't believe it.

My love goes out to his family and friends. What a tragedy.

[Blue_Roses]

381. WHAT?

I thought he was doing well since his surgery. I didn't know Andy but felt like I did through DU and I have been following close to his recovery. I'm numb. What happened? This is so sad. My condolences to his loved ones:cry:

[EFerrari]

630. The situation went south very quickly.

I'm so sorry, Blueroses.

:hug:

[berni_mccoy]

382. Goodbye Friend

May you find peace.

You were a true patriot and I will miss you.
:patriot:

[Sydnie]

385. There are no words

You will live on in all of us Andy, and we will take your cause as ours and carry on for you.

Rest in peace, in the arms of the angels and the thoughts of those who loved you.

You have made a difference and will continue to make a difference through all of us. You will be missed and spoken of often in both wistful, bittersweet words and in cries for strength when it appears depleated within us. You will be our guardian angel when all seems hopeless and will guide us to the light when all seems darkest.

Rest well now and know, you have touched many of our hearts and minds and have left a path for all of us to follow.

I hope someday to celebrate the "Andy Stephenson Voter Verifiable Paper Ballot Act" in the very near future.

To Andy's family and especially Termite - Thank you for sharing this very special human being with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now too.

:grouphug: O8)

[Roland99]

386. Damn...RIP, Andy

[Me.]

387. No Words

Total Sadness

[thingsarelookingup]

400. May Andy rest in peace - his memory will live on.

[SiouxJ]

388. Oh man. That hurts.

I'm stunned.

My sincerest condolences to Andy's friends and family.

We'll miss you Andy!

[Justpat]

389. Peace.

Love and condolences to Termite and Andy's family.

[Richard Steele]

390. We are all poorer today than we were yesterday. R.I.P. Andy.

[Stand and Fight]

392. You will be long remembered.

Fly away on the wings of angels. Rest in peace.

[smbolisnch]

393. So sorry to hear that.

Rest in peace, Andy :(

[KaliTracy]

394. he has touched so many lives, gave with his heart, this saddens me

greatly.

may he rest in deep peace...

my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.



:grouphug:

[youspeakmylanguage]

396. Rest in peace, brother...

I didn't know you, but I appreciate the work you did for all of America.

You're beyond all of this worldly BS now. Rest your weary head.

[Left Is Write]

397. I'm sorry...

Love and peace to those who knew and loved Andy.

[cally]

398. I'll miss you Andy

I hope a small part of your passion and comitment encourages us all in these dark times. Rest in peace.

[DancingBear]

399. Thank you, Andy

I can usually put my thoughts to paper - I can not do so today.

Rest in peace, Andy - you were, and are, a very special human being.

[Lars39]

401. My condolences to family and friends.

So many hearts are heavy with his passing.
Rest in peace, Andy. :cry:

[musette_sf]

403. godspeed Andy

we will do our very best to make sure your work and your dreams live on. blessings to you, and strength and courage to your family, friends, and all of us DUers who miss you dearly. O8)

[kristndem]

405. Rest In Peace, Andy

You will be sorely missed

[seemslikeadream]

406. A very sad day

This is a very very sad day


http://www.simokyfed.com.nyud.net:8090/kotel/images/05-hug.jpg

[EC]

408. Rest in Peace Andy...

I was so sure he'd be okay, this is sad...As I read this Eric Clapton is playing on the radio...Knocking on Heaven's Door...I feel he's entered Heaven's Door and will watch over us and guide us...

[Throckmorton]

409. Good Bye Andy

Say hello to April for me. Tell her we are doing fine.

[lonestarnot]

410. Peace brother...

We will fight on! And that is a promise!

[sweetheart]

411. blessed by the brilliant light

Andy you lucky man, off in to the joyful beyond leaving
the rest of us praying for paper ballots.

And as we pray, like Obi Wan, you are present to guide the battle
"if you strike me down darth, i shall become more powerful than
you can possibly imagine".

All hail the great victory of andy stephenson's life.
Celibrate his great heart, his wise blessings and
laugh for all those moments

You are free now andy in the arms of the light
And while the body has failed you
your spirit has arison and lifted
us all in your arms
in to heaven where they
. . . . use paper ballots.

Dance with joy for the passing of a great warrior.
Hare Rama
Hare Rama
Rama Rama
Hare Hare
(dancing)

[renate]

622. he was indeed a great warrior

and a brave soul with the joyful spirit to keep his sense of humor when he had so much to fight against.
We were lucky to have him with us. What a wonderful combination of integrity, strength, and sweetness he had.

[recovering democrat]

412. Rest in Peace, Andy

There is only one message: Voter Verified Paper Ballots.

[kentuck]

413. My condolences to his Family..

here at DU also..............

[flamingyouth]

415. Deepest condolences to Andy's family

And to everyone here who cared so much and worked so hard to help him.

[mike_c]

416. I'm so sorry-- my condolences go to Andy's family, and to...

...everyone else whose life he touched, including the members of this community. Rest peacefully, Andy Stephenson.

[Desertrose]

417. Oh...damn....I'm so sorry....damn

Bless you Andy...you were such a fighter and you gave us all that gift now....we will take up that fight dear soul.

I'm just so sad.....we have lost too many good DUers lately....
hope you guys are all hanging out together....:) O8)

We miss you....
:cry: :hug:
DR

[The_Casual_Observer]

418. Thank you for everything you did Andy.

[Dastard Stepchild]

419. My condolences to family and friends...

I'm sorry.

[bicentennial_baby]

420. For Andy and his circle: Auden's 'Funeral Blues'

Funeral Blues

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

-- W.H. Auden

and for Termite, I am so very sorry for your loss. Feel love, feel peace. :cry: :cry: :cry: O8)

[AceAlmighty82]

421. Rest In Peace Andy

[seabeyond]

422. putting out my love to all of andy's.........

fly with the angels. beautiful

[grace0418]

423. My heart is broken all over again.

I am so sorry for the family and close friends of Andy, who have lost so much. What a terrible loss.


I hope that Andy can start kicking some ass in the afterlife and get us some help down here! ;)

[Stinky The Clown]

425. Andy, there's are simple truths to your life .........

You made a difference.

You touched people.

You worked for good.

You inspired action in others.

You stood for something.

In short, Andy ....... You mattered.

And not many can say that ......

Peace be with you.

[AuntPatsy]

426. I'm shocked and saddened, I honestly thought he would make it..

considering all the support and love so many on this site gave to Andy, one should have no doubt that he never felt alone nor is he now...

My condolences to all his family and friends...

Rest in Peace...

[Greybnk48]

427. Such sad news

I really thought he'd beat this. Condolences to his family.

[Ikonoklast]

432. The passing of an American Patriot.....

....Godspeed, Andy.

[ulysses]

433. goddamit.

Rest well, Andy. I'm sorry.

[lavendermist]

434. Tears won't stop...

Love to Andy's family and friends. :hug: Even in the pain of losing the battle, I am so glad to have been a part of such love and compassion here. I am so sad. :cry:

Beverly

[renate]

775. You're right...

It was a beautiful thing, the way he brought us together. What a legacy he left.
I read someone's description of him on another thread--that he was noble. So true.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

435. My condolences to Termite and Andy's family and friends

:cry:

He put up such a fight, I can't believe he's gone.

[FlaGranny]

436. Gone too soon,

but he accomplished his mission. He planted a seed which is flourishing and will continue to grow and live on.

[wildflower]

437. Oh, no...what happened? Rest in peace, Andy

I'm so sorry. Condolences to you and the rest of Andy's friends and family.

-wildflower

[Individualist]

438. With heavy heart and bowed head,

I offer my sincerest condolences to Andy's family and many friends. :cry:

Now he's with Kheph and nostamj.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

439. Because of Andy, the world is a better place & we are better people

God speed, my friend.

[Sushi-Lover]

440. RIP Andy

The proudest now is but my peer,
The highest not more high;
To-day, of all the weary year,
A king of men am I.
To-day alike are great and small,
The nameless and the known
My palace is the people's hall,
The ballot-box my throne!

-John Greenleaf Whittier

[troubleinwinter]

441. Peace, Andy

and thank you for being a friend and for all that you taught us and all you did for us.

Love to you and all of your family, loved-ones and friends.

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

442. Of course the pricks in freeperville still

can't help but trash him. Conservative yes. Compassionate my ass:

To: RoyalsFan
Take the money and run???

To: Bahbah
That or DUh just wants to cover up whole thing.

"What money? There were no donations, he's dead, why can't you leave him (and DU) alone?"

I'll bet he will still be voting in November..........


To: RoyalsFan
Just one question. Is there a request on DU to send money for his funeral?

