Appreciation Thread for WilliamPitt

[MineralMan]

Someone had to do it. If there are enough DU Recs, I'm sure he'll come right back to share his ideas with us all. Really.

[djean111]

1. Me first. nt

[7wo7rees]

102. Posting here at the top.Not a reply to djean111

Last edited Tue Jul 28, 2015, 07:50 PM - Edit history (1)

Disingenuous at best. Wicked evil most probably.
Dickery and asshatery extreme.

Hope you are having some major kind of fun Mm!

I think it is all pretty pathetic.

If anyone sincerely wants to send a msg of support go to one of other threads of appreciation.

Or here is another thought and what we are going to do, contribute to Truthout tonite.

[djean111]

104. Oh, I agree.

[BeanMusical]

145. +1000

[nashville_brook]

189. yup.

[Owl]

360. You got that right. Callous pathetic OP.

Disgusting.

[Eleanors38]

2. Good luck!

[99th_Monkey]

3. K&R and someone had to be the 6th K&R.

It's sad it's come to this. I love WP and I love DU. Ouch!

[MineralMan]

4. Indeed. Someone had to be the first.

No question about it.

[99th_Monkey]

8. LOL

by the time I could post being the "first" Rec, you already had 5

[leftstreet]

5. DURec

[Faux pas]

6. I hope he hasn't

really given up on us. We need his voice!

[MineralMan]

7. Oh, I'm sure he'll see this thread.

I don't doubt it for a minute.

[question everything]

48. No doubt, some DUers know how to contact him outside DU

and will let him know.

On the other hand, I can understand the need to leave, to refresh, to spend more time with his family and to just relax during these hot, humid summer.

[Surya Gayatri]

69. Tongue, meet cheek...

[sabrina 1]

128. Why did you post this? Why don't you add your reasons to the OP so that people KNOW

what they are rec'ing.

That would the right thing to do.

Unrec

[BeanMusical]

148. Quite a manipulating and hypocritical OP, isn't it?

[sabrina 1]

151. Not very clever, though some good people are being fooled, making it all the more

reprehensible imo.

Something about leopards and spots come to mind.

I think someone who actually means it should post a Will Pitt Appreciation Thread, which I would gladly rec.

[BeanMusical]

153. I totally agree.

[Hekate]

186. You mean one with a title like "Appreciation Thread for WilliamPitt" ???

Good idea, that.

[BeanMusical]

225. Nope.

One with this tittle:

"A Sincere Tribute To DUers Who Kept US Sane During the Bush Era. Will Pitt For One. Add Others!"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027019688

[11 Bravo]

187. I believe that those of us who admire Will are ...

turning this into something other than that which the OP desired.

[MineralMan]

206. Not at all.

I expect over 200 recs, along wit WiiPitt' s return. That's why I posted it. He's an interesting voice here.

[11 Bravo]

209. If I misinterpreted your remarks, then I apologize.

I've enjoyed your posts for years, MM, and I've never found you to be anything but honest.
I join you in hoping that Will reconsiders, even though I believe it to be highly unlikely.

[MineralMan]

214. I hope he returns.

He gives me stuff to read here, agree or disagree. I often disagree, but that's fine. I can post that in the threads. I think he'll be back, sooner than later.

[rhett o rick]

320. Your mockery will get you the attention that you seek. A bit ironic in that you claim that's

what Will seeks.

[MineralMan]

163. See my post #160, or any of the others

where I have said I hope he returns to DU. He has a voice. He can post here, whether I agree with him or not. If I do disagree, I'll do so in his threads.

Right now, 171 people have recced this thread and hope he'll come back.

[BeanMusical]

172. OFFS

[WorseBeforeBetter]

322. LOL Can you imagine living with that sort of passive-aggressive bullshit...

in real life? Jaysuz, makes me thankful for those close to me and that I don't have to deal with the P-A crap from any family members. We're just A.

[Faux pas]

161. Thanks

I hope so.

[Moral Compass]

9. Got my vote

WilliamPitt is a valuable voice.

[MineralMan]

10. He does have a voice, indeed.

[Call Me Wesley]

226. Bigger voice than you have, dude.

Whatever I think of it.

[BeanMusical]

230. +1

You can say that again.

[Call Me Wesley]

241. Heh! I was just channeling the 'Big Lebowski.'

But he got his thread and his replies and clicks and it nicely ties DU together. He must be very proud. Especially, since he's a host again. That feels like, whoa!

[BeanMusical]

243. Lol, king of the world!

[MineralMan]

264. No doubt. I only write about politics here

on DU.

[Heidi]

336. Really? You seem to be writing about Will Pitt in this thread.

Not politics.

[Puglover]

345. Hey you!

I miss you and your lovely wife.

What you said. x1000.

[geek tragedy]

11. clap if you believe! nt

[MineralMan]

13. Might as well click your heels together three times, too.

Magic happens.

[sabrina 1]

154. You need to put your reasons for posting this into the OP.

This is a deceptive post taking advantage of the sincerity of many good DUers. At least have the decency to explain your reasons for posting it.

You don't like Will Pitt, that's fine, but to do this is not fine, it is taking advantage of this Community and not very cleverly.

People are beginning to realize they are being deceived it would be better for YOU to explain it than to have others do it.

Second request.

[BeanMusical]

156. He'll probably come up with a "sincere" apology.

Like the one he posted because he trashed LGBT people.

[MineralMan]

160. My reason for posting this thread is so people can recommend it.

Many already have. If Will Pitt sees it, maybe he'll return. That is the reason for the thread. I don't know William Pitt, so I don't either like or dislike him. I do dislike the way he has written some of his threads, but I don't object to him expressing himself on DU.

I hope he returns and contributes his viewpoint here. If I don't agree with him, I will express myself in his threads.

[BeanMusical]

229. "I don't either like or dislike him."

[JDPriestly]

175. I don't really care why you posted the OP>

I just want William Pitt to continue posting here.

I assume that whatever happened between you and Pitt, this post is an apology and an acknowledgment that whatever happened was not important.

These petty grudges that people hold on DU make the people who hold them look as petty as the grudges.

We all make mistakes. Let's accept each other as we are.

I do hope that William Pitt continues to post on DU and that you, Mineral Man, do too.

Wouldn't it be boring here if we all always agreed all the time?

Horrors!

[MineralMan]

178. Look, WilliamPitt provides a viewpoint on DU.

I often disagree with that viewpoint, but I don't want him not to express it. When I disagree with him, I say so in his threads. If he's here, I hear his viewpoint and have an opportunity to agree or disagree. If he is not here, I don't. It's that simple.

People are recommending this thread. Perhaps he'll see that and return to DU. I'm all for that. Some people are mistaking my reason for posting. I hope he returns. If he posts things that I disagree with, then I'll have an opportunity to say what I think. If I don't read his perspective on things, that's one fewer opportunity to state my opinion.

DU is about opinions. I wan't people to share their opinions, whether I agree or disagree.

And there it is. I don't care how others interpret this thread, really. People are recommending it to convince WilliamPitt to come back and post. That was the intent - to let people make their feelings known. It's up to WilliamPitt to decide, not me.

[Call Me Wesley]

248. "I don't care how others interpret this thread."

I'm not sure, but reading through this post of yours, I do not only see a back-smack to people who share a different opinion than yours (that you don't care for, but then tell us that you want to give us a platform to express what you don't care for, so it's a tad confusing from a rational point of view.)

You think the recs are for you? Yay, you made the Greatest page! As a returning host of the main forums, it just might feel good, and you might do a little dance.

Strange thing is, if you change 'WilliamPitt' in your post I'm referring to, to, say, 'TedCruz,' it won't change the sense of it.

No, you do not want him to return, unless you can gain something about it - heck, even think that you, this thread, all the millions of recs brought him back, because of you.

This thread is about no one else but you. And I thought that hosts should refrain from posting stuff like this, but I'm not up to the rules. Perhaps it's fine.

[MineralMan]

261. All of the recs are for Pitt, not me, as intended.

Sorry you can't see that.

[Call Me Wesley]

269. You know (again,)

This passive-aggressive behavior doesn't really get me. I'd have to value your opinion first to let your insult get me.

This is a joke, and you sit there and smirk about it.

With all my respect, sir, you are a troll and a general DU asshole since the first second you found this place after you left FreeRepublic, because you couldn't establish the privileges there than you have encountered on DU; being a host, having a say; constantly berating.

