20K post: Thank you, DU.
I’ve finally hit the 20K mark after 15-plus years here at DU. It’s not a huge deal, and not a remarkable milestone, but it does make me think about the value of DU to its members.
I don’t usually start threads, but I’ve always tried to open up conversations and add to them, particularly with a humorous touch, when appropriate.
The past 20 years have been difficult for Democrats/liberals/progressives. The country has been on a downhill slide since Bill Clinton was hounded by a weaponized right wing and the advent of right-wing cable “news.” Al Gore lost by a mere whisker. John Kerry couldn’t dislodge Bush 2. Barack Obama did give us a respite and yes, hope, but he was eventually saddled with a Republican congress and treated to a relentless pounding by the RW echo chamber, that went so low as to throw out reprehensible lies about his birth, his beliefs, his family. Which brings us to the present, where reality itself—and who gets to define it— is in serious jeopardy.
DU has served as a vital source of information, a pressure-relief valve, a place to commiserate as well as strategize. And even more so, it’s been a “life preserver” for those moments when it’s difficult to see through the struggle.
My profound thanks to Skinner and the mods, and to all who have served to mold DU into the indispensable meeting place that it is. And to every member of DU who has shared their time and best efforts to make the world a better place for all.
You have all made me think, grow, and become a more focused and committed Democrat. The heaviest work lies ahead, and these are the strangest of times. I’m in your debt, DU, and deeply so. From my very soul, thank you for being there.
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Congratulations!
Congrats on the milestone! 
Congratulations Vox. And sincere thanks for DU for doing a great job.
Hang ‘em high!
That is no trifling milestone.
I feel very similarly about DU. It's helped me grow, become a better Democrat and more aware, much more aware of what's going on in the world and how we can affect it.
It's also family. I have many friends here and they add immeasurably to my day and my life. I hope it's the same for you.
We are truly a community.
Long may we thrive!
Again, Congrats!
One of wisest and kindest souls on DU. Thank YOU
It's been crazy here multiple times over the years, but there's usually something new to learn, the bitter with the sweet. I've always appreciated your posts, even if we've had different perspectives on some given issue. And when the chips are down, as they are now, I'll fight the fascists shoulder-shoulder with you.
Cheers and respect --
And congratulations on 20,000 posts! I feel the same way about DU - I've learned so much, at least one new thing every day - and just lately (since November 2016) it's helped keep me sane! Here's to 20,000 more! 
And, yes, I've had my Jimmy Carter avatar since we had them - except for the period when a whole lot of DUers changed to John Conyers to honor his standing up to Bush*. It made things a little confusing, especially when Rep. Conyers posted here himself! I had to laugh because - of course - the first reply to him had a John Conyers avatar!
And Jimmy Carter has always been my favorite - when he first ran I knew little about politics, I just really liked him. And I have to say that I've never been disappointed. I was given a copy of his autobiography "A Full Life: Reflections at 90" and I recommend it highly. I have it on audio disc (read by the author) and I listen to it whenever I have to drive any distance. He really has lived a fascinating life - and though it was written before Trump came on the scene, he does weigh in on contemporary issues and I was still impressed by his wisdom.
And given your comments about it, it'd be a **TONIC** right now. Looking forward to reading it.
Thank you!
He said he covers periods he didn't get to in his previous books - and he doesn't even get to his presidential run until disc #5! He tells a lot about his experiences as a child, his years in the Navy and includes a lot of fascinating details about his Camp David experiences with Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin. He really has led "a full life!"
You've officially hit Lebron status!
this place has been an absolute saving grace for me.
i just made a vodka and tonic.
cheers
Over the years, I've vented here and it's probably saved my marriage.
Cheers to you, too. This round's on me:
post for this important milestone. I’m only two years into my tenure here on DU and I can’t imagine going through this national nightmare without this community. I’m in awe of 20,000 posts! Congratulations and keep on keeping on VOX.
You are one of the nicest folks here. It just seems like longer than two years that you've been here. I mean that in a good way!
Thanks so much for the nice thoughts. See you back in "the thick of it."
It has indeed been long and strange. And yes, stranger yet -- events are circulating so quickly now that people's sanity is being sorely tested. There are situations now occurring in observable reality that are so incredibly WAY out from what has gone before, and that's unnerving for most of us. I know I'm really feeling it. It's still a shock that we've wound up where we are now.
It does seem like everything we’ve ever known has been tossed up into the atmosphere; we’re doing what we can to lessen the impact when it finally comes down, hopefully in one piece. And then the come the repairs.
It would be helpful to know if the repairs begin in 2 months, though, or several years, after the kind of people who destroy nations bring an end to their era of power.
I was reading someone the other day who believes our electorate will come through these attacks as well as our institutions are showing themselves to. Liberal democracy, at least in our federal government, is all we've ever known.
I feel the same way you do about DU.
Even the craziest moments on DU are a breath of SANITY.
Thank you!
