Confession Time. I used to be a Freeper (and pretty well known there)

[The Straight Story]

I left freerepublic of my own will. I saw them as the idiots they are.

But I was still a conservative when I came to DU. I made fun of DU'ers, yet at the same time secretly saw them (us) as being closer to the truth on things.

I was wrong in those days, out of my freaking mind. I was ignorant of so many things.

And here at DU I learned.

It took me awhile though. Mainly because I believed the lies, and I was an idiot.

I was still a freeper during the 2004 election, only slightly so. I was seeing the light. I was seeing how stupid I was, and close minded.

So let me tell you this: Your posts, your infightings, your arguments day in and out - they are not lost on the lurkers here.

Don't you ever think you don't make a difference, because you each do.

You pulled me up from the gutters and gave me hope. You taught me true compassion, and not the fake crap those idiots were peddling.

The more time I spent here the more I saw the light. To the point that I would never, ever, call that hellhole home again. I was so damned wrong it makes me shudder to think about it.

But I did learn alot, being on both sides of the fence as I have. And what I learned really scares the shit out of me now at times. The dems back in the day were as pro-war as the repugs when it came to saddam, and that leads me to believe that bush is not our biggest problem, but people much more deeply entrenched who hold the real power.

Clinton had power, and it was wasted - mainly I think because there are hands we don't always see pulling the strings.

We must win this election day - but if we don't, we must not give up in despair. Too many are counting on US to save them.

I cast off these irons made from the days of idiocy, and many more out there need us to stand and fight - no matter what.

I let my fellow Americans down once, I won't do it again.

YOU my friends are the hope of this country, don't let people like I used to be keep you down. Stand and fight, keep the assholes out of power. And even if they win by cheating, don't ever stop the fight.

Your fellow Americans need you. Many died for your rights, and they are calling on YOU now to keep up the good work and to keep fighting.

I was converted because you didn't give in, you didn't give up. Others will follow. I saw the light because you refused to quit shining it. Don't stop ever.

Thanks to you one and all for being here for me, a closet liberal. All this time you were my true friends, and all this time I screwed you over. No more.

I stand with you, because you did not run off. You took a stand, and you taught me.

I was lost, but you did not give up hope. I was against you, but you took me in and helped me.

No matter the outcome of this diebold election I will stand with you, and I will fight. Because you fought for me, you taught me, and you did not throw this crazy old man out in the cold.

YOU are my friends, and I count myself lucky to be in your company.

Thank you.