Is anyone else tired of living like this?

[BattyDem]

The lies ... the corruption ... the ignorance and apathy of the people ... the 24/7 propaganda ... the rigged elections ... the total disregard for non-American lives ... the lack of compassion for the poor, the elderly, the sick and the disabled ... the destruction of our Constitution ... the elimination of science in favor of religious dogma ... the CONSTANT insertion of (the Christian) God into EVERY aspect of our lives and laws, coupled with the total disrespect of other religions ... the bigotry, the discrimination and the outright hatred of anyone who isn't a straight, white, Christian, American man ... Patriot Act II ... the lack of REAL journalism in the MSM ... the fact that these criminals continue to do whatever they damn well please and no one stops them ... and most of all, the recurring hope that we're on the verge of toppling the regime and taking our country back, only to have the "scandal" fade into oblivion.

I am so tired of this shit! I don't know how people in Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, Mussolini's Italy, etc. managed to survive without going insane. I'm serious ... I'm reaching the breaking point.

I'm sure I'm not the only DUer who has felt this way, either in the present or the past. I'd like to know what you all are doing to stay positive and/or how you re-energized when you felt like throwing in the towel. I know about all the suggested "activism" to focus our emotions into doing something positive - contacting the media, contacting our representatives, writing LTTE, etc., but what happens when you reach a point when you feel like all you're doing is banging your head against the wall in a futile attempt to make someone pay attention?

I'm not trying to bring anyone down or discourage anyone from fighting, I just really need to know how other DUers stay sane when the world around us is drowning in insanity.

[rawtribe]

1. I go

skiing and hang out with friends. Then I come back to the fight.

[phusion]

2. I hear you...

When the waters of insanity rise, I usually drown myself in my studies.

thank god for college...

I feel like no one around me (in real life!) wants to wake up and realize the mess this country is in. It's very frustrating...

Hang in there.
:hug:

[FreedomAngel82]

12. I'm with y'all

I feel like banging my head into a wall. Heh heh. Oy! :crazy: I just wanna burst. How can people put up with this b.s. all the time? :crazy:

[rwheeler31]

3. Play with the kids

and keep fighting.

[Vanje]

4. Yep

I took a 3 week break recently when I didnt read or listen to any news, even stayed away from DU. For 3 weeks I washed my hands of this whole stupid country. I took lots of walks.

It helped.

I'm just easing back now. Slowly.

[fleabert]

5. I take a break from reality somehow...

read a trashy novel, go skiing, play with my dog, turn off the tv, radio and computer. I would go completely bonkers if I didn't. I am considering making it a challenge to myself to work out every time I get a full-on scowl on my face from all this shit. I might sweat to death though. I also love to organize my closet and stuff like that, it calms the OCD demons and lets me chill on the political stuff for a bit. Then I get pissed and vocal all over again. fight fight fight!

[Grey Ranks]

6. Yea I am pretty sick of it, where did your icon

That is an awesome icon, you don't happen to have a background sized one of those do you?

[BattyDem]

10. You mean my American flag bat?

I made it ... and no, I don't have a larger one. Sorry. :-(

[indigobusiness]

7. It's nothing new...it's just got up in our face.

and it ain't goin' nowhere.

[TwentyFive]

8. You are still very lucky.

Just by the fact that you are on this board means that they don't have your soul. That is alot!!! You are a rich woman/man!!!

Look at it this way...what if you were a freeper? Sure, your side would control the political power. You would be free of the pain you are in now. But, what about the costs to you? You would wake up every day hating gays, minorities, anything non-christian. You would be under the control of fear mongering by your leaders and RW talk show hosts.

Would you seriously trade positions with some living dead christian coalition member? Winning isn't everything.

Eventually, something will break. Every dog has his day. They will get theirs. In the meantime, there is planty of work to do. If nothing else, do something to improve your career. You will make more money, and be in a better position to donate more money to the Democrats. My goal for 2005 is to afford $1,000 donation to some progressive group(s).

