For my 18,000th post, I have a message for all DUers...

[MercutioATC]

I've been around since the 2004 primaries. I've seen the membership come together, I've seen us fight amongst ourselves. I've seen times when it seemed there was nothing we couldn't accomplish and times when it looked as if we didn't have a prayer. I've seen boundless generosity and true mean-spiritedness. I've seen people come and go, I've seen rules changed, I've seen Grovelbot...and Grovelbot...and Grovelbot...

The one constant here is the exchange of ideas. That exchange, whether polite and in a spirit of community or confrontational and loud is the reason DU exists. It's not about getting along, it's about exchanging thoughts.

DU is a great place to think out loud.

For all of those who are concerned about the current level of acrimony, don't be. This is just part of the exchange that we go through every four years...and, to a lesser degree, during midterm elections. DU isn't a homogenous group, it's a large eclectic community...and we don't always all agree. However, this range of views is what makes us strong...and what makes DU the resource it is.

Take a deep breath...relax...and know that all is happening as it should. This is a place where ideas are created.

Peace, people...

[NMDemDist2]

1. congrats, K&N n/t

[NC_Nurse]

2. Congrats on so many posts!!!

And thanks for the nice sentiment. I agree. :hi:

[Donkeykick]

3. N/T

:toast:

[melody]

4. Amen - K&R n/t

[Norrin Radd]

5. Congratulations. I thought you were going to say, "boy are my fingers tired!"

[Laelth]

6. k&r for the spirit of open dialog.

Nicely said.

:patriot:

-Laelth

[Skittles]

7. it's different this time

the sheer adulation/hatred displayed are beyond all reason

[MercutioATC]

8. I don't think so...I remember the heat when Dean was smeared.

...and it wasn't much better than this.

I agree that things are a little hot right now, but it's mostly due to the passion people feel for their candidates. Negativity may not be the most constructive way to express that passion, but it's good to see the intense interest, nonetheless.

[Skittles]

9. you and I remember much differently

the only other place I have seen such utter, sheer hatred displayed for HRC is by freepers

[tom_paine]

10. K & R Mercutio.

[tandot]

11. I call bullshit ...

:evilgrin: I am here since February 04 and have 5004 posts. I don't remember your name... :o

...You must be one of those reasonable DUers who post sensible stuff...posts that usually go unnoticed by me and a lot of DUers.

Thanks, MercutioATC :hi:

I am trying that "deep breath...relax..." thingy and it is getting really, really hard.

Peace

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[EFerrari]

12. Congrats!

:party:

[Subdivisions]

13. A very nice post. Congratulations. K&R n/t