General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat I know about DU...
1) Some years back we were in a financial hole and had a horrid holiday with nothing under the tree. DUer's came together and made sure my children had a Christmas.
2) A few years ago, our oldest daughter lost everything and her life was spiraling out of control. She was across the country and we had no way of helping her. A DUer came forward and got her a plane ticket home. Her life was saved as a result. It took a while, but she finally got on her feet after a lot of love and help.
This is what I know about DU. No matter all the bad that we sometimes see here, this is why I will always come back. People like these make DU worthwhile in my eyes.
LiberalLoner
(9,762 posts)cynatnite
(31,011 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)I needed that. It has been gruesome around here lately. Thank you for the perspective.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)niyad
(113,358 posts)I am glad they were able to be there for your family, and hope this coming year is a much better one.
Martin Eden
(12,870 posts)... it makes no sense to leave this community in reaction to the hurtful words of an insensitive jerk.
Every community -- even the best -- will have individuals like that or people with problems who lash out at others.
nolabear
(41,987 posts)that those who would endlessly seek out and attack others are toxic. I don't mean disagreeing, and I don't mean arguing in any constructive way. But there has been enough badgering in the recent past that it's hard for those who want to be both generous and kind AND have a good old fashioned argument not to get steamrolled by those who would turn an argument into abuse.
Whisp
(24,096 posts)I couldn't recall the names involved but your post that day about your daughter, I remember that. I was crying for you and then that angel came to help you.
barbtries
(28,799 posts)a lot of really good people on DU.
littlemissmartypants
(22,695 posts)ReRe
(10,597 posts).... if you're having a problem, when there's no one in sight who will help locally, you can come to DU and unload your soul. Whether it's just to be among like-minds, to find out info/tips on where to go and what to do, or even if nothing works and you need more help...DU's there.
I only recently started posting, but I have been a reader of DU since it's inception. I remember when you needed the help you speak of and the plight of your daughter. I'm so glad she is on her feet and headed in the right direction! It's good to hear from you.
Lone_Star_Dem
(28,158 posts)Thank you for putting that in perspective, and reminding us of some of the goodness that makes us a community.
liberal N proud
(60,336 posts)It was always visible in the old fund raisers as users were buying stars for other member right and left.
Stories like your are evidence of that compassion and a reminder to the rest of us, that we all need to pull together when times get tough.
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)your appreciation. I remember the kind person helping your daughter get back to your family. I also remember the DU effort to get Andy the assistance he needed. There have been other circumstances when DU was able to provide bridge to a more secure place. I have participated in other boards but I always return to DU.
WillyT
(72,631 posts)JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)closeupready
(29,503 posts)Patiod
(11,816 posts)One of my all-time favorite quotes is Hanlon's razor "never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity". Don't jump all over someone unless they are clearly being troll-y.
I've served on juries where someone was unnecessarily harsh with another DUer, and I just wanted to say "you don't need to hide this, but did the poster have to be so rough? This isn't a freeper here, it's a fellow Progressive. Cut them a little slack. Explain your opinion without flaying them personally."
Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)Some here can get me down, make me feel as if DU is getting nastier....but you are so right, there are some of the most wonderful people you will ever know right here.
Thanks for the reminder to focus on the good.
japple
(9,833 posts)and a whole lot of other things. We are all interconnected and we need to lift each other up, even those with whom we disagree. We need to work with those who don't share our political, social or religious views. If we are going to make a better world, we must make an effort for everyone. All one people.
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)You go DU!!!!!!!
catbyte
(34,404 posts)forever grateful. DU members have heart, compassion, and humanity. The few bad apples are rapidly exposed. I feel so bad about what happened to salmonenchantedevening but I feel great that your family is whole this Christmas.
Thank you again, DU.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)I feel more at home here on DU than with the people I know in the temporal world..
Robo47
(4 posts)Hi everyone!
I am a DU "newbie" and it is truly uplifting to read this diary. I am looking forward to participating here at DU as it seems to be a repository of daily progressive facts & ideas. There is so much fiction out there that it's refreshing to find a site where truth resides and human dignity and respect appear to be the rule rather than the exception. In unity we find strength. It is only when we believe the lie of separation that we fail.
LisaLynne
(14,554 posts)mgardener
(1,817 posts)Can we maybe get together as a group and do this?
I don't have much extra money, but I know I could contribute if anybody needed something and had nothing.
Is there somebody that could get this started? Can we do it? Do other people want to do it?
Diane
Arkansas Granny
(31,519 posts)reflection
(6,286 posts)All you said is true and I'm glad you have found a little pocket of joy in this chaotic world.