Can't we appreciate something good for fucking once!?!

[joshcryer]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by MerryBlooms (a host of the General Discussion forum).

Jesus fucking Christ, it's never ending the bullshit that gets spewed.

I've been waiting for this moment for decades. Fuck the haters (most of whom are republicans).

I gotta get off DU, because it's impossible to enjoy an historical and great, positive, moment like this on this site.

[Peacetrain]

1. If you leave, they win..

I know exactly what you are talking about.. the sideways snark.. but don't let it get you down.. it is a very important and historical moment

[Cha]

50. Yep, just what they want.

[JaneyVee]

2. I will appreciate it with you.

[hrmjustin]

3. Do what I did. take a week off from the place and use ignore.

It works.

[Veilex]

117. +1

/ignore can solve numerous issues.

[HappyMe]

4. I agree.

The perpetually pissed off about everything gets old.

[jberryhill]

5. Don't let them get to you, this is a great moment

[MissMarple]

6. Take a vacation from here.

It helps also if you just visit the better forums. GD can be superficial and snarky with posters trying to prove how smart they are. This is my first visit back in months.

Peace and Good Will! MM

[Fred Sanders]

7. We, the people, are celebrating and happy, they, the media and GOP , are their usual sad sacks.

Ignore the ever both sides are equal gloom and doom media on this one, this is a day of total celebration for America, Cuba, the President and the world. For peace.

Fuck the War and terror obsessed media clowns.

[KMOD]

8. A huge historical event

I am celebrating, enjoying and appreciating it with you, josh.

[orleans]

51. just got here. what happened? n/t

[Jamastiene]

55. "Kink" Obama?

Is that a typo? What does that even mean anyhow?

[Cha]

57. Wow.. isn't that what they call him on fox "news" in all their little rw snark?

[Vincardog]

58. Egzactly

[KMOD]

88. Obama is restoring relations with Cuba,

and a few were critical of the move.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. Relax-- don't let them get to you...

they are only pixels on a screen, and that makes it tougher to take because you can't properly yell at them and throw them out of the room.

And those of us who think they are assholes run out of steam long before they do, so sometimes you feel you're all alone.

But, as was already said-- if you leave, they win.

(OK, you can legitimately ask-- "Win what?&quot

[Cha]

53. "makes it tougher to take because you can't properly yell at them and throw them out of the room".

Nailed it!

[KittyWampus]

69. "those of us who think they are assholes run out of steam long before they do"

so perfectly put, so true.

[Baitball Blogger]

10. I hate it when people mock the cat videos.

[RiverLover]

13. Amen.

[Bobbie Jo]

11. Amen

Right there with ya, josh. I've thoroughly had my fill of the Heathers.

[lovemydog]

132. The Heathers.

Ha! I'm using that one Bobbie Jo.

[msanthrope]

12. They make me laugh, josh. I had a list of 10 names, and I bet myself who would be the

first.

Sure enough.....sure enough.

[joshcryer]

127. It was a momentous occasion for me.

I had to vent. At the time there were several posts diminishing the President's trajectory. Even in positive posts there were snide remarks. I didn't sign back into DU for at least 12 hours. I think I would've lost it.

To those thinking I was "leaving DU," please, they wish. I just couldn't allow DU to bring me down. I instead went to Cuban blogger sites, went to Spanish or Latin American sites, and basked in the amazingness that is what Obama did. I will be straightforward, I didn't think Obama was going to do it. I argued for years that he could or should do everything in his power to normalize relations and get things moving. He campaigned on it. But it wasn't forthcoming, so I gave up.

Even this thread has snide remarks, misconstruing my OP, and some even trying to deflect from the achievement. I have decided, somewhat in line with hrmjustin's suggestion, to ignore it, mentally, and not respond to these people. The "inconsequential president" who will "only be remembered because they were the first black President" sure has done some crazy shit that people stumble over trying to diminish or turn it back on him. Obama is the most belittled, ridiculed, disrespected President in my lifetime, if ever. Even Raul Castro said he should be respected. Think about that one.