Having an 'appreciation thread' for someone who you always despised (Seeya ...,) just for the attention.

Saying all these nice things about 'we'll might disagree, but I still love their opinion.'

No, I saw how you were in the host forum. Until recently, I still could see your alerts due to an oversight. You tried to shut down any topic you disagreed with; so much for your tolerance.

Note: Click 'show message' after this gets hidden.

[MineralMan]

273. I never alert on replies to me.

Seeya...

[BeanMusical]

329. Oh really?

Call Me Wesley's reply have been alerted on. What a coincidence!

[MineralMan]

344. Wasn't my alert.

[BeanMusical]

352. Of course it wasn't.

Just one of those weird coincidences.

[MineralMan]

354. Not really a coincidence, I'm sure.

But I never alert on replies to my posts. I don't need to. I can respond in person.

[BeanMusical]

355. If you say so then it must be true.

After all you have so much credibility.

[MineralMan]

356. It is true.

[BeanMusical]

358. Of course it is.

[Aerows]

283. Results

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Jul 28, 2015, 08:49 PM, and the Jury voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Spoke for me.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: *sigh* I don't know what proof the poster has that Mineralman is a Freeper, but without it this is unacceptable and even the poster seems to know this, hence the:

[glinda]

12. yes!

[lark]

15. Come back Will, please!

Your brothers and sisters of the heart/mind miss you.

[ellennelle]

16. whoa!!

i had no idea!!

i call you MR. PITT!!

you never struck as one to walk away from anything.

things are messy here because there are some messy folks who have nothing better to do than stir it up. these are folks you just have to ignore.

especially when there are so many great folks around.

the glass is AT LEAST half full, dude!!

[onehandle]

17. People who post 'I'm leaving' threads never come back.

[patricia92243]

22. lol

[treestar]

113. lol never!

This will be the third resurrection at least!

[lapislzi]

18. Will Pitt is a valued voice

He was instrumental in bringing me into the progressive fold. I'm sure others could say the same, if they were honest.

Those that don't care for his flavor of writing...they know where the "ignore" and "hide thread" buttons are.

[calimary]

321. He is still on Truthout.org - so his writing and point of view can still be savored.

Maybe he felt he needed to step away. Many have. Several years he came out with this long piece listing the greatest hits of bush/cheney. It was an excellent reference piece. I actually printed it out and hung it up on my wall.

[abakan]

19. Baby come back

#t=86

[MineralMan]

26. Come Back...

[abakan]

33. Nice Thanks

I'm old I had to go with what I know.

[MineralMan]

34. Yah, I'm old, too. I turn 70 tomorrow.

[abakan]

37. Happy Birthday old man

you don't look a day over 60.

[MineralMan]

38. 70 is the new 20. I decided.

[Duval]

141. Happy Birthday, MineralMan.

The 70's aren't so bad, so far!! And it's nice to know I have a few "older" guys here!

[MineralMan]

262. Thanks. I needed that.

[msanthrope]

227. Happy Birthday! nt

[MineralMan]

263. Thanks so much.

[tblue37]

299. Sigh. I'll be 65 next month. I hate getting old--but the alternative is worse. nt

[Duval]

137. Good response, abakan!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

20. Thank you, my dear MineralMan!

Please don't leave, William...

[MineralMan]

77. DU needs a wide variety of voices to help everyone

determine the truth. Those with whom we disagree are often as important as those with whom we agree. It is through discussion that we discover things, I believe.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

21. He had such a way with words

when it came to threatening homeless women.

[MineralMan]

31. An individual, unique way with words....yes.

[littlewolf]

245. LOL nt

[Va Lefty]

23. He will be missed

hopes he comes back

[JackInGreen]

24. We can hope so. :)

[2naSalit]

25. K&R

[Stuart G]

27. Proud to be #47

I always enjoyed William Pitt's writing. I do hope he returns.

Stuart G

[BlueJazz]

28. Thank you for posting this!

[SoapBox]

29. I support you William!

You simply cannot leave...WE need you and your voice.

Screw those that try to drive you away...remember, if you leave, they win.

Please stay and piss them off!

[yuiyoshida]

30. K&R

[nadinbrzezinski]

32. Yup and I hate just hate the bullies

If you cannot stand a person, put them on ignore. (Advise I have tried myself and does not always work, but if it works in your case, just put them on ignore)

And we have a band of happy bullies that do what they do and thrives on the number of scalps they get.

And that is all I am going to say about it. I have been, for many years, on the receiving end (why I know ignore does not always work)

[polly7]

35. Will Pitt is/was a treasure here.

All his jealous detractors should just maybe do some reading, learning, get some education so they can reply to him intelligently with something other than little smilies and digging up decade old shit to stir the pot. Cruelty seems to be the order of the day here anymore.

[MineralMan]

40. He is/was something, for sure.

[polly7]

41. Someone. nt.

[MineralMan]

45. A "treasure" is something.

We often equate people with something, even when we don't realize it. Our language is full of such metaphors.

[Caretha]

274. "Treasure"

was used as a description of the proper noun, "Will Pitt". Hard for you to take I know, but he is someone, and so are you.

Why do you mince words?

[MineralMan]

278. The only things I mince are parsley, onions

and garlic. I don't mince words. They're better left whole.

[Caretha]

284. Okay

We'll just call it dancing then.

[Hissyspit]

147. Many is/were something.

[mythology]

63. You may think it's jealousy, but I think it's more that

Some people aren't impressed by sanctimonious screeds. He relies on emotional appeals but far too often let's that run amok. It's not just his Robe thing. It's him threatening another member repeatedly. It's him calling the president a piece of shit. It's his abrasive personality that gives him detractors.

[DinahMoeHum]

39. WilliamPitt is/was why I joined up with DU back in March 2002. . .

. . .and brought me out of the funk I was feeling in the political aftermath of 9/11.

So WTF if he wrote something I disagreed with once in a while? I had no obligation or pressure to recommend the thread, and I could always "trash" it and keep it out of my sight.

Some people here have no maturity. Sheesh.

[tkmorris]

42. I generally prefer that people say precisely what they think

Even when occasionally that means popping off colorfully when they get angry.

People who post passive-aggressive bullshit? Not so much.

[City Lights]

64. I'm with you on both points.

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed.

[Horse with no Name]

282. Yep. n/t

[Aerows]

295. Right there with you. n/t

[femmocrat]

43. We were fortunate to have a writer of Will's stature and talent.

I hope he will reconsider. And I will miss the baby pictures!

[carolinayellowdog]

44. Don't be taken in by a cruel nasty joke, people

Please read a few of the passive-aggressively ambiguous comments, and ask yourself if someone is getting a few more licks in at a DUer who has been targeted relentlessly by cyberstalkers for years.

Don't come back, Will. They will never stop.

[MineralMan]

50. It's terrible when people go back and dig into things that

happened or were said long ago. I agree.

[MADem]

92. Ahhhh...I see what you did there!

I seem to recall you were the object of more than a few pile-ons here. I also recall that you were very transparent about the stuff people were trying to pile-on about--you didn't evade or play the "it wasn't me" card...like nobody can ever change their mind about anything, or evolve, or grow, or come to new conclusions.


Well, some people can--but this place is like Animal Farm, sometimes!!!

You've always been you, and that's a good thing.


I like people who don't stop learning, myself...you're OK with me, MM.

I hope you have a brilliant birthday.

[Cha]

313. Yeah, it's okay if they dig up whatever.. but, it's really really bad if the "digging" is done on

one of theirs.

And, who started that excavation anyway.. wasn't it also one of theirs defending.. Why the "hoax" happened?

[bahrbearian]

246. +1

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

46. K & R....

More now than ever... We need great voices.

[1monster]

51. (Just a piece of history: "Now More Than Ever" was a campaign slogan

for Richard Nixon.

And, man, am I showing my age!

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

205. Almost too funny!

Don't really remember the campaign. I'm 64 now, wasn't back then! Lol
Did a lot of anti Nixon and Agnew protests though. Along with the war and draft protests.
Interesting times.

[1monster]

47. Come on back, Will. I don't comment much on your threads, but I have been

reading them since you started posting here. And I've saved more than a few of your OPs.

