General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I haven't admitted this to anyone here at DU [View all]rasputin1952
(83,229 posts)after being on a very long hiatus, reminded me of why I came to DU so many years ago.
It is the family aspect of DU, and it is beautiful.
As an Old Time Moderator, I saw the best and the worst in people, while I enjoyed nuking trolls, there was never anything better than seeing the humanity and integrity of DU'ers. I've come home, popped my head in and sure enough, the Family is still here.
There are a lot of new posters and some of those I recognize from the old days. Just as I remember, when people are down, we don't look past them, we help them up, we never step over them, we tend to them. Through the darkest hours, we bring candles, many of them. We are a part of humanity, when humanity appears to be going over a cliff, that anchors them before those last final steps. Where others find fault, DU'ers fight injustice, see the future as being better and we stand tall during adversity.
I post on many platforms, have a radio show, I was at Occupy Boston freezing my ass off, I challenged authority and won. DU was instrumental throughout this process. It empowered me to be my best, and it has done the same for you.
Most people would not come forward as you have. This shows me a trust in DU that is well earned.
My circumstances have changed over the years as well. I lost my best friend, whom I met as a DU Moderator. I lost my brother, also a DU Moderator. I have never lost faith in my fellow citizens, even with the nightmare we may face. Compassion isn't a given, it is a virtue. Empathy is not a weakness, it is a strength.
Do not fear the future. There will be no cut to your benefits. Your strength is within you, I can see it, I can feel it. I can see strength throughout the DU Community, and it is headed your way.
I have returned to Nebraska, after twelve-plus years in Boston. I may be destitute in some of the amenities life offers, and my bones creak in the cold, but I am with my son, grandson, and my family at DU. It doesn't get any better than this.