I'm sorry you got a well meaning post hidden in this thread due to a misleading alert. And you will be my only response in this thread, because it is too tempting to respond to the very people the thread is about, who have also posted in this thread, some even cheering on that I was "leaving DU" even though my OP does not indicate that potential at all.

I simply couldn't log in when I saw several OPs and comments in threads diminishing such an historical moment. It was just pointless to read that commentary.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

135. +1. The "Contrarians" have invaded and we should come up with a

plan to minimize the effect because it is so exhausting.

[lovemydog]

129. Holy crap that's hilarious.

[MineralMan]

14. You just have to ignore some stuff to survive.

That's all. It's not always easy, but it's possible.

[brush]

15. What are you talking about?

You forgot to mention what historical event you'd like us to appreciate.

[SylviaD]

48. I think they're happy about possible normalization of relations with Cuba.

I, however, am not. Brutal dictatorship.

[cheapdate]

62. Oh for crying out loud. That's hyperbole.

North Korea is a brutal dictatorship. Cuba is a socialist state. It's not a "brutal dictatorship". America is arguably far more "brutal" than Cuba. Cuba's biggest flaw is press freedom. Last year, there were around 19 or so individuals under arrest for speech crimes. It's problematic to people like myself who highly value freedom of expression, but it certainly doesn't rise to the level of "brutal dictatorship" and it's arguably less severe than what is found in places like Turkey, Egypt, Venezuela, and even some western European countries.

[SylviaD]

91. You have a point...

...to an extent. I have Cuban relatives and it is still worse than you are giving it credit for.

[amandabeech]

113. Do you think that it is possible that normalized relations and perhaps some trade

might help your relatives' situation, particularly when both Castro brothers are gone?

[SylviaD]

114. It's possible but I don't know if it's likely. n/t

[tabasco]

64. LOL

Good dog. Now roll over.

[SylviaD]

90. "dog"? Doesn't take much for the sexism to start, does it. n/t

[Jester Messiah]

112. "Dog" is sexist now?

Cripes, what next?

[Starry Messenger]

79. Like, do their cops shoot about one Black person a week with no repercussions?

[brush]

103. There ya go. Way to get to the point. nt

[pnwmom]

107. In view of our torture report, I think we better stop throwing so many stones. n/t

[SixString]

16. Got any links to these unappreciative threads...

...to back up this hyperbole?

[Rhinodawg]

20. I suppose thats me..

I posted that stuff from THOSE NOTORIUS RW SITES OF Amnesty and HRW....puke.

who the hell wants to hear about FREEDOMS AND HUMAN RIGHTS..esp on du.

Sorry...I wont bother you with Freedoms and political prisoners again.(what was I thinking)

[SixString]

31. I'll just take the word of the balseros I've known.

They lived it and were brave enough to escape it.

1962.

[cheapdate]

67. That was over 40 years ago.

In 1962 America, black people in were assaulted or jailed for using "Whites Only" services and U.S. Border Customs had only just stopped seizing imported books under obscenity laws. Fidel Castro is retired. Cuba's constitution has been significantly amended. Raul Castro is stepping down soon and the country plans to amend the constitution again to impose term limits on the executive.

[MADem]

105. 1962 was over 50 years ago!!! Tempus fugit!!!! nt

[stupidicus]

75. that's pretty unlikely

the outrage likely resulted from one or two isolated comments most will never see

It reads more like a rallying call imo, for those who take exception to ANY criticism of BHO that not sharing his joy in this instance would be seen as.

BHO critics are the most irrational/illogical/unreasonable posters here in their playbook, and this imaginary violation only serves to reinforce that amongst the....

ANd then of course there's always the ego-feeding that accompanies the pleas to "stay"...

it's pretty amusing stuff in more than one way imo -- as a faux "Network Moment" for starters

[Ykcutnek]

17. They had a right to be bitter about CRomnibus,

But only an asshole could find something negative to say about the historic and progressive action to normalize relations with Cuba.

[wryter2000]

18. Of course, we can't

We must use Democratic Underground to denounce our Democratic President at every turn

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

80. Of course we must, I mean this is a Republican, wait, Democratic, wait

where the fuck are we ?

