What's GOOD, damn it?!

[foreigncorrespondent]

I have been coming to DU now for a few years. Both Sappho and I donate money as a couple when we can afford it, because we believe in what DU has always been trying to achieve.

We love DU. It is like a second home for us. A place where we can come, be ourselves, make some freinds, and have intelligent even if sometimes heated debate over different political issues.

Through DU we have met some wonderful people. People I will always have plenty of time for.

But I must say, I really do get upset when I see us split into our own little groups (the new GD rules thread is a good example of what I am saying.) We have seen some truly wonderful people leave DU because of the the way we split ourselves up, and that truly is sad.

But I am not here to make anyone sad, because I simply love DU, and love everything DU stands for, so tell me, what is it YOU really love about DU?

[E_Zapata]

1. Albeit, trom my limited perspective:

I have a love/hate thing with DU. and that reminds me of my family of origin in a cozy, disheartening sort of way.

:-)

[punpirate]

5. Okay...

... I have a family and most co-workers who are lockstep conservatives. I get a chance to try out my ideas here. The people running the board give me a chance at the front page once in a while. When those articles are read or reprinted elsewhere, it tells me, maybe, I'm on the right track with an idea.

I also have an abiding belief in the power of research and an understanding of history to change things, and I do my best in that regard for what I conceive to be the best interests of the people here--information is power.

And, my mother says that I'm much like my grandfather. Under his picture in his WWI squadron scrapbook, there is the caption, "No day is complete without an argument." :P

If I think that a particular thread on a candidate is just a flame-fest, I ignore it. If there's something particularly troublesome to me about some figure, I post it and go on my way.

It's been repeated often, and attributed to many people, but the phrase, "Democracy is a messy process" applies here.

Cheers.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. What's good? Indeed, a good question.

What is good about DU, is that when I feel like I am alone in this hellhole of LI, surrounded by dolts who only know what CNN and Faux tells them to know, I can communicate with people who share my dread and outrage over this.
When I have a crappy day with the kids or wife or when my cat runs away, I post how I am feeling, and within an hour or two, I have PM's, emails and messages of support--some from people with whom I have never before communicated.
I enjoy the bizzare knowledge that some have.
The endless bickering about history and right and wrong.
I love to see people's heads explode when you present them with a new point of view, a different perspective.
And, all in all, I like it here.

How's that?

[Brucey]

4. I agree.

I do not like reading my local paper because it is full of letters blaming Clinton for everything and articles extolling the virtues of repugs and spinning everything and news about war and excessive patriotism. I do not like TV for similar reasons, plus it is so childish ("news" about fashions and Britney Spears, etc.). So, I go to the Internet to find information and communicate my feelings and hear other people who have reasoned views. I like DU for that.

[izzie]

3. I just enjoy it all. Give and take. Will point out other views.

I do just over look some 'words' but I think that is a fad that will fade. Sound mad if you use swear word? Grown up? Who knows but that is my oun problem and I just over look it.