[Sheepshank]

127. A also read a lot of them

they were something to behold

[Babel_17]

49. I appreciate his great articles like the one at the end of Bush's administration

I crossposted the following in another thread.

Did I ever get around to mentioning to you that a piece you wrote was referenced by SF icon John Varley?

If not, well, better late than never.

A PRE-INAUGURAL MESSAGE FROM JOHN VARLEY

There is only 1 day left in America’s 8-year Millennial Nightmare. There are probably those who feel we should let bygones be bygones, like Nancy Pelosi taking impeachment “off the table” in 2006. And what’s the point of prosecuting the people who perpetrated the so-called “Bush Administration” upon this great country? Let’s put it all behind us and move on to a new era of sweetness and bipartisan light.

Well, fuck that. Sure, on January 20th I will celebrate along with most Americans, wish President Obama well, and good luck. He’s going to need a lot of it to clean up the mess left by these looters and desecrators of all we hold sacred. But we at Varley.net—that is, me and Lee—are not about to forget. We will continue to hope for war crimes trials, at the very least, and hope for much, much more than that.

So in that spirit, in this last week we will be quoting excerpts from an excellent recent indictment by William Rivers Pitt, entitled … ironically, you may be sure … “The Greatest Greatness of George W. Bush,” in which he enumerates just some of the crimes committed by these “low men” (I like that term for Bush, Cheney, et al.) who served the worst president in American history.

After the 20th we will stop going negative except, we hope, to report on legal proceedings against the … oh, how I love to use this phrase against Bush/Cheney and Co. … evildoers. And after the 20th, as soon as he is confirmed, we could all write to the new Attorney General to tell him we do not want to let bygones be bygones. Tell him to nail the bastards to the wall.
John Varley

http://varley.net/Pages/titles.htm

http://truth-out.org/archive/component/k2/item/81880:the-greatest-greatness-of-george-w-bush

http://truth-out.org/archive/component/k2/itemlist/user/33513?Itemid=252

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rivers_Pitt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Varley_%28author%29

I hope I'm not confusing your online handle with that of this person.

[Octafish]

52. This is a new low in HATE for DU.

Congratulations, MineralMan.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027015044#post38

[SixString]

57. +1

[MineralMan]

62. Yes, I said "Seeya..." in that reply,

because I expect to see him back here soon. I still do. It's what you say to someone you expect to see again in a short time.

[BeanMusical]

152. ROFL!

That's a good one!

[Call Me Wesley]

200. Your 'schtick' is showing.

Just saying. I mean, there's nothing bad with 'schtick,' isn't there? It's just a pattern, but if you put it in a proper concept, a magician performs his 'schticks.' That's a good thing, yes? Yes it is. It's just a routine of behaviorism that hardly changes.

Seeya, ole chum.

[LaurenG]

348. I don't come here often but this made want to ask you why

You think YOU should be doing a real appreciation thread for Will? Not much has changed with you has it?


Seeya.

[BeanMusical]

357. +1

[City Lights]

67. Yep.

We seem to sink lower each day.

[Rex]

118. Can you believe these guys!?

I had no idea forming GD-P would cause them to sink this low. Then again, I forget some here are without an ounce of shame in their bodies. I keep assuming all people are generally good people here.

Pitt must have really pissed them off to a level, quite frankly I've never seen before. This is shit you would expect O'Keefe to pull on ACORN etc..

[MelissaB]

123. I agree. This is unreal.

[Adrahil]

166. Oh I think POSUCS came WAY before GD-P.

It's hilarious that people are decrying nastiness in defense of Will Pitt of all people.

[Rex]

170. Well it seems then he attracted a fan base that hated him, because they were just like him.

If what you say is true.

[Adrahil]

180. I don't know that I hated him... I don't hate many people. But he certainly lost my respect. nt

[Marr]

265. +1

[BeanMusical]

155. +1000

[whatchamacallit]

197. Takes a special kind of talent

to inspire Glen Greenwald to single out your inanity for derision.

[G_j]

217. agreed

just totally fucked up, x1000

[bahrbearian]

247. Yup shameful

[markpkessinger]

285. Totally agree with you, Octafish n/t

[Aerows]

300. It really is. n/t

[Owl]

396. It is. Absolutely shameful.

[saidsimplesimon]

53. MM sending you a 74th rec

Logged in just to do so. I've been following Mr. Pitt since, well, before Truthout.org began.

Mr. Pitt's threads on DU are more personal than some of his scholarly works. He is a valued asset to this community, imo.

[MineralMan]

54. We've all read many of his posts on DU.

His unique voice has been posted frequently here. He's a prolific contributor to DU. It's impossible to miss his threads, for sure. I don't always agree with him, but he represents a part of DU that can't be ignored.

[Jack Rabbit]

55. Thank you, MM

K/R

[MineralMan]

56. That poster has many people on DU who appreciate his

point of view. When he realizes that, I'm sure he'll be back.

[cwydro]

58. I would bet money that he'll be back.

It won't be long.

[MineralMan]

60. I think so, too.

History has a way of repeating itself.

[hlthe2b]

59. I hope he does return-- as well as Kentuck and several other long termers we seem to have lost

[MineralMan]

61. It's really hard to stay away from DU.

There's so much going on here. People who have been gone come back all the time.

[jwirr]

65. K&R

[Hekate]

66. Well, it is a long hot summer. Possibly he's on a beach somewhere sipping Mai Tais...

...and will send us the occasional postcard.

One thing I've noticed about postcards, just from a personal standpoint: the size encourages a certain discipline in a writer, in that one has to choose one's words carefully. Kind of like taking up haiku, instead of epic poetry with its invocations, lamentations, exclamations and similes....

But longevity, both in time and substance, has its own place in the scheme of things.

So here's my for whatever good it will do, and here's to Mai Tais and Mojitos in the summer

[MineralMan]

68. Well, if that's the case, I'm envious.

My wife and I would love to take a trip like that. Sadly, our finances, responsibilities to her aging mother and a couple of dogs with separation anxiety make that pretty much impossible.

Still, I have a nice cool gin & tonic of an evening outdoors. That seems to be a decent substitute. Sadly, palm trees don't grow in Minnesota.

[Hekate]

78. >sigh< Since you mentioned your age upthread...

...I'll mention mine. My husband and I are planning to go to my 50th HS reunion in October, and since I graduated in Hawai'i, that's where it will be. It's why I was thinking of Mai Tais specifically, but in fact I've never had one. Palm trees they have in abundance, and beaches -- could be why I fell in love at first sight with Santa Barbara.

Happy birthday, MinMan! Enjoy that gin & tonic, and a big slice of cake!

[MineralMan]

79. Thanks. I attended my 50th HS reunion

in 2013. It was marvelous, even if not in Hawaii. Outstanding turnout and an opportunity to see a lot of people again after so many years. I enjoyed it hugely, and now have lots of old friends on Facebook.

Enjoy yours! Have a great time!

[nadinbrzezinski]

81. What? You mean these were not palm trees?

I remember when they even ran video of SAN DIEGO to try to show it was not that cold in Wisconsin.

And with that, off to work with me. Just could not resist.

[MineralMan]

82. LOL!

I remember that photo. Those might survive in Minnesota, too.

[Mira]

70. Whazzup? What did I miss?

Please come back Will, this is a home for you and you are one of our cornerstones.
Start with a current photo of Lola, please.

[Helen Borg]

71. Some context, please? Sorry....

[MineralMan]

74. See the thread at the link below:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7015044

[Paper Roses]

72. I will miss his insight. I hope it is a short time away.

We all need various points of view, not just some of the silly posts that appear on DU(including mine). Hope the vacation is short.
We need posts from those who have the intellect and 'guts' to tell it as it is!

[Snotcicles]

73. K&R............

It will be telling, the user names that won't appear in this thread.
WVM.... WilliamPitt's Voice Matters!

Edited: for grammar's sake.

[MineralMan]

75. Well, I believe that some few DUers have my user name on Ignore,

so they wouldn't see the thread. That could explain it.

[Snotcicles]

76. Maybe, I know I have an itchy trigger finger on my ignore list these days. nt

[Half-Century Man]

80. William is a good man. nt

[SmittynMo]

83. I think its kind of

cool that someone thought enough of him to do this, and then, this many posts.

Give it up William, and come on back. Shit, I did. LOL

[Nye Bevan]

84. William was the Press Secretary for the Kucinich for President campaign in 2004.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x213087

A fairly little-known fact here.

