Ya Know, Randi Rhodes Talked About Somethin Yesterday That Got Me Thinkin Bout The Real Value Of DU.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

I had thought about it a lot yesterday on my ride home from work; but after reading a few different posts here today I figured I'd share my thoughts.

After Cindy was on with Randi yesterday, Randi started talking about how when she first started at Air America she was begging for anyone to speak out. She then told this story of some Blackwater employees sent to get food utensils, that ended up being slaughtered and hung from a bridge in fallujah.

As she was retelling the story, something immediately occurred to me: I had never heard of this incident. That's what got me thinkin. Why hadn't I? Well, it was because I didn't discover DU until the day after election 2004 and didn't actively participate until a year later. Though I feel like I always had DU and can't imagine a time when I didn't have it to rely on, the fact is that there were many years that went by since the Gore injustice in which I was ignorant. I didn't have DU, and the only news I got was from the MSM. That being the case, that means I didn't know much. I didn't know about the Blackwater incident, I didn't know about god knows what after 9-11, I didn't know about a lot of what DU'ers already surmised during the run up to the war, I didn't know squat when it comes down to it. I can't imagine having only gotten my news from the news, but I know that had to be the case.

That's when I took a quick moment in my car and appreciated the hell out of DU with a big smile on my face.

See, many here bicker all the time (myself included, obviously hehe) and some claim how bad DU has gotten or how downhill it is going or it just isn't the same anymore etc. But I think that those who truly believe that are losing sight of what makes DU valuable to begin with. Though my opinion only, all the discussion and back and forth dialog here, along with the immense passion and spirited debate from all angles, is what makes DU fun, exciting, addictive and even at times monumentally frustrating. But I don't think that's what makes DU valuable.

I think what makes DU valuable is the fact that in any given hour, you can be made aware of almost every noteworthy topic to be made aware of. That's the value of DU to me. And it doesn't matter what the topic is, what position one takes on the topic, or how much one agrees with it. The value lies in being aware that the topic even existed for discussion or debate to begin with. I didn't know about the old blackwater incident because I hadn't been on DU. Had I have been, I would've known for certain.

So I guess my point is that no matter how frustrating things can seem here, no matter how much bickering, arguing, nonsensical rambling, anger, dissent, differing points of view, provocation, personal attacks, or distasteful interactions there are at times, we are still informed and aware of every possible topic we should be aware of, and to a degree a brazillion times higher than if we just relied on the media like others do.

Like I said, that applies whether any given topic is agreed upon or otherwise. We're still aware the topic exists. That's the true value of DU to me: That from here on out stories like the blackwater incident early on in the war will no longer go quietly by me. Because of DU, I'm aware and informed. I would challenge that any one of you, no matter how frustrated you are here, could engage in conversation with anyone on any given noteworthy topic on any given day. Manager killed at Wendy's? Yeah, I heard about that. Chavez shut down some tv stations? Yeah, I recall something along those lines. Valerie Plame is now confirmed (yet again) as covert? Yup, just read it. Alberto Gonzales might be disbarred? Yup, familiar with that too. The hubble telescope snapped an awesomely detailed picture of another universe that was amazing? Yup, I saw it. Great pic too.

Just wanted to share because after hearing the story from Randi, it really occurred to me why and how this site is so valuable to me. It isn't the discussion, it isn't the ability to hone my wiseass skills, it isn't the stimulation of debate and it isn't the fast paced addictive action of a good flamefest. It's the ability to know that I'm informed more than anyone else who isn't here.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

1. Oops! LOL On Edit, Didn't Copy The Whole Thing First Time Around, If Any Of Ya Were A Bit Confused.

[BuyingThyme]

2. The thing that she said which got me thinkin'...

had to do with the fact that she seemed to have no idea that DU is a public forum as opposed to a blog or news site.

[LSK]

6. I sent her a link to Skinners post on her blog

http://www.airamerica.com/node/3811

[librechik]

30. she told Cindy something like" DU called you an attention whore"

which got me pissed.

"DU" didn't call Cindy anything!

[hfojvt]

36. the DU

c'est moi.

Pardon my French.

Plus, it wasn't me, and you are correct, that was a bad thing for Randi to say, especially considering how many fans she has here.

[AspenRose]

37. It was totally unfair and inaccurate for her to say that.

That upset me too. *Sometimes* she needs to engage her brain and calm her emotions down before shooting off her mouth.....

[SteppingRazor]

3. You? Bicker? Oh, come now!

Kidding aside, I would like to make an additional point. You mentioned people saying it's "going downhill" or that it's "not the same anymore." Well, I've been here for a few years now, and I can't remember when I didn't hear claims like that. Moreover, as to the contentious nature of the site, after four terms as a moderator, I can safely saay that that has never changed either. The only thing that changes is the bickering topic du jour.