So much hate for that BLACK PRESIDENT wow

[madokie]

19. I'll stay here with you Josh

and I hear what you're saying loud and clear.

[malaise]

22. Add me to the list

[madokie]

23. This is an awesome day in American and Cuban history

and we're living it. How freaking awesome is that?

[spanone]

24. yessir!!!!!

[madokie]

25. I'm like WOW

I was taking a nap, as old men like me have a tendency to do, and woke to this news.

[heaven05]

21. my grandmother was born in Cuba

she would have been thrilled and she always said, with a smile, I reminded her of Castro. I'm very happy the stupid RW bullshit is over. Bravo Mr. President!! Josh, Don't let the people who are trying to be just what you said, HATERS sway your joy, some would say 'steal your joy', I give LESS THAN A DAMN what they think or say.......I'm thrilled also

[olddots]

26. this is something to celebrate

Please stay , detox fot awhile but please stay .

[SidDithers]

27. Cuba?...

A truly historic day. Couldn't agree with you more.

And you have to take the dumbasses for what they are.

They're ridiculous and deserve all the mocking laughter that's directed their way.



Sid

[Tatiana]

28. Absolutely. This is wonderful news!

Think about the cheap health care we can probably get there once travel begins!

Cuban doctors are very well-trained.

[hunter]

29. I don't watch TV. What happened?

Cuba?

[derby378]

30. It's a historic event, and long overdue

I often found myself wondering when the hell Obama was going to work on the embargo. Turns out this really was a fragile diplomatic dance.

[bigbrother05]

32. Like many here that lived the events from the beginning until this (hopefully) end, I'm joyous!

To have witnessed the celebrity that surrounded Castro in the beginning and then the villification that followed was enough to give you whiplash. He was the toast of the town in NYC, then he nationalized businesses and got in Wall Street's backpocket. He was no longer the dashing rogue, but a hated commie out to destroy our world.

Old money has a long memory, am thankful I get to see it come to a peaceful end.

[murielm99]

118. Yes. I remember all of it.

The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the scariest times of my young life.

[heaven05]

33. My grandmother was born in Cuba

and she would be thrilled, as I am, with this action by President Obama. My grandmother always said, with a smile., that I reminded her of Castro. I am glad this farce is over....if it really get's to you take break. I did once and it helped. But, great feelings about this development..

[whathehell]

34. There's a new forum on DU called "Good News".

You might want to mosey on over there.

[lpbk2713]

35. Stay. You are not alone.

I too have been waiting and hoping for decades.

[murielm99]

36. This is a wonderful, historic day.

Ignore the bullshit. Laugh at the repubbies who will be hogging the airwaves, so angry that they will be barely coherent. Maybe some of them will be so incapacitated by their outrage that they will have really shitty Christmases. I hope so.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

81. Watching these disgusting puke republicans puke all over themselves is fun

How do we tolerate their existence?

[MadDAsHell]

131. That sounds a little threatening...nt

[kentuck]

37. A big f'n deal !!!

To quote Joe Biden.

[sharp_stick]

38. I must finally have a pretty

well set ignore filter, it took ages to fine tune it to this level.

Not too many assholes making it through anymore I'm happy to say.

[Jack Rabbit]

39. If you're speaking of the Bristol Bay and the normalization of relations with Cuba

I agree with you a hundred percent, Josh.

Normalizing relations with Cuba was long overdue. By the time Fidel Castro retired as President of Cuba, he had survived a spitful embargo, the Bay of Pigs and several ham handed attempts at assassination by the CIA to become, if I am not mistaken, the world's longest tenured non-hereditary head of state. He survived eleven US Presidents trying to undermine him. Right now, our attempts to overthrow him just look silly.

[MBS]

40. this stunning progress with Cuba is absolutely good news

And, as Charles Pierce wrote (posted at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016109243), it's brilliant politics, and (despite the predictable yelling by the R's, who, delightfully, seem to have been caught completely off-guard by announcement) a "no-lose proposition".
I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall during the final negotiations at the Vatican.