To: WakeUpAndVote
I noticed that in 300# replies, there is no mention of burial plans.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1438879/posts

[katinmn]

456. They don't matter.

They can't hurt Andy anymore.

[Quixote1818]

465. At least a few of them were quite gracious and seemed concerned..

One said the other guy owed Andy an apology. A few are just mean.

[Democracy White]

679. CU has been trashing us too

I just was over there. What a bunch of heartless assholes! I thought they were supposed to be compassionate?

Dee

[DWolper]

706. Actually, they are being VERY respectful

I became interested in this a month or so back and found the "CU" site. I read as they finally kicked the Scamdy people off their board. When I saw this thread, I visited CU and there is a very long and VERY respectful thread wishing Andy Godspeed and best wishes to his family and to his friends here at DU. So sorry to hear about Andy's death. RIP, my friend.

[Aristus]

443. Good-bye, Andy.

I'm sorry I never got to meet you. :cry:

RIP, my friend. God go with you.

[thinkingwoman]

444. Voter verified paper ballots

My deepest condolences to Termite and all of Andy's family and friends.

[Name removed]

770. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

772. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

773. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cleita]

445. OMG, another one of the good ones.

This is so sad. He will be in good company, joining Kephra and Nostamj. We left behind will be ever so sad.

I personally will work harder at election reform than ever to help complete the work he started out to do.

[El Fuego]

447. I am so sorry...

I did not know him personally, but after all I have read about the situation this breaks my heart. :cry:

[Pacifist Patriot]

449. I had the pleasure of speaking with Andy on the telephone

back in January. He didn't know me from Eve but took the time to graciously answer questions and provide me with the information I needed. He didn't have to take time out of a very busy schedule to make a long distance call like that, but his conviction in the importance of the cause was impressive. I will miss him. Rest in Peace!

[progressivebydesign]

450. I'm speechless and heartbroken. Rest in Peace Andy.

It's raining up here in Andy's city today, and it's very appropriate. I'm sorry that life had to be so hard for you on Earth this year, may you find peace with the angels.

[Catherine Vincent]

451. I am so sad and so sorry.

I was dreading to log into DU this a.m. Andy was fighting so hard to live. But he is in a better place. He is at peace.

This place will never be the same without him. I, and many others, will miss you Andy.

:cry:

[FighttheFuture]

452. Thank you for gracing us,Andy. God bless and RIP. Your works will

inspire and live onward.

Thank you.

[Booster]

454. There are no words...Rest in Peace, Andy. You've done your best.

[Quixote1818]

455. WOW! JUST WOW! What a huge loss to our World!

He most certainly impacted the world in a positive way! He lived a productive, meaningful, inspiring life! I am deeply saddened!

[GoldenOldie]

493. What more can man ask?

Andy fought the good fight. He had the ability to unite peoples to work together for a common cause. He was a teacher, a listener and a friend to all he met. We only have to read the many, many posts to confirm this.

How many of us will be able to leave this earth knowing that we left it a little richer for our having been here?

"What you give yourself, dies with you. What you give to others, lives on." anonymous

Andy gave his all to what he believed in and to others.

My condolences to Andy's family and friends. Although you are saddened with the loss, you will find that your memories of Andy and knowing that you were fortunate to have had him in your life will bring deep joy.

[July]

457. I am so sorry to learn of this.

My heart goes out to Andy's family and friends.

[jane_pippin]

458. So sorry to hear this

love and sympathy to his friends and family

[shance]

459. Very sad and somewhat shocking news to wake up to today.

I did not formally know Andy and wasnt active in reading the recent threads although we certainly shared the same concerns for election reform and fraud.

He and Bev whatever their differences got the issue out in front of the media and into the awareness and and conciousness of so many Americans.

He was a committed fighter and advocate for changes so vitally necessary in the election movement.

God speed Andy. This is very sad news to wake up to.

[wtmusic]

460. Rest in peace Andy

"I want to live".

That tears me up. We wanted you to live too Andy.

:cry:

[bloom]

461. I'm very sorry to hear this.

My condolences to family and friends.



O8)

[zalinda]

462. This thread has been a 4 tissue thread

but, it has been the best read to help ease my sadness. I haven't been on DU long, but Andy had already touched me before his sad leaving.

Yes, the best is always taken too soon, while the evil still lingers. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be, so we don't become complacent in our lives.

zalinda

[MelissaB]

464. RIP, Andy.

:cry:

[MissB]

466. Rest in Peace, Andy

My condolences to Termite and the rest of Andy's family.

:cry:

[Shredr]

467. Oh no

God Bless Andy!

[Susang]

468. What a sad day

:cry:

[d_b]

469. Heartbroken in AK

Rest in peace friend. :cry:

[drm604]

470. I don't know what to say...

There are no words that can express it. :cry:

[countingbluecars]

471. I am sorry.

My condolences to all who loved him.

[jeanarrett]

472. OMG! I can't believe it. I have his picture on my fridge.

He sent me a lovely thank you note a while back and a goofy picture of himself with a court jester's hat. I stuck it on my fridge and I just said "hello" to him this morning.

Godspeed, Andy. You are brave and courageous.

[etherealtruth]

473. My condolences to all that knew and loved Andy

[hedda_foil]

474. We will all carry on in your name, darling Andy.

And we will always remember

Your courage and your humor
Your caring and your daring
Your love and compassion
Your smile that lit the darkness
Your spirit that lives on
Your fight that continues
For justice
For fairness
For democracy.

Voter Verified Paper Ballots!

[go west young man]

475. God not another great DU'er. Andy was a true fighter...

Mike Malloy spoke of him on his show recently and his excellent efforts to effect change in our electoral system. He will be missed. God speed Andy!

[Pirate Smile]

476. I'm so very sorry. My deepest condolences.

:hug:

[TexasLady]

477. sympathies to his family

[Rose Siding]

478. Blessings, Andy, for a life well lived.

When we needed you, you were there. May all who were touched by your life, find a way to take up the burden you bore.

[Up2Late]

479. Good-bye Andy. Thanks for everything.

Go in Peace.:hangover: :grouphug: :hug: :patriot:

[Kadie]

480. Our sympathies to Andy's family.

Thank you Andy, for all you did.

Peace.

[WillyT]

481. Rest In Peace Andy...

:argh:

[redqueen]

482. Goodbye, Andy, and thank you...

you will be so very missed.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Liberty Belle]

483. I'm so sorry. My condolences to his family and friends.

Andy will be missed by many.

[Libby2]

485. Rest in Peace Andy

You deserve it. You will be sorely missed.

[ailsagirl]

486. Dear, sweet Andy

I am so sad and so sorry. Good night, sweet prince.

When he shall die
Take him and cut him out in little stars
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.

[BrainRants]

487. RIP Andy, we'll keep fightin' the fight here on the ground.

[jhain]

488. Andy was a great man

A man of morals and integrity and compassion.

He will live on as our inspiration.


Once, as my heart remember,
All the stars were fallen embers.
Once, when night seemed forever
I was with you.

Once, in the care of morning
In the air was all belonging.
Once, when that day was dawning.
I was with you.

How far we are from morning.
How far are we
And the stars shining through the darkness,
Falling in the air.

Once, as the night was leaving
Into us our dreams were weaving
Once, all dreams were worth keeping.
I was with you.

Once, when our hearts were singing,
I was with you.

-Enya

[jbnow]

489. May he rest and work in peace

joined with his sister far too soon.
How unbearable it must feel for his family to lose them both, so young.

He is fine and strong and understands now.
It's the void left here that is so hard.

[lady lib]

490. Goodbye, Andy.

You'll be remembered with love and appreciation.

:grouphug:

[doublethink]

491. For all those you touched ...

in this life Andy, rest, be at peace. May the caring for your fellow man live on through the rest of us. Amen.

[undeterred]

494. Goodbye Andy

We'll never forget you.

[bear425]

495. I'm so saddened by this news. RIP Andy, you fought the good fight.

We'll be here to continue the fight for VOTER VERIFIED PAPER BALLOTS!

My sincere condolences to Termite and Andy's family and friends.

[suffragette]

496. Goodbye Andy

Your light shone too briefly, but ever so strongly.
Miss you.

[saracat]

497. Godspeed Andy. I am so sad. I thought you were doing better.

The world was a better place for your efforts. Thank you.You will be missed. My condolences to Termite and your loved ones.

[cry baby]

498. Goodbye Andy...

God bless you, your family, and your friends. We will miss you here on earth.

[woofless]

499. DAMMIT, DAMMIT, DAMMIT.

Come back soon Brother, we'll be here.

[seeker4ever]

501. My condolences

[More Than A Feeling]

502. *moment of silence for a great man*

He is one with the divine now.