I guess what I'm saying is, D.L.T.B.G.Y.D. The site's as solid as it's ever been.

[MindPilot]

4. K & R and I couldn't have said it better myself

Several times a day I check in for that very reason. It's the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do at night. When I get home the SO and I usually start our first conversation of the evening with "didcha see that thread...?"

I think it was last year, we had a little earthquake here in SoCal, and I swear there was a post on DU about it before the shaking had stopped. Now THAT'S timely reporting.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

9. I Remember That Thread Well.

It was wild how quickly DU'ers were on here giving live up to date details on what was going on. Though I'm all the way on the other coast, I felt like I was right there in a rhetorical way. There have been several instances like that here, from tornadoes, hurricanes, etc, that we are aware of real time and can all huddle and cross our fingers for their safety together. It's wild.

[LSK]

5. Good post and yes you are very much correct

For most people the news that Cindy has stepped down might go unnoticed. But there is no DUer who is not aware of this story now.

[quinnox]

7. good points

DU can be very addicting for sure. Even when I post topics and get flamed I have to admit some of the flames are very entertaining and amusing. lol And I agree DU is also a good way to stay current too.

[Louis Cipher]

8. .

[NMDemDist2]

21. may I bring to your attention a lovely little feature we have here on DU

it's called the 'ignore' button.

If a poster irritates you, just click this little guy

it will make your DU experience much more enjoyable.

[SeattleGirl]

10. I hear you, OMC

I don't know how many times, since I started reading DU (a couple of years before I actually joined) that I would hear something on the news or read a snippet in the paper MONTHS, even YEARS, after I first saw it on DU, after someone here posted information from a non-MSM site. Despite the bickering, and sometimes because of it, I pick up information here that I may not otherwise know about.

[unpossibles]

11. agree 100%

and although you and I have argued a couple of times, I don't even mind that. I figure that helpens me to sharpen my skills in defending what my position is and/or to decide to change my position based on better information, or some combination of the two.

I had known about the Blackwater thing before I joined here (and we joined around the same time), but only because of my job as a photo editor. I saw the pictures that I was not allowed to publish. But that said, there are many things I have learned here days before I saw them elsewhere or hear about them from friends, and a lot of great editiorials, opinions, disagreements, and rallying around a common cause to boot.

Cheers. See? We can disagree and still get along

(even if your opinions suck... lol)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

14. Just So Ya Know,

There isn't a person here that I harbor ill will against at the end of the day and I never hold grudges or take things personally. Each thread, each topic, each post, is individual of any prior. Holding grudges is silly. It's just a message board and no matter how intense my posts or replies can get, I'm always smilin and enjoyin myself on the other end. Ain't a genuine person here I wouldn't extend my hand to when theirs is out and open ya know?

It's all good unpossibles.

[BeyondGeography]

18. I share your enthusiasm for this site; we the users have control

and we're not playing to any diary-writer's tune.

Plus, looking at your avatar, MSG has an hour-long special on The Spring of '94 that you won't want to miss.

Let's go Rangers!

[unpossibles]

19. same here.

and I am a smartass a lot of times, so it's good to know. I'm sure I have pissed someone off more than once here.

[Buzz Clik]

12. Great OP!!!

The DU often assumes the role of cesspool with its excessive threads, redundancy in reporting, endless polls, etc.

However, the value of DU over just about any rightwing board is, just as you say, the serious exchange of ideas. Being incredibly diverse in our membership, we have lots of points of view to consider.

A typical rightwing board is used for idle chatter, affirmation of beliefs, and the occasional slaughter of an unsuspecting leftie who wanders by.

DU all the way!

[stellanoir]

13. Oh

"Ooga, Booga, Smooga, Wooga" you.

Kidding

luv ya

Nice post really

K'd & R'd

[blm]

15. Imagine if a DU existed during IranContra or BCCI - the BFEE would've been in jail

long ago and a President Clinton would have actually been able to do more good and less compromising and schmoozing up with Poppy.

[sellitman]

16. Recommended #5 and sent to "The Greatest Page".

Yeppers.... warts and all this place is special.

[truedelphi]

17. I know! I know! Whenever anyone disagrees with me and says

"Now wait a minute there Sister Carol, that's not what they are saying on the TeeVee," I almost bust out laughing and saying "The TeeVee! You mean you still listen to the TeeVee when you have DU!"

I wish DU were mandatory.

[melody]

20. Well said n/t

[Staph]

22. K&R

A year ago, I was on a business trip in Chicago, and was talking to a guy at the company I was visiting. We discovered our mutual disgust of the current administration, and I mentioned DU as my place to keep up with right wing shenanigans.

He checked it out, and every visit thereafter, we would talk about DU, and especially the Top 10 Conservative Idiots. Ah, good days.