[PROGRESSIVE1]

9. I know how you feel!

:-(

[Tux]

11. I can't get a job

If I'm not reading Handful of Leaves series (core of Buddhist canon) or applying for jobs then I'm getting info, emailing my folks in Congress, and email stories to news groups but they don't care. It's time to fight and fight we will.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. How do I stay sane in these crazy times?

I sit in my garden and watch the hummingbirds and the squirrels. I listen to classical music. I talk to like-minded friends and we commiserate and talk things out together. I work out at the gym and feel determined to stay healthy so I can live a LONG TIME so that I can be a part of the necessary regime change that MUST happen here by 2008. I go to work, where it is impossible to have political things on my mind (most of the time, anyway). I try to remember what Martin Luther King said: "The arc of history is long but it bends toward justice."

[BattyDem]

16. I've never heard that King quote ...

I like it a lot! thanks for sharing it. :-)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. Thanks! I don't remember where I first saw it.

But it does give me hope. Happy to share. We need to help keep each other's spirits up. Depression is such a DOWNER.

[BattyDem]

26. I forgot to mention ...

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[ultraist]

18. Welcome CA Peggy!

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. Thank you so much!

I feel very welcome; have only been posting for a week, I think! This is a terrific website...

[lady lib]

23. Excellent quote. I'm going to remember that one. n/t

[BattyDem]

14. Most of the replies have a common theme ...

which says: "take a break"

That's probably what I'm going to need to do for a while, just so I can clear my head and stop feeling defeated by all of this.

A note to "TwentyFive" - your question "What if you were a Freeper?" literally sent chills down my spine, LOL! But you did make a good point: I'd rather be on the losing side (for the moment) and be able to live with myself than be on the winning side, consumed with anger and hatred.

:-)

[fooj]

15. I go from rage to profound sadness...then rage...sadness...

Shit- sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind! One thing I know for sure...I will not quit fighting for my country! It needs us now more than ever before! Has anyone heard "I am not leaving"...I found it on the Randi Rhodes website months ago and it helps keep me going! It's truly inspirational!

[Cleita]

17. In much of the world, what we are going through is

day to day life for them. Look at what goes on in Africa. Corrupt governments are too often the norm.

[funkhowser]

20. I know how you feel

>>>I am so tired of this shit! I don't know how people in Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, Mussolini's Italy, etc. managed to survive without going insane. I'm serious ... I'm reaching the breaking point. <<<

I feel the same way ... these Bushbots have got to be similar to Nazi Germary ... hail our great leader .. the blind devotion.

It's depressing, it sucks ... my company is blowing out 1600 of us, including me ... another victim of the Bush economy ... I miss Clinton ... I miss my 401k that now is more like a 201k ... I'm thinking of asking the doc for something like xanax or such. Diety help us all make it the next few years.

[LizMoonstar]

19. I went on drugs so I could sleep at night without thinking freepers were

on their way to kill me. 2 days and counting. We'll see how it goes.

[funkhowser]

21. mass medication

You know how horses have salt licks in barns ... we need to have giant Valium licks in public places ... work, banks, etc., ... have a lick and cope with this fundamental Xtian crap.

[BattyDem]

25. LOL!

Valium licks ... thanks for the laugh. :toast:

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[BeFree]

28. Take it from me...

Don't do drugs.

Realize that we are not the first, nor will we be the last, to have to live this way. Realize that the lessons we learn today will help us to form a more perfect union tomorrow.

Pick an action, preferably local, that you know you can have a measure of success, and go at it till you win. Winning feels good, and gives encouragement in the next effort, so get out there and win!

[LizMoonstar]

42. Just so's you don't worry about me,

it was anxiety medication that was long overdue. All of these assholes just gave a new face to the problem I've been having since before I even knew what a president was.

But yes, for non-'crazies' :) drugs aren't the answer, activism is.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

83. Liz, same here. Makes me wonder if more people are taking

anti-anxiety/anti-depressants since * and company has been in office (I'd bet yes). I wouldn't call us 'crazies' though. If it helps, it helps (as well as a good therapist?!).

[catzies]

89. Sure, why else do you suppose Big Pharma are big * supporters?

Follow the money.

[Jamastiene]

41. Could we include other public "licks" as well?

:D

I should have held my tongue on that one, maybe, but I couldn't resist.

[Rhiannon12866]

36. Welcome to DU, LizMoonstar!

So glad to have you with us! Let me know how it goes and maybe I'll look into this myself, since I am very afraid of Freepers who I know are out to get me! And they're my relatives!
:scared:

[Raksha]

27. I knitted during Bush's SOTU. I finished a beanie for my son.

I knew I had to listen to it so I'd know what everyone was talking about afterwards, and the knitting kept me from beating my head against the walls. It was educational too...NOW I know how Madame Defarge felt!!!

[LizW]

46. Hello, fellow knitter!

I find making something with my hands very helpful in relieving stress and frustration. Sewing, spinning, knitting, painting, woodworking, quilting, scrapbooking, gardening, pottery or sculpting would all be good, I think. For me, knitting helps alleviate the helplessness and fear that causes my stress.

I knit every night listening to Mike Malloy. :)

[SmokingJacket]

60. This is what I do too.

In fact, I'm getting a spinning wheel next week.

It's a way of saying, F*** them!

For now, I'm totally powerless as far as politics is concerned. I worked my butt off for Dean and then for Kerry, all for nada, and while Bush goes his merry way destroying the country, I have to do something productive. OK, spinning and knitting doesn't save the world, but I failed at that, so for now I'm going to focus on making my own life good and doing some charity knitting, too. (All while furiously emailing my senators and writing op-ed pieces!!!!)

[shance]

29. Sports are one of the best ways to get the mind off things.

I play a lot of tennis.

To get on the court and hit and not think about anything else for about 90 mins is about as good as it gets.

Especially if it's really an 'on' day.

[AndyTiedye]

31. I'll Take it to the Dance Floor

To get on the court and hit and not think about anything else for about 90 mins is about as good as it gets.

Give me a little room on the dance floor, and keep the music
going until the morning comes.

[Liberty Belle]

30. Hospital horror stories--who else has been treated this way?

Dad had surgery today, and the hospital didn't have a room to put him in for 8 hours afterwards--at 9pm! They said every bed in every hospital in the entire county (San Diego) was full. There weren't nearly enough nurses, and the waiting area for families of major surgery patients there wasn't even an attendant. By nighttime, Mom and I were all alone in an isolated waiting area, and it was creepy. They wouldn't even let us in to see dad for 6 hours after surgery, and there was a problem from the spinal he had; for a while it looked like he might have been paralyzed, which was so scary. Took 8 hours to move his legs, not the 3-4 we'd been told.

The doctor told us this sort of problems with overcrowded, understaffed hospitals is typical now because of managed care and so many hospitals forced to close for lack of profits. It's shameful.

How many others have had this problem? If you're in San Diego, I want to interview you if I can find someplace to run this story. Patients' lives are being endangered. Oh, did I mention this place was ranked among the 10 best hospitals in the country by US News & World Reports?

I sure wouldn't want to see what the ones are like that didn't make the list.

[Ezlivin]

66. Flu epidemic?

My mother had her surgery postponed at Tampa General Hospital because of a large influx of flu victims. She told me that the hallways were lined with people.

And here in Texas, a close family friend had her surgery postponed because of hospital crowding due to flu.

Is the country experiencing a more difficult flu season than our faithful MSM deigns to report?

[Liberty Belle]

74. Not flu here, according to those I asked.

More like Arnold and Bush budget whacks, plus some hospitals have closed recently. I guess they'll be bunking post-op patients in the parking lot next, or having surgeons do "drive through" operations.

[depakid]

32. I am planning my escape- as soon as I get my degree

I'm finding work abroad....

I have news: the game's pretty much over.

There is no balance of powers anymore- the far right controls every branch of government, the voting machines in key precints are rigged- and the far right owns the vast majority of the print and broadcast media.

Short of an economic collapse, a larger more disaterous war, a Bhopal like environmental catastrophe or virulent pandemic- the far right will never willingly give up power.

Look throughout history- these types have never given up power, in absense of one of the above factors.

The only "good" news to be had is that Bush is setting the far right up to hit the trifecta....

[Kool Kitty]

33. I don't think I can stay sane.

Every friggin' day there is another outrage that makes my head explode. When you find out how to deal with all this, please enlighten me, because I get so angry and depressed that I am no fun to be around, believe me. And I am tired of it.

[Rhiannon12866]

37. I couldn't have said it better, myself

I feel this way, as well. Everytime there is some additional outrage or scandal or abomination that you're sure will be their undoing, they just keep on sailing and get away with something even worse the next time. I'm no fun to be around, either. I wonder if there are support groups for this sort of thing?!:crazy:

[Donailin]

45. :::hug:::

you sound like me, and I know hugs help. We'll be ok, this can't go on forever.

[lukasahero]

49. You are not alone

It just keeps coming and I'm at the point now where even if my head should explode, it just shrugs instead knowing that it will all just go over people's heads, they just won't care... I can't stomach it any more.

[SammyWinstonJack]

56. That's me

"because I get so angry and depressed that I am no fun to be around, believe me." Four years and counting of these daily outrages, waiting for the other shoe to drop, has changed my personality for the worst. If I'm not awake dreading every moment, I'm dreaming about horrible outcomes.

[Tux]

75. Just thinking

Of the BS, makes me violate the 5 Precepts of Buddhism easily. I did feel good ranting to my dad about how Christians destroy society. First Rome now U.S.

Not all Christians but when "moral values" causes Bush to be re-elected, something is wrong. Four years of crap and they want 4 more since he's a Christian? Sheesh.

[Historic NY]

34. makes me wish that the present four years have passed already...n/t

[RBHam]

35. Harrass any and all Republicans incessantly...

Take your crazy and make someone else insane...

Bush Bash til you can't Bush Bash no more!

[gordianot]

54. What I do on a regular basis.

I love to bait my wife's idiot brother and his dysfunctional family.

[jdots]

38. you said it ,how much can we take ?

All our dem candidates are hard to choose because for the most part any of them would make a great president ( don't know about joe)....The frustration we deal with when some spoiled adolesent steals the election twice or some hack actor or muscle head calling themselves the great communicator or conan the tax trasher gets dropped into our lives on puppet strings by the neocon corporate pirates is hard to handle.
We are sane !!!!!! it's the republicans who get duped who are crazy......perservere.

[Jamastiene]

39. Reading the posts here on DU

especially the ones like you just posted that made me feel better. :loveya: I'm not the only one who wants a freaking revolution. :hug: It sure beats feeling :crazy:

[Bake]

40. I'm there.

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOO there.

Bake

[dusty64]

43. I hear ya.

Been having a lot more get togethers with like minded friends and avoiding the few rethugs that I still associate with. Lots of "happy hours" and meditation sessions and cuddle times with my babies.

[Donailin]

44. right there with ya battydem.

my friend and I wondered last night what it would be like to not watch any news or go on the computer or listen to the radio for one week. It's hard to imagine because every day this corporate fascist state does something even more outrageous than the day before.

We recalled the hope we had building up to the election, and the depression that followed, and the words of Gore Vidal ring in our ears:' Kerry will win the election, but Bush will remain in power"

<sigh>

[One_Life_To_Give]

47. Have wanted to get off this rock for years!

Stuck in a gravity well with 6 billion others. Yuck!

[laruemtt]

48. just knowing we're moving to the islands

in august keeps me going. i hate leaving here because i love my mountains here in wv and i love most of the people around here, but this is insanity and i'll implode if i stay here. everyday i'm more and more amazed with what they're getting away with and nobody (other than here of course) seems to care....

[shadowknows69]

51. I'm not so sure living on islands

is going to be such a great idea soon

[laruemtt]

65. you mean because of tsunamis?

if they can hold off for two years while dh finishes his MD, i'd like us to move up to some hills in south america where there's calm politics - oxymoron, huh: south america and calm politics....

[shadowknows69]

50. who said I was sane

I don't feel it anymore sometimes. Suicide gets daily consideration. I'm clinically depressed so that's not a suprise but the current state of the world doesn't help matters. My wife is really the only reason I have for being. I'm frustrated beyond words that whenever I try to see some light at the end of the tunnel the apathy and stupidity of those running the world just astounds me and I see nothing but an abyss staring back at me filled with the broken flesh of countless good people who never asked to be caught up in the folly of a few.

[Maestro]

52. I turn on extremely aggresive music;

especially if I know that they are anti-rethuglican. If it scares freepers I play it.

[gordianot]

53. Interesting Thread

Is this how people felt in 1774 or say 1861?

[lukasahero]

58. Doubt it's the same

Given that we now have nuclear weapons, technology that is decimating our environment, the means to blow up entire cities in just minutes etc... I don't think the actual potential for destroying the planet was something they had to think about in those times.

[gordianot]

63. Modern revolutions are not fought with guns but with public opinion.

As long as Americans are well fed and have enough petroleum they are not going to remove those who have seized the government. Bush's tax cuts are all that is allowing him to remain in power. They are also a dead end, the power brokers will eventually have to seek another path. When they become meaningless due to any number of potential financial disasters, and the public is denied their consumer economy, then the current criminal cartel will be swept from power. My question is what will replace them? What will be left?

[zanana]

55. I think of something Norm Solomon once said.

I don't have his exact quote, though I've searched for it, but here it goes. "Being a progressive is hard. It's always been hard and it will always be hard." He went on to say that people throughout history have always resisted progressive change, that they're more likely to want to go backwards. (As we can see it happening right now). My philosophy is that it's a life's work, not just something to fight about when conservatives are in power. It's not supposed to be easy, but it's definitely WORTH IT.

[Hugin]

57. It's a mean world right now BattyDem... n/t

[ernstbass]

59. Hell yes I'm sick of it

and I don't think it's going to get any better.:puke:

[seabeyond]

61. you just dont know how much

it has gotten so bad. all exactly what you are saying. and it is profound. fuckin right in everyones face.

i am no longer sitting in amazement people arent seeing. i am actively saying i am not buying your stupid ass story, either dont say a word, or i am going to attack it with all i have. the reason i say it like this. the people (and i mean all the people you talk about) are not giving opinion or thought. they are telling me who i am. and they are wrong.

facts sit there. i am not allowed to say the facts, and why bother because the facts will be ignored. our recent history is being changed as soon as it is being created. this has been an amazing phenomonon. but they are literally pulling out past history and changing too. slavery, the indian and small pox, churchill. i saw more not long ago.

in under 24 hours i had two brothers call me and tell me their bigotry was so ok they have a right to it.

people are saying this out loud now. they are not even trying to fool anyone.

i saw such a division between adults with children, and those without.

i hear bushco say they are for gays (gannon), minorities (rice) and i hear media and bush cult say........ok

and that is suppose to make it true

as they say they get to be bigot, they have a right

that outright absurdity is amazing.

i pulled my boys out of a christian school. and i put my 12 year old niece in. (her father is a right wing rushie and he tells me every other sentence how fair and balanced he is.) so i am still seeing what religion is culting the children with. i say it this way because, over the last two years, i have seen what this school and religion gives to the children, and adults, is what the jerry falwell, dominion, christ right, FOX NEWS is creating. so it is really informative in being able to see what they are doing.

my niece said a student in her class said everyone should be supporting bush and if they are not then they are doing wrong, bad.....i dont know. and the teacher agreed with him.

we did 6th grade history last night. defining words like inquisition, heretic, dogma, crusade.......at heretic i said i think your school could call me a heretic, then stopped and said better look it up. sure enough, i would be a heretic by definition.

last week history was ceasar, pilot,.......and christian struggle

is this 6th grade history. did i learn this 35 years ago in 6th grade. is this odd.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

62. I'm Bushed.

[BattyDem]

80. LOL!

I've got to put that on a t-shirt! :toast:

[texanshatingbush]

64. Feelings mutual--I am beginning to overcome them

I saw someone else's post a few days ago---poster said he/she was giving up DU for Lent. I chuckled, and thought it not a bad idea.

How to cope? I had always focused on "Latest Breaking News" forum(I'm fairly new to DU), and found myself being dragged down by reading about the continuing atrocities, and everyone's responses to them. DU posters are an astute and articulate lot, and help expose the actions of the current power brokers for the outrages and injustices and illegalities they are.

THEN I discovered another DU discussion forum, "Democratic Party". I felt energized when I had an opportunity to post lists of things the Democratic Party should do/become. I lost that sense of hopelessness because I realized (duh!) that there were, indeed, things which the Dems could do (IMO) to be more successful in the future.

The "Democratic Party" forum doesn't seem to attract as much discussion as "Latest Breaking News". I'd like to see that change, and have DU posters start crafting the come-back Democratic Party.

Your previous comments:
"the lack of compassion for the poor, the elderly, the sick and the disabled ... the destruction of our Constitution ... the elimination of science in favor of religious dogma ... the CONSTANT insertion of (the Christian) God into EVERY aspect of our lives and laws, coupled with the total disrespect of other religions ... the bigotry, the discrimination and the outright hatred of anyone who isn't a straight, white, Christian, American man"

strike a real chord with me. I am appalled that the RW has hijacked Christianity to be such an exclusionary litmus test (fyi: I am a scientist who has never had a problem reconciling science and religion). I have some ideas for overcoming the RW exclusionary approach--see points below:

1) remember that Gandhi once said "I would have become a Christian......had it not been for Christians". I think it safe to say that there is a disparity between the teachings of Jesus and the actions of many RW Christians today.

2) remember Jesus' words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." I think it's pretty clear that the Repugs are looking out for their own kind, and don't care for their "neighbors" in any meaningful way. We need to remind them of the second great commandment.

3) I think the new Democratic Party should have as ONE element of its platform the kind of principles illustrated by the two points above, in a non-denominational sense. It's a way of putting humankind's better foot forward. I'm reading a thought-provoking book right now, which others may also find a breath of fresh air: "What's So Amazing About Grace?", by Philip Yancey. It's a different way of looking at things, taking a 180 degree approach from that of the religious right-wing fundamentalists and evangelicals.

And in addition, I send you some hugs and pats on the back as I commiserate with your anguish. Take a break, go look at the signs of Spring appearing, take your dog for a brisk walk....

[tom_paine]

67. ANY person yearning to be free in ANY Totalitarian Nation feels this

not just Imperial Amerika.

Our feelings are no different than those who resisted the nazis or Soviets or Khmer Rouge or Ferdinand Marcos or Pinochet or Putin or any other of the Bushevik-type Leaders.

As far as I am concerned we can be grateful they are killing us wholesale, though that is probably not an option...at least until the Last generations born in Free America have died off or grown decrepit.

Then all bets are off.

And I wouldn't give a bucket or warm spit for the poor bastards alive in Amerika 2050 or, God Forbid, 2100.

[flobee1kenobi]

68. Re:Harrass any and all Republicans incessantly

That never works-I've tried
Change their minds!
One thing I've always found to be true is that they have their head buried in the sand. If they say Dems want to take their guns-call them on it-ask them what makes them think so-and when they quote Rush or Hannity-tell them the truth.
If they tell you that Dems want to put our defense in the hands of forigners-ask them why they think this way-then tell them the truth
If they say that GWB is growing the economy-ask them in what way-then tell them the truth

Keep showing the ugly truth to their face and eventually they will have to look at it. We can no longer rely on the media for anything truth related, its up to us now.
The most important thing to remember is that Politicians work for US!
If you don't agree with the job they are doing-you have every right to tell them so, in fact, its your JOB to do so.

[tom_paine]

87. What are you talking about? I nvere said anything like that!

??? :wtf:

[Lisabtrucking]

69. I know what not to do, and that is too go see a shrink. All they will

do is dumb you up with dangerous drugs. You have a right too feel like that. Your not losing your mind, or the only one who feels like that. It is a NORMAL feeling to feel despair when you watch your country sinking into a state of corruption.
I suggest you step away from it all from time to time, but don't ever give up, and ignore what you believe. I know exactly what your saying, for I'm one who cares so much about our country that it psychically affects me too. Just remember this is not forever, and there are people who feel the same way you do.

Lot's of liberal love from a liberal patriot.

[RandomKoolzip]

70. Threads like this, unfortunately, make freepers happy.

Remember: that's one thing we have in our favor: our every move, every breath, every piece of legislation, every website, isn't EXPRESSLY devoted to pissing off/killing the "other side." Theirs is.

They have no other motivations other than revenge for the imagined slights they suffered in the 60's, 70's and 80's. (Well, greed and power, too. But what's foremost in the conservative brain is REVENGE REVENGE REVENGE.)

When the conservatives see that they've just about driven some of us over a cliff, they squeal in delight. This is what makes them the ugly, evil pigs they are: they live for this (freeper posts are full of the actual, visceral, literal, blood n guts revenge fantasies they engage in 24/7 in their heads.) In fact, their zeal for pissing off liberals is matched only in proportion to their lack of ideas, ideals, and positive goals. One is a peak, the other a valley, each are vast.

Think of all the POSITIVE things we'd all like to acheive, and all the positions we can take which aren't defined by their ideological opposition to theirs....now think of a single thing conservatives are for which isn't just "pissing off liberals." It may take a while to think of one. Hell, Bush's entire current platform, from his stance on Socuial Security to his pro-defense-at-the-expense-of-any-domestic-spending budhet is just revenge for FDR.

The conservative movement has one goal: destroying liberalism. Beyond that, they have nothing. By contrast, we have a myriad struggles, goals, and ideals we'd like to see acheived (so many, in fact, it's hard to coalesce...this one of the few things the right has on us: their organizational skill.)

If you really want to beat the right at their own game, never ever express how distraught you are (except in PM's), and instead keep resolute. Like the old deodorant commercial says, "Never let 'em see you sweat."

[gordianot]

71. You are right they would love this thread.

Problem is many here just need to learn to focus better. Bush and similar idiots are going to end up on the ash heap of history just like their vaunted (totalitarian) Communist cousins.

Freepers are actually very easy to infuriate. Their arguments are so easily thrown back in their face. Only problem is when you do it you risk sounding as irrational as they are. I have to admit I do love to bait these idiots. There are plenty to practice on, and I can do it without personally attacking them or calling them names.

[BattyDem]

82. Let them read it ... I don't care

Being Liberal means that you have compassion - you're able to FEEL. I'm not ashamed of that because I don't think it's a sign of weakness. On the contrary, I think it's a sign of great strength.

It's EASY to isolate yourself from the world and care only about your own problems. It's NOT EASY to deal with your own difficulties AND take on the problems of other people as well.

I'm not gay, but I'm concerned about the increasing hostility towards gay people. I'm not an Iraqi, but I'm concerned about what we are doing to them. I'm not living in poverty, but I'm concerned for all people who are hungry and have no place to live.

But it gets to me sometimes. I'm not going to hide that. Of course they ridicule us for getting depressed ... they want to discourage us from encouraging each other. They want us to suffer in silence alone - we're easier to defeat that way. Our greatest strength comes from communicating and supporting each other ... and anyone else who needs it.

Stay quiet so the Freepers won't know we're frustrated? Tell that to Michael Moore, Randi Rhodes, Howard Dean, John Conyers, Henry Waxman, Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Boxer, Sheila Jackson Lee, etc. Sharing frustration inspires us to come up with new ideas. Sharing frustration brings us together so we can continue to fight.

JMHO :-)

[RandomKoolzip]

85. You totally misread my post.

It's desperation and exhasperation, such as exhibited in the OP, that makes the freepers and conservative pundits hard-ons.

