Newbies thread: Really, we have had more good folks check in

[TayTay]

And they also deserve a Newbie thread. I saw at least 4 new names this week! I don't know if they are here to stay or not, but a newbie thread is in order by my way of thinking.

Newbie threads are a chance for new people to check in, say Hi! and anything else they may want to by way of introduction. (And is not mandatory. If you don't want to, you don't have to. It's very informal around here.)

I'm TayTay. I only started writing on political blogs last year. (I missed the famous and lamented Kerry Blog. Damnit, next time, I swear.) I first voted for Sen. Kerry in 1982 when he ran for Lt. Gov of Mass. In fairness I remember the primary race because of his political moves at the Dem convention that year, which I liked muchly (Bwaahahahaha, it really was good stuff.) Then I moved in with my husband-to-be, got married, had a miscarriage, and blam, next thing I knew he was running for Senator. (I was busy back then. I had a lot on my plate. I remember some of it.) I voted for him in the primary because, ahm, well, he was a veteran. (Have you seen that pic with him in the dress whites. OMG!) Long story, cuz most of the Dem side of my family actually was with the other credible primary guy, cuz of Tip O'Neill. (Long story.) But I have a wicked soft spot for vets. (Have you seen that pic, I mean really.)

I have voted for Kerry in every election he's been in since. I like him, he's wicked smaht. I like thinking that he's my Senator. I was heartbroken last year when he didn't become my President and so I came here. Been here ver since, so it's cozy and nice and the people are unmatched. And that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This group is very friendly, loves pic threads and has a lot of LLL people. (LLL people deeply appreciate Senator Kerry for more than just being 'wicked smaht'. See pic threads.) LLL = Libidinous Liberal lasses love looking longingly at lanky leaders. (There are a lot of women here. Not exclusively, but a lot.)

So, how's by you? And you are most welcome here, even if not LLL.

[frogmarch]

1. LLL checkin' in...heh

Not much to say about myself, really. Because I didn't want another Bush in the White House, I became obsessed with politics during the Gore presidential campaign and haven't been able to let go since. Living in the west and midwest for most of my adult life, I hadn't heard much about John Kerry until the primaries. When I heard him speak on TV, I knew almost immediately he was my candidate of choice, and I was ecstatic when he became the Democratic nominee. He was (and is) the ideal person for the presidency. I am still in mourning that Bush took the presidency. And I'm angry.

My husband isn't LLL, I hope (not that there would be anything wrong with it if he were a Libidinous Liberal Laddie who loves looking longingly at lanky leaders, except that he's my husband, for cryin' out loud), but he's a strong Kerry supporter as well. So are our three grown kids and their spouses and SOs. In this family, some of us are atheists, some are UU, some are Christians, some are Hindus, some are Buddhists, and some are "whatevers," but we're all Kerry-loving Democrats.

Thanks for the welcome! Nice to be here. :)

Edited to remove extra U in UU (typo)

[TayTay]

2. Again, nice to have you here.

In some ways, I am a walking stereotype of a 'Boston girl.' I come from a very large Catholic family. I have 6 brothers and 1 sister, cousins by the dozens, and deep, deep ties to Massachusetts. My Dad's family goes way back here (mid 1600's on the paternal side.) His Mom was Irish (2nd generation, I think.) My Mom's side was French Canadian (I think they migrated here for the warmer weather.) (There is also some German mixed in somewhere.) This background is as common as dirt around here. Nothing special. (But it does make me a native. Either that or having family here for more than 100 years makes you a native. Whome, what are the rules on who can be a 'native'? Is it the accent? I have no ideer. Is there a test?)

I am a Recovering Catholic (8 years of Sisters of Notre Dame, then public high school, cuz Catholic High School cost a ' friggin fortune' according to my Mom.) My husband was raised Orthodox Jewish. My kids like to celebrate holidays from either tradition, especially if they involve food or presents. My sister-in-law is Protestant and sends me tape of Christian music my nieces and nephews sing in their Church. It's nice.

