“Jesus Christ on a Trailer Hitch!”: I've been here since '02 and that's my legacy as I gbcw....

[Hekate]

Thanks go to the moran who showed up at the 2005 Terri Schiavo vigil towing a humongous crucifix behind his pickup truck – I was so impressed and appalled that I coined the phrase on the spot and it became my new swear-word. I did a search recently and found it's all over the place at DU and elsewhere.

Bless you my children, as I depart I bequeath it to you.

Why go? It's an accumulation of things over the past 2 years, frustrations common to many of us. I've lost a number of friends, some by disagreeing with them and some because they disappeared. Speaking only for myself, the last straw was... oh hell, there were several, including eruptions of mass psychosis that virtually made me ill. It really is time to stop walking past this particular “bar” and just change my route. Hekate is the Goddess of the Crossroads, after all.

I think Skinner feels beleaguered, and I don't blame him: there's an old story about a man who had a tiger by the tail that may apply to his situation, although that's not for me to say.

As for myself, I'm paid up through mid-May of next year, but this is it for me. Let's just say that I'd rather leave on my own terms than be vaporized without warning after 8 solid years of membership.

HEKATE

Postscript:

I take away some remarkable memories ~~~

In the early years I learned an enormous amount here: electronic voting machines and depleted uranium were subjects that had never crossed my radar before I arrived at DU. I learned I was far from alone in experiencing overwhelming cognitive dissonance during the Bush Regime. Thanks to Kephra and others I was able to get fact-based news coverage when it was not available from my usual sources. I learned about Christian Reconstructionism and Dominionism here as well, and one never-to-be-forgotten night I researched that topic myself until I stared into the heart of darkness too deeply, injuring my wrists so badly I had to go offline for 3 months.

Eye witness accounts and first hand photos posted at DU showed me that my small city was far from alone in protesting the invasion of Iraq before it happened: we were in the streets in increasing numbers every week, and there was virtually nothing in the local news about us, nor in the national news about anybody else. It was at DU that I read the WaPo article that claimed only 10,000 people turned out in an early D.C. protest, only to have DUers' own photos give the lie to that number, enabling myself and others to write passionate LTTEs to them until they eventually changed the count to something that at least approached reality.

We had eyewitness reports from NOLA before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. We had an auction of artworks by a New Orleanian DUer; they were so beautiful that I tried to save the links to the images, only to find years later that (of course) they were gone. (I had already donated $200 to some members of the VFP that were driving out there to set up a soup kitchen and communications system in a nearby town, or I would have placed a bid myself. I'm still sorry I missed out on that.)

DUers created an outstanding thread recreating the timeline of the NOLA disaster, with a huge number of useful links. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4630068

We had eyewitness reports from Camp Crawford, too, and some thought provoking discussions on the Meaning of Cindy Sheehan. Wrath of Demeter, Antigone, Niobe, Boudicca, one of the Furies...

Based on issues raised here I did some good research, and at times I did some fine writing based on that research. I tried to always back up my opinions with facts, and learned how to use links instead of textbooks for my “footnotes.” Hubby asked me more than once if I wanted him to set up a blog for me, and I always said no. I had DU and my ego didn't need a blog.

We were a community of sorts. It was my first and only experience of being part of an online discussion board, and for a long time it was very rich. We made friends, we shared our life-experiences as they happened: births, joys, sorrows, health and financial problems, and death. I was quite tickled when our Admins shared the birth of their babies and brought them into the DU community.

Several of our members have died. Many DUer family members have died. How DUers find time to write during critical illness and death is beyond me -- in the past 8 years the older generation in my and my husband's families have all passed on except for two aunts at the outposts, and my infant granddaughter died this year. I was extraordinarily busy during those times of crisis, and if I wrote about them at all it was only afterward when life settled down again.

Nonetheless I shared in real time the protracted illness and final demise of a number of DUers and their loved ones, prayed for them with this community, sometimes sent a small donation if it seemed appropriate. I know that other DUers did more: attended funerals in the snow, showed up, took up collections, assured the survivors that they (and we) cared.

DUers departed to do other things: Plaid Adder and Sapphocrat, thanks for what I learned from you.

The Bush years were scary years, as our civil liberties were carved away with a backhoe. One night in November 2004, almost 1,000 DUers decided to post their real names online to show they would not be intimidated by Bush's DOJ and Dept of “Homeland” Security.

