Reply #21: People change.

[Exiled in America]

Yes, I did - I knew I was, and I knew that what I desreved, by the book, is to be removed from the site.

But here's the thing - people change. Sometimes, every once in a while people change. Over a year ago, closer to two years ago, I got ridiculously caught up in a few debates and was immature and nasty. I insulted a moderator - and probably other people - because I was foolish. And I got my account banned - and it was much deserved. I was ignorant and acted in an embarassing way.

Since that time I've learned a lot, changed a lot, and focused as much as I can on dialog and fairmindedness. I contacted the adminsitrators and asked if, based on over a year of clean posting with no deleted messages, no warnings, and no created trouble, I could be reinstated. Posting on another account after a ban breaks the rules, but I think bigger than that is that the people who run this sight are fair people. They understand that people change, and they know that a lot of posters are young adults, like myself. We learn and grow. Though you're not supposed to post on another account, what it showed was a year of consistent change.

The moderators have the discretion on how they run the sight, and the decided to give me another chance, when I asked for it. I'm only here becuase they decided to give me something I didn't necessarily deserve and I appreciate that. I want to be able to keep in connection with this network of democrats and progressives, ESPECIALLY because of my current job.

I the site moderators/adminsitrators decision is beautifully in the spirit of what democratic politics and philosophies of inclusiveness are all about - believing that human beings can and do change. I love the idea of second chances, and I have no intention of making them regret their decision.

So if there's someone else out there who needs a second chance - write them and ask. They're not inhuman. They understand that sometimes people change.

Anyway, I apologize for my flaws and failings in conversation years ago. I'd love to make a fresh start with you and anyone else, with the understanding that it would be guarded and cautious on your part I'm sure. :)
Cheers!