Gimme shelter.

[Atticus]

I'm not an addict, but tonight I feel like I know what "Jonesing" is all about.

After getting through another day in this sea of red I live in; after having to breathe the same air as the Birthers and Teabaggers I HAVE to work around; after trying my best to find out what's truly happening and busting my ass to try to help good people get elected---I log on to DU for a breather.

I don't expect to agree with everyone here.

I don't expect everyone here to agree with me.

I just somehow thought that, this being a Democratic site, we could find a way to discuss things without calling each other names and---how else to say it?---"spinning" the facts to fit our personal agendas.

Even when I am not involved directly, it deflates me to see Democrats, liberals, progessives---whatever you choose to call yourselves---picking each other apart over details which must truly amuse the wingnuts who lurk here.

If DU is not a place for principled and reasoned discussion of the issues we all care about, then there is no place left for that type of debate and that thought depresses me more than I can hope to express.

I guess I'm just craving some genuine good will here. Some "love, hope and charity". A little "We can work it out". I want to hear more "Why do you think that?" and less "Fuck you!"

I believe that this nation MUST move left if it is to survive as the country we love. And, lately, we don't seem to be capable of helping that happen. I think we are some of the best and brightest, folks. If we can't bring ourselves together for what we all SAY we want, will we not have forfeited our right to criticize the other side?

That's all I'm capable of tonight.

[babylonsister]

1. DU was a different place during the years of idiot son; we all

had a common enemy. Now? I remember the expression regarding Dems and their big tent; I'm seeing it live, and the pluses and negatives of so many diverse opinions.

It's still all good though; you get to read so many opinions, and then figure out where you fit in if you don't already know.

Harsh, yes, at times. But this is only a discussion board, not the end all.

Consider it an education. I do.