To those of you needing a break from DU:

[Pale Blue Dot]

I totally understand - I have had to walk away several times over the past couple of days. I'm a straight male, too; I can't even imagine what GLBT men and women must be feeling right now.

Here's the thing, though: YOU ARE NEEDED. I noticed a definite change in the atmosphere here during the day yesterday as it became obvious that GLBT posters (and their supporters) were getting frustrated and logging out. The prevailing mood went from decidedly anti-Warren to decidedly pro-Warren in just a few hours.

I am asking you, begging you, not to leave. Keep up the fight. Don't give up. Don't let it look like the bigots and pragmatists are the majority on DU. They are NOT, but your help is needed to prove it.

If it helps (though I don't know if it will), I am here with you, along with many, many other straight DUers who know that everyone deserves equal rights regardless of who they love. Don't give up; I promise that I won't.

[Wapsie B]

1. K &R

[jonnyblitz]

2. you and sarahbelle are the best!

thanks! :hi:

[SarahB]

7. It's not entirely selfless for me.

I'm bi, but it's sometimes a struggle. I wish I could be more out than I am. I feel like a hypocrite knowing that because I'm married to a man, everyone just assumes certain things about me, but I know now I could have easily fell in love with a woman and it makes this whole thing entirely something else. It's more personal than most people realize, but I tend to be relatively quiet about my sexuality because the complexities end up turning into a fratboy joke with most strait guys as they imagine being married to a bisexual woman as something else all together (many aspects of our relationship is something we prefer to keep private). Fortunately, I'm not married to most strait guys. I'm married to one who's both a feminist and supporter of GLBT rights.

[jonnyblitz]

12. well, you have posted eloquently several times since this

warren stuff started and i know you don't post often anymore so, for whatever your reasons,selfless or not, I personally appreciate it during this time of feeling like we are under siege. all input helps and I know you would rather be lurking.

[LostinVA]

3. k&r

[JohnnieGordon]

4. Oh I'm enjoying this, it's a subject I know well

The words come easy. If anyone thinks I'm "one-issue" though, I'm not, I just feel more assured discussing gay issues. But I'm a political junkie interested in all facets of liberal politics.

[Stellabella]

5. K&R!

I'm simply appalled at the Warren choice. BTW, I'm a straight married female. Lucky enough to be married because of who I am.

[Maven]

6. What does it say about this community (DU, I mean) that the prevailing mood *could be* pro-Warren?

What does it say about this site that that's even possible?

[LostinVA]

8. I was thinking that very thing

The inmates have taken over the asylum?

[Pale Blue Dot]

10. I don't want to seem like I'm defending the pro-Warren types,

but there is an explanation that doesn't nessecarily involve homophobia. I believe that there are some here, so beaten down by 8 years of Bush, who want to believe that Obama is infallible. After years of Rovian attacks, they're too afraid to allow ANY criticism of a Democrat. Cognitive Dissonance is a powerful thing, and it affects many here.

I will say, however, that many of the most pro-Warren types are people that a)I had on ignore during the primaries (oddly, not all were Obama supporters then); and b)I have had fights with on the state of the economy (they don't think things are as bad as I do).

[Tangerine LaBamba]

13. You just explained it for me

I've been mystified because I haven't seen all that many pro-Warren threads. But I never considered that they'd been started by the people I have on "ignore." Of course.

Thank you.

That said, I, a hetero Tangerine, dislikes discrimination and has a big hard-on for equal rights for all.

And I ain't goin' nowhere.

[AlCzervik]

14. i agree with that and the biggest problem for those with blinders on is that when Obama

makes another mistake which he will because he's human that next blunder may affect their lives and because they've built that pedestal so damn high his fall for them will be epic.

There's a line between love and hate---yes there is.

I like Obama but i understand he's going to make some more mistakes, large ones along the way.

[AlCzervik]

9. Please don't go, please, please please?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHuzkyurC0

[Starry Messenger]

11. I second that emotion.

I feel there is only so much I can inject into the conversations as a straight person. Personal stories from individual experiences really are the best. Please don't give up and let the calloused dominate the narrative. There are a lot of people making themselves look totally ridiculous in their ignorance this week. I think of it as a target-rich environment, but I can understand if you all get tired of the tedious jerktitude. :hug: to all anyway.

[yardwork]

15. Thank you Finnfan, but if I hang around here I'm going to get banned and/or have a heart attack.

I'm off to greener pastures for a little while. I'll return - I always do.

[terrya]

16. Thank you, but I'm seriously thinking of permanently leaving DU

You know, FinnFan, you have to ask yourself why you do need to take a break from a progressive message board. I mean, that's seriously kind of fucked up. It's not like you're a liberal posting at Free Republic. Or, that's what it SHOULDN'T be like.

You and your lovely wife are good people and good friends of GLBT DUer's. Thank you both.

:hug:

[Bluebear]

17. So where can we go and still be together?

I don't want to lose touch with my friends here, which is the only reason right now I have the stomach for staying.

[KitchenWitch]

19. Agreed.

I love all of you too much to lose you all at once.

[Bluebear]

20. Likewise.

:loveya:

[terrya]

21. I don't know, Bluebear. But I don't want to lose touch with my friends here.

Which definitely includes you.

I have some people here as Facebook friends. Beyond that, I wish I could tell you of another message board.

I just can't deal with this place much longer.

[jetphixer]

18. I just dispize the fat asshole

I cant stand this FAT BIGOTED CHRISTO_NAZI I am straight older guy retired military and just retired I do not care for these hate mongers Warren is Dispicbal hateful asshole I cant stand him because he spreads hate This is not right by anybody s standards . On MY tellie he is about as welcome as a turd in the punchbowl.. I read somewheres tomorrow some folks in CA are going to demonstrate at his church I am hoping this turns into great civil disobedience.. for him an his hateful flock an they keep it up until the donut eating PIG cry s hes not going to obamas fest and just capitulates about his prop 8 business enought said hope the asshole just flushes him self down the toilet. Enough said

[bluedawg12]

22. There's strength in numbers - they'r not running us off anytime!

When one of us get's down or weary there are always a couple of others to pick up the fight for rights.

Everyone needs a break, has real life to attend to, but I hope no one leave for good.

It's just selfish of me, but I like everyone here in this GLBTQ community. :grouphug:

Thank you for your support and words of encouragment.