PS The Bristol Bay announcement is also outstanding.
I'm enjoying the last few days of news. : )

[Duval]

41. Hey, joshcryer, please

stay with us! I think the news is wonderful and I look forward to being able to visit Cuba! They should have great scuba diving there, too! Just ignore the "haters", as I do. It's really easy.

[Nay]

42. I sure as hell appreciate it. I've been waiting for 40 years for this to happen.

I may even plan a vacation to Cuba to practice my Spanish. I'm glad Obama has done this and I credit him for it, although I'm critical of other things he has done.

[Hekate]

43. Amazingly enough, I feel like I just got the pony I asked for back when Nixon visited China!

What the eff is wrong with some people here, indeed.

Here's my take on this historic occasion

President Obama

[greatauntoftriplets]

44. Yes. We can and should.

Ignore the naysayers.

[roody]

45. Context???!!!

[Dr Hobbitstein]

46. Stay with us, Josh...

Your posts and comments have always been better than the shit spewers. They're a small minority, but they're loud.

This is a momentous fucking day!

[kelliekat44]

47. I feel 'ya. But don't let anything take away your joy over this moment. You give up too much when

you let others steal your joy. Then they win.

[DeSwiss]

49. Something Good?

- I'll bet money you don't even know what's in the damned bill. Nobody does. It was 6600 pages long!!!





I'll bet you'll say the same thing about TPP when that passes too.......

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

77. Which bill is 6600 pages long?

I don't think this post is about a 'bill', I think it's about executive actions.

[Dragonfli]

84. Hard to say because the OP refused to say and is playing "guess why I am mad today"

my three year old niece plays this game quite often but SHE can only pull it off because she is adorable, Josh? Not sure if he can, maybe when he was three.

[BeanMusical]

116. Yes, the OP is pretty childish.

[Major Nikon]

137. Results...

On Thu Dec 18, 2014, 06:57 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Hard to say because the OP refused to say and is playing "guess why I am mad today"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5974105

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Comparing the OP to a 3 yr old is just rude for the sake of being rude. This is the kind of snide behavior that gets tiresome around here.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Thu Dec 18, 2014, 07:07 AM, and the Jury voted 2-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The OP makes a negative diatribe and sends a big middle finger to pretty much the whole of DU calling everyone haters and Republicans, complains about everyone else being negative, and then threatens to take his ball and go home. Kinda sounds like he needs a nap. I don't think this poster was all that far off.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Personal insult. Might seem relatively harmless, but let stuff like this slide and we really will become a site for three-year olds.
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: cERTAINLY NOT A COMPLIMENT, BUT NOT VERY MEAN OR ATTACKING AND I can see the posters point. We are all getting so thin skinned and policing here on DU these days.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Meh
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[NuclearDem]

86. Pretty sure he was talking about Cuba.

[hopemountain]

52. yesterday, bristol bay! ~ today, Cuba!!!

Cuba! ~ awesome, just awesome. thank you, president barack hussein obama

[Agnosticsherbet]

56. At DU, every silver lining comes complete with a a fucking ass black shit filled cloud.

It just goes with the territory.

[Aerows]

59. Oh.

I suppose I'm supposed to forget about the torture that wasn't prosecuted, the bank bailouts that happened six years ago and are pre-programmed to happen again because ....

"PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID CUBA IS *NOT* THE DEVIL".

Should I celebrate when the cat uses the litterbox without scratching any of it over the side, too?

Well, hell, it's a day to celebrate!

[Cha]

65. No, you do what you always do.. the rest of us will celebrate Cuba! Ole!

[giftedgirl77]

78. Holy shite....

[Hekate]

122. Okay, why was that hidden? ! I woke up hubby & the dog, & almost peed myself laughing...

...when I un-hid it.

Damn, I'm going to laugh all night over the raccoons comment. I've got tears in my eyes.

[giftedgirl77]

124. Apparently we are on the wrong side of the funny bone...

But I guess she struck a nerve with the perpetually pissed instead.

[Hissyspit]

83. You are right. That's just you.

Most people here would probably try to avoid being pathetically nasty.