[MineralMan]

86. I did not know that, myself.

Thanks for the info!

[geek tragedy]

99. .

Dennis Kucinich reminds people why they are Democrats, why they are progressives, in the first place. He is the soul and the spirit of those beliefs personified, he is Franklin Delano Roosevelt returned, walking and talking and preaching in the 21st century. Anyone who doubts this has not seen the man in action, has not met the people who surround him and support him.

http://www.truth-out.org/archive/item/46940-william-rivers-pitt--dennis-kucinich-and-the-question

Presumably this was before Kucinich started working for Fox News and promoting Gaddafi and Assad.

[merrily]

334. Kucinich promotes Gaddafi and Assad? LMAO.

[geek tragedy]

341. .

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/docs-bush-official-kucinich-offered-to-help-qaddafi-regime-on-ending-u-s-involvement-in-libya


http://m.motherjones.com/mojo/2011/06/dennis-kucinich-syria-problem

And of course, every sellout Fox News Democrat has to pay their dues on . . . you guessed it.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/dennis-kucinich-slams-obama-administration-on-benghazi-im-of#.nr0882PpG

[BeanMusical]

85. You can't stand Will and he can't stand you.

So I wonder what kind of stupid game you're playing.

[MineralMan]

88. And yet, I hope he returns to DU.

How stupid is that?

DU is what it is because of the wide range of viewpoints that makes up its content. As for your comment, you do not know me, so you cannot speak for me. I often disagree with WilliamPitt, but I can stand him just fine. I don't know how well you know WilliamPitt, so I can't say whether you are able to speak for him.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[BeanMusical]

91. I've been friend with him on FB for a long time and he's certainly not in love with you.

And this OP is not about wanting him back, it's a twisted callout. Also, others have noticed that you certainly don't like him. Just a quick search turned this up:

Spare me the bs. You don't like the poster, that's all.

Your dislike of the poster is showing.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026887802#post288

[MineralMan]

95. The number of people who are "in love" with me is small.

That's as it should be. I do disagree with some of his ideas and with the way he sometimes expresses them. That's true. But I don't know the person at all. He's another screen name on DU. When I disagree with him, I sometimes say so. He has done the same with things I have written here.

The link you provided is a good example where my disagreement with his style of writing is a good one. I'm not fond of people writing vile insults about the sitting Democratic President. Not fond at all. I disagreed with him in that thread, as I have in others that were similar to it. I disagreed vehemently. I will do so again, if he uses similar tactics when he returns.

That's discussion. As for your quotations, I'm not sure they're really all that relevant.

[BeanMusical]

98. May I ask you a question?

Why such a great progressive like you got blocked from the LGBT group?

[MineralMan]

100. Something I wrote long ago offended people.

Despite my sincere apology, I was blocked from that group. DU allows group hosts to block people. I respect their decision.

[BeanMusical]

107. I'm curious, could you post a link to that "something" you wrote?

I would love to see if I would be offended too or if people here are getting easily offended for no good reason (which I doubt). Seeing that "sincere" apology would be nice too.

[MineralMan]

108. No, sorry. This thread is not about me.

The apology is in my journal. Scroll down and you'll find it. Beyond that, I'm not interested in reviving old issues.

[Hissyspit]

117. Hunh...

Last edited Wed Jul 29, 2015, 02:53 PM - Edit history (1)

You're "not interested in reviving old issues."

Some people are not nearly as clever as they think you are.

[City Lights]

129. LOL!

[BeanMusical]

139. Lol!

[BeanMusical]

135. Oh boy. It was that bad?

Oh wait, someone just sent me a link to an interesting thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023109758#post6

What is it about your history and admitted anti gay past that made you think you should attempt to EVER make any sort of attempt at satire about the very people you libeled on FR for years? Your history here and the troubles you have caused because of your past makes you pleading here impossible for a thinking person to buy into.

Why would you think you of all people should so much as attempt any form of 'joke' about this issue, a people you have attacked aggressively for years?

Hum, apparently your "sincere" apology for that other "something" wasn't accepted. So sad. What's FR?

Oh well, I guess that you're right. I don't know a thing about you so I have no idea if you're having a blast manipulating people or not. Just a name on the screen. And to light up the mood here's some Andy Warhol art:

[Facility Inspector]

184. Wrong.

This thread is 100% about you, and speaks volumes about who you really are.

[Hekate]

188. Fascinating

An even newer newbie who knows everything (and yet nothing) about DU history. I wonder how that can be?

[Facility Inspector]

192. Did I say anything about DU history?

My comment was made solely on the basis of the evidence listed in this thread. Especially the illuminating sections that relate to the OP's homophobia.



Jump the gun much, suspicious one?


Did you know that Will Pitt exists outside of DU?


Yeah, imagine that!

[SidDithers]

268. Long time lurker, surely...nt

Sid

[BeanMusical]

377. Why are you calling her Shirley?

[alcibiades_mystery]

89. Oh my!

[Nye Bevan]

96. DU would be a very boring place if the only posters were people I like (nt)

[MineralMan]

101. Indeed. Viewpoints I disagree with are often very worthwhile reading.

Since I don't know even one other DUer personally, I don't like or dislike anyone here. My only exposure to them is through their posts. But I appreciate a wide range of points of view.

[Hekate]

182. Reading thru this subthread, I see a person with just over 1,500 posts calling out an oldtimer....

...with almost 75,000 posts.

However else you know Will Pitt, you don't truly know the long history of interactions that he and MM have had with each other (and other people) at this site. Unless, of course, you've been what is euphemistically known as a long time lurker just now starting to post.

So while you are trying the muckraking schtick, MM is being calm, as he always is (well, almost always; MM did get very agitated about the Confederate flag and called for people to go rip it down immediately).

Why the agitation on your part?

[BeanMusical]

203. Will is aware of this thread and that's all I'll say about him.

The vast majority of people are being genuine in their comments and recs but the OP is not being honest. Also I've been here for over 3 years which is plenty of time to observe the behavior of certain posters and know a manipulator when I see one.

And that old-timer has been on FR longer than he has been here, from what I've read and been told. So if you believe his B.S that's your problem. Have a nice day.

[Hekate]

207. "from what you've been told" That's some good research there.

Even so, interesting to know WP is still reading about himself here. As I said in his GBCW: Send us a postcard. If you want to make something hostile about that, be my guest.

[BeanMusical]

218. You don't seem to like him very much either.

[Hekate]

231. Where were you when he was dressing in black to go to Crawford TX....

... and I was PMing him to not get heatstroke just because black looks cool? Hm?

Cindy Crawford and her escorts (some of whom I knew) got separated from their water bottles during their walk in the ditch on the way to the "Ranch" and she got sick thanks to the guards not letting any of them return to get water.

City boys from the East Coast find it easy to misjudge the effect of the heat in the Southwest -- or in certain places in California, for that matter. So I was concerned.

Some of us have "known" each other for a very long time, and there have been ups and downs.

You, on the other hand, are new (or pretending to be) and seem to be getting your jollies stirring up crap.

Ciao.

[BeanMusical]

239. I meant, you obviously don't like him very much as of now.

A year after he said all those bad, bad things about your idol. Buh-bye.

[Cha]

369. "your idol"? All you have is an insult.

[BeanMusical]

375. So the word idol is an insult now?

[Bobbie Jo]

304. Thank you.

That's how it looks from here as well.

[Caretha]

288. A game

he's playing a game. MM likes games. He played a game for years on freeperville, he was a prolific member/poster. He played like he was a racist, a homophobic, a misogynist and a Republican. He's good at games. And the best part of all....he it did for the team.

[Change has come]

328. And has been a host since DU3

You know, locking threads and such.

Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

[BeanMusical]

330. And despite all that there are a handful of people defending him.

Either they are willfully ignorant or they are enjoying MM's sick games because they are no better than him.

[Puglover]

380. Meh

The day DOMA was overturned the OP posted a mocking nasty post and then went offline "not realizing the offense LGTB might take at a joke" (He self deleted)
Of course there were some old time DUers that were Johnny on the Spot to straight splain to us gay folk just how much we were missing the point and being big ole meanies.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023105108

[BeanMusical]

393. I see some familiar names. The usual bunch.

And as for the OP, no wonder he's blocked from the LGBT group.