[Blue_Tires]

503. very sad

i don't think i ever got over the loss of nostamj, now this

[Mz Pip]

504. Rest in peace, Andy

You will live on in the hearts of your family and friends.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[RamboLiberal]

505. Go in Peace Andy - We will carry on your work

I'm sorry I never got to meet you personally, but I know you touched many, including me. You did good in your too short life. Damn, why do only the good die young, while the bastards live to a ripe old age? My deepest sympathies to your family and friends, and to all DU'ers who got to know Andy

RamboLiberal

"Some are bound to die young".
By dying young a person stays young in people's memory.
If he burns brightly before he dies,
his brightness shines for all time"

Alexander Solzhenitsyn

[mountainvue]

506. I am incredibly saddened

to hear this. My condolences to Andy's family and close firends here on DU. I really thought he would make it.

[hippiegranny]

507. oh this is so sad

I really thought he would make it.

To all of his friends - Andy was fortunate to have you and I know he will live on in our hearts and our fight to accomplish what he worked so hard for.

My heart goes out to you and his family.

HG

[Reverend_Smitty]

509. RIP

I didn't know Andy but I've followed his story here on DU. This is a sad day indeed

[cal04]

510. Rest in Peace Andy

My condolences to his family and friends.
I'm so sorry.

[BronxBoy]

511. RIP.............

[Lugnut]

512. This really stinks

R.I.P. dear Andy. :cry:

[newscott]

513. Rest in Peace Andy.

:cry:

[lizzieforkerry]

516. I'm so sorry Termite.

It was such a priviledge to know Andy and work with him. I take comfort knowing his sister will be there with him. Let me know if there anything I can do. :cry:

[Rex_Goodheart]

517. NO! NO! NO!

This sickens me.

[One_of_8]

518. RIP Andy

Gone too soon.

We'll miss you as you begin the next phase of your life. I am thankful that you are no longer in pain. Thank you for caring enough to make a difference.

[progressoid]

519. Goodbye Andy........

I only knew you online (and that one email). You were an inspiration for me to get off my butt and do something.

Missing you..........

Condolences to the Stephenson family and all of Andy's friends.

[lavenderdiva]

520. I've been crying, non-stop, since learning this news...

Even though I didn't know Andy personally, I did have several interactions with him here on DU, and through those 'conversations', learned what a caring, special person he was. He showed his heart, his vulnerability, and strength all at once. He seemed to be such a special man, with so many gifts, talents, and strengths. You could just tell that he was one of those 'special' persons who light up a room when they walk in! He genuinely connected with people, and they responded, in turn. I will not forget the impression he made on me in such a brief time. I only wish I could have known him better.

My thoughts and prayers are with Termite, his family, and his friends. My heart goes out to each of you. :cry: :grouphug:

[philosophie_en_rose]

522. My love and thoughts to Andy's family and friends.

And a special respect for the DUers that dedicated their time to Andy's treatment and recovery.

[Bluerthanblue]

523. the best measure of a truly special person is their ability to

unite people from all walks of life-

The best gift we can give them in return, is to show we've learned and grown as a result of their living-
Still, you unite us-
in sorrow.. and.. in celebration of a life well lived- and a brother much loved-

Fly free sweet man- no pain can touch you now- your body may be dead- but Andy-
YOU LIVE!!-
forever.

blu (em)

[Debi]

525. RIP Andy

:grouphug:

[Carni]

526. I am so sorry to hear this :(

This is a terrible loss.

[manxkat]

527. my condolences, this is very sad news, he was a real patriot

[PeterPan]

528. Andy

I will miss you.
I'm having trouble processing this loss.
Thank you you for touching my life and the lives of so many.
Thank you for teaching us again to cherish the magic and energy of life.


Are the dead, too, defiled by sorrow,
Remorse, or anguish? We who live
Clutch at the porous myths to borrow
Belief to ease us, to forgive
Those who by dying have bereft us
Of themselves, of ourselves, and left us
Prey to this spirit-baffling pain.
The countries round our lives maintain
No memoirists and no recorders.
Those who are born are too young, those
Who die too silent, to disclose
What lies across the occluded borders
Of this bright tract, where we can see
Each other evanescently.
V. Seth

[stevedeshazer]

529. *sigh* Goodbye, Andy.

You were an inspiration to me.

[Yavin4]

530. My Condolences to His Family

Peace my brother, Peace.

[Sparkly]

531. May he rest in peace.

I'm stunned. Another tragic loss of a great fighter. :cry:

[NeoTraitors]

535. I never met AndyS, but this tough guy is in tears right now.

I know what a couragous fight he put up and just how committed to our cause that he was.

Yes, he will indeed live on in all of us. A part of what Andy was is a part of me and all of us now.

[blue neen]

533. Oh my.

You fought the good fight, Andy. Rest in peace.

[Nite Owl]

Peace at last

dear Andy, watch over us from where you are, be with us and guide us.

[jean]

534. May you rest in sweet peace, Andy, our gallant fighter

[sadiesworld]

536. May you rest in the sweetest peace, Andy. eom

[NorthernSpy]

537. he fought the good fight

Rest in peace.

[Trillo]

538. Thank you Andy. Such sorrow in passing for those who remain.

The work you did here was so important--critically important--to all of us still here. Angel wings lifting, helping y/our wish, come true. "I want to live". Surely your deeds will soar in flight.

[slutticus]

539. Andy...

...I only met you once...but I do know that those angels up there in heaven will have some mighty fine company with you joining there ranks.


R.I.P. Andy. We'll all miss you...

[In Truth We Trust]

540. RIP Andy...... In your honor may I say this: "Paper Ballots NOW!, Hand

counts NOW!"

My condolenses to Andy's family. I will miss you Andy.

[juajen]

541. I am so proud of our Andy.

What a fight for life! His death is now a lesson to us, as was his life. He stepped out courageously and fought for his beliefs and his country; but, was never afraid to show his vulnerability and his love and need for friends and help. By his example, we all grow stronger.

DU now knows how to help, love and support their own, and all of us will now become "Andy's" children, for, "...by his fruits, shall ye know him."

We will miss you, friend, and by God, we will make you proud of us. If you haven't already, step up to the plate and join the DU activists in Andy's stead and in gratitude for his sacrifice to us all. Since it will take a thousand of us to make one "Andy", we have a way to go.

[Parrcrow]

542. Rest In Peace Andy

You fought the good fight in so many ways.
You deserve heaven and heaven deserves you.

[FizzFuzz]

543. I never met Andy irl or online, yet I too feel like I've lost a friend.

:( :cry:

I'm no poet, I can only feel what everyone else has said.

I think I'll go Chant now.

I know we are on the side of Truth, and the Truth is being sorely tested. Evil seems to get the upper hand, and evil people seem to escape the consequences of their actions, but as long as good people continue to fight on, lies will come to be revealed. "Darkness" always tests us in the ways that are most difficult and discouraging, particularly when we are acting powerfully on the side of good, but we must spur ourselves to keep believing in victory, to keep taking action.

...I am paraphrasing Buddhist teaching...I saw this yesterday but can't find the exact words right now.

but I sure would like to see the darkness get beaten back some more...... :sad smile:

[Misskittycat]

544. Rest in peace to a true American patriot and warrior.

After the post last night, I was afraid to log in to DU this morning. That post was a thoughtful way to help all of us here to prepare for the worst. Thank you to Andy's family. I can't stop crying.

My thoughts and prayers are with Termite, Andy's family and friends.

[Miami Liberal]

545. RIP, Andy

Thank you for fighting the good fight for us. :patriot:

[SeattleRob]

546. RIP, Andy! n/t

[pauldp]

547. Thank you Andy. Thank you for your humor and your wit and the truth.

And for all your efforts to help set this country staight again.

-Paul Della Pelle

[blogslut]

548. My condolences

...to his friends and family.

[uppityperson]

549. Be peaceful Andy

with love, a friend you newver met

[Tommymac]

551. Fly free Andy... :(

I never met you, nor chatted with you, yet your work inspires me. Thank you for showing us the path we need to walk....I know your spirit will be there to guide us.

My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends.

[demgurl]

552. RIP Andy.

Perhaps I am naive but I always saw you pulling through this. Aren't the good guys always supposed to win? It was the 11th hour and we still managed to get to that magical money number. You got your surgery and you were supposed to live. Now I live in a world where there are bomb and plane attacks. Where the constitution has been all but dismantled. Where the hero was sot and killed. This is a great movie gone bad.

You gave me so much hope. You gave all of us so much hope. We will not let your fight disappear into nothingness. What was important to you was important to all of us. We will continue the fight in your name and we will have paper trails for voting.

Thank you for all you did for us and I only wish there was more I could have done for you.

[tavalon]

687. What you said

I kept saying last night, "it's not fair", as though the money we raised would somehow protect him from dying. Damnit, in my thinking, it should have.

This is such a sad, shocking day, nay, week.

[johnaries]

553. I want to say something, but I can't think of anything to say.

Except that I hope we all keep Andy alive in our hearts. and we must keep on fighting the fight he championed.

[scdusek]

554. My condolences

Very sad indeed...it's heartening though to know he is no longer in pain. A very sad day.

[u4ic]

556. RIP Andy

you have accomplished much, touched many and were loved by all.

Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

I had such hope for him...my mother died of pancreatic cancer, it is a horrible and painful way to go, and I had hoped this new surgery would be a breakthrough, maybe even a cure for those suffering....

[TimeChaser]

557. I never

I never had the chance to know Andy, either online or offline. But reading through all your posts has brought me to tears.

Just remember, as long as we keep the fight for voter verified paper ballots going, Andy will never be wholly gone.

[peacebaby3]

558. For what is it to die...

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

- Kahlil Gibran

Those that are golden are only with us for a little while. Dance in peace, Andy.

[Deb]

559. My condolences to Andy's family and friends

Bless you for taking such good care of him and surrounding him with your love.

Andy had asked us to pray for him and I will continue to do so each election day. Our true Hero will never be forgotten.

Rest with God, sweet Andy.

[punpirate]

560. This saddens me...

... as it does so many others. I offer my condolences to his family, to his many friends and to those who believe, as he did, in open and honest elections.

I have just sent a letter to Rep. John Conyers, Jr., asking that Andy's efforts and sacrifices be recognized officially in some way by the House. I encourage everyone who shared Andy's ideals to do the same.

[noiretextatique]

561. my condolences to Ted, and all of Andy's friends and family

Light of Life

saw you last night
in those misty clouds
moving slowly across the moon
with such sweet, ease & power
knew it was you!
your precious soul in ascension
to the infinite dawn
we watched you move across the sky
complete, in freedom & grace
& the power of your love
scattered across space/time
& showered us, deep within us
an everlasting light of life
you live in us
we bless you
& accept the light of your soul,
in gratitude
& thank you for being
a well-loved being
how lucky the angels to receive
your bright spirit!
now pure, radiant love
as you are always to us
how blessed we are
to have you in memories
& in spirit, in life
so, we rest in peace
as you rest in freedom
in the light of life
you had to go
& we miss you
we have to stay
a while longer
thank you
for your life
& your sweet visit
before the divine ascent
we never say goodbye
just, goodnight, dear one
& see you one morning
in the light

@2000 KarenX

[rabbit2484]

562. Thank you for showing the way Andy

I know I will do more to help the progress of our country to fill a small piece of the big gap Andy left behind.

I think everyone should try their best to do a little more, whatever it be, in honor of everything Andy gave.

Peace & Love

Rabbit

[nonconformist]

563. RIP Andy

I'm speechless.

[NJCher]

564. from Emily Dickinson

To Andy:

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

This is a tremendous loss for DU and for the cause. I am so sad. Like a poster upthread said, a lump in the throat and tears in the eyes.

Andy's work is done. It is up to us to carry on.

Andy not only gave us a path to follow, he gave this forum the opportunity for its finest moment. The organizers and contributors showed what our principles are like in action.


Cher

[Zhade]

565. Just heard on Hartmann's show.

Your legacy won't die with you, Andy. You were a good man, and I wish like hell you'd beaten this.

[cynatnite]

566. All these posts are just amazing!

I can't tell everyone enough how moved I am to see such beautiful expressions and by so many people. I hope his family can see how much he was loved and respected here.

This is just incredible and inspiring.

[sleipnir]

567. A profound sadness...rest in peace.

May you find the truth you so longed for.

We will keep up the fight, lest we forget.

[JRob]

570. ...good journey to better worlds.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

573. Dear Andy, You are blessed and we are blessed. Feel all of this love.

[Der Blaue Engel]

574. Everything has already been said

But I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I didn't know Andy well, but I will miss his voice in 2004 ERD. If a forum can be dedicated to a person, I think that one should. We are diminished by the loss of him. :(

[newsguyatl]

575. oh, andy

i'm so sad you're gone.

you meant so much to so many.

you fought a good fight, and you will be remembered.



rest in peace my friend --

[Gloria]

576. When the post went up yesterday about how he was

"resting comfortably with his family around him" I knew then and felt a chill go through me.

RIP, Andy. Ballot will always remember the short time he had with you...he'll miss you, too...

[Timshel]

577. RIP Andy

Very sad day indeed. Only spoke to him a few times and it was back when we were all part of blackbox and we were all trying to organize because we couldn't sit around and do nothing waiting for bev to tell us what to do. Only thing I could think to post was "Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night" by Dylan Thomas. We all fought to make sure that Andy wasn't going to have to go gently to the stars, and he taught many people how to rage against the dying light of the country that we love so much. With the happenings of late in this world, I had become despondant and tired of fighting every day. With his death, I am reminded that there are some things you never stop fighting for. And in his honor, I will keep fighting.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

My thoughts, prayers, and love to all who knew him and to all who were inspired by him.

[ailsagirl]

663. Thanks for quoting that poem

I was thinking about it earlier today. I never knew
Andy personally but I did "know" him vicariously.
Through DU, through Randi Rhodes' and Mike Malloy's
radio programs, through the words of his dear friends.

And it was obvious from the start that here was a good,
truthful, spirited person. It radiated from him.

How blessed we are to have him in our lives-- and I use
present tense because he is not gone. He has moved on
but his soul is very much alive and lives in those of us who
believe in the things he does.

Godspeed, dear friend.

[shadowknows69]

578. Good Journey to you

Warrior of Democracy. Your faith and hope in this world will be rewarded in your next. I never met you but like many I'll miss you.

[cherlili]

580. For Andy, and us, a letter

July 8, 2005. Voting rights activist Andy Stephenson died today. Andy was an intense and tireless supporter of election justice, and voter verifed paper ballots. His condition might have been treated if he had been diagnosed early. But, like many of us, Andy had no health insurance. By the time the activist community heard of his need, and immediately raised the $50,000 demanded by Johns Hopkins Hospital for his surgery, it was too late to save him. Andy needed healthcare. But he worked for clean elections, because he believed in democracy. He trusted that if the American public had an untainted election, we would build a public health care system for all Americans, we would have a clean environment, and we would enjoy a more secure country for our families.

We are your angels, Andy, and we are still flying with you.

[EFerrari]

583. This is beautiful

May I steal it and send it out?

There are so many people who were touched by Andy and who tried to help. Some of them are not lucky enough to be here with us. I need something for them but can't write a word.

[maveric]

581. Peace be with you Andy! Help us from your better place!

[benburch]

584. Memorial photo album published

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4049580

[DoBotherMe]

586. So sad. Sending thoughts of love to his friends and family.

[mzmolly]

588. Andy was such a sweet tender soul, and such a fighter. In his own words:

"I want to live, I don't want to die, but if not I've left a legacy."

Yes indeed Andy, you have left a legacy. And, we shall do our best to carry on in your name ...

Now it is time for you to rest, sweet angel.



You will be missed, but never forgotten.

[MelissaB]

589. For Andy

Dry Your Eyes
by Neil Diamond


Dry your eyes and take your song out,
it's a new-born afternoon.
And if you can't recall the singer
you can still recall the tune.
Dry your eyes and play it slowly
like you're marching off to war;
sing it like you know he's want it,
like we sang it once before.
And from the center of the circle
to the midst of the waiting crowd,
if it ever be forgotten
sing it long and sing it loud
and come dry your eyes.

And he taught us more about giving
than we ever cared to know,
but we came to find the secret
and we never let it go.
And it was more than being holy
and it was less than being free,
And if you can't recall the reason
can you hear the people sing.
Right through the lightning and the thunder
to the dark side of the moon,
to that distant falling angel
that descended much to soon
and come dry your eyes.

[PA Mamma]

590. We lost a fighter...

and I am deeply saddened. But we must wage on.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

[datadiva]

608. Example to live by

Andy has left us but his example lives on. It will be hard to live up to. There are few people on this earth who could. All we can do is try. My thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends.

[SeattleGirl]

591. Goodbye Andy

A truly great person who will be deeply missed, but whose spirit will live on in us.

:cry:

[FreedomAngel82]

592. I'm sorry for his family and friends

:( How sad. :(

[Spider Jerusalem]

594. My condolences.

I didn't really know him, but I know he touched a lot of people, and this saddens me.

[paineinthearse]

595. RIP, Andy

You will live on in this community.

[IdaBriggs]

596. NO! Just, NO!!! He can't be dead, he isn't dead -- I don't want him

to be dead! He was MY FRIEND!!!

I hate cancer. I REALLY HATE CANCER.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

Tribute words later; grief now. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[lies and propaganda]

597. NOOOOOOOOOO!

I cant shut my mouth! We need Andy!
This has turned out to be an awful week.

R.I.P

[bluestateguy]

599. Ugh. We lost a fine individual.

Very unfair.

[sundog]

600. peace be with you, andy

[nonny]

601. Dear sweet Andy...................

You are an angel now
Free from the pain that your cancer brought you
Free from human limitations

May you rest in peace

nonny

[silverweb]

602. Oh, no....

Thank you, Andy, for everything. You fought the good fight and were a light to many. We are diminished today without you.

[Wilber_Stool]

603. Rest in Peace, Andy.....n/t

[Nothing Without Hope]

604. We will carry on your fight, Andy. And we will LIVE for you.

Life is precious, and we have great things to accomplish. Andy did so much with the time that he had. Can we allow ourselves to do less?

Andy's fight is ours now. We honor him, ourselves, and our children by taking his example and striving fiercely for justice and truth. We are ALL Andy's family, his brothers and sisters. And that makes all of US brothers and sisters too, standing shoulder to shoulder and facing down the forces of suppression and corruption. May we never forget this, for it's the key to everything we are striving for.

We are all JUSTICE WARRIORS!

Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.
-–Tecumseh

[tishaLA]

605. RIP Andy

there are no words

[Arugula Latte]

606. This is too terrible.

I can't believe it.

I'm so, so, so sorry he didn't make it.

[Jane Austin]

607. Never Give Up

Thank you, Andy, for all you did for us and for all you taught us about life.

I never met Andy, but I can't stop crying.

[Historic NY]

609. Andy we hardly knew ya...............

This was the worst of news to hear today. I didn't know Andy personally but saw him on the news & read his posts. A man of passion over election fraud & verified paper ballots. I will think of him often and every time I go to vote. This is a sad time for us at DU, we rallied to his aid , in his time of need. I think it was our "finest hour" especially for all his close friends who rallied his cause. I was rooting for him to defeat his illness, so he could carry on his "good" work for all Americans. To his close friends & family I offer my deepest condolences. This is a true loss for us all. Andy you made a difference. RIP :cry:

[EFerrari]

620. Thank you for your kindness, Historic NY

:hug:

[dave29]

610. Andy

.

[NoPasaran]

612. Goodbye Andy

[conflictgirl]

613. Oh my gosh, I am actually in tears

I didn't know him very well, but I had been following his fight and this news is incredibly heartbreaking. His efforts for verified voting were so important and appreciated.

The world has lost a good man. :( I will light a candle now in his honor.

[proud patriot]

614. peace

:cry: sobbing ...Your inspriation will live on in me always.

[nashville_brook]

615. i never thought for a moment that he wouldn't pull through

are ALL the angels being called back?

deepest condolences.

[politicasista]

616. R.I.P.

:nopity:

[Catamount]

617. Andy- you live on in our hearts, and your deeds will bear fruit-here

and around the world.
Condolences to your family and friends.
A sad day within a sad day.

[Neshanic]

618. He had so many love and care about him. This is so sad.

My sympathies to his family and friends.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

621. RIP, Andy..... Peace and love to all his family and friends.

:hug:

[ps1074]

624. Rest in peace Andy

My deepest condolences to Andy's family and friends.

[Generator]

625. What a shitty day for the world

I'm so sorry..I try to believe the next place is better than this insane and heartless one we have now 7/8/2005. So..I'll be there in another 40 years if I'm lucky. I want to live too...even with all the shittyness..that quote is such a heartbreaker...I can't believe he's gone.. let there be another place BETTER than this one.

[V Lee]

626. The world has lost a good person.

He will surely live on in the memories of many other good people.

You have my sympathy.

[NewWaveChick1981]

627. Rest in peace, Andy.

We will really miss you. :cry:

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

628. RIP, Andy. My God rest your soul.

[Name removed]

756. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Alizaryn]

631. I am so sorry ...

for his family, his friends and each of us that has lost a leader. Andy has touched many of us by his actions, and lives within and next to each of us that works to carry on his dreams.

[Lori Price CLG]

632. OMG, the passing of Andy is so sad... my condolences to Andy's family...

[KitSileya]

633. Rest in Peace.

My heartfelt condolances to his family and his friends.

Kit

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

634. Goodbye, Andy

You're suffering no more. To all of his very good friends, my deepest condolences.

[Biased Liberal Media]

635. Peace to you Andy

I didn't know you well but I'll never forget your activism.

[PATRICK]

636. Rest in peace

though the work and the spirit of his fight for justice never will. Justice lives on and so do the just though this "Temporary" world enshrines small moments of loss and destruction. I honor his place in history and in his pivotal service to his nation and that in the time allotted to each of us may we step to the fore, each as we are able.

All that I have lost is not gone. All that is gone is not lost.

A good man and now in good company.

[annagull]

637. peace be with you Andy, such a brave warrior for truth

I didn't know you personally, but I'm still crying, I do know all the work and love you put in to finding the truth and getting our country back. My deepest sympathy to Andy's friends and loved ones.

[Voltaire99]

638. Very sorry to know this

My condolences to all.

[democrank]

640. Rest in peace,Andy.

Peace be yours.

[bpilgrim]

641. peace, bro

you will be missed, but never, ever forgotten... even my children know your name.

:cry:

peace

[NC Beach Girl]

642. Thank you...

Thank you for all the hard work you did for all of us, Andy.
Thank you for fighting for us even when you were fighting for your very life.

I am so sorry you had to deal with evil, disgusting people trying to besmirch your good name and reputation right up until the end. You didn't deserve that.

I hope you know that you were loved and that many people believed in you and will be eternally grateful for everything you did and everything you stood for during your short life.

You were a bright star taken from us entirely too soon and you will be missed. Rest in peace, Andy.

[Nightjock]

643. I once heard something that always soothes me

From Billy Grahme of all people.

He was talking about the victims of September 11th and he said, "They are in such a wonderful place, even if they could come back-they would not want to."

God bless his soul, his family and friends.

[Kerrytravelers]

644. Andy is still with us, heart and soul, keep guard on us.

Wherever you are, dear Andy, know that you will be missed, but to mourn would be like goodbye. It's not goodbye because your strength and compassion will live on here forever at DU. YOu have inspired many, brought many smiles with your humor and left many with the strength to change the world. You did more tha you even know. But now, watching us from the next phase of existance, you will be able to marvel at your true legacy... one you never realized you had.

So long for now, friend... but never goodbye.






kt



Fight on, Liberal Warrior of Truth.

[Bombero1956]

646. I am very sorry

to hear of your passing. I know that you're at peace and your commitment to fair elections and justice will live on here at DU and progressives everywhere. You fought the good fight kid and in my eyes you're a true hero.

[Ramsey]

647. Rest in Peace Andy

Your pain has now ended.

[Spirochete]

648. Oh No! I thought the worst was over for him...

and he waa on the mend. :cry:

Vaya con dios, Andy.

[flyarm]

649. just started a part 2 of this for Andy's family to save / for dialup ppl

[flyarm]

650. just opened another post of this for Andys family to save/for dialup ppl

for those on dial up who want to send Andy 's family your condolences , i just opened a continued posting of this..

please feel free to use either..

thank you fly

[sunnystarr]

651. Andy is at peace and stirs us to continue his fight.

I want to thank DU for all of us and for Andy. Without DU most of us would have never known Andy. Through DU we could communicate and Andy's greatness of purpose and his works became known to all of us who joined with him in one way or another.

DU rallied together to give Andy a chance at life. God had other plans for his soul. So even though the operation didn't continue his life, it surrounded Andy with our love.

DU gave Andy an outlet for his passion and his greatness and gave us the opportunity to be touched by his special spirit.

We are but spirits who wear a body for short amount of time, but our spirit always continues on. We illuminate the lives we touch while here as we are also illuminated. Andy's light will continue to illuminate and his passion for truth will continue on in all whose lives he touched.

I join in celebrating the life of Andy and extend my sympathies to his family and friends who will miss his presence.

[mtnsnake]

652. Such sad news. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Andy.

[bigwillq]

653. Rest in peace, Andy.

My thoughts are with your family at this most difficult time.:hug:

[enigmatic]

654. You know

I was up last night doing my show, but I also knew after I read the thread about Andy resting comfortably to expect the worst. When word here came out, I had a hard time dealing w/ it.

I never knew him, but I knew of his fight for paper ballots and for his fight to live. I followed all the threads, laughed inside when he posted his one-liners, and cried a little when things weren't going so well for him. I don't know what it was, but he touched me in am almost subconscious way; he made me feel a little bit more about my life and what's going on in the world right now, and I'll always be grateful for that.

I'm really lucky; I have a wife who is my soulmate, a kitty who I love more than most anything else, and I've got my health, both mental and physical. For a long, long time I didn't have any of those things, and I thank the spirits (who/whatever they are)for that every day. But I know things can change in an instant, and that's why I try to live my life every day though it will be my last, because I want those who know me personally and on boards like this to see the best of what I have to offer as a human being. Andy did that too, and the world is much, much better off having him here even though the time wasn't as long as we all hoped it would be.

I read this thread and I'm blown away at all the love coming out for him, and it makes me very, very happy for his family and the friends who loved him so much to know just how much we all loved him too, even though we really didn't "know" him in the strictest sense of the word.

But in the end, Andy touched more lives for the better than anyone can possibly imagine, and I can't think of a better way to spend your life, however short.

Do me a favor; tell the people that you treasure, no matter who they are, you love them. Every day. Let them know, because that love we have for each other right now is the only thing that's keeping this world from going belly-up. Love.

Say hi to my friends on the other side, Andy; they know you're coming, and they want to know and love you just as much as we did down here.

[shrike]

655. Christ almighty. I can't believe it

I assumed he was on his way.

In keeping with the title of the thread, here's the final line of Hamlet.

"Goodnight, sweet prince/and a chorus of angels sing thee to thy rest."

I may have flubbed that quote because I typed it off the top of my head. My sincerest condolences to all who knew him well. I don't know what your religious preferences are, but if his family won't be offended I'll say a prayer for him and you all tonight.

[EFerrari]

672. "There's a great spirit gone."

-- Antony and Cleopatra

Thank you, shrike.

:hug:

[sellitman]

656. Why do we seem to always lose the best?

I have been traveling and just found out....trying not to lose it.

We are all going to have to pick it up and get back to the job of reclaiming our elections but in the meantime this is so hard to believe.

Rest In peace my friend.

Mt sincerest sympathies to the family.


:grouphug: :patriot:

[mconvente]

657. RIP Andy

I did not know you well, but I hear of the great things you did for Democracy. May you have peace my friend.

[scarletlib]

658. Rest in Peace

A great man who will be missed. Let's hope we can help him leave a legacy for America by ensuring all our elections are open, honest, fair and verifiable.

[dbackjon]

659. Rest in peace, Andy

[TeeYiYi]

660. Rest in Peace Andy.

TYY:cry:

[shireen]

661. So sad

I remember a few weeks back, at the Thom Hartmann chat room, Andy dropped in to say "hi" to us. He made us promise to do something for him: if something happened to him, we should never give up.

I'll keep my promise, Andy. Thank you for teaching us by example about selflessness, integrity, generosity, perseverence, and courage. You're a treasure.

[PinkPantherChick]

662. Will! I think I love you.

Please, please tell me that you are serious about this because you are actually reading my mind about what I want to do too! I want to help. I want to do the same things and I want to take a bath in the feelings of how these people are going to suffer when you (us) are finished with them. Please let us do what we can to help you--for Andy. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Say the word, I am there.

[Richardo]

664. I'm put in mind of Ralph Stanley's "Angel Band"

My latest sun is sinking fast, my race is nearly run
My strongest trials now are past, my triumph is begun

O come Angel Band, come & around me stand
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

I know I'm near the holy ranks of friends & kindred dear
I've brushed the dew on Jordan's banks, the crossing must be near

O come Angel Band, come & around me stand
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

I've almost gained my Heavenly home, my spirit loudly sings
The Holy ones, behold they come, I hear the noise of wings

O come Angel Band, come & around me stand
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

O bear my longing heart to Him who bled & died for me
Whose blood now cleanses from all sin & gives me victory

O come Angel Band, come & around me stand
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home
O bear me away on your snowy wings to my immortal home

RIP Andy :cry:

[elcondor]

665. My heart just broke!

I was about to send him a get-well card! I'm on the verge of tears ... too many great DUers have left us ... Though I never met him, I know he was a brave man. We love and miss you Andy! You and the work you did for your country will not be forgotten!!

[tammywammy]

666. Rest in Peace, Andy

And my condolences to his family and friends.

[Lady President]

669. All my sympathy

Voter Verified Paper Ballots I only met Andy once a few weeks before his surgery, and even though I was convinced he would be fine, he made me promise to remember: voter verified paper ballots. I will keep my promise.

Termite, if you read this, the other thing that Andy mentioned was that his mom was afraid there was a possibility she would lose you too. Please take care of one another. Much love and sympathy.

[Sterling]

671. This sucks.

I met him a couple of times and he was a great guy. I don't know why for some reason I thought this would pass. This is very sad. I have been so busy and have recently lost a loved one, last I read it looked good for him.

Thanks for being a a cool buddy Andy. I am sorry I did notget more involved in your fight.

[David Zephyr]

673. Rest in peace, Andy.

And thank you for sharing your special life with us.

[Vladimir]

674. I am very sorry

Rest in peace Andy.

[dave502d]

675. So sad,Rest in Peace Andy.n/t

[tavalon]

677. I found out about this at about one in the morning

I was at work and spent the rest of the night trying not to cry and failing a few times.

Words failed me this morning and they continue to do so.

May Termite and Andy's family and friends find peace in this terribly painful time. I know Andy has found his.

[dejaboutique]

678. Rest in Peace Andy

Rest in peace

[Rainscents]

680. We will miss you, Randy. You're at much better place.

My heart goes out to his family and I will always think of him as my dear friend from DU. God Bless You, Randy.

:cry:

[Fluffdaddy]

681. RIP Andy

[New Earth]

683. some more good lyrics for Andy

"We Will Meet Again" by VAST

:(

Where have you gone?
My love,
My friend?
Somewhere without the rain?
I feel afraid now,
I feel alone.
Will we meet again?
Can you recall what we once knew?
Somewhere without the pain?
I feel afraid now,
But not alone.
We will meet again.

I can't hear your voice,
But you know I feel your soul.

Where have you gone?
My love,
My friend?
Somewhere without any pain.
I'm not afraid now,
I'm not alone.
We will meet again.

:hug:

[Democracy White]

684. I didn't know Andy as I have signed on

just after the fund raising for his surgery started.
However I am sad to see this honorable man leave this mundane world.
He is not dead, he is alive and well on the other side, always remember that.

He is in the love of the God and Goddess and is no longer suffering and we should remember that.

Remember the work that he did here while on this plane and keep his memory alive by continuing what he has started.

Ok, these are only the words that came to my mind.

RIP Andy Stephenson, you will always be in our hearts and minds.

Dee

[dem_in_seattle]

688. I am in such shock ...

and so sorry to hear this dreadful news.

Andy, you were such an inspiration to all of us here in Seattle, the Northwest and around the world.

We will never, ever forget your courageous commitment to democracy and we will strive to follow your example.

Rest in Peace, my friend!

Jim Ferguson

[EFerrari]

692. Dear Jim, I think we're all shocky. I know I am.

Thank you for your tribute to Andy.

[dem_in_seattle]

700. (Hug)

:hug:

Jim

[pmbryant]

689. This is not good.

So, so not good.

:cry:

[Maestro]

690. What a great life of purpose you led Andy!

You are a great person who will never be forgotten.

That in itself should make everyone very happy for Andy. He was taken far too soon but he did more to make people think than many people do in a whole life time.

R.I.P. Gone but never forgotten.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

694. This Has Been a Hard, Hard Year

Rest in peace, Andy. There were a lot of things we didn't agree on, but I never doubted your passion. My deepest condolences to all of Andy's loved ones.

DTH

[Norwood]

695. RIP Andy

I didn't have the opportunity to meet you, but like someone mentioned earlier, you touched a lot of people.

We will all continue the fight

[AgadorSparticus]

696. I did not know Andy personally, but my condolences to his family.

Rest in peace, Andy.

[peacefreak]

697. Rest well, Andy.

May the courage you showed in your political fight & in your illness inspire us to be a little braver on our paths. You will be missed. Love, Peacefreak.

[Nothing Without Hope]

698. A fine memorial article on Andy published in Seattle Weekly:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4052955
Thread title: Seattle Weekly memorial article on Andy Stephenson: "A Fight To the End"

[oldtime dfl_er]

707. I just read this article and it's excellent

A photo accompanies it for those of us who didn't know his face. I live in Seattle, and I'm heartbroken.

[TBreeze]

699. .

:cry:

[roguevalley]

701. This makes me sick to hear. I wish him all the joy and peace that

a good man deserves. Go with God, Andy.

[globalvillage]

702. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

-Irish Blessing

RIP Andy

[ornotna]

703. God bless you Andy, Rest in peace.

I am saddened to come home from work to read this, terribly sad, he fought so hard. He was so brave.




There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.

When I was a child I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain you would not understand
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.


Pink Floyd

[Bluebear]

704. A poem for Andy....

You only slumber now, in restful peace
while we left behind become your watchmen
until the dawn.

No body which is too tired to go on can stop
your energy or the love and bravery
you left behind.

May we learn the lessons you taught and remember
that the only way you can die is if we fail
to keep your dreams alive.

BB

[merh]

711. (((((hug))))))

Beautiful :hug:


:loveya: Andy :loveya:

[Cha]

705. Peace, Andy!

Bless your Democratic !

:grouphug:

[Evergreen Emerald]

708. I was pullin for you Andy...

[kimpossible]

709. Farewell, Andy

I'm grateful for all you did to teach us about election fraud, and to fight for voting rights. I promise that I will never forget VVPB and election reform, in your name.

One day we will look back on this sad day as the catalyst for the Andy Stephenson Voters' Rights Amendment!

:grouphug:

[Mad_Dem_X]

710. Rest in Peace...

:cry:

[joneschick]

712. damn, damn, damn

I was rather wrapped up this week in my own family losses, I only caught this late today. I never met Andy or even exchanged messages here, but his impact and energies were so strongly imprinted....what a terrible loss to his family, friends and the wider community he worked so hard to reach.
May the pain be as brief as possible and the memories as long as eternity.

namaste, friends.

[WinkyDink]

713. poem

My best friend died last April, at age 56. Thank you for this beautiful poem.
I'm new here, and so didn't know Andy. You all have my condolences.

[EFerrari]

715. Thank you, WinkyDink

And welcome to DU.

[ribrepin]

714. Two Alfred Lord Tennyson poems for Andy

Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

The Oak
Live thy life,
Young and old,
Like yon oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold;

Summer-rich
Then; and then
Autumn-changed,
Soberer hued
Gold again.

All his leaves
Fall'n at length,
Look, he stands,
Trunk and bough,
Naked strength

[goodboy]

716. From The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran:

Then Almitra spoke, saying, "We would ask now of Death."

And he said:

You would know the secret of death.

But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?

The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.

If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.

For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;

And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.

Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.

Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.

Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?

Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

http://www.columbia.edu/~gm84/gibran27.html

[bettyellen]

717. my heart goes out to momma stephenson, you raised your son so well.

and to ted for making andy so happy. andy was a very lucky man to have you both.

[Lucid Code]

718. I just heard on DailyKos

My condolences.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

719. So busy with this hurricane, I haven't had time to be on DU till now

and then this sad news. Peace to you, my friend.

[VOX]

720. You fought so well, Andy, but now, it's time to rest...

Thank you so much for everything you did to help make our country a better place. Those lives you touched -- and there are so many -- will always be the better for it.

Rest now, Andy, and know that we will continue the struggle, keeping you close in our hearts, always.

Godspeed --

[nofoil]

721. Let's Live up to Andy's Example

Andy was a wonderful person. He was a very good friend of my mother's (HeddaFoil), and through her, I had the opportunity to get to know him personally. He was so kind, so gentle, so good. He really wanted the best for the world, and really deserved the best for himself.

Kind souls like Andy are what the world needs more than ever right now. Let's do our utmost to live up to his example. Let's do our utmost, in his honor, to make this world a better place.

Warmly,

Sandy

[Skittles]

776. well said, Sandy

this world could certainly use more kind souls. Stay with us, OK nofoil? It is good to have you here.

Susan

[IChing]

722. May the angels look down at us to help us continue your fight.

[hippywife]

723. For Andy's loved ones.

The Other Side
Don Conoscenti
www.donconoscenti.com

I'm over on the other side
Where life and death softly divide
Left my skin and bones behind
Now I'm over on the other side.

Can you feel me there with you?
My breath is gone but I'm not through.
Loved you then and I still do
From over on the other side.

(chorus)
I can fly! Really fly!
Below the earth, all through the sky.
Tell them all I did not die.
I'm just over on the other side.

It's good here on the other side.
The sweetest songs, the bluest skies.
Thank you for the tears you've cried
But it's good here on the other side.

(chorus)

The world is smaller than a needle's eye
Where life and death softly divide.
When you leave your skin and bones behind,
I'll be waiting on the other side.

(chorus)

[IndianaGreen]

724. Rest in Peace, Andy.

My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

:grouphug:

[Ilsa]

725. Yes, Peace to You Andy, and Sing with the Angels. n/t

[paradox]

726. Rest in peace

[blue4barb]

727. You are with us always, Andy. We love you, honor you, and miss you.

728. I'm stunned

Of course I, like most DUers, didn't know Andy in person. But he became a symbol to all of us of something really GOOD.

I have tears in my eyes that my 9 year old daughter is asking me to explain. What to say?

Why, why, why? When my father was dieing he told me that no one ever said life was fair. He was certainly right.

[justgamma]

729. Rest in peace, Andy

You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to his loved ones.

[Minstrel Boy]

730. Forwarding condolences

from Seventhson.

[Name removed]

757. Deleted message

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[McCamy Taylor]

731. Peace.

[kimchi]

733. Rest in peace, Andy.

Please give my condolences to his family. And to all his friends here at DU, I am so sorry. He was a good man-and it sucks to see so many wonderful people die before their time. But at least he KNEW that people here cared for him enough to pay for a possible cure. Not everyone feels that kind of love before they go.

[NuttyFluffers]

734. Oh no! Rest In Peace in Heaven dear.

O8)


:cry:

[Tinksrival]

735. Dear Andy, I didn't know you but....

I cheered for you

I cried for you

I saw a community of kind hearted people that loved you

I joined that community

The experience has taught me alot in these dark days

The goodness in that community gives me hope

Thank You Andy

[tosca_veritas]

736. I'll carry you with me until the curtain falls

My Liebling Andy,

We shared laughter, we shared tears. We shared anger, we shared love. We shared dreams and nightmares. You were my inspiration and the torch of courage! You have made an impact on my life beyond words. You are in a better place now, relieved of pain, physical constraints and turmoil- you have truly left bush-land! We spoke of Germany often, and here is my last good-bye to you in this form -- we will meet again! Death does not exist, we merely change form, are set free! Fly Liebling........

Your German Schatzi forever.....

tosca


"This song is Grönemeyer's declaration of how he intends to go on despite the pain he feels over the loss of his wife. Even if life isn't fair ("Das Leben ist nicht fair"), Grönemeyer says that's no excuse to give up and points out his wife's qualities and her own refusal to give in."

THE WAY - English

I can no longer see
Don't believe my eyes
any more
Can hardly believe
Feelings all turned around

I'm much too lazy
To give up
Besides it would be too soon
Because there's always a way

We were bound together
Would have died for
each other
Bent the rain into a bow1
Lent each other our trust

We tried to
Turn while
schussing
Nothing was too late
But much was too soon

We have shoved each other
Through all the tides
We got sidetracked together
Loved desperately

We denied the truth
The best we could
It was a piece
of heaven
That you exist

Every room you
Flooded with sun
Every frustration
You turned around

Nordic noble
Your gentle goodness
Your untamed pride
Life isn't fair

Danced the movie
In a silver room
From a golden balcony
We stood in awe of eternity

Helplessly sunken, drunken
And everything was allowed
Together in time-lapse
Midsummer-Night's Dream

Every room you
Flooded with sun
Every frustration
You turned around

Nordic noble
Your gentle goodness
Your untamed pride
Life isn't fair

Your confident stride
Your true poetry
Your serene dignity
Your unshakeable
grace

Your destiny
You defied
You never betrayed
Your plan for happiness
Your plan for happiness

I'm not leaving here
I've extended my stay
New time travel
Open world

I have you safe
Inside my soul
I'll carry you with me
Until the curtain falls

I'll carry you with me
Until the curtain falls

1 A play on the words "Regenbogen" (rainbow) and "gebogen" (bent)


DER WEG - Deutsch
Ich kann nicht mehr seh'n
Trau nicht mehr meinen
Augen
Kann kaum noch glauben
Gefühle haben sich gedreht

Ich bin viel zu träge
Um aufzugeben
Es wär auch zu früh
Weil immer was geht

Wir waren verschworen
Wären für einander
gestorben
Haben den Regen gebogen1
Uns Vertrauen geliehen

Wir haben versucht
Auf der Schussfahrt
zu wenden
Nichts war zu spät
Aber vieles zu früh

Wir haben uns geschoben
Durch alle Gezeiten
Haben uns verzettelt
Und verzweifelt geliebt

Wir haben die Wahrheit
So gut es ging verlogen
Es war ein Stück
vom Himmel
Dass es dich gibt

Du hast jeden Raum
Mit Sonne geflutet
Hast jeden Verdruss
Ins Gegenteil verkehrt

Nordisch nobel
Deine sanftmütige Güte
Dein unbändiger Stolz
Das Leben ist nicht fair

Den Film getanzt
In einem silbernen Raum
Vom goldenen Balkon
Die Unendlichkeit bestaunt

Heillos versunken, trunken
Und alles war erlaubt
Zusammen im Zeitraffer
Mittsommernachtstraum

Du hast jeden Raum
Mit Sonne geflutet
Hast jeden Verdruss
Ins Gegenteil verkehrt

Nordisch nobel
Deine sanftmütige Güte
Dein unbändiger Stolz
Das Leben ist nicht fair

Dein sicherer Gang
Deine wahren Gedichte
Deine heitere Würde
Dein unerschütterliches
Geschick

Du hast der Fügung
Deine Stirn geboten
Hast ihn nie verraten
Deinen Plan vom Glück
Deinen Plan vom Glück

Ich geh hier nicht weg
Hab meine Frist verlängert
Neue Zeitreise
Offene Welt

Habe dich sicher
In meiner Seele
Ich trag dich bei mir
Bis der Vorhang fällt

Ich trag dich bei mir
Bis der Vorhang fällt

[deadparrot]

737. May he RIP.

Many have said what I want to say much more eloquently.

Be at peace, Andy. :(

[tandot]

738. Rest in Peace, Andy

:cry:

Just yesterday I was reading his update...hoping that all will turn out well...

So many DUers cared, hoped, gave, and wished him the best...

My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and friends. He was a wonderful and very special person.

:hug:

[Bill Bored]

739. This sad news has finally reached the DU 2004 Election Forum

where Andy had helped us all so much.

Rest in peace Andy, because we will never give up!

[EFerrari]

740. Bill.

We never will give up.

:grouphug:

[BluePatriot]

741. So sad...RIP Andy. (nt)

[lovuian]

742. I wish him peace and to his family my condolences

So sad

[Sugarbleus]

743. What a tragedy.I'm so sorry for, him, his family, his friends, what a loss

Thank you Flyarm for the BEAUTIFUL POEM...

Rest in Peace Andy.........

[Demonaut]

744. R.I.P Andy, you've left that legacy

[Skwmom]

745. Heaven must be shining a little brighter today.

Though I never met Andy, the kindness which showed on his face and the out pouring of love and support by those who knew him best convinced me that Andy was one heck of an exceptional human being.

[rumpel]

746. I was hoping the best medical care would help him fight, what a shock

oh, Andy, I never thought you would leave us... I will miss your posts, I will miss your presence...

[liberaltrucker]

747. I lost my nephew

in an auto accident in March. My heart grieves with you. As the DU family, we'll move forward. Godspeed....Ron.

[EFerrari]

748. Yes we will, Ron. Thank you and I'm so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[Elidor]

749. Who would break a butterfly on a wheel?

I respected Andy from a distance. I hope that his family will know how widely he was loved.

I have never seen a stranger drama played out, with opposing internet communities clamoring over his fate. I believe that love won out, but it was too late to save him.

[OhioChick]

750. Rest in Peace.............

I'm terribly sorry to hear this news.

[bluedonkey]

751. I just saw this on dkos

I'm just numb with disbelieve.
Rest in peace,Andy.
I didn't know you personally,but you inspired so much love and solidarity.You will never be forgotten.

[fearnobush]

752. And Live We Shall Andy. Live We Shall.

May we carry your message far and wide. Because of you and your messiah like work, the dream of truth and justice will be fought for all. May we all remember that in the early days of Totalitarian America, one man stood up above all and lifted many to find the hope and courage to free this nation once again. Andy you are a true American hero. I shall miss your words dearly.

[Name removed]

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[Gelliebeans]

771. I am so sorry to hear

about our sweet Andy :( I haven't been online in a few days and this is the first thing I saw when I got back.
He will be missed terribly.
My condolences to his family and friends. :hug:

[BlakeB]

774. I never knew Andy...

but from what I've heard about him he sounds like a great guy. God rest his soul.

[psychopomp]

778. RIP Andy

RESPECT to the one I only knew as God_bush_n_Cheney...I learned a lot from your contributions here!

RESPECT to a fallen soldier.



(silence)

[sonias]

779. The light that shines twice as bright, shines half as long

Rest in peace, Andy. You were a fireball of passion and you will be remembered forever. Thank you for all you did for us! We love you Andy!

VERIFIED VOTER PAPER BALLOTS

:cry:

Sonia

[Botany]

780. Hurt no more, Brave Knight ......

For you have faced the dragon in his lair
and forced him out for all to see.

For you Brave Knight, we will the fight,
and when victory is won ..... and it will be,
your spirt will be there.

So rest easy ...... Brave Knight.

[KC21304]

781. May the angels take you into Paradise.

My condolences to all his loved ones.

[fortyfeetunder]

783. Andy fought the good fight

Now it's up to us to pick up his torch and keep fighting until we conquer this corruption at the election booth. I think Andy would want that.

RIP Andy.

[Domitan]

784. May his soul be at rest

Here's to a happier place for Andy.

[texanwitch]

785. I never knew Andy I just joined DU this year.

I was so sad to hear of his death yesterday, I so hoped he would get well.

I only hope that Andy knew that so many cared about him.

I am going to work on getting National Health more then ever, I am going to do this for Andy.

Rest in Peace, Andy.

[Laurab]

788. He will be missed - my condolences to his family

and to all his friends here. I did not know Andy, I only knew him through his posts (which often made me laugh), and his work. I could tell he was a beautiful soul just from that. I was happy to donate toward his surgery, and disgusted by the people who gave him so much stress before, during and after it. I never, ever, considered failure an option, and when I logged on yesterday, I literally could not type. I did want to add to this thread though, because mine is one more life that Andy touched, although he did not know it. I am sure there are many, many more people like me.

I will miss him.

[pat_k]

789. To live in hearts we leave behind

To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~ Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground

It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting.
~ Tom Stoppard, Jumpers

Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds.
~ Buddha

[cosmicdot]

790. commiserations to family and friends

~ peace ~

[kaygore]

791. My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on June 10th

I had been following Andy's progress so closely until my life became consumed with trying to help Dad. I have not even had the time to check out DU very often, but would say a prayer for Andy every night.

Something told me to check on Andy today and see if there were any updates.

My heart goes out to his family, significant other, and friends. His life may have been short in length but not in impact. He made the world better by just being here.

[NEOBuckeye]

792. Rest in Peace, Andy

Though I never knew you personally, I know from the outpouring of love and rememberance on this thread that you truly touched the lives of everyone around you and so many of your friends here at DU with your courage and optimism. So in that sense, you have touched me as well.

May you rest in peace, dear friend.

[peacebuzzard]

793. Rest in Peace, Andy. I am sorry for this loss to us all.

I only came to know his true story recently through several posts. This man was a true, courageous fighter and will be dearly missed. My sympathies to his family, friends and all his virtual friends.

[garybeck]

794. om nama shivaya

[merh]

795. ~

:loveya: Andy :loveya:

[Sacajawea]

796. Requiescat in Pace, Andy.

The vital work that was your passion will continue.

[Digit]

797. My condolences to his loved ones...

I just heard the news and felt like I had been socked in the stomach.
May Andy be at peace.

[ancient_nomad]

798. Oh, NO! Rest in Peace, Friend!

For Andy, my favorite prayer, The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

My deepest sympathy to Ted and Andy's Family.

[orleans]

799. so many tears.........

so much sadness

such a loss

i never met andy but i admired what he was doing and what he had done for this country--for me--and i was so grateful to have a person like him, so dedicated, fighting for all of us.

i was counting on him getting well--depending on it--as i'm sure he was--as i'm sure we all were.

it is such a tragedy. i'm so sorry we lost him.

much sympathy for his family and friends. and to all of us--we all lost an extraordinary person.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Vektor]

800. Oh, dear God.

I am speechless.

Rest in peace, Andy.

[PsychoDad]

801. Rest well, Andy.

A well deserved rest indeed. :hug:

Inna lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji’oon

[countryjake]

802. I'm too sad to speak coherently, but my sympathy goes to Andy's mama...

and termite & all of the many others who have fought the good fight, side by side with Andy. I cannot imagine the sorrow his family must be going thru now...to lose both Andy & his sister, within just a matter of months!

The pain he's suffered all this time & now the added pain his loved ones must deal with...there aren't many words to say that can lessen any of it, but I wish strength to each one who's heart aches, comfort to those weeping & Peace for all of us. What Andy shared with everyone will come back a million times, greater!

I've stayed away from DU since I read of his raging fever & I just knew what I'd find here, when I logged in today. His positive inspiration will never die but I cry for one so young to leave us so soon.

Peace to you, Andy.

[Bethany Rockafella]

803. My heart goes out to the family of Andy Stephenson.

May he rest in peace.