[BeanMusical]

115. +1 n/t

[SunSeeker]

119. I don't get it. What was so pathetically nasty about that post?

Did it riff on some inside joke or other post I'm not aware of?

[Hekate]

123. PM me or the person who wrote it for the story

[LittleBlue]

60. You expected everyone to agree with this?

Even though I view it as something positive that should have happened ages ago, it was never likely to find universal approval. Especially from some of Cuban descent who hoped that their oppressor's regime would fall.

Some have spent the last 50+ years hoping that this day would never come.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

61. JoshCryer, what the heck are you talking about?

I think the vast majority of DUers are thrilled about what happened with Cuba this morning.

[Cha]

66. Yes, the vast majority and who really give a shite about those who can't stop whining and celebrate

this for 5 fucking minutes?

[freshwest]

93. No.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

139. I'll repeat what I wrote in another thread

It's easy to be critical of Marco Rubio, and to be sure, he's pandering to his base. I am truly sympathetic to those whose relatives were jailed or killed by the Castro regime, or whose families have been irreversibly divided by the Cuban/American rift. It's also worth pausing for a moment to remember the many Cubans who died at sea atempting to escape Cuba, and who never reached America

Nevertheless, this is a good thing. I know it's going to be difficult for some, just as normalizing relations with Vietnam was difficult for some who'd served in the war, as well as some who fled here in the aftermath of the fall of the South.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025973229

[Number23]

95. Look in this very thread. You don't even need to look hard. There are a couple, emphasis on COUPLE

of folks doing their damndest to make this about some other assorted ill that the president didn't do/hasn't done fast enough for them.

Most folks are rightly ignoring the ever loving shit out of them or even more rightfully, openly laughing at them. But they're still here. Unfortunately.

[Andy823]

106. They are always here

Ready to highjack threads with their constant attack on the president. Nothing, and I mean nothing he does, or doesn't do will please some here on DU. It's just plan pathetic at times.

[Number23]

110. It's not pathetic at all. It's damn near pathological.

When you refuse to put aside your caterwalling for one day or worse, refuse to let others enjoy something truly historic for one day without breaking into a sweat with how whatever it is is not enough/too late/what about xyz etc. etc. then it's time to realize that the problems are not so much with whatever it is you're endlessly complaining about but with you.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

138. You can't please all the people all the time

Some won't be pleased by this. Pity them and move forward.

[TheCowsCameHome]

63. Cheney bought the farm? Limbaugh croaked?

Oh, Cuba. That's certainly good news, too.

[Enrique]

68. this OP looks like shit stirring

not really appreciating the event, but using it.

[Cha]

100. Yeah, he should have just kept silent and let the relentless whiners try and take the joy from Cuba.

'cause they aren't.. not by a long shot.

I say let them piss and moan.

[stonecutter357]

125. .

[Rex]

70. This is unbelievable, I get home and a Christmas present is sitting under the tree!

I'm still trying to believe it, the POTUS just made the biggest move of his career imo. This needed to be done DECADES ago! The draconian policies toward Cuba are inhuman and now we can have a sensible relationship (AGAIN).

This is too big to even give a shit about the detractors! Fuck em! Cuba and America are going to be friends again! I wonder how this will impact states like Florida?

This is the best news I've heard in so long.

[Cryptoad]

71. What moment are we suppose to be enjoying?

[Dragonfli]

82. I think we are supposed to celebrate that President Obama got the wall street legislation

he wanted. Lord knows it is a brilliant day when Dimon gets the OK to gamble away money backed by the taxpayers...again.
The bonuses will be huge when they lose and we pick up the tab...again.

It was important to give Jamie this thing for Christmas but I can't remember why the president thinks it was so important. Maybe the cuff links were hard to top this year?

[Cha]

97. We're celebrating the joy for Cuba but there are those who can't stop whining for 5 fucking seconds

to be Happy for Cuba.