[joanbarnes]

87. I am in awe of his writing.

[The Wizard]

90. k&r

[Android3.14]

93. He is a God

A punditiferous deity wallowing in deep pools of awesome sauce. Yea, we were but lowly liberal maggots until William Pitt descended from heaven so we could bask in the light of his computer screen.

When he left, heaven closed its doors and we found ourselves in the pit of the politically spurned, where we gnash our teeth, mix our metaphors, and use bad grammar.

O woe is to us.

[murielm99]

94. How many times has Will Pitt left this place,

or been banished? I've lost count.

Sometimes little kids hold their breath until they turn blue. However, grownups don't do that.

[lapislzi]

97. Why do this?

I posted above my admiration for Will and his writing. In good faith, I might add. I am now learning that this thread has evolved (or maybe was intended) to be a snark-fest "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" type thread.

Why?

Even if a member is controversial or otherwise disliked, why start a snark party? I don't see the point. It's mean spirited. Doesn't make you snarky posters look smart.

SMH

[MineralMan]

106. WilliamPitt has a unique perspective on things.

While I often disagree with how he expresses himself, he should feel free to post here, and has done that for a very long time on this forum. Why should he leave? His unique voice is appreciated by many DUers, some of whom have recommended this thread. As I said, someone had to post a thread like this. I did. In it, as you say, you posted your admiration in this thread. I assume you also recommended the thread. My intention was to provide a space for that on DU.

And there it is.

[BeanMusical]

159. You really think that people are stupid and that you are so clever.

I would say shame on you but you have none at all.

[Android3.14]

109. I suspect the intent is sincere

I like Pitt's work just fine, for the most part, but we all become a little full of ourselves.

If writers are unable to take some good-natured ribbing over style, an occasional swelled head and past screw-ups, then they are in the wrong business.

[Hissyspit]

228. Agreed. The fact that the OP is written in such a way so that it can be read equally with completely

opposing intent is just a coincidence.

The fact that the writer has caused this confusion this way many, many times before is just accidental. Really.

[BeanMusical]

235. Too bad that there are no Nobel Prize for sarcasm, you sure would deserve one.

[Android3.14]

303. I just don't see the feud

Both the OP and Will Pitt are mature writers. I'd wager the people tearing their shirts should probably relax.

[840high]

276. It's like grave dancing which I hate. Some

people get their pleasure being mean.

[chervilant]

103. There are a few DUers that keep me coming back...

William Pitt is one. Bravenak, SCE, seabeyond, H2OMan, madfloridian, n2doc, BainesBane, 1StrongBlackMan--and a few more (I'm certain I'm forgetting some of the good ones. I'm old and forgetful...) are members of this forum I make it a point to read.

Of late, I've put a lot more racists, sexists, homophobes, misogynists and verbal bullies on my IL, but it hasn't helped...

I will miss Will, but I can understand why he left. Unless things improve significantly on the inner tubes, I'll be gone as well.

[LiberalAndProud]

110. You've been here as long as I have.

So you know, if you're looking for improvement on these boards, you must wait until after Super Tuesday. I suspect there will come a time during these primary fights that I will need to part company with DU for a time. But I'll be back. I know because ... well, here I am.

[chervilant]

302. Good point, LAP...

I left for a while the last time it got so bad, and that's why I make use of my IL now. But, all the snarking and sarcasm and verbal assaulting gets tiresome much more quickly now. Maybe my tolerance is not as good.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

105. :D

[treestar]

111. That's nice of you Mineral Man

[Atman]

112. Unfortunately, I cannot express my appreciation.

Because I have been "friends" with Mr. Pitt since the days of Bush 1. He was one of the first people to purchase my bumper stickers and anti-Bush goodies.

But, yesterday I made a joke about Will farming himself out to The Cave as a whipping boy. Some stupid DU douche bag alerted and got me hidden for a shout-out to my old Boston buddy.

So...Good on you, Will. I kind of get where you're going. This place has turned to shit. Notice that there is no longer a star next to my name, after 13 years.

[Electric Monk]

143. That post got hidden? I thought it was hilarious. There is definitely some overlap in his "fan club"

between there and here.

[emsimon33]

169. A lot of people feel as you do!

I no longer have a star for the same reason. I now support Truthout financially and not DU.

[Generic Other]

249. I think this is what I will do as well

I already cancelled my yearly contribution.

[grasswire]

308. what was the complaint in the alert? nt

[Atman]

343. I was "calling out" another DUer.

Some of the more intelligent jurors got the joke. It wasn't even subtle! But someone got their panties in a wad, and I was hidden. They hide birthday wish to your own mother these days. Too many idiots have infiltrated the board.

[Enthusiast]

114. ...

[BeanMusical]

168. Yes, I know.

[hifiguy]

115. Kick and effin Rec

[Rex]

116. Wow! Never did I think people would get this lowdown! How snakelike and vile.

How fucking sad to see.

[Hissyspit]

120. The many appreciation recs for Pitt are sincere, apparently.

[BeanMusical]

179. I believe so too.

Most of them are sincere, unlike the OP.

[Oilwellian]

275. They are sincere, Hissyspit...

I quietly laughed at the desperation of the person who posted it. It seems to be the ONLY way he can rack up so many recommends...by dropping Will Pitt's name. I'm kinda digging the delicious irony of that.

[sabrina 1]

125. Very low. I think it's a good idea to post an appreciation thread for William Pitt. Someone

should do it.

I wish there was an unrec button still.

Not sure why anyone IS rec'ing this insulting OP. I certainly won't.

[donheld]

119. William Pitt is the best

Whatever you think Mineralman. I don't always agree with Will, but he has helped me keep what little sanity I have left.

[asjr]

121. When and why did he leave? I thought he was a permanent fixture.

[carla]

124. William Rivers Pitt

was once one of the most reasonable voices on this site. Then people had trouble understanding that truth is just what many here are afraid of. His POSUCS comment seems to have been the start of the gang up on Will. I found his honesty, his bile, his humor and his intelligence sufficient to overlook my little ruffled feathers. I have not always agreed with him but I have agreed more with him and his opinions than that of 90% of you other denizens of this site. If he has left, for good, then I cheer his participation, his ability to make others feel upset and his no nonsense approach to his political opinions. I would like to see him back, but I can understand why he would leave this less than friendly place that has sunk into the pit of political correctness. If you read this William, ignore the fools and rejoin the debate because you certainly had more interesting things to say than all the poor little babies who can't find themselves in your words or opinions. DU has sunk way low. Flame away.

[LiberalLovinLug]

126. Great work

always appreciate Will's posts.

[KauaiK]

130. I still don't understand why he left or the dramatic farewell...

Did someone speak against one of his posts? Call him names? Disagree? Troll? What happened?

If someone speaks against something I believe in, I just fight harder, louder and stronger. I don't capitulate, run for cover or take my ball and go home. I've been that way since the 1960's will be that way through old age.

[HFRN]

131. '911, What's your Emergency?'

'I'm going to stop posting messages on a messageboard!'

[Capt. Obvious]

132. AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

On Tue Jul 28, 2015, 02:52 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Appreciation Thread for WilliamPitt
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027018295

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Snide callout of another DUer. This guy hates William Pitt and attacks him whenever he gets a chance. Read his snide remarks on the thread and read between the lines. He is trying to fly under the radar again.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Jul 28, 2015, 03:01 PM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: You're asking me to hide based on thought crime. Not going to happen.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: WTF

really?

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[Hissyspit]

136. Things go flying over people's heads sometimes.

Planes, birds, etc.

[BeanMusical]

142. In this case, for some people, it flew so high that it crashed into a satellite.

[BeanMusical]

138. For the record I didn't alert on the OP or any other post.

[Hissyspit]

140. Neither did I.

I served as foreman on a jury once. I am cynical as to the effectiveness of the jury system when important information is withheld from the jurors, or the jurors are too gullible.

[BeanMusical]

144. I am cynical about it too.

[Bobbie Jo]

237. Why would anyone care

whether you alerted or not?

[BeanMusical]

240. You're right.

And I don't care about what you do or say either. Have a nice day and drive carefully.

[Bobbie Jo]

244. just seemed like a strange comment.

You have one of those nice days, yourself

[rexcat]

198. At least...

6 jurors got it right. There is always one d----e in the crowd.