There was more: shared laughter. Shout-outs to Agent Mike. Threads running into the hundreds based on razor sharp wit and quick repartee. We laughed at OURSELVES as well as others. Blogslut's “Accusatory post alluding to an unnamed gang on DU. Condemnation of said mysterious gang and their thuggish tactics” garnered nearly 300 hilarious replies. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=7135042

Jackpine Radical's OP “For all who fear they may be addicted to DU... A 12-step Program for DUmmies Unanimous” was a short classic of the genre. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=7701057

The loveliest of all was the unicorn, or, Art criticism that made me laugh until my sides hurt: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=9314474

Cap and bells and pointy ears too: unintentional humor from the Freeper who feared Cindy Sheehan was a spocksmen for the American left and had made an unseemly jester: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=300259#301283

In 2006 DistressedAmerican held a wake for the Indictment of Rove, and almost 100 of us attended: “Indictment Wake Thread: How Do You Remember Our Dearly Departed Friend?” http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=1422589
Drinks were served, bagpipes were played, I think there was some maudlin weeping; I contributed a casserole to help sop up some of the booze. Songs were composed for the occasion, and sung to the banging of beer mugs on the tables. Oddly, no one screamed obscenities at those who were not in 100% accord with them. Most of all, we found humor in a frustrating and outrageous situation.

This is how I want to remember you, DU.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Freetradesucks]

1. Good bye.

nt

[slackmaster]

2. Gay Black Christian Woman?

:hi:

[trayfoot]

18. I hate to sound stupid, BUT

what DOES gbcw mean?

[A-Schwarzenegger]

23. Good-bye, cruel world...

[trayfoot]

106. Thank You!!!

[slackmaster]

113. I like Gay Black Christian Woman better

:nuke:

[babylonsister]

3. Do me a favor and think about it, pretty please, Hekate?

Take a break? Yours has been a voice of reason; we do so need you and more of them. :hug:

[calimary]

21. Seconded!

:patriot:

Dang - we'll miss you a LOT!

[Zephie]

49. Thirded! I don't know you well but you always have useful things to contribute

and have never been rude to me once (that I am aware of). Please think about sticking around? =)

[calimary]

57. She's been one of the bright lights around here for quite a few years.

One of the gems.

Hopefully back on active mode here after a restful and reinvigorating (and hopefully brief) time away.

[Name removed]

156. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mahina]

79. word.

aloha sister.

[ClassWarrior]

110. Agreed. Hope you stay, Hekate.

If only to stop in once in awhile and add your valuable voice.

:yourock:

NGU.

[SunsetDreams]

111. Agreed,

Hekate, I haven't been around here as long as you, so thank you for a bit of a walk down DU's history.
That literally brought tears to my eyes, and to think we are losing such a passioned well reasoned voice as yours.
We do need you, DU needs you. I do understand your frustration, and even better now that you've posted a bit about the history.
I truly hope this will turn out to be just a "vacation", and not a farewell.
:hug:

[DevonRex]

123. Agreed. But...

it's obvious from reading her post that she's thought long and hard already. This is such a sad day.

[roguevalley]

131. ditto, honey. I took two months off from television and scaled

back to skimming headlines here for as long and it recharged me. I still love everyone and this place like crazy but every thread is not a knife in my heart anymore. I hope you reconsider, Hekate. The elders of this place and their wisdom are greatly appreciated even if it doesn't feel like it. I would love to find a place where the names I see are ones I remember and respect. If not, walk in beauty.

RV

[malaise]

164. +1,000

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Spazito]

4. Beautiful walk down memory lane, thanks for the reminders...

I am saddened by the reason and will miss your posts.

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

55. I could not say it any better than that....

[SidDithers]

5. K&R...nt

Sid

[xiamiam]

30. if you've been around for that long, I'm going to miss you., even if we didnt agree which i dont

remember..probably not

the good old du days, when there were action things to do, petitions to sign, congress people to call..and we did it as a united effort..we did effect change..we helped get us where we thought we were going to be today..

we watched the dems get locked out and forced to hold their meeting in the basement re the downing street memo...i used to hold by breath each morning in those days before i looked at the news, never knowing what could possible be the shenanigans of the day...

what we did not have here at du, before, was party before principle..of course, then, we only had the republicans and their trolls to combat..but at least we were united in our effort..and horrified by katrina..du and my personal katrina memory are forever intertwined as well...we were supportive of the first person to camp out in a ditch in crawford texas in protest of an illegal and immoral war...god bless you Cindy Sheehan. that was sumthin'...in those days we shared info and there were no unrecs suggesting we not report the truth ..i have a feeling that more fertile ground is where you are going..

come back and tell us what you find out there..please..

i also miss some of the old duers who could kick ass ..here..and i'm sure wherever they are now..they're still at it..but i do miss them, i learned a lot

thanks

blessings to you

[PDJane]

6. I'm very sorry that you need to leave, but I understand.

I'll miss you. A lot.

[cynatnite]

7. Thank you for "jesus christ on a trailer hitch"...

It's a great swear saying.

DU isn't goin anywhere. Maybe we'll see you back.

:patriot: :hi:

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

37. Hey, wait a minute!

I HATE that saying! (And despite what Fred Phelps thinks, I don't hate all that much)

[tavalon]

91. And I love it

And it ain't no thing either way, now is it?

[shraby]

8. Make it a short refreshing break then come back cause

you'll be missed.

[JuniperLea]

9. Of Tigers and Strawberries...

This is a very old story...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once, a young monk was sent forth from the monastery to carry a message to another monastery far away. As he walked through the dense forest, he caught glimpses of orange fur in the dappled shade and heard low growls. Surmising that he was being stalked by a tiger, he quickened his steps, but the large cat easily kept pace with him. Fear gnawed at the young monk, and he began to run blindly through the trees, leaving the path he knew in an attempt to outdistance the hungry cat whose panting breath he could feel upon his neck.

The monk lost his way, and to his terror, found himself at the edge of a great precipice. Behind him, he heard the tiger stop, and begin pacing back and forth among the trees, its golden eyes glinting among the leaves. Shaking, the monk looked down and saw that there were vines clambering over the jagged rocks and he determined to try and climb down them. Just as he swung himself over the cliff, and began clambering down the vines which creaked under his weight, he heard the tiger roar, and saw it stare balefully down at him from above.

From below cane an answering roar, and the monk startled and looked down to see a second tiger, pacing along the stones that lined the bottom of the cliff face, waiting for him to descend.

Shuddering, the young monk closed his eyes and clung to the vine, his only means of support. The sound of nibbling teeth caught his attention and he opened his eyes to see a mouse chewing at the vine that held him suspended between the hungry cats.
Next to the mouse, he saw a flash of red.

A wild strawberry grew in a crevice of the stone, and a lone fruit shone invitingly.

The monk reached out, and plucking the crimson fruit, held it to his nose. The sweet fragrance rushed into his nostrils as the last bit of the vine gave way and the monk began to fall. As he plummeted toward the tiger, the monk popped the strawberry in his mouth, and the flavor was the sweetest thing he had ever experienced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That said, I'm running out of strawberry sightings too... I keep cleaning my glasses, but it's really hard to see any strawberries, but the nipping teeth are becoming unbearable, this I know.

Good luck, Goddess's speed, and happy landings my dear Hekate! Keep watch over your shoulder... I may not be all that far behind.

[Divine Discontent]

74. what an interesting story. ty for sharing. your quip at the end was worth a chuckle, also.

[spanone]

10. here you go....trailer hitch pic!!!

[WillyT]

64. LOL !!! Forgot About That One !!!

:rofl:

:yourock:

:hi:

[Divine Discontent]

71. what a bizarre person that driver is...

[JTFrog]

89. .

self-delete

[eleny]

11. Thanks so much

It's hard to think back to those days of our yesteryear. The intense on the spot research threads come to mind, too.

Too many great minds have moved on from here or got tossed too easily, imo.

I'm going to miss you. Especially now that some tables got turned.

Thanks for such a thoughtful post.

[Scurrilous]

12. K & R

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[sufrommich]

13. Hope you make it back someday. nt

[WCGreen]

14. I have been here almost as long as you...

Many times I thought about giving up the ghost...

But I found that if I don't get so personally involved with people, don't take offense to those who criticize my position, cleanliness, opinion, birthright, etc... I can tolerate most anything.

That way I can go all over the place, learn a whole lot of stuff just as you did and still remain relatively sane.

[NC_Nurse]

15. I'll miss you. Have enjoyed your posts and wish you well.

:loveya:

[CJCRANE]

16. K & R.

Here's to the good old bad old days.

And the good new days ahead.

[nadinbrzezinski]

17. I'll miss you neighbor

I am to the WEST of you... so if you want to have coffee the offer still stands.

Glad to have "known" you... in a virtual way.