Laura Rozen @lrozen
Follow
President Obama spoke with #Cuba's Raul Castro yesterday by phone, highest level US Cuba presidential engagement since Cuba revolution
6:08 AM - 17 Dec 2014 109 Retweets 29 favorites


The White House ✔ @WhiteHouse
Follow
"We will begin to normalize relations between our two countries." —President Obama #CubaPolicy
7:03 AM - 17 Dec 2014 895 Retweets 346 favorites

personally I don't give a shite.. let them.. that's what they do.

[PatrickforO]

72. Normalizing relations with Cuba is LONG overdue! Good move.

[Bigredhunk]

73. I feel 'ya OP

I suppose I don't spend that much time here either for the same reason. Unless we have a Warren/Sanders ticket, single payer, $15 minimum wage…all we do is bitch. There's plenty of stuff about which we can bitch. We should work toward our progressive goals. But it seems like people just expect everything to just BE. Because things AREN'T, it's just FML and let's bitch about everything.

[hatrack]

76. I think it rocks and I couldn't agree with you more!

[kelly1mm]

85. Some Democrats, including at least one Democratic Senator, don't believe this is something good. nt

[TheKentuckian]

87. Shit, I ain't mad about this at all, it is long overdue. I've only seen a couple of sour posts.

I think this making mountains from molehills territory.

[ManiacJoe]

92. Context, this thread has none.

Some folks think this thread might be about Cuba. Thanks for giving it some direction.

[Autumn]

94. We shall miss you.

[Cha]

96. Appreciating the heck out of it, josh.. Brava for Cuba!

Laura Rozen @lrozen
Follow
President Obama spoke with #Cuba's Raul Castro yesterday by phone, highest level US Cuba presidential engagement since Cuba revolution
6:08 AM - 17 Dec 2014 109 Retweets 29 favorites


The White House ✔ @WhiteHouse
Follow
"We will begin to normalize relations between our two countries." —President Obama #CubaPolicy
7:03 AM - 17 Dec 2014 895 Retweets 346 favorites

[Rhinodawg]

98. No response..all day.

I guess we'll never know what bothered him.

[WilliamPitt]

101. I'm personally thrilled

and very proud of the president.

[Andy823]

111. But Castro won

At least someone posted that today, didn't they?

[WilliamPitt]

136. He did.

The two realities are not mutually exclusive.

1. Castro rode out 50 years of attacks.

2. The president recognized this, understood the futility of it all, and had the courage to do the right thing.

See?

[Depaysement]

102. You are right

I often disagree with you, but on this - you are 100% star spangled right.

This is a great moment, a crowning achievement. It is a fantastic moment that should not be blemished.

[MADem]

104. I'm pretty sick of the snark-snark-bullshit-bullshit-not enough-not enough--waaaah--waaaah

Obama SUCKS man!!!!!! horseshit that is vomited out here daily, myself--sometimes I think I've taken a wrong turn and ended up in rightwingville.

It seems to have a pointless pattern--all that crabbing isn't going to make Obama resign.

I think it's hilarious that they have to struggle to find something else to (expletive deleted) about.

The "Here's some good news!!" answered by "Yeah (whine) BUUUUUUUUT...." is getting old and obvious. When you see it coming from a mile away all you can do is consider, take note of, and remember the source.

[ucrdem]

109. Give it a day or two and we'll be calling for impeachment as usual.

Never fails.

[Cha]

121. Yay!.. for the Cuban People.. I am so happy for them!

"As a result of a dialogue at the highest level, which included a phone conversation I had yesterday with President Obama, we have been able to make headway in the solution of some topics of mutual interest for both nations."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=968345

Laura Rozen @lrozen
Follow
President Obama spoke with #Cuba's Raul Castro yesterday by phone, highest level US Cuba presidential engagement since Cuba revolution
6:08 AM - 17 Dec 2014 109 Retweets 29 favorites


The White House ✔ @WhiteHouse
Follow
"We will begin to normalize relations between our two countries." —President Obama #CubaPolicy
7:03 AM - 17 Dec 2014 895 Retweets 346 favorites

Listening to Cuba musica right now.. courtesy of the Obama Diary.. it's glorious.. let me know if you're interested!

[Half-Century Man]

108. Saw Cuba from the deck of the USS Eisenhower years ago. (Gitmo)

It would be nice to visit the place and see what all the hubbub was about.