[Cha]

370. "Explanation: You're asking me to hide based on thought crime. Not going to happen." Ha.

thank you Juror #5

[RandiFan1290]

133. Y'all are posting in a thread!

 

[Duval]

134. Can I make up names so I

can vote 100 times? I would if I could!! Thanks, MineralMan, for giving us this opportunity. I admire WilliamPitt and have a long standing respect for his books as well as his commentaries on DU. When he speaks, I listen.

Thanks, WRP. You are the one whose courage in coming to speak at UNC, Chapel Hill (during the Bush (W) administration), gave me the necessary impetus to be an activist.

[Smarmie Doofus]

149. Shouldn't someone ( perhaps Mr. Pitt himself) explain exactly why he left?

Then.... after we DUer commoners are fully apprised of the situation, at least from his POV.... THEN ask us to rec an appreciation thread?

[Hissyspit]

157. You have not been asked to rec an appreciation thread.

You have been asked to rec an appreciation thread.

[herding cats]

150. I can't even figure out what the hell's going on.

I glanced at the thread in GD. It made no sense to me. I'm guessing it was a GD Primary disagreement?

[malaise]

158. I read all this threads

Rec

[annabanana]

162. Jeez Will. . Will you please QUIT quitting already?!?

Just cut it out.

[Mbrow]

164. Amen

[Adrahil]

165. Where else can we get an awesome meme like POSUCS.

Comedy GOLD!

[CreekDog]

167. I appreciate him for never posting homophobic comments on Free Republic

Some people have, but not him.

[meegbear]

174. WIN!

[Rex]

176. I appreciate him for not voting for John McCain.

Unlike the thread starter.

[MineralMan]

195. But I didn't vote for McCain.

I've never voted for any Republican.

[CreekDog]

312. As pedantic as you are, it's instructive to see what you haven't denied

[City Lights]

183. LOL!

I see what you did there.

[BeanMusical]

185. Lol!

[Maven]

199. ROFL

[Call Me Wesley]

253. :hugs: (nt)

[CreekDog]

256. !

[Call Me Wesley]

258. Heh!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7020062

[840high]

277. Ever. +1

[WorseBeforeBetter]

323. Now, now, he had "incorrect" information.

All is forgiven! At least by the Republican Wing of DU...

"Gays can't be trusted with children"

[LanternWaste]

171. No doubt, we all reserve the same amount of alleged sincerity in our regards to you.

No doubt, we all reserve the same amount of alleged sincerity in our regards to you.

[riderinthestorm]

173. K&R for Will! nt

[Politicub]

177. Wonder what the post was that sent him over the edge?

Somewhere a kitchen is looking to get its heat back.

[Turin_C3PO]

181. I like his writing.

I don't agree 100% with everything he writes but it would be a boring world if everyone was in total agreement on everything.

[libodem]

190. Thanks MM

Nice tribute.


I like Will. FWIW. He's sofa king articulate.

[Caretha]

301. Sofa King...

as in "Smirking Chimp"?

[libodem]

316. Not sure?

I just think its pretty sofa king cool.

[whatchamacallit]

191. Maybe FR can coax you back with a MM Appreciation thread. n/t

[MineralMan]

193. After nine years, I don't think so.

Besides, I was banned there for "anti-freeping."

[BeanMusical]

213. Doesn't mean that most of them don't have fond memories of you.

[MineralMan]

215. Nonsense. Truly.

[BeanMusical]

220. I did a search of that place earlier and they still talk about you from time to time.

[Hekate]

233. They talk about DU, period

[BeanMusical]

236. Oh, you have the right to distort reality if it makes you happy and as Long as nobody gets hurt.

[Call Me Wesley]

238. "Anti-freeping"

could mean a lot of things. Not paying the membership, making a silly face, hit another freeper with a fish in the face, returning a dead parrot, being a lumberjack or a soccer player on Socrates's team ...

At least he wasn't banned for being 'pro-LGBT' or 'pro-equality.'

[BeanMusical]

242. Lol, I love Monty Python.

And yes, he sure wasn't banned for being pro-LGBT rights.

[CreekDog]

259. what is left out was how long he was a member in good standing

[ibegurpard]

251. haha. Burn

No doubt

[Call Me Wesley]

196. You know,

I'm not even bothered with reading through this, and nobody can make me.

Doesn't even matter if I agree with Will Pitt or not, or how he was seen as a poster here. Doesn't matter.

I pity you. You did all this for the clicks and recs, didn't you. Here's what you've posted in Pitt's GBCW-thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7015220

And now you start an appreciation thread?

I don't give a damn if this gets hidden, but I pity you. You truly had your share in making DU suck. Now, go, like you always do, and alert on this. Don't tell me otherwise. You alert on everything that you dislike.

I pity you. You're shameless.

[SixString]

202. ...

[stupidicus]

216. well done

I'm surprised it isn't hidden already.

[BeanMusical]

224. Well said.

[JEB]

234. plus 1,000,000. nt

[840high]

280. Word.

[MoveIt]

289. "Seeya..."

and then posts this disingenuous "appreciation" thread? apparently its all for the lulz to a former FR poster. (!)

[markpkessinger]

291. Well stated!

Thank you!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

326. You gotta wonder what's lacking in his life.

I mean, he's supposedly well into his 60's, maybe 70's by now... you'd think he'd have better things to do than play passive-aggressive games on DU. It's rather pitiful.

[akbacchus_BC]

319. I went through that thread, where did he dis Mr. Pitt?

Just curious.

[Puglover]

346. ...

[neverforget]

204. Damning with faint praise. Really. Someone had to do it.

[theboss]

208. Pitt clearly saw DU as his launching pad to something years ago

He really really really thought he was going to become part of the pundit class. The kind of dude who shows up on Rachel Maddow (which didn't exist when this all started but whatever) once a month to discuss the issues of the day. It didn't happen.

His books didn't go anywhere, and one of them turned out to be co-authored by a pedophile.

The truth-out Rove thing was really his last grasp at the brass ring, and that blew up so spectacularly that it's hard to even comprehend what happened.

So, he's spent the last decade basically as another dude with a blog with a small group of fans on the site that was supposed to launch him all those years ago.

Frankly, it's probably for the best that he not hang around here.

[Hissyspit]

211. "His books didn't go anywhere, and one of them turned out to be co-authored

by a pedophile."

Wow. Pitt tried to stop the Iraq War, and THAT'S what you took from it??

Shit. One thing about life... you think you've seen every kind of shit, and then someone comes along...

There are all kind of legitimate criticisms of Pitt. That ain't one of them. Not even fucking close.

[theboss]

219. A lot of people tried to stop that war

Pitt has a weird habit of teaming up with really questionable people.

Ritter was one.

And then he banked all his journalistic credibility on a dude who had a history of having no journalistic credibility.

[Hissyspit]

221. It was questionable to team up with a former Iraq inspector who turned out to be correct???

Yeah, Pitt should have known about Ritter's privates. Sure.

Amazingly stupid stuff.

Go away. My brain is dying faster than normal just talking to you.

[BeanMusical]

223. +1

Yes, the stupid, it burns!

[Raster]

340. +2. FTR: EVERYTHING Ritter AND PITT said about Iraq and WMD was correct.

[Generic Other]

252. Please tell us all what you did during the Bush years

Please tell me who you know including yourself who accomplished what Will did using DU as a platform as you put it. Perhaps, he didn't use us so much as need us. We were once on the same team. We cheered when Symbolman made it on to BillO's show and BillO cut his mic. We were estatic when Mike Malloy got syndicated, generous to a fault when Cindy and the Crawford people asked for our help, we raised funds for Andy's surgery, we bought Will's book, promoted leftwing causes, worked the phones, showed up at the protests. We didn't just criticize. Shows how much DU has changed these days.

When was the last time, members of the activist forum did anything other than alert on a fellow DUer?

[mahina]

266. Today, for me, but I agree with your central points.

I shared Will's writing with so many. He captured the moment so often and so perfectly.

I don't need a Democratic message board filled with people who agree with me on everything. I don't mind that Will feels differently about President Obama and Hillary than I do. It's really hard to lose a compatriot.

I respected Will for, among other things, having the courage to use his real name when the McCarthy era's shadow passed over us all. And for his deep blue grounding, and his excellent writing. For his company on a very hard road. He is irreplaceable and I really hope he returns, one day.

Thank you for your post.

