***Posted In The African American Group***

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Let me preface my remarks by saying while I don't know if I am/was literally a Democrat since birth I do know I have been a Democrat for as long as I could think about such things. Even though I supported Hillary in the 2008 primary my proudest moment was me and my friend driving elderly black residents of Sanford, Florida to early voting precincts so they could avoid the rush.

I no longer feel welcome, safe, or comfortable at Democratic Underground. I have been baited, insulted, and disrespected on a more or less continual basis. I am a big boy. I can take care of myself. I grew up Jewish in the rural/exurban south. I will never know what it's like to be black but I do know what it's like to be Jewish and if you ever forget someone will remind you. However when I deign to defend myself here my posts are often hidden.

I come here to talk to my friends like Brave, 1SBM, GenXer, Number, et cetera but if I am going to be attacked and then sanctioned when I defend myself I don't know if it's worth posting here any more.

I truly love you all.

Happy Holidays
DSB

[randys1]

1. Every time I post now I preview to see if it is one of these 3 things or all 3

1. too liberal

2. too supportive of the Democratic Party

3. too supportive of African Americans


If it is one of these 3 or 2 or all 3, I sometimes dont post it in fear I will be silenced.

In one day I had the same post hidden 3 times, counted as 3 hides, when I called out the racists targeting Bravenak.

AT this point the jury system of DU does not deserve posters like myself or you or the names you mention.

[wildeyed]

4. I caught the tail end of one of those shit shows.

I fade in and out around here. Usually I look at LBN and Greatest while I drink coffee in the morning, but don't post for months at a time. When I saw the way things were rolling over the summer, I stopped even doing that. But once debates started, I wanted to get back into posting. I ALWAYS post here during Presidential years. It's my thing so I don't exhaust everyone I know in the real world with my political intensity. Anyway, I was easing back in without really know the lay of the land, started reading one of bravenak's thread about MLK, and the responses were just outrageously disrespectful and ignorant.

So long story short, I got two hides in two week, which is one more than I got in the previous 12 years I was here. I deserved them, but I also considered them self-defense since pretty much any slur or curse is in-bounds toward anyone who does not genuflect at the altar of Bernie.

I hope it gets sorted out after the primary. I like this site. It functions at a high level. The admins are diligent and smart. But this new jury system is not working to protect smaller groups and people with divergent views from what has basically become bullying by the majority.

[Chitown Kev]

7. I'd even be OK wth the hides if...

the jury system were fairer.

after all, the Stockholm Syndrome post is still unlocked, passed the jury test, etc.

I actually like it that a politician like Bernie Sanders (a honorable, decent, good man...as far as politicians go) is running for. But given some of the assholes that he is attracting, I do not see how I can support the man to the extent that I can support him.

I don't genuflect at the altar of ANY politician. And I am not about to start.

[wildeyed]

12. That was a mind bender.

I had to hide that post and the guy who wrote it, or else I was going to DU jail for a long timeout. It seemed like he posted constantly, fetid piles of divisive rhetorical bullshit, just because he liked the attention. Instigator, trouble maker, pot stirrer.... many names for what that is.

I am with you on Sanders. I will support the underdog in a primary election, have done so in the past. But right out of the gate, his supporters turned my stomach with their disrespect toward AAs, RW smears on Clinton and the progressive purity tests. It wasn't just at DU either. I could not focus on Sanders, the candidate, during the pivotal time when I was deciding. And in the meantime, Hillary was KILLING it. So there it is. Decision made.

[emulatorloo]

2. Will really miss you if you're not around. But understand your reasons perfectly

Every day it becomes more toxic.

Best wishes to you, and Happy Holidays!

[brer cat]

3. You have blessed us

through your many posts showing your compassion for others, your deep commitment to fairness and justice, your strong unwavering belief in human rights and dignity for all. In brief, the very essence of a capital D Democrat. If anyone belongs on DU, you are right at the top of the list.

I know that everyone regularly posting in this group understands your frustration. I hope that you can see your way to remain here in some way. You are loved and respected by those who matter!!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, DSB. You will be very much on my mind.

[murielm99]

5. Happy holidays.

I think we need your voice here. Please don't go away. Don't let the bullies win.

[wildeyed]

6. One of the best days of my life

was doing voter registration at a low income seniors high-rise in 2008. I did them most years after 2004. I would set up with the manager a few weeks ahead, put up some flyers. 20 or so residents might stop in. I would do registrations for new residents, give out absentee info and make a list of people who needed a ride on election day. A few people would stop by just to visit. I like hanging out with older people anyway, and feel some satisfaction doing the civic work. But it is was always easy and slow paced.

So in 2008 I show up for the usual deal, and there are 20 or more resident on the lawn. As I approach, I realize they are waiting for ME. Are you the registration lady? I want to register! Can you help me register? Do you know how I can get an absentee ballot? Where is my precinct?

So I get in and it is a tsunami of residents for hours. I am filling out forms as fast as I can because many are missing limbs, are blind or illiterate. And they are so HAPPY. And I realize these senior citizens, mostly black, grew up in the Jim Crow south and suffered all that hate and pain. And they are so happy about Obama, about voting for our first black president! And I got to be a part of that. A tiny little piece of reconciliation, a tiny part of that time we got it right in this country for once, lived up to our potential, just a tiny bit.

So yeah, I get why you are proud of those rides and proud to be a Democrat. Me too.

I hope it is better here after the primary. But also remember that there is a huge silent majority around here who might not post too much, but doesn't agree with much of the overheated rhetoric and disrespect. We care about justice and understand about that politics is always complicated and human.

Hope you have a good holiday!

[JustAnotherGen]

9. That's awesome!

thanks for sharing this. I drove people to the polls in 2008.

My last two were elderly folks -

One a black man who came "up south' after WW II and the other an Irish immigrant woman whose son (a Republican) refused to drive her at the last minute because she was voting for Obama.

We found these folks while canvassing.

I had to threaten to pull over the car if they didn't stop arguing about Obama's heritage.

Him - He's a cool cat.
Her - But he's stalwart so he is much more Irish!

And so on and so forth!

[JustAnotherGen]

8. You know what I do?

I click the little 'x' next to threads on the latest page on a regular basis.

When I simply must respond - I often post a one line response. These are often these long winded convoluted word sald posts that I can't get past the first two sentences of.

Number23 is on to me - She called me out on it last night in GD!

That woman figured this out - proving once again she's one of the most intelligent people at DU.

[BlueMTexpat]

10. Happy Holidays to you, DSB!

Perhaps you'll feel like returning after a nice break. I'll miss your posts. And thank you for your actions that go well beyond mere DU posts!

Keep this in mind while you are taking your break.



Fill yourself with positive energy in the meantime. It's the battle after the primaries where we'll all need to come together. The "antis" will be well and truly outed without your having constantly to defend yourself against them.

[lovemydog]

11. Happy holidays to you too DSB

and to everyone in this group.

I know how you feel. I hope you find joy and pleasure in talking with good people here.

[The Polack MSgt]

13. I'll miss your posts

But do what you need to and keep the blood pressure low.