Hey, Eric, if you're reading this, get a user name and sign in!

[catmandu57]

23. In my humble opinion

DU'ers are the most informed people on this planet. I watch the news not for information, but, to see when and how they cover a story. Often by the time mainstream has picked up a story we've explored it on all sides, and have moved on.

[porphyrian]

24. Here's another of the relatively few things we agree on.

I consume absolutely zero corporate media blathering, getting all of my news from here. And I am far more informed than anyone I know who does consume corporate media.

[Buns_of_Fire]

25. Heck, you have 100,000 researchers behind you!

People just don't get away with much, when you have that many people checking out the veracity of what's posted. (Although, to be honest, I'm a little surprised that no one ever called me out on the fact that Barry Manilow is actually God in human form.)

(Hey, I'm just here for the strange stuff. It's in my contract. Everyone else here is good people. I've seen it, time and again. Damn, they're smart, too.)

Geez, now I'm getting all verklempt...

[johnaries]

26. I get almost all my news from DU.

People at work are amazed at how consistently current I am with the news. And it's all because of DU.

[applegrove]

27. Yup.. DU and the political comedians. That is where I get the real news.

K & R

[Matariki]

28. No kidding, I'm DAYS ahead of the 'news curve' thanks to this place.

Why just last week a friend asked me if I'd heard of the Don Imus fiasco! Like, duh!

[loudsue]

29. Good post OMC! Don't forget the DU Groups & State forums & Topic Forums.

This place is like a huge library, news room, bulletin board and "think tank" all rolled into one. There's the science group, the alternative energy group, the astrologers and gardeners and chefs. The State forums help us to hook up with each other, and the Elections forum is ESSENTIAL to everything else we will ever do on this board. If something really important and/or timely turns up in one of the DU groups, it will usually find its way to the main discussion forums. What starts out on the main discussion forums is often researched further in the DU groups.

This place truly is amazing. Thanks for helping to put it all back into perspective. Let's hear it for a little DU love!

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

31. Being challenged draws me here.

If I EVER reach a point where I firmly believe I have all the answers,...I'll be what I loathe,...a tunnel-sighted person.

I enjoy being challenged (without the personal attacks, of course,...at which point I get either ugly or silent). DU is challenging.

On edit: I can disagree with your judgment 'bout Chavez and admire your post, simultaneously. *GRIN*

[KatyaR]

32. I agree with you wholeheartedly.

I get the vast majority of my news here at DU. I read a few major newspapers and news sites online, but as far as I'm concerned, this it is for me. And not just that, it's my internet "home." I may not always agree with some of the things discussed here, and other things just aren't my cup of tea, but I'd rather know about those things and be able to make judgements on my own rather than having someone someone else do it for me. I purposely choose to educate myself about the issues and not live narrowly focused as so many people do.

It's that old saying-"knowledge is power." And no, I may do nothing WITH that knowledge, but it's the knowing that's important, at least to me.

I'm just a little, itty, bitty presence on DU, but I appreciate the hell out of everyone here. I couldn't make it through the day without all of you. Every day we all contribute to each other's knowledge base, and that's a powerful thing.

[blondie58]

33. i agree with you, OPERATIONMINDCRIME

I have learned to much from this site- from political to health to animal topics. It is amazing how much info is on this site. Reading the comments is just as informative- these people are just so darn smart.

I never get any of my news from the television anymore- what is the point?- it is not news.

[live love laugh]

34. Agreed. I used to be very ignorant of politics pre-DU. Thank God for DU(ers). nt

[pberq]

35. Very good point! Knowledge is power.

How can you form an educated opinion about what our government is doing if you don't even know what is going on?

DU enables us to be on top of what's going on - it is my #1 source for news.

[Stephanie]

38. a "brazillion"!

You must be series!111

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

39. I Love Using That Now.

Ever since that joke, it has become my new way of exaggerating numbers.

Glad ya liked it!

[in_cog_ni_to]

40. You've only been a member since the day after the '04 election?

It seems as if you've been here forever....like me. Why is that?

DU is DAYS, sometimes WEEKS, and sometimes MONTHS ahead of the MSM (Valerie Plame??? anyone?). My husband gets his news from the Chicago Trib and MSM. I'm ALWAYS days ahead of him with info, if not weeks/months. He'll ask me if I heard about so and so and I say...yep, I read that a long time ago on DU. It really ticks him off that he can't give me any new news. DU is an invaluable resource for information.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

41. LOL At Your Anecdote. I TOTALLY Know What You Mean.

Every so often my wife will come to me in a similar fashion, with a "did you hear about such and such?" and I'll say "C'mon, do you really think you would've heard something before I did?", which is then followed with a loving "I hate you!" LOL.

She insists that one day she's gonna break some news to me that I hadn't already known. I think she totally underestimates the secret weapon that is DU.