I'd like to introduce my political self. . .

[moderatepenguin]

Good evening. I have no idea why I'm awake this late in the day, but I may as well roll with it. The reason that I'd like to introduce myself and generally say "hello" to you all, is that this is the first presidential election in which I have had to challenge my worldview.

This is also the first presidential election of which the outcome makes me nervous as hell. This is the first time I have ever felt a serious need to get involved. I say it's about time I got here. I haven't done anything political to date that felt as right as joining DU.

I have discovered, in all the thought that I've given to my political standing, that I am probably most accurately described as a center-leaning liberal. There are a few issues on which I lean to the right, but my political mind spends most of its time on the left.

This is largely to do with my belief that there are some aspects of life in which the government has absolutely no business interfering.

I most strongly believe that we must be rid of Bush. He has made a mockery of everything this country stands for, and we must not tolerate it. At first I was of the "anyone but Bush" mindset. With every passing day, I am warming more to the idea of hearing the words "President" and "Kerry" spoken together. There is certainly no question as to which way my vote will go.

I could list my stance on all the issues, but that doesn't serve much in the way of general introduction. I'll leave it with the offer to grill me if you're curious. :)

It's nice to meet all of you!

[trof]

1. Welcome to DU.

I ain't the official greeter or anything, but I think you'lll fit right in here. Most of us have been galvanized into action by W*.
:hi:

[moderatepenguin]

Thanks!

I'm sure I'll fit in as well. I've been extremely impressed by what I've seen so far.

[faithnotgreed]

2. a warm welcome to du

[Pirate Smile]

3. Welcome. Be careful - DU is addictive!

[Laf.La.Dem.]

4. Welcome

Welcome - from another "newcomer":hi:

[deadparrot]

5. Welcome!

[charlyvi]

6. Welcome to DU

Many of us haven't been that active before now. I always voted, but never read blogs, donated to a campaign, phone banked, etc., before now. Kerry is a great candidate, isn't he? So much experience in both life and government. Anyway, welcome again!

[moderatepenguin]

13. Thanks!

The more I read about Kerry (from objective sources, at any rate), the stronger my support for him gets.

[faithnotgreed]

22. mind sharing with us what your "objective sources" are?

that way we can share those with others who may be undecided

thanks

[moderatepenguin]

28. I've only been

in on this for a few days, yet. I haven't taken the time yet to get organized. There have been only two or three articles among the masses that have criticized or praised both candidates equally, to which I was linked via personal weblogs. I'll go back through my lists and see if I can track them down.

Unfortunately, "objective" isn't much of a watchword anywhere this year.

[Spazito]

7. Welcome to DU!

It is a wonderful place that welcomes all who cherish democracy wherever they live!

[HysteryDiagnosis]

8. I'm not a greeter either... but I play one at Walmart.....

Welcome to DU!! Kidding about the Walmart thingy :)

[moderatepenguin]

14. Hehehe.

Insert over-tired maniacal giggling here. Your topic line is pure gold. ;)

[progressivebydesign]

9. Welcome! Your penguin is cute!

I think it's wonderful when new posters introduce themselves that way. DU can be a bit rocky for the newbies, but you can settle in nicely... My politics are very, very close to yours. I would be considered a moderate liberal.. whatever that might be. I don't accept everything in one party as all bad or all good; Like life itself.

Welcome.

[moderatepenguin]

15. Exactly like

life. My entire worldview is based on the idea that we should think for ourselves. Thanks for the welcome!

[stray cat]

10. Welcome to DU

I always considered myself a moderate independent. I did not vote last election because I didn't care for either candidate - my mistake. I listened to Bush's compassionate conservative rhetoric, humble foreign policy rheteric and believed the media when they falsely painted Al Gore as an exaggerator. I know better now.

I am offended by Bush's tax cuts, his foreign folicy, his fiscal irresponsibility and his fear mongering and lying smear campaigns. I think we have seen Bush as a moderate compared to what he will be when he no longer faces a re-election campaign. I've gone from being relatively nonpolitical to determined to do what I can to get Bush out of office and Kerry elected.

Good to see you on DU and welcome!

