Let's ROLL!

[cease_fire]

To all of my new friends at the DU,

I just wanted to say thanks.

Less than one year ago, I found this place, read a review of Al Franken's book (Lying Liars...) and felt a furnace of outrage ignite that has carried me through to this day of days...

The DU has changed my life in a profound way, and today, I'll be casting the first vote I have ever cast in my adult life.

I've closed my small business for today, and the 18 souls who work here have been given one homework assignment - vote. They are, even as we speak, fanning through New Jersey and Pennsylvania and each - to a person, is voting their heart.

Funny thing - this morning, while I prepared to go to the polls, I dressed through tears.

I gathered my passport, a utility bill, my social security card, drivers license, programed the hotline phone number into my cell phone, and pulled my black hoodie sweatshirt over my head. Yeah, it looks a little funny on a 6'1" Linebacker-type, but that's okay.

From 1988-1996, I carried a gun in combat in Kuwait, in Mogadishu, and with the 1 Battalion 7th Marine EB Recon, as an Officer, I can recall the feeling I had as I lead my platoon into combat.

I will always remember my heart breaking every time I put on my helmet, or loaded my rifle...

...and today, I have to tell you all - I feel very much the same.

I have been a life long conservative Republican, until the DU.

And I'm proud to wear my new liberal democratic status right next to the fruit salad on my dress uniform.


Everyone, and I mean everyone that has posted, replied to a post, and penned an editorial on this board has demonstrated the highest form of patriotism that I have encountered, in both war and peace.

You all have my most deep respect and admiration, and I'm proud to count myself a part of this community - come what may.


So, I'm off to vote - for the first time as a citizen, war veteran, Small business owner, Liberal Democrat...

...and member of the Democratic Underground.

I'll likely sob during the car ride to the polls - but that only means one thing - I know that I'm alive, and that today, I can make a difference.

You are all wonderful, intelligent Patriots of this country, and today your efforts may likely change the course of the worlds future.

Years from know, we'll all know that it started right here.

Semper Fi - God Bless America

Let Freedom Ring...

I love you all!



Kerry/Edwards - TODAY.

[Medical Speaking]

1. Semper Fi

From a Viet-Nam Vet and yes we will overcome and thanks for your post.

Kerry/Edwards-YES

[KingChicken]

2. I love you to buddy, today we begin the new democratic majority!

President Kerry!

[PleadTheFirst]

3. Thank you, Cease Fire.

Thank you for your service, and thank you for your heartfelt patriotism. Your post brought a tear to my eye.

[ezekiel333]

4. Semper Fi

<http://floridapatriots.com/semper_fi.htm>

[wildeyed]

5. ....

All you can see is a sea of people, some white and some black
Don't matter what color, all that matters is we gathered together
To celebrate for the same cause, no matter the weather
If it rains let it rain, yea the wetter the better
They ain't gonna stop us, they can't, we're stronger now more then ever,
They tell us no we say yea, they tell us stop we say go,
Rebel with a rebel yell, raise hell we gonna let em know
Stomp, push up, mush, fuck Bush, until they bring our troops home come on just . . .

I have not served, but I do feel a powerful kinship with others who have fought the good fight over the past months. I hope it ends today. But if we need to continue, we will continue. Best to you on your first voting day. And good, too, that you gave your employees the time to vote.

[cease_fire]

7. My friends...

True Patriots don't need an Act, or a war to prove their heart.

My unit would have loved it here, in this place.

We're doing America proud.

[Cerridwen]

6. What a beautiful, heartening post.

Thank you from a civilian. My mom had my uncles (career Airforce) talk me out of enlisting when I was 18.


Thank you for your service to this country and its people.

And thank you for your vote and for the homework assignment you gave your employees.

I have tears of joy running down my face.


:hug:


:yourock:

[classof56]

8. And God bless you, sir

And thank you for your moving, heartfelt post. I have not been with DU for long, but as I told someone yesterday, it has helped me keep my sanity in the midst of all the madness that has engulfed us. Let me tell you how glad I am that you are a part of DU, and I welcome you, as well, as a first-time voter. Congratulations! You have given more than your share for our country, and as a veteran you deserve all our gratitude. I am enraged at the way Bush is treating the military now, from veterans to the troops now fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. He makes me ashamed of him and of our country. We must remove him from office. Today may be our last chance to get our country back. I hope your voting experience will be a positive one, worthy of you and all who have served us so well.

DEFEAT BUSH!!

[babylonsister]

9. What a lovely post!

Thank you, Cease Fire, for your military service, patriotism, and humanity. Indeed, Let Freedom Ring!

[Justpat]

10. Thank you for posting your thoughts.

I appreciate everything you said and share your love for DU.

It is good to have you on our side.

[TrustingDog]

11. thanks, that's a great read to start off this day! :)

[cease_fire]

12. Well, I'm off.

Had a little trouble finding my passport, but now I'm ready..

The next time I post, I'll have the "I voted" avatar next to my name.



Hope has arrived

[cally]

13. Because of people like you

who are going to the polls and fighting to take our country back, we will win this. The battle will just begin. We have years of healing to do. We have to unite our country where we can discuss issues and differences. We have to correct the media. Still, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.

[lukasahero]

14. Now I'm crying... :)

Thanks for your wonderful words. And thank you for your service to our country - both as a Marine and today as you vote.

[BigMcLargehuge]

15. welcome cease_fire!

and glad to have you aboard!

[cease_fire]

16. It's done - God Bless America!

Today, at 11:35 AM Eastern Standard Time, I cast my vote for the next American Leadership.

Short lines at the polls, most of them young people.

As I got out of my car, I saw a group of 20 somethings removing Kerry Edwards buttons from their jean jackets...

Like I predicted, I sobbed all the way there. One of the kids that pulled up across from me in the parking lot saw me wiping my face.

She said "You too, eh?"

Her bumper sticker said "Republicans for Voledmort".

The best laugh I've had all day.

12 hours to go - It's Miller time!