Think back to why you came to DU in the first place.....

[senseandsensibility]

For most of us, wasn't it because the mainstream media was utterly failing in their duty to hold republicans accountable? And isn't that what is happening now? The recent influx of new posters writing about voting fraud is a direct result of the corporate media's refusal to address this issue. They, in my opinion, are not floating bogus theories to set us up. We need their energy; haven't some of you people noticed that many "old timers" have abandoned us or are taking a much needed break?

I don't know if I could be considered an old-timer. But I came to DU in March of 2004, as a direct result of the media's complete incompetence in covering the run up to the Iraq invasion. I found contacts here,and spent the last week before we invaded feverishly e-mailing and networking. I would have come to DU as a result of the 2000 election, as I'm sure some of you did, but I just didn't learn about this great site in time.

My point is, I don't think, except with rare exceptions, that we are being freeped. I think the newbies came here out of anger and disappointment with the media's coverage of the election fraud, just as some of us came because of 2000 or the Iraq invasion. Don't we want to encourage that? Welcome, newcomers! We need you now more than ever, IMHO.

[robbedvoter]

1. I came looking for my sanity after the 2000 theft. hence my handle

I guess, after the second theft, more needed to huddle with like minded people.

[Mabus]

31. Same here, after the 2000 election

Before the election I found my way to some list-serves networking with other Gore supporters (loved him since '88). After the election and before the Supreme Court made its ruling those list-serves were my life line to sanity. It was during that time that I noticed several others on the lists referred to DU and quoted some pretty good stuff. I followed the link and got hooked. It was the only way I felt in touch with the emerging reality based community. After many months of lurking, often because I felt so naive about politics and there seemed to be so many knowledgeable people here, I finally registered.

Thank you DU for being here to build a real community and a better tomorrow.

[indigo11153]

54. Me too

Came here after the death of our democracy, For the record that was 12/12/00. Found the DU in Jan '01. I think someone signed me up and sent me the link. It was small then and not much going on. I think only a few people. I kept coming back though. I founded a group of protesters locally and we did some great actions. Like protesting Bush and Tony (the fix it) Scalia and the media. Also we infiltrated a freeper convention. I posted pictures of them and their founder and made fun of them here on the DU. Made them mad when they found out and they followed me here. LOL I really caught some grief from some DUers for being followed by freepers but hell they already heard of the DU they just didn't take us seriously. I am sorry if I made trouble. I think they have been here in force ever since. It was just a matter of time before they came though. They hate the America we love and so they hate us, all of us. I know a lot about them ask me anything. Also they have honored me with tittle! I am "the queen of the witches and the cream of the cess pool." Hehe.
I love it. It is a badge of honor. The freepers are no big deal really. They are just one of many groups that get money from big money republican interests. Those republicans are the real vampires. The freepers are just the cockroaches they keep in the dark with them. They are just used to put a face on an even greater evil. They are just brownshirts and the night of the long knives is coming for them.

Many old DUers are still here. I haven't kept up with all the posting but I still come here for help sometimes, also for friends and ideas and inspiration. Politics has a cycle. There is a time to build and time to talk and share and then there is time for doing! When it was time for doing that is what I did. I didn't post much at all.
I worked hard for my party that I love and to try to regain our democracy in the last four years. I am so tired. I don't want to have to fight anymore.
I wish I felt that Bush won this fair and square. Then I could get over it. Truth is I know the guy is a thief and liar.
I came here because I was one of the people that would not get over it. I am still "not over it" and I won't be until I know that I live in a democracy.

[senseandsensibility]

55. I enjoy learning about the history

of DU, since I wasn't here in the early days. I know what you mean about feeling tired. I am too. That's why I'm glad we're still attracting new people. We'll need them to take up the slack while others rest or get involved in different ways. Nevertheless, I always feel inspired when the oldtimers post, and even if I don't comment, I learn something from them.

[wellstone dem]

2. I came becuase

Paul Wellstone died, and I felt so alone.

[senseandsensibility]

6. That was a horrible

day for me, too. I will always miss Paul. If only he were here now.

[henslee]

25. O man. (hug)

[seito]

3. I came here to find hope

Not much out there. The mainstream media has been hijacked. I found this site on Nov 3.

[senseandsensibility]

7. Welcome

but be careful. This place can be addicting!

[Kralizec]

4. Thanks,

and yes, that is exactly why I came here. But even being here such a short time I can pick out some people with low posts that try a little too hard to stir things up.

I think this place is great!

