Well DU, it's been fun. [View all]

[F4lconF16]

How to begin?

Well, I think I'm about done posting here, at least for a while. I love this place, but it's time for me to leave for a bit. I found this site back in junior year of high school, and I've been hooked on it ever since. DU is the reason I'm now an incorrigible political junkie. No one I talk to in real life cares in the slightest about whether Obama's latest speech signifies a slight shift in federal policy, but I'm glad people here do. Someone has to!

DU is where my political understanding was first developed. Through years of careful attention to the never-ending stream of posts here, I think I managed to learn something. I hope. There's been a ton of amazing articles, fact checking, and original research that's been left here for anyone to find, and I'm lucky I did.

The people on here are a fantastic community, and more helpful than often is necessary. I still can't believe that someone took the time late at night from the other side of the country to get my number and call me to make sure that I was okay one night. I've had local resources provided, and a little bit of money given when I was really in need. This place has got some good peeps for sure.

As for why I'm leaving, first and foremost, I'm simply running out of time to devote to this place. Y'all are great company, but I've got a lot of things to do in the coming years, and now's a time when I really need to tuck my head and work. I'm getting involved in campaigns for local leftist candidates, I'm starting work with a social equality education association, and my participation in various leftist groups, forums, and social justice activism is ramping up. DU was only the very beginning for me.

Second, I'm fighting some other addictions in my life. Thankfully, they're not harming my quality of life right now, but they might at some point, and I want to nip them in the bud. DU is kinda an addiction for me too. I find myself on here more often than I'd care for, though I haven't posted much recently. It's not just this site, though, it's internet usage in general (it's tough being a millennial sometimes). I think it might be best if I decide to fight the urge to chain-read articles here. It's surprisingly helpful when I'm trying to keep my head in the real world.

Third, I don't identify as a Democrat, and have only gotten more radical over the years. I'm not sure how to reconcile those ideas with the liberalism advocated on here. I'm sure I could keep posting in the groups and be fine, but I can feel the radicalism bleeding into my conversations, and I think it's only a matter of time before I'd violate the TOS, intentionally or not. Maybe in a few years I'll learn how to discuss things without causing trouble, but for now, it's probably best I don't. Thankfully this is only a minor reason I'm leaving, y'all couldn't drive me off if ya tried. Since this is GD and not GD-P, I'll just say I've got some final thoughts on the Clinton vs. Sanders mess over there, found at this link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251942737

I want to toss out some thanks to some specific posters here before I wrap this up.

To an old dude who taught me more than I think he realized, you were a tour de force of human empathy and our capacity for self-awareness and reflection. You may be gone, but you live on in me and countless others. JackpineRadical, I miss you.

To TishaLA, how cool is it that DU has a cannabis forum? We did that. It's pretty awesome. I'll smoke a bowl in your name one of these days. Thanks for your insightful comments here.

To 1SBM and ChitownKev, thanks for teaching me how to understand a totally foreign perspective. You kept me on my toes with your writing. We don't agree on lots of things, but you taught me how to disagree without disrespect, and how to argue without alienation. If you're ever in Seattle, hit me up. I'd be happy to drink a beer with either of you. I'll see you on the front lines.

To SalmonChantedEvening, because your Sunday puns played a shockingly large part in helping me nab my current girlfriend. We continue to read lolcats every week.

To BeamMeUpScotty, thanks for teaching me how to talk to people about my atheism. I've always been pretty comfortable with it, but now I feel fine discussing it even when surrounded by conservative Christians. Though they're a little less comfortable with it than me, haha. I've really valued your kindness and friendship.

To LostOneForEver, thanks for helping me be comfortable with my identity. I don't think we've talked that much on here, but you're a heck of a special person. I don't think I've ever disagreed with anything you've said. You are one of the best of us, and your thoughtfulness and empathy has touched my heart and others. I wish you the best.

To MadFloridian, I don't think I've told you this, but I'm becoming a teacher in large part because of you. Your dedication, your knowledge, and your passion inspire me.

To Ismnotwasm and Seabeyond... You are amazing people. I've been a lifelong feminist, but you guys kicked that up another notch and now it's an integral part of who I feel I am. Without your words, it might have taken me years more to realize my bisexuality. Your thoughts have taught me more than I'll ever be able to explain. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

To Punx, cause you know why. You really shouldn't have told me about this place. Look at what you've done to me. I was gonna be a fluid dynamicist designing rocket ships! But I guess that's life.

There are so many more of you out there who have affected my life, and I couldn't begin to name you all. My apologies to anyone I've forgotten--rest assured I remembered you about 30 seconds after I posted this.

And...well, I guess that's it. I'll check my account occasionally, so PM if you want. I have contact info.

Thanks, DU. I'll be back, I'm sure.