Treating the Post-Election Blues

Many of us have noticed that DU has grown increasingly contentious of late. It's gotten so bad that I myself have felt myself subjected to what felt like unwarranted personal attacks. I actually ignored my first fellow member the other day because I felt the need to strike back in kind and didn't want to do it. I find that any chance of reasoned debate goes out the window the minute I get emotionally entangled in the argument.

We were fighting so hard to be heard that it's as if we were pushing on a door that was suddenly thrown open. We've stumbled through the door and are trying our hardest to slow our momentum before we slam into the opposite wall and to keep from falling flat on our face, we're grabbing at everyone standing nearby and threatening to pull them all down with us.

We're trying to figure out what we're going to do next and we're lashing out at our friends and allies. We all want our congresscritters to do the right thing, though we're at odds about exactly what the right thing IS.

We all hope for the right candidate to rise to the top of the Democratic Party for the nomination in 2008, and we all think we know who that candidate is. Well, most of us. I think most, if not all, are good potential candidates. I may be one of the few who don't have any particular preferences at the moment.

I think we need to do something to stop our headlong dash into the opposite wall that doesn't involve pulling all our friends and allies to the floor with us. We've got enough problems to solve without making more for ourselves.

I think congress is trying to listen to us, and the American People, and do the right things. But they're politicians, and understand all too well that some things are possible, and some things are necessary, and some things are an uphill battle that may or may not need to be waged at the moment.

The best thing all of us can do is attempt to educate the ignorant, challenge the corporate media, and press our congresspeople to come up with solutions to the problems that are facing us. Solutions that actually work.

In the meantime maybe we can take a step back and take a deep breath and try to come up with some constructive suggestions on how we can make a difference rather than pounding on one another for daring to have different opinions.

It's worth a try, at least.

healthcare reform.
election reform.
investigate bush crimes.
environmental reform.
workers' rights.
corporate re-regulation.


lets actually do something before we worry about 2008.

And it IS something we can do. If we weren't so busy sniping at one another, maybe we could organize some sort of on-line activism to put certain things on the front burner.

you obviously have too much time on your hands.

One of the most important suggestions I have seen is found among the DU rules--which we've all read at least once, right?--the point about replying to snippy or contentious posts-consider not responding.

Although I seldom find myself in an exchange that has become bitter, the practice of refusing to respond in kind has served well. We are passionate people and the horrid crimes being committed to those we care about has all of us pretty banjo string tight and not always rational.

I think the feeling of desperate powerlessness is what has me wore sharp edged than I'm used to. I was happier when I was politically ignorant.

When that happens, we DEMS will be able to focus our post election inertia into BEING the change rather then talking about it. Right now feels similar to the jitters being in the starting blocks of a relay; we qualified on November 7th, and now we are ready to run!

Once we hit the track in January, I imagine our discussions will be even more productive as we watch the fun on C-SPAN. Because after all these years, WE will be in the lead on that Congressional track. I do appreciate your desire to create better working conditions in our little corner of the internet.


One disclaimer: I know of no way to prevent the inevitable and HUGE battles on DU if Hillary throws her hat in. Maybe take up yoga?

we got really used to being the victims, but now we must morph into leaders. It's a big responsibility and this opportunity must not be abused or wasted. Our current conflicts are just a normal growing pain of sorts, but as liberals we are uncomfortable with aggression. It is GOOD we spar here to sharpen our skills.

Yeah, right. Bullshit. :puke:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2851331&mesg_id=2853351

Many are choosing to stay away or post far less.

People here ask for your opinion then lambast you when you give it. No one needs that.