I really like Mr. Kerry. I think he is a very good politician and I have always deeply admired the fact that he has managed to triumph over some of the wise guys around here who could never figure out where he came from or what 'tribe' he belonged to: Irish? Brahman? Ivy Leaguer? Carpetbagger? He can't be Italian or Greek, maybe he was a hybrid or something new. That confusion always amused the hell out of me. (I know, it's very Mass specific, but I always found it amusing.) I refer to this stuff sometimes because I deeply admire Mr. Kerry's perseverance and gumption in winning that Senate seat even when locals couldn't figure out how he did it. (It was the women's vote, btw. Duh!)

[frogmarch]

4. Well, TayTay

I consider you a native Bostonian. If you don't qualify as one, I don't think anyone does. An interesting family history you have there!

I was born in India of Anglo-Indian parentage and came to America when I was a child. I have a half-sister and a step-sister. My step-sister is married to a marine biologist at the Boston Aquarium. They're rarely in Boston, though, because they're involved in research and travel alot. Also they have a farm on the coast of New Zealand where they spend time. They're staunch Democrats too.

Where did I hear that John Kerry is of Jewish ancestry? Hmmm...probably on the Internets. Anyway, whatever his roots, he's The Man. I can still picture him during the debates with Bush. Kerry looked stunningly presidential standing there, and when he spoke, it was pure gold.

[ginnyinWI]

6. JK heritage

On his father's side he is Eastern European Jewish (but thought to be Irish until recently). Raised Roman Catholic. On his mother's side, pure Yankee Blueblood. (The Forbes'and Winthrops, don't ya know).

I like it--pure American all the way through. :)

[MH1]

3. Welcome, frogmarch!!!

And let me say I *LOVE* your handle. So timely.

Your history with Kerry seems similar to mine. Many here have the benefit of knowing him for much longer, and sometimes I even get jealous of the stories they tell, or all the knowledge they have! What a wonderful resource this forum is!

So welcome to the community, glad to have you here!

:party: :toast: :toast: :party:

[frogmarch]

5. Hi, MH1

Thanks for the welcome! I'm glad you like my handle. The first one I tried to register with was already taken, and "frogmarch' just popped into my head. I'm sure it's because the word appears a lot on DU for some unknown reason. ;-)

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one here who hasn't known Kerry for long and doesn't have real Kerry memories to share. Like you, I appreciate having such a great resource here for All Things Kerry. I've begun browsing the picture threads, and I don't recall seeing many of the photos before.

Be seeing you around, I expect. Thanks again for the welcome.

[TayTay]

8. You know, it's funny, but I'm not sure the 'long memory' is good

Or bad or in between. I often think that I shouldn't post any of this 'old stuff' because, ahm, it's old stuff. Then I think I shouldn't talk about it because it's not relevant anymore. Then I worry that it cannot translate, that this stuff is so parochially Boston that know one who doesn't live here and who hasn't been paying attention for low these many years can ever get it. I worry that I am telling tales out of school. I worry that I am not a good enough writer to evoke the necessary setting, place, circumstances and sense of the people involved for it to be anything but an old and dusty story, rather than one fascinating tale out of many.

In all honesty, the coverage on John Kerry in Massachusetts has been the most interesting political story of my life. It has been snarky, insulting, courageous, whacked, smart and incredibly funny. Mr. Kerry has endured more 'shots' than anyone one else in the State that I know of. (By far. It's not even a contest.) Yet, despite all that, despite the cheap shots, the murmurs and rumors against him, he's still here. Still ticking, still out there trying to do some good. Lesser men and men with less stamina would have faded under the intense glare and snarkiness long ago. They would have flipped out at constantly being compared to the Royal Family of Massachusetts, the Kennedy's. They would have wilted in the intense flames that emanate from the Globe and the Herald when they chose to be snide and condescending. But damnit, the guy's not only still here, he's been triumphant. That is one hell of a story and it points to one hell of an interesting guy.