[moderatepenguin]

18. I won't say

that the extra refund check I got didn't help, but I could have lived without it. Especially when I consider the fact that the nation is so much more at risk because of it. I can't believe he's been so irresponsible, so underhanded, and so unethical, and still has the gall to run for re-election.

And thanks for the welcome!

[johnnie]

11. Nice to meet you also

Enjoy your time here at DU and keep up the good fight. We have a very good chance at having our Country back, and we are all part of it.
This is no doubt one of the biggest elections in the history of America, and one of the most important for the future.

[OneBlueSky]

12. welcome to DU! . . .

you'll find there are many here who share your political leanings . . . feel free to contribute to the discussions, but be prepared for some heat as well as light . . . :)

[moderatepenguin]

20. Hehehe.

What is light, without a little heat behind it? ;) Had I not had a fire ignited under my behind, I wouldn't be here now. :)

[jrthin]

16. Welcome to the party (excuse the pun). I'm

sure you'll have one heck of a time.

[karlrschneider]

17. Another welcome to DU.....and it's really VERY nice to have someone from

Idaho on our side. :D

Many of us have pondered over the irony that some of the most beautiful states (ID obviously included) seem to attract the ugliest people. I, for one, applaud the exception. :D
:toast:

[moderatepenguin]

24. Ha! Thanks! There are

a few liberals around here, and more and more people planning to vote for Kerry just because Bush has made such an ass of himself and the country by extension. I'm sad to say that I don't think we have a shot at the state's vote going Democratic, but we're certainly going to try.

I agree with you on the ugly people concern, by the way. I can't describe some of the "culture" around here as anything other than "hillbilly," and a number of them are closed-minded enough to think that Bush is doing a decent job. Blech.

[karlrschneider]

29. I know what you mean...I'm in Oklahoma which is of course filled to the

brim with bible-thumping hypocrites. "Sanctity of Marriage" is a big issue around here but the fact our state leads the nation in divorces doesn't seem to resonate in the addled minds of the local fundies. It's depressing. :eyes:

[moderatepenguin]

35. One of my favorite quotes

comes from Good Omens, a parody book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, in which they send up the Apocalypse.

An angel and a demon are discussing the rapture. The demon points out that all the higher lifeforms will be removed from the planet. The angel then says:

"Nothing left but dust and fundamentalists."

A conversation ensued about whether fundies are devices of heaven or hell. This remains one of my favorite underhanded statements of all time.

[Kimber Scott]

19. Glad you're here!

:hi:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

21. Welcome!

This site is a great one for finding out information and links to information. It is also a place to inspire you to get out and do something about this election.

PS-I agree with you about the importance of this election. Electing Bush could signal the end of our country, if not the world.

[patdem]

23. I very seldom say 'Welcome to DU'...but your post was very telling

in fact...I have said, if bush* is elected it would have very little effect on me personally, but my boss will have his taxes raised if Kerry is elected.

bush* has already had the effect he will have on my life..I do not think his next pResidency will have a worse effect on my life?? At least I can hope not!

I will NEVER vote for bush* EVER!!! Period!!!

[moderatepenguin]

26. There are countless

ways in which he can continue to make life worse for most of us. Give him four more years, and it's almost guaranteed that he'll find them all, if only by stumbling on them accidentally.

[JimmyHoffa]

25. Welcome.

Be careful though. Tread lightly.

[BrotherBuzz]

34. Balderdash!

moderatepenguin can stomp around and kick up all the dust that need to be kicked!

moderatepenguin, nice post. Welcome to DU.

[moderatepenguin]

36. Heh. Thanks. ;)

I don't try to take my controversy stick with me, but it does come in handy occasionally. ;)

[SalParadise]

27. from a fellow moderate...

Welcome.

I hope you brought some friends.

[moderatepenguin]

37. Not yet,

but believe me, I'm trying. Thanks.

[Moderator]

30. welcome to DU.

[Dr Fate]

31. Welcome to our forum. n/t

n/t

[Raenelle]

32. Welcome.

[liberalcanuck]

33. Welcome moderatepenguin! Great intro -- enjoy your stay!

:hi: