Feedback, please...

[Mythsaje]

I want to know what purpose sites like DU will serve once the Democratic Party takes the Presidency and a larger majority in Congress. I want to hear DUer input on this idea...DU was initially a reactionary site, and it has been a balwark during the past several years of pure Republican rule. But what will it be AFTER?

May I refer you to THIS post for your responses?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2049295&mesg_id=2049295

[saracat]

1. Personally, I think the reaction of most will be to celebrate and then spend the

next four years nitpicking to death everything everyone does. I think factions will continue to exist and just as in the Primary, there will be those for whom nothing is good enough and those that will think everything is perfect. Few will be in the middle.I think DU will be more of a "chat room" of political nonsense talk and not as productive.But I could be wrong. Because energy could be channeled into other productive avenues.We will see.

[murielm99]

2. I have read "The Nation"

for many years. It has been around a very long time. It does not go away during Democratic administrations, or during more progressive cycles in history. It continues to be the voice of the left.

The Internet has changed the way we get our news, the way we communicate, and the way we educate ourselves. Like "The Nation," sites like DU and Kos will still serve that purpose, perhaps for a very long time.

I am involved in grassroots politics in my county. I will continue to do that until I die. I use some of the things I learn here to improve what I do in my state, precinct and county. Maybe the DU activist corps will serve a larger purpose during the years ahead. That may depend on events that none of us can foresee.

We will have a broken media for some time yet. DU and other progressive websites will have to serve as media for those of us who want to know what is really happening.

Right-wing think tanks will still exist. They will be doing everything in their power to undermine a Democratic President and Congress. DU can help think of ways to combat their influence, and the influence of Fox News, through our discussion, and possibly through suggestions for activism and LTTEs.

DU will continue to be a place to exchange ideas and gather information. It will continue to be a place that helps some of us stay sane, inspires others in ways to improve and continue their real life activism.

I suppose DU could cease to exist. Skinner could get tired of the whole thing and decide to shut it down. Someone could come up with a better way to use this medium politically. Years ago, I used to use a bulletin board service. Later, I started going to chat rooms. Those things seem primitive now, compared to the way I use the Internet for all information, and to keep in touch politically. I think DU will will continue to be part of the new media, unless it fails us in the way the old media has. This site may not be here for my grandchildren, but it will be here for awhile yet, if it stays relevant and responsible.