I worry that I am too snide and flippant sometimes. I worry that my deep, deep respect for this intelligent and complicated guy doesn't come through, just the flippancy. I worry that I can't tell you how much fun it has been at times to watch this highly capable guy do raw politics in MA and confuse the hell out of certain people who are constantly surprised that he does so well here. (Ah, bite me, get over it!) And I worry that my particular type of affection is too ahm, nuanced to come through. I hope it does, because I do feel that affection and pride and deep respect. I hope the stories are fun to read, but they don't mean I know anything more than anyone else. It think it just means that I relish what I do know, cuz it's been a hell of a ride so far and I'm certainly up for more.

[karynnj]

10. Your admiration and respect always comes through

I, for one, love your ability to describe a different place and time in a way that, although the press still seem unfair and strange, at least have some explanation.

It also is an important perspective because the national press has seemed to follow the Massachusetts press on some of these perceptions. That was a very likely factor in Kerry's narrow loss (or insufficient win - if you count people he motivated to vote for him.) Part of the problem might be that people elsewhere assume Boston = liberal = bias toward Kerry. They then read the Globe biography and assumed that this was the most positive view possible that anyone could have of Kerry's career (by the reporters who know him best - but not including Oliphant, because he likes him).

Your comments show that the Massachusetts press often was influenced by the RW talking points of Nixon, Reagan, and now Bush that claim Kerry is things that looking just at Kerry's actions, he is not. I think part of the reasons some of these themes continue are that they often were vague and subjective (thus harder to dispel) and Kerry opts to take the high road, hold his head high and continue to do what he thinks right on critical issues rather than get into a fight over character assignations. The official record, whether it be from the navy, the anti-war movement, the FBI, or his public career all show him to be who he says he is - and in a fair world - this would be all that matters.

You also did a great job in explaining Kerry's personality and every Massachusetts person has said some variation of the same thing. Each of you referred to Kerry's formalness and seriousness in public interactions - that show his respect for the Senate seat Massachusetts honors him with and the intense loyalty of the people who are his real friends. This shows a person who has acted with decency and honor throughout his life and could be counted on to continue to do so.

All of you act as character witnesses for Kerry. That all of you have said that there were times when you disagreed with some votes he cast, but that you always trusted that he was acting in good faith is important. In a cynical world where too many votes are sold for contributions or political gain - this trust is impressive and reading between the lines, this is not a compliment most of you Mass people would give without merit as it clearly means a lot to you. For the Presidency (or the Senate), these personal characteristics coupled with intelligence, eloquence and a caring agenda are what counts. (The Butler pictures and other accounts that show he also has an incredible zest for life are cool and make it more fun to read about him, but they are only the icing on the cake.)

For those of us outside the state and not in Ohio or NH, our first look at Kerry on a personal level (not at a debate articulating positions) was his reunion with Rassman - ignoring the whole background that he saved the guy's life, what came through on the video was a very appealing unwillingness to claim credit for what really was an extraordinary selfless act - saying anyone would have done it. There seemed a slightly, almost bashful, shyness that had not come out when he was in "campaign mode" - enthusiasticly pushing programs and eloquently explaining why Bush needed to go.

That all of you have noted that he has allowed people to see more of the private side, rather than just the public side, since the election is also very interesting. His emails are unlike any I've seen from any politician. There are at least 2 aspects of this: they are written very personally and relatively informally and they contain far more information on the topic he is talking about, what the reasons are behind the position he is taking and what the reader can do. The latter signals he has respect for the intelligence of the reader and wants to make the case for supporting specific issues - this is not the typical form letter, which can be summarized as (Democrats do good: laundry list), (Republicans do bad: laundry list), (phony survey with loaded questions that would never merit analysis - which is ok because none is planned), (request for money).