[senseandsensibility]

8. Welcome

I'm impressed that you're already figuring out who's stirring things up. When I had 55 posts, I was too busy fending off others who were accusing me of being a freeper!

[patdem]

5. Yes, and I am a liberal democrat...and I was tombstoned cause

I kept saying people were just here to lure us Liberals in and decimate us...I attacked..of all people Will Pitt and Matcom!!! See I come here angry looking for answers and because they were not immediately available and given upon demand I accused those here of being a distraction from my anger!

Boy have I learned a thing or two about this site these people and how very wrong first impressions can be!!!

[senseandsensibility]

13. Funny story!

Just between us, those two are kind of suspicious...LOL!!!

[henslee]

26. Big of you to stick it out. I came here massively uninformed am still am

learning more eveyday. I cringe when I think of my early posts.

[MelissaB]

9. Newbie

with anger and disappointment issues here!

The only problem I have with this site is that it is so darn addictive. I could sit here and read for days. Also, since I'm from a red state it is so good to be around like-minded people.

Thanks to all!! I love this place!

On second thought, this place has cost me a bundle of money. Maybe I should check out.

[senseandsensibility]

15. Welcome!

That's what we're here for, MelissaB! I have always felt at home here, too.

[Pithy Cherub]

10. I lurked for well over a year

admiring that DU ability to gather great amounts of factual information and some of the analysis was excellent. The primaries were pretty brutal here and the exchanges ranged from enlightened to outright hostility. The biggest thing was how all of the viewpoints were allowed under one 'house', if you will. Lurking helped me to learn the language - the latest newbies come in and wade right in where angels fear to tread and hence may not understand the community. The sincere passion is most certainly welcome!

[senseandsensibility]

18. Where angels fear to tread...

I love it. That's exactly how I've been feeling about this new "crop."

[knowbody0]

11. i stumbled into forum

truth seeking by nature.
IMO freepers that step in here are curious as well. deception rules only for so long

[senseandsensibility]

19. I have often wondered if

we've converted any freepers. Anyone know?

[Tace]

53. I Do Know There Are Quite A Number Of Republicans Who Aren't Tombstoned

I actually enjoy various viewpoints.

[Omaha Steve]

12. a Colorado Republican told me about DU

We were fighting on another board. I kept tearing apart his posts with facts and links. In desperation he said I was getting my info here. That was when I came here to look around. Fell in love with it.

[senseandsensibility]

20. Don't you often wonder what you would do without

it?

[Us vs Them]

14. I still remember the day I realised Mainstream Media was a sham.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3730364.stm

The pucker in the suit.

Coincidentally, my distrust for BBC was also spawned of the same incident. This 'story' they wrote was simply a rehash of all those darn pesky weblogs I sent them links to. Good investigative reporting, lads.

[senseandsensibility]

21. An epiphany

indeed.

[liquiduniverse]

16. I found DU through a link on Salon...

after the election. I've been disillusioned with the national media for some time now and I suspected fraud would occur in this election. Glad to see there is a large group of people who feel the same way.

It's also nice to know that because this board is so active, any important breaking news stories about politics will appear here almost immediately.

[senseandsensibility]

23. Yes, I appreciate the LBN

more than ever. I have literally watched NO mainstream or TV news since the election, so it is my lifeline.

[The Doctor.]

17. I was fact-checking some stuff and found a link here...

What kept me comming back was the (mostly) intelligent humor I found here.

Then I registered and found that DU tends to have it's facts right.

I go where the facts are in my never-ending search for truth.

[senseandsensibility]

24. There's a reason

our content is so fact based here on DU. The facts support our positions. We don't need to engage in energy sapping propaganda. Lucky for us.

[neohippie]

22. I came here because of people like Eloriel and William Pitt

I remember finding this place sometime after 9/11. I felt like I must have been the only one feeling that the media had let me down and that the TRUTH must be out there.

I remember being inspired by many posters here the two I listed in my subject lines are the one's that stand out most in my mind from back then, and they continue to inspire me today.

[senseandsensibility]

27. Wow. You've been around since 9-11

and your post count seems so low. You must be one of those people who like to read and think about other peoples' posts, and don't always need to be hearing your own voice. I never trusted that type. (JOKE)!!!

[patdem]

40. I have been here since 2000 and my posts are not alot

I post in fits and starts..I used to write poetry that way...till I get completely frustrated I just read and take it all in..then when I am full I espouse...but reading is what I like to do. And DU has the greatest posters...the most intelligent analysis..that I can read for a month..never post and suddenly I post 100 times in a month...then back to reading!

[senseandsensibility]

42. That's great!

If I have a complaint about DU, it's that many posters (MYSELF INCLUDED) don't always take the time to read and consider other posts before spouting off.

[BamaBecky]

28. Thanks!

It made me feel proud to contribute to who Charles Figley might be. All of us want to do something to help! No matter how small. I understand the fear of being duped. It's real. Rove is out there, along with his minions, stirring the pot! Question? Has anybody here ever received a phone call from the United States Government wanting to do a survey? I got one today. I thought that was MOST unusual!

[MelissaB]

30. Hey , BeckyBama!

I'm in Florence, Alabama!

[BamaBecky]

34. Hi There!

Is there a way I can send you and e-mail or you one to me? I'm trying to increase my list of Alabama Democrats. We have a lot of work to do in this state. I'm a counselor in the school system in Grove Hill. I'm still learning how things work over here at DU. I don't even know how to start a thread - just post....

[MelissaB]

35. I just tried sending you an email.

Let me know if it didn't work. I've never tried that here.

I'm a teacher, too!!

[senseandsensibility]

33. You should be proud!

[mdb]

29. agree

One big and I do mean big difference in this election over the 2000 election was in 2000 it was all over the news and on TV. This year as you know it is slowly becoming news but a big difference from 2000.

I'm not new to forums but the site I posted at previously was just not handling this issue as well as before the election (against bush).

This is the place to be and the reason for the increase in users.

[senseandsensibility]

32. Thanks for confirming my

intuition about why new people were coming here. And welcome!

[luaneryder]

38. Yeah, sorta like Iraq

coverage. The first one was all over cable, now it's a 30 second bite, then off to Scott Peterson. Welcome!

[juslikagrzly]

36. I came here after seeing F9/11

and realizing how much I had not known about the truth. I came home from the movie and googled "democratic discussion boards" and here I am.

I had no idea that the inauguration parade had been stopped by protesters throwing eggs

I had no idea that the Black Congressional Caucus had tried to officially protest the election

I was so angry, at myself for not paying enough attention and at the media (or what we call the media)..

This place has kept me sane during the last few months.

There isn't much patience for newbies though and I wonder if we don't drive off some really great folks who might have a lot to contribute. I appreciate your post senseandsensibility.

BTW, what post count do you need to pass before you're no longer considered a newbie?

[senseandsensibility]

43. That's a good question!

I didn't feel like I lost my newbie tag until I crossed the magic thousand post threshold, at least not in some peoples' eyes. Heck, I'm probably still consisdered a newbie by some! But that's o.k. In my real life, I feel very well informed compared to most people, but when I come here it's a humbling experience. That's good for all of us.

[jsamuel]

37. Yep, and because the JK forum closed down, and the CGCS forum has very

few people talking about voter fraud. This place is much more lively!

I have been a reader here for a while before joining, but I finally did when the JK forum went down.

[senseandsensibility]

45. I think you'll find that

DU is always lively, no matter what else you may say about it. And it can be counted on to cover all significant issues. This board doesn't run from anything!

[NV Whino]

39. At this point I no longer consider myself new

But let me tell you why I came to Du. I discovered this very opinionated and articulate writer on Onlinejournal. His name was William Rivers Pitt. I fell right in love whith him with the first article I read, and I later quoted him liberally (all puns intended) on an art piece I did for an invitational with a "Flag" theme. (January of 2002.) I kept running in to his articles here and there, and linked to various sites mentioned here and there. I found DU, I think, through a link from Democratic Underground. I lurked for a while, becoming more and more impressed with the sanity of the site. Then I saw Will Pitt posted here. I signed up immediately.

Can you imagine? A journalist who can actually write. Yea Will!

[senseandsensibility]

46. We are blessed with

William, Elizabeth Edwards, Chris Heinz, and Bev Harris as members. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out. They're very distinguished and I am proud to belong on a board with them, but the "regular" members are impressive too! And one thing I like about DU is the egalitarian attitude. I have seen "nobodies" take on William Rivers Pitt. Very entertaining!

[NV Whino]

66. Yes

I notice Will has corrected "jive" to "jibe" after I mentioned it as one of my pet peeves in a thread.

[haktar]

41. Don't forget the longtime lurkers

I registered here after your election, because during the election access was only permitted to registered users
I started reading DU years ago to convince myself that there are a few mental helthy americans left after religious rightwing
and gung-ho posters took over the usenet.
BTW: i don't have too many problems with our media. "shit" and other indecent words are allowed and "nibblegate" was only widly reported because the american reaction to the "wardrobe malfunction" was seen as ridiculous.

Now guess where i'm from.

[senseandsensibility]

47. Germany?

I peeked! If we can convince Europeans that there are a few sane Americans fighting for freedom from Bush, we will have accomplished something.

[newyawker99]

56. Hi haktar!!

Welcome to DU!!

[judaspriestess]

44. I was invited to come here

back in July of this year from a person who was on a sports forum with me which had a political section. We were democrats the few and the rest were vile republicans. I came over logged in and was a lurker for a while, now I like to post. I love it here because I knew, even though it seemed to the contrary, that I was not alone.

[senseandsensibility]

48. Welcome!

And spread the word!

[frustrated_lefty]

49. Nah, I came

to find left-wing bi-sexual females lacking in morals, values and chastity. But my wife put the ixnay on that (I can look, but I cannot touch), forcing me to address political issues and devote that unspent energy towards discovering truths not addressed by the MSM. My research in this area has convinced me that Bush sucks, but Cheney swallows. Rumsfeld can't decide what to do, so he just kinda dribbles.

[KoKo]

50. Glad to read your post and know that you found a "home" here, but YES

we are being FREEPED.....And those who've been here for over three years do have a sense of how it works. This site was FREEPED from the beginning and now with over 54,000 posters the number will increase. As a sites popularity grows so does its ability to draw in folks who want to "undermine" grows.

This site survives because we are always "fact checking" and it's very diverse with folks from all states and overseas and differing backgrounds and life experience. In the end...Freeps, Trolls and disrupters are found out. Just because of the very fact that we are all very open here and have "the light" to shine in exposing those who want to remain in the dark, and who don't know the power of DIVERSITY.

[GreenPartyVoter]

51. Agreed. I say we give newbies the benefit of the doubt

*hugs to the noobs*

[senseandsensibility]

52. Yes, many of the new ones seem to be working their

butts off on the election fraud issue. Kudos to them.

[BlackVelvet04]

57. I came here after the election

for the energy and wonderful research being put into the fraud issue. I've shared much of what you have put here on another board and have tried to encourage those members to get involved. No way could I have done all the research myself and I THANK D.U. members for all their hard work.

Since coming here I have gotten extremely dissatisfied with other message boards.

Thanks again to all the members working so hard on the voter fraud.

[senseandsensibility]

59. Welcome blackvelvet!

We need more like you.

[BlackVelvet04]

61. Thanks.....

I volunteered at the local democratic headquarters and I realized just how much work needs to be done. It's wonderful to have a central place where people can come and talk about the issues and work together for the changes we need in our system. The internet is a wonderful thing!

[Pooka Fey]

58. 2004 Election Newbie here! Thanks for the support. (n/t)

[senseandsensibility]

60. Welcome to DU

I hope you'll keep posting. This fraud issue isn't going anywhere without us pushing it. Keep contributing, and we'll keep moving forward!

[baba]

62. Craigs List

I found this place through the Craig's List World Politics Forum. When I became convinced that the election was stolen Tuesday night, I was looking in desperation for people who shared my views. Someone posted links to DU on the Craig's List WoPoFo. Now I spend way more time here than on Craig's List! I guess I "switched" addictions....

[senseandsensibility]

64. Welcome, and you're right!

This place can be very addictive, but I like to think that it's addictive in a contstructive way.

[fearnobush]

63. I came here in Sept. 2003 to find the scoop on the Plame outing.

I knew the media was not our friend since the 2000 steal. What I found here was much better. Dems and Liberals with balls - willing to fight while our party leaders just lay down and take it. DU is an inspiration to what our party use to be - tough and wise.

[senseandsensibility]

65. Wow. Good point.

Maybe some of our DUers should run for office. When I hear the Dem reps on TV, they don't seem to know half as much as some DUers, and not persuasive.

[patricia92243]

67. People come and go. If we don't have "newbies" DU would cease to exist

before too long.

[Tommymac]

68. I Came Here to Work for Progressive Values

after the John Kerry forums closed. I knew of this site, lurked frequently as a guest; in fact ref'd it on the JK forums frequently; but during the year I decided to concentrate my online efforts on that site (4300+ posts worth of time).

Now that the JK forums are dead and gone, I was looking for activist sites where progressive values are cherished and fought for. DU is one that fits the bill.

So here I am....

[senseandsensibility]

69. Welcome, Tommymac!!

Hope to hear more from you!

[halley]

70. From The Beginning

I was/am pissed that they stole my vote-Florida