[Skittles]

293. I'm putting that nitwit on Ignore

what a fucking moron

[Hekate]

333. +1000 for the Bush years

A lot of us old timers were busy as hell.

[theboss]

347. Well, I didn't spend that much time on a message board.

I've been here since 2003, and don't have that many posts.

What did I do in the 2000s?

I donated money to the causes I cared about. I spent a lot of time on Capitol Hill strategizing with staffers I knew. I wasted an incredible amount of energy on John Edwards much to my shame. I helped two friends get elected to their state legislatures; one is a Congressman now. With any luck, he'll be a senator by the time we're 50. And he's everything we would want in a Democratic Senator.

What I else? I got married. I adopted three siblings out of foster care. I adopted two dogs who were days away from being euthanized.

I became a Catholic. I joined and then quit the Knights of Columbus.

I more or less stopped the business I work from shipping about 15 percent of our work force overseas.

I helped a kid get into college.

I created a scholarship.

It's been a good decade.

I don't know who Symbolman is.

The Andy saga still annoys the fuck out of me, because the reason I have money to do the things listed about is because I understand hospital reimbursement as well as anyone in the country. I was around during that time and posted messages and sent DMs and tried anything I could do to get attention, because I knew what everyone was trying to do was noble but completely wrong. And because I was not a DU celebrity at the time, no one paid attention and most were hostile.

"How dare you come here with facts and experience and knowledge??!?!?!?! Our passion shall win the day......"

Of course, the important takeaway from all that was Will Pitt's drunken declaration of vengeance of all those who harmed his best friend Andy (whom he met once and whose fundraising he undercut with a "what's going on here" post). I believe his vengeance consisted of saying mean things to anonymous people.

(By the way, when Will himself was having issues with ACA and wrote his Obama is an asshole thread, I again tried to help because - again - this is my business and I understand hospital reimbursement as well as anyone in the country. I think I was called an asshole when I was not ignored).

In many ways, Will came to symbolize DU to me and it's why I post like three times a month.

Knowledge, action, ability? We scoff at these things.

Righteous anger is all that matters.....Drunken righteous anger even more so.

I like to fix problems.

[MADem]

364. I think you put a lot of people to shame.

I was on the Hill in the 90s. Sorry you spent so much effort on Edwards, but even bad times can be learning experiences.

Did you marry a Catholic, or was that kind of a Princess Diana rumor/Tony and Cherie Blair kind of spiritual thing?

One doesn't often meet someone who converted to any faith for other than marital reasons! Or maybe I just hang around with pragmatists of all stripes...?

I think your time during the last decade wasn't wasted, certainly. I imagine those siblings are eternally grateful.

[theboss]

397. Becoming a Catholic was an odd experience

My wife and I got married in at a university chapel. It's a church with a reverend and with some "spiritiual" trappings, but certainly not a religious service.

She was raised Catholic. I was raised Protestant. Religion was never that big a thing with us in adulthood, even though it was in childhood.

So, we start talking about kids and the religious thing comes up. We agree that if we are ever going to go to church, we need to be on the same team. We talked "non-denominational" but I'm weirdly conservative in some very specific areas. If I'm going to church, I want a freaking point of view, you know. I may not agree that I'm going to Hell, but at least tell me it's a possibility.

She's got a ton of residual Catholic guilt so converting is not a great option. I agree to go to RCIA on a trial basis, just to see what it's about. And much to my shock, I find a lot about the Catholic faith to be really really beautiful. I'm not a weekly church goer and I certainly don't agree with some of their positions....but I've never gone to a service and not come away with something.

I've also found that in some ways, it's a really open-minded faith. The idea that I've had really interesting conversations about life and politics with a priest over a beer blows my mind because I grew up with ministers who acted like the Pope of my town while simultaneously talking about how down to earth they were.

[MADem]

401. I've been friends with a few Jesuits, and the conversations are rigorous and intelligent.

They can also be incredibly sardonic--but in a good way! If you like smart people, they're always good for some great conversation.

[theboss]

398. Thankfully, my Edwards position was about policy not personality

I had no idea what a shitbag of a person he was, but I've known enough trial attorneys to know that he was probably not a saint.

In the last two decades, I still think he's the only prominent Democrat to really make poverty the centerpiece of his agenda. Which is crazy, because I feel like poverty should always be the #1 issue of any Democrat. I mean if you look at the party and try to figure out how Northern liberals and Southern segregationists were ever linked, the answer is because the #1 issue for both was always poverty.

[MADem]

400. I admit, I loved the Two Americas schtick--I thought it was a good argument.

I only wish it had been a more solid candidate making it!

[ChisolmTrailDem]

366. I'd like to see you respond to theboss' post #347, since you asked for it. nt

[Generic Other]

373. Does the boss need an appreciation thread too? nt

[ChisolmTrailDem]

374. I have no idea. I'm just curious why you would ask in the manner that you did

and then not acknowledge the response, especially considering it was not the response you expected. Indeed, your question inferred that you expected no response, or at least a lame one.

[theboss]

399. I don't need appreciation

If you want to send money, I'm kind of cool with that.

[Skittles]

292. LOL

COMPLETE FUCKING BULLSHIT

[grasswire]

310. not even worth an ass kicking, Skit

Too stupid for an ass kicking. That's something.

[grasswire]

309. what a despicable post

If I told you what I think of you for this, I would get a hide. It might be worth it.

Crummy, nasty, slimy post. Not worthy of DU.

Shame on you.

[MADem]

325. Fair points. nt

[Hissyspit]

359. No, they're not.

"Pitt clearly saw DU as his launching pad to something years ago

He really really really thought he was going to become part of the pundit class."

First, actually, he was here because he liked it here and felt part of a family. He said so many times, both on the forum and other places. He acted like he felt this way, both here and other places.

"The kind of dude who shows up on Rachel Maddow (which didn't exist when this all started but whatever) once a month to discuss the issues of the day. It didn't happen."

Maybe it didn't happen because he didn't make it a priority, but more importantly, so what? HVe you seen the pundits we do have?

"His books didn't go anywhere, and one of them turned out to be co-authored by a pedophile."

I already addressed this utter crap.

"The truth-out Rove thing was really his last grasp at the brass ring, and that blew up so spectacularly that it's hard to even comprehend what happened."

The 'last grasp at the brass ring is the the poster's characterization. The second part of the sentence is about the only accurate thing in the post.

"Frankly, it's probably for the best that he not hang around here."

That's just a laugh.

[MADem]

362. Your mileage obviously varies. Not sure why you're yelling at me about it, though.

I said two words--"Fair points" -- in response to the commentary you so ardently rebutted--if you want to refute that entire post, and get into a fight with the author of it, go on ahead. Tell the person who wrote it, not me. I'm just not that invested in Will Pitt and his drama to care. I do agree with the points that were articulated, though and your breakdown hasn't changed my mind at all.

I always got the impression that if he wasn't talking DOWN to all assembled, he was hectoring and yelling at everyone with a robust sprinkling of "fucks" and "piece of shits" and other inarticulate bloviating. I remember the big events that people are noting elsewhere, and I remember that he was mean to people. Flat out mean. I don't think you have to be an asshole to people to be passionate about a cause.

So, you can think it's a "laugh" if you'd like. I don't mind at all. I'm not invested in your opinion, as you obviously aren't in mine. OK?

If you want a debate, though--take it back to the person who wrote the commentary.

[Owl]

365. No fair points in any of that dribble.

Good grief.

[MADem]

368. Gee, I don't EVEN know you!! Why don't you express your complex and considered opinions to the

person who wrote the essay....lest someone start to wonder why you had to dig so deep to tell me you don't agree with me?

I feel so special, being singled out for a post that is only slightly more articulate than "plus one!"

I'll file your opinion in the circular file, mmkay? That's where I keep the "dribble" (your word) that comes my way.

[Jersey Devil]

212. He's gonna come back anyway, always does

You think this is new schtick?

[BeanMusical]

222. A sincere and honest Will Pitt tribute thread by sabrina 1:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027019688

[bahrbearian]

250. Yes

[Generic Other]

254. Transparency

Funny thing about that quality.

And now I am done with this loaded question of a thread.

[mmonk]

232. Always, Mr. Pitt

[Dont call me Shirley]

255. Much appreciation for Will!

[Iggo]

257. I do loves me some WillPitt, but I'm gonna hafta put "appreciation" on my Trashed Word list.

This is getting ridiculous.