"Stay quiet so the Freepers won't know we're frustrated? Tell that to Michael Moore, Randi Rhodes, Howard Dean, John Conyers, Henry Waxman, Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Boxer, Sheila Jackson Lee, etc."

Did I say anything about staying quiet? No, I didn't. And the people you just mentioned have never, publicly, degenerated into pleas of helplessness and desperation. They exhibit a strong, resolved facade, and the Democratic Party is better for it.

A few issues back, Time magazine did a cute little article about "What Makes You Happy." they actually got a quote from Ann Coulter (but no quote from anyone on the left, of course.....), who informed the world that the things that make HER happy are "Liberals crying, whining, and threatening to move to Canada." My conservative acquaintances are the same way; nothing thrills them so much as a liberal publicly expressing those kinds of emotions: that's how they know their tricks are working.

I refuse to give them the satisfaction.

[BattyDem]

90. You're right ... I misunderstood you ...

I apologize. It's nice to know we agree. :toast:

[donheld]

72. Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

More of us must become like "Fanny Lou Hamer"

[Blecht]

73. I'm right there with you

... in the loony bin.

I've got no answers for you. I can say that you are definitely not alone.

[Tux]

76. Sticker

I seen an SUV with a sticker that read:
Piss off a liberal
Buy a gun.

WTF?! If I had a job, I'd buy a couple guns. Haven't shot in awhile and need practice. Especially now.

We need bumper stickers that read:
Piss off a conservative
Think for yourself.

[AlCzervik]

77. i know Batty, when will Merika get to the tipping point

and say...enough is enough!

[summitch]

78. Take a Hike

Works for me everytime. The air is fresher than the office. You won't find Bush out there; and likely you won't find Bush supporters out there. If you find any exploitive, unsustainable, extractive abuse going on, photograph it, write about it, and share it.

[BattyDem]

79. I want to thank everyone for responding

Your comments really did make me feel better and helped me to regain some perspective.

I may still take a break from DU and all things political - I'm not sure yet - but somehow, knowing that I'm not in it alone, that you all feel the same frustration I do, makes it a bit easier to handle. It's comforting. I'm not sure why ... I guess it's true that misery loves company, LOL!

Anyway, thanks again. DUers are the best! :grouphug:

[smirkymonkey]

81. Whenever I feel like I am losing my mind, I refer to the following

Krishnamurti quote:

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."

If you feel good about what is going on in this world, there is something very wrong with you. Take heart, you are perfectly sane. :)

[libodem]

84. I don't know how to stay sane

I really feel like it's made me crazy. I think finding DU has helped me because I know I'm not the only one out here. I see so much here that mimics my own opinions and the articals that back the facts. I do think a person does need to pull away from politics for awhile, take a breather, do something else, then come back. I feel your pain.

[Hugin]

86. I've even begun to monitor how I talk...

Avoiding the use of "right" when I mean "correct".

It's silliness, but, I've been driven to it.

[Generator]

88. I feast on cliches

This too shall pass.

I have found that is true in my personal life, and I've had the lowest lows of severe depression many many years ago.

You are not alone.

And sharing misery(which is what DU is for me many days besides learning) makes it bearable.

I don't know honestly how I would have dealt with the election aftermath if it wasn't for DU. It was literally the only place I could stand to be for a few days-with those that were LIKE ME. That understand and that cared so much.

I think of history-why should I be immune to suffering? Why when so many have had to face dictators, despots, fascist regime should America be exempt? We think we are better. We are no better.

I have learned compassion for those in history-like the Germans you mention, who suffered so much more than us before the thugs got a hold of their country-and I understand. I understand they weren't all evil people, and I understand why DENIAL never works.

I'm not in denial. And that takes courage. It's depressing as hell and every morning I wake up and think "Is this the day something happens, that the veil is lifted and my country is back on track to being all the things it claims to be and isn't?"

Is this the day the nightmare ends?

Hope springs eternal.

And Spring is coming and you have to live NOW even if if it's getting darker every day.

Nothing lasts.

Thankful I am for that.