I love the new email demanding Bush lay out a plan on Iraq. If he can lead the Democrats and possibly the non neo-con Republicans to pushing for getting the real issues on the table, he will have focused the choices we have left in Iraq. It is so interesting that he is acting both as a respected Senator and as a leader urging (in his speech) CITIZENSHIP ( I wonder if he is intentionally shifting from the wording of activist to (active) citizen - which is more fundamental, more patriotic and basic).

Thanks again to all you Massachusetts people for giving us the perspective to trust a very very unique person. ( I think Nixon's real view of Kerry was not "young demagogue" but instead he feared him as a potentially charismatic leader with a genuine love for some American and universal values that Nixon and the RW really don't ascribe to.)

[TayTay]

11. Karyn, you make me blush

Thanks for this:

All of you act as character witnesses for Kerry. That all of you have said that there were times when you disagreed with some votes he cast, but that you always trusted that he was acting in good faith is important. In a cynical world where too many votes are sold for contributions or political gain - this trust is impressive and reading between the lines, this is not a compliment most of you Mass people would give without merit as it clearly means a lot to you. For the Presidency (or the Senate), these personal characteristics coupled with intelligence, eloquence and a caring agenda are what counts. (The Butler pictures and other accounts that show he also has an incredible zest for life are cool and make it more fun to read about him, but they are only the icing on the cake.)

When I first started posting on this here forum, I always referred to my Jr. Sen as either 'Mr. Kerry' or 'Sen. Kerry.' (I have a difficult time starting a post with 'Kerry' without an intro sentence that shows some deference to his earned title. That's just me. It's a habit.) I have lightened up a bit when I am engaged in light-hearted threads here. I think he is a serious man who deserves some respect because he has earned it.

I thank you for what you wrote. This is what I was aiming for. I think Sandnsea is right and we are spoiled in MA having two very decent, smart and progressive Senators. With all my kidding around, I am glad that the essential respect comes through.

I don't tend to mince words about pols and usually call 'em as I see 'em. (And there are a lot of MA pols that I can't stand and some of 'em are even Dems. They are self-referential and shallow and don't serve their constituencies. There have a been a lot of corrupt bastards that have not served the public trust here. Every state has people like that, alas.)

Mr. Kerry has voted contrary to my wishes from time to time. However, he usually has a really good reason for doing so and it behooves me to read up on why he does what he does. I generally learn something, which is a good thing.

[ray of light]

9. Welcome frogmarch

I'm fairly new to this kerry forum, since for my first 6 months or more I didn't even know there was anything outside of "GD, Election Fraud, and LASTEST, And EDitorials."

WIL showed me the light though.

[frogmarch]

16. Hi, ray of light

Thanks very much for the welcome. I'm tickled to be here. I read at DU for nearly a year before I joined. After spending a few weeks at GD and GDP, my head was spinning. That's when I ventured forth and found my niche.

It feels like home here. :)

[politicasista]

12. Welcome frogmarch

:hi:

[frogmarch]

17. Hi back

politicasista. Nice to meet you. :)

[globalvillage]

13. Welcome, welcome!

So glad you're here.
Your family sounds great, but how do you celebrate the holidays without all that wonderfully uncomfortable tip-toeing around politics? I find half the fun these days is in parking my JK/Dem bumper-stickered car next to my mom's with the sticky spot where the "W" used to be (hehe). Then to take the conversation riiiight to the edge and stop just short of saying "I told you so". Hehehe. Christmas will be so wonderful this year. I may need another bumper sticker.
Fitzmas (and Sen Kerry's awesome Georgetown speech) just has me in a mood.
Welcome to the JK group, and a very Merry Fitzmas to you and yours.

[frogmarch]

18. Thanks, globalvillage

for the welcome! I had a good Fitzmas, and I hope you did too. I spent the day high-fiving my Democrats friends in person, over the phone and through email, and I was lulled to sleep last night by the first stanza of "Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley" echoing in my brain.

In my family, all but one of us is a Democrat, so we don't tiptoe around politics at family gatherings. The lone republican, my fundy sister-in-law, tiptoes around us. :P I'll be seeing her tomorrow and will look to see if her pro-Bush bumper stickers are still on her car. I'm happy to know that your mom woke up! Tomorrow will tell if my sister-in-law did too, though I'll bet she's still zonked out.