[NCTraveler]

260. He will be back either way.

Long track record.

[derby378]

267. HELL yeah!

I'll toast the man as well.

[SidDithers]

270. DU rec...

for many reasons.

Sid

[Skittles]

271. I AM A WILL PITT FAN

he can fly off the handle just like I do but he is TRUE BLUE

[markpkessinger]

287. +1000! n/t

[LiberalElite]

272. I'm in eom

[dgauss]

279. This thread is like a scam. Haven't seen that on DU before.

Congratulations.

[FlatBaroque]

290. OP is a 70 year old man. Amazing, isn't it?

[MoveIt]

294. his cloud appreciation thread is up next

[BeanMusical]

327. ROFLMAO!

[Rex]

317. I have of sorts. Same group.

Swarm. Whatever.

[Hekate]

324. Interesting. I haven't seen the 3 of you before either. Does that make you a scam?

[dgauss]

372. It was the deceptive character of the OP that made me think of "scam."

Maybe not the best word, but it was the nature of the deception, as I saw it, that made me think of that word. I'm sure there is plenty of deception on this board when it comes to trolls, but that is more in the form of an ongoing impostor, pretending to be someone they are not.

This post was more like a one time con, drawing people in that didn't understand the intention of this particular game. People trusting the intention of the OP and then getting burned because it was actually a back-handed, ha-ha I'm clever insult. And the game kept being played by the original poster, post after smugly ambiguous post.

No one lost any money, but the mindset, and especially the craftily drawn out play on well intentioned posters, who MM knew were misunderstanding him, is what made me think of scam.

And it did seem a little unique in character to me, among all the other nasty stuff I've seen here, which is why I said I hadn't seen that before on DU. But the fact that it's something I had not seen before isn't what makes it a scam.

So to answer your question, no, the fact that you haven't personally seen me on DU before doesn't make me a scam.

[BeanMusical]

376. Great reply.

[FlatBaroque]

286. I appreciate Will because

I know he is not be a passive-aggressive internet poster with the mental maturity of a jealous, eight year old schoolboy. So thanks for the thread, MineralMan. You're the most awesome poster on all the intenet. Really.

[grasswire]

296. ouch!!

well played, well played

[Owl]

361. I totally agree.

[Skittles]

311. he is the anti-swooner

yup

[tblue37]

298. Some convenient links. (The best way to show appreciation for an author

is to buy his or her books and recommend them to others.) The second best way is to read his or her stuff and recommend it to others, even when you don't have to spend money to do so.

War on Iraq: What Team Bush Doesn't Want You To Know (2002)
by William Rivers Pitt, with Scott Ritter
http://www.amazon.com/War-Iraq-What-Team-Doesnt/dp/1893956385/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438132706&sr=1-4&keywords=william+rivers+pitt


The Greatest Sedition is Silence: Four Years in America (2003)
by William Rivers Pitt
http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Sedition-Silence-Years-America/dp/0745320104/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438133005&sr=1-3&keywords=william+rivers+pitt

The Mass Destruction of Iraq: The Disintegration of a Nation: Why It Is Happening, and Who Is Responsible (2014)
(Kindle Edition)
by William Rivers Pitt & Dahr Jamail
http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Destruction-Iraq-Disintegration-Responsible-ebook/dp/B00ML3KAN6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438132911&sr=1-1&keywords=william+rivers+pitt

[reddread]

305. we need more Free Republicans

fewer loudmouthed liberals.
thanks for your work!

[aikoaiko]

306. You're so Minnesota nice, MineralMan, ya, you betchya.

[Sedona]

307. K&R

[akbacchus_BC]

314. I really do hope Mr. Pitt will come back.

I like him on truth out and on here, he is a voice of reason. I once called him on his assumption that President Obama is a used car salesman. He did respond and clarified what he said.

I tried to defend Mr. Pitt in a wrong way and for that I apologise. I should not have used a curse word, tensions are high when you see a fellow DUer being attacked for something that he innocently reported on. We were all happy at the time when he released the news, but it turned out to not be true.

[CreekDog]

315. Maybe we can do a trade, you know, someone leaves and WillPitt comes back

http://www.democraticunderground.com/113710794

[akbacchus_BC]

318. I am not leaving and am sure I do not want you

to leave either. I just want Mr. Pitt to come back and start posting.

Huh, no trading for now! All of us have something important to say.

On a side note, I really hope President Obama found his birth certificate whilst he was in Kenya. You know am kidding!

[BeanMusical]

331. Great idea!

[juajen]

332. who chased that smart man away from DU.

Come back Will, please.

[Heidi]

335. Somebody had to do what? Take a passive-aggressive sh!t on a longtime DUer?

Because that's exactly what your OP is doing.

Congratulations on the level of mean-spiritedness you have achieved, I guess.

[BeanMusical]

353. +1

[fadedrose]

337. Hope he comes back

I depend on him to keep my head on straight.

[Raster]

338. I've been a poster since 2003, and a lurker since 2002.

I've seen Pitt go and come several times. I'm sure he'll be back.

[proud patriot]

339. You know it takes a special post to get me to crawl out of the woodwork

many many do ... and perhaps Will will too. Though I have to tell you .. Will isn't everybody , and I wouldn't try to guess ..

[Javaman]

342. I truly hope he comes back.

I enjoy reading his comments and articles.

DU is lesser without him.

[crim son]

349. It's happened again!

Somebody posted something mean-spirited and childish. And it wasn't Will Pitt.

[KG]

350. don't ya love it when sermonizers drop their mask.

[KG]

351. the minimal man shows out.

[GoneOffShore]

363. Here's a kick and a rec.

Thanks, Mineral Man.

[KamaAina]

367. Baby, come back

Any kind of fool could see
We were wrong, and we just can't live without you
We were wrong, and we just can't live...

[arely staircase]

371. ok. i will rec it. but what's up with fitzmass, get mad and leave? nt

[SidDithers]

378. Sincere kick...nt

Sid

[Octafish]

379. Because nothing says ''Democracy'' like bullying behavior.

Did you come to DU from Free Republic, too, SidDithers of DU?

[Orrex]

381. I once saw SidDithers eat a basket of ducklings under the dark of the moon

No atrocity is beyond him, the vile fiend.

[Octafish]

382. Tag Team is bullying.

Then again, who cares, right?

[Orrex]

383. After eating the ducklings, SidDithers want to a nearby state orphanage

And short-sheeted all the beds.



Calling out narcissistic GBCW threads is not bullying.
Calling out bullying is not bullying.
Calling out factual error is not bulling.

Will Pitt is not being bullied.

[Octafish]

384. That's your opinion.

I'll take it for what it's worth.

[Orrex]

385. Your opinion of my opinion means nothing to me.

You've decided that Will Pitt's bullying and narcissism and factual error are worthy of a robust defense, and that anyone who calls out his bullying and narcissism and factual error are, in fact, bullies.

I've read plenty of your posts, and I'm wise to your schtick.

[Octafish]

386. Sure. That's why you respond.

As for what my opinion is of you, I haven't said. What makes you think I have evaluated you? Paranoid much?

[Orrex]

387. You declared that my post was my opinion

I am responding to that. Did you not mean what you posted? Were you lying? Why?

As to why I respond to you on this subject generally, it's to combat the foolish notion that Will Pitt is some innocent martyr sacrificed on the altar of bullying. I'm only replying to you because you've jumped on that silly bandwagon, and for some reason people seem interested in your opinion.

[SidDithers]

388. I was a DUer before you were, octafish of DU...

Sid

[Orrex]

389. But I'll bet you were on FR before that, weren't you?

We're on to you, SidDithers "of DU."

We're on to you.

[SidDithers]

390. Curses...

And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids.

Sid

[Octafish]

391. How did you get that? Did someone rewrite the records?

I remember welcoming you. Your then-persona had like 3 posts.

[SidDithers]

392. Sure, we can rely on your memory...

or we can look at objective evidence.

Me, I'll go with the evidence.

Sid

[Octafish]

394. Great. But that doesn't address the issue, does it?

Nor have you shown where I was wrong, which I've been asking for you to do as long as GOOGLE can find.

[SidDithers]

395. Guess those records weren't rewritten?...

Maybe you had it backwards.

Maybe it was me that welcomed you, when your persona had only a handful of posts.

Sid