[calimary]

120. Hey joshcryer, my sympathies. It's nuts sometimes and one might expect to find a little

relief here. Too bad it's not always there when it's needed! Like now! What is NOT to celebrate about the groundbreaking and historic move the President made today? I think this is GREAT news and almost too long in coming. They told us to "get over it" after Selection 2000. Well, that was 14 years ago. What are we talking about in this case? FIFTY some-odd years? Criminy! America should have moved on from this, and a LOT more, long ago.

I think it's terrific, and I'm so glad President Obama is going all out now. THIS kind of thing is what I paid to see! Looks like he's not gonna behave like any lame duck for the next two years, and I couldn't be more delighted! Not just me, either. I know a few cigar smokers who are utterly over-the-moon and almost literally jumping up and down for joy about this one!

And I sure hope you don't leave, or if you have to, don't be gone too long. We need you!

[lovemydog]

126. It is indeed terrific calamary.

Like you say, this is what we paid to see. Well, I didn't really pay. I voted!

Thank goodness there's folks like you here, calamary, who appreciate this amazing success. It lifts my spirits. It makes me want to keep on fighting the good fight.

In my lifetime the Berlin Wall was removed and diplomatic relations with Cuba were restored.
I recently read that a smaller percentage of the world goes to bed hungry than did in 1950. It has lowered every decade since then. A smaller percentage of the world is at war than at any time in the last century. I want and need more good news. Another one - violent crime is lower in the USA than any time in something like the last 100 years. Okay, I don't have all the facts and figures available, lol. But it's true that things can and do improve if we don't give up.

While we keep fighting for justice and freedom and equality and reducing poverty, let us also take the time to celebrate our victories.

Wow!

[lovemydog]

128. It's not DebbieDowner Underground.

It's possible to enjoy it. I'm enjoying it and will enjoy it with you joshcryer!

[Enrique]

130. the response has only been 99.999999% positive!

why does DU hate Obama!

[lovemydog]

134. Yeah, but that goddamn . whatever really pisses me off.

[JustAnotherGen]

133. I'm celebrating with you!

[Stellar]

140. Trolls do what they do best, and that's to p/o everybody that they can...

AND, they are really good around election time. But remember how they operate (and remember they are not all Democrats).

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/05/21/978170/-20-Habits-of-Paid-Trolls

20 Habits of Paid Trolls:

1) Post one diary every quarter
2) Never tip
3) Never completely disagree - just throw the comment thread off track
4) Post at the top of the diary
5) Never recommend (only gives issue more visibility)
6) Work in shifts so are ready 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
7) When comments get troll rated - dump ID and move to new ID
8) Use multiple IDs' and computers so can post under as many as 8 names in a single diary
9) Have an alert system to have other post on diaries that are "dangerous" to their employers (most likely a Koch brother front group/health insurance co employee)
10) Mostly make hard to read cutting edge stories in their infancy - mainstream popular diaries get too many views for paid trolls to have much of an impact
11) Discourage new diary posters
12) Turn off readers with a hostile tone, vicious, or condescending attack
13)Call your statistics arbitrary, ask you to check your figures, doubt your analysis or facts,
14) Tell readers your story lacks facts, that your story lacks depth, that your story lacks research, that your links prove nothing, that your conclusions are wrong etc (of course a troll will never offer a shred of "evidence" to back up a single of their assertions)
15) Write using a dismissive, surly tone
16) Dismiss diary writer or comment posters as not quite right
17) Have a tag line about anything but what dKos is about - but not actually opposing what dKos is about
18) No personal identities on their page
19) Never offer any constructive ideas
20) Complain that someone is not following the dKos "rules"

Conclusion: sadly: paid trolls work (especially if you feel ready to leave DU because of it.)

[MerryBlooms]

141. Locking.

Host consensus- does not meet General Discussion SoP

Statement of Purpose

Discuss politics, issues, and current events. Posts about Israel/Palestine, religion, guns, showbiz, or sports are restricted in this forum. Conspiracy theories and disruptive meta-discussion are forbidden. For more information, click here.