Kerry's Georgetown speech was definitely awesome. I cherish him. He's the best of the best.

[Island Blue]

14. Welcome aboard Frogmarch!

You've discovered the best group in the entire Democratic Underground universe! :hi:

[frogmarch]

19. Island Blue

I know I have. It's great being here, surrounded by people who are on the same wavelength as me.

Thank you for welcoming me. :)

[WildEyedLiberal]

21. Howdy!

Always good to have more LLL :evilgrin:

The poor guys on this board. I know there are at least a few who lurk - ohtransplant comes to mind. I hope he enjoys the Kerry news, if not the Kerry lust. :D But welcome aboard! It's always great to have new faces!

[MH1]

7. Speaking of new folk....

Not here in JK Group but this thread is interesting:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2186637

Poster seems new and pro-Kerry. I thought folks might want to go say hello.

[k j]

15. Hi Frogmarch...

I'm KJ. Welcome to this sanctuary. :-) Love your handle!

I ran across this forum by accident, was welcomed in by an old friend from the campaign, SandnSea, for which I'm grateful. I'm fairly quiet and read more than post. Know the people here more by their posts than by interaction. Good people, in my opinion.

Grew up in the American Midwest with a family that talked politics, sports and farming with equal passion (although I was raised in a city). Was expected to join in the conversations with facts at my fingertips, even at an early age. Raised as a Roman Catholic Democrat, although my father was a Republican and an atheist. One of my aunts was a John Bircher (who wouldn't talk politics with me until I'd read "Atlas Shrugged," twice). LOL) My first campaign was Robert Kennedy's. I was barely a teenager at the time, but shook his hand. He is still one of my heroes.

Wandered for a couple of decades around the country. Kerry was my senator at one time. Saw the Weld-Kerry debates in real time. Loved, loved, loved my time in Massachusetts. Love the people, the politics, the politicans and the love the rough and tumble there. Campaigned for Dukasis, Clinton and Gore before Kerry.

Currently live in a Rural Red part of the Midwest. D*mn karma, anyway. ;-)

Spend most of my time (what little there is) at The Democratic Daily with other Kerry supporters and folks who are interested in supporting positive actions taken by progressive leaders. You won't find me engaging in too many battles on-line. I've had my fill of negativity from the blogosphere and the neocons where I live. Have zero patience for the ignorance, blaming and namecalling that passes for snark on the blogs or as the basis for a vote in the real world.

I have the same handle where ever I post, btw.

[frogmarch]

22. Hi, KJ

Good to meet you, and thanks very much for the welcome. Welcome to you too. :)

How interesting your background is! You've lived in a political atmosphere all your life, from the sounds of it, and have long been a very active Democratic supporter. I admire that. By contrast, until Reagan hit the scene, my family was pretty much a-political, and I've never been much of a public activist, except at the local government level, and on national issues pertaining to animal rights.

I don't take part in many online battles either. For one thing, I'm not good at debate, and for another, I've found that it's mostly a futile effort, like trying to eat Jello with chopsticks would be. Strange analogy, I know, but you probably understand what I mean. lol

Hope you will post here often!

[k j]

24. Eating Jello

...with chopsticks, perfect analogy! :-)

[fedupinBushcountry]

20. Welcome Aboard

Like you I knew little about John Kerry, but was doing research on all the candidates and got to JohnKerry.com and never left. He truly inspired me and gave me a voice again. I am a proud Kerry Dem.

:patriot:

[frogmarch]

23. fedupinBushcountry

Thanks, it's good to be aboard.

The more I learn about Kerry, and the more I hear of what he's doing these days, the more staunch of a supporter I become. I'll bet it's the same way with you. :)

[TayTay]

25. Kick

Cuz it might be relevent today!

Hi newbies! We luvs ya, don't ya know. You renew us.