[prolesunited]

19. I don't know why you feel you need to leave

Those are all great memories. DU is what you make it. Just ignore the B.S. Hope you find your way back.

[azmouse]

20. A big hug for you, Hekate

:hug: You'll be missed.

[Number23]

22. Hekate, this was wonderful. And so are you. You will be missed.

Happy (but mostly sad) to rec.

[Dappleganger]

24. Go in peace.

I respect a person who chooses to leave on their terms. Please stop by and visit every now and again!

:toast:

[Cleita]

25. I hope this is just a vacation from DU.

Nevertheless I wish you well no matter what you decide. It was good knowing you and you will be missed.

[Canuckistanian]

26. Here's to you, Hekate

[ismnotwasm]

27. You'll be missed

I'm sorry to see you go.

:hug:

[Luminous Animal]

28. I will miss your posts, Hekate.

Thanks for all the great years.

[immoderate]

29. This is too bad.

I read things that you write.

--imm

[HughMoran]

31. I hope your absence is temporary

Thanks for reminding us about some of the fun times in the past. I, too, got a kick out of some of those threads and many others over the years. I don't know if we'll ever be able to have fun and camaraderie again here, but I hope you will return if that spirit finds its way back into the discourse here.

[Scurrilous]

32. ...

:thumbsup:

[treestar]

33. Didn't know you'd made up that phrase!

I like to borrow it from you. Jesus Christ on a trailer hitch!

:hug:

[tavalon]

92. It's been my favorite epithet for years

I'm surprised to find out all these years later where it came from and in a goodbye letter. It makes me sad and yet, Hekate, you will be remembered.

[Lilith Velkor]

147. She didn't. I first heard it said in 1988.

[political_Dem]

34. I hope that you would consider this as only a break, because we need you.

It is understandable that a person could be exhausted sometimes by the social dynamics on DU. But underneath all that, DU needs people who bring common sense to the debate. Those voices are desperately needed-especially when times of hysteria happen.

But above all else, thank you for your insightful words on this board. Please take care. :hug:

[Peacetrain]

35. Hekate...NO don't go..

to borrow from a friend.. “Jesus Christ on a Trailer Hitch!” this is no good :hug:

[Whisp]

36. What a sad and wonderful post.

Wishing the best to you, Hekate. You are truly one of the original best here.

But I totally understand, this is just not a nice place any more. ;(

[jaxx]

38. That's just so sad.

You were one I always read when I came to DU. Upbeat and right there with the facts, you made a difference to new people. You will be missed by those you touched.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

39. Hekate, I'll miss your reasoned voice here on DU

I wish you wouldn't go, but I understand. :hug:

[Cha]

40. Yes, it

was..all those things and more depending on whose perspective back in the day when it meant something.

Thank you for a beautifully written OP, Hekate. :hug:

[stevedeshazer]

41. I'll always remember that JC on a trailer hitch thread.

That really summed everything up back then.

Good luck in life, I'll miss you. Take care of yourself.

[NanceGreggs]

42. As beautifully stated as it gets ...

Thanks for all of the reminders of who we used to be on this site - and the memories that truly encompass not only who we once were, but why.

Parting can be such sweet sorrow - and sometimes it's just the only way to go.

There are other worlds in which birds are free to sing - and I will see you there!



:toast:

[Egnever]

43. And DU takes another step toward its end.

Sorry to see you GBCW Hekate but I totally understand it. I used to come to DU to get informed on all sorts of things. The noise to signal ratio here in the pat couple of years has gotten more and more appalling.

I remember back when brad wasn't a blog but just a poster here. I remember getting the details you didn't hear in the news, now it seems you get the sensational headlines and thats where the discussion ends.

It is sad to see this place devolve into the crowd with little curiosity it has become. The recent Kieth thing really showed what this place has become IMHO. The fact that we now put a celebrity ahead of ethics in journalism tells me all I need to know about what this place has devolved into.

Having said that I still enjoy coming here and trying to point out misinformation though how much longer it will remain enjoyable I don't know. I do know I no longer feel like I learn much here anymore, and when I do its typically from the same cast of characters that has been teaching me things here for years. Sadly with your GBCW there will e one less reasonable voice to learn from.

I wish you the best and happiness wherever you may find it.

[MineralMan]

44. I don't have your history here, but I've enjoyed your posts.

I just can't bring myself to K&R this poignant post. I hope I'll see you around the web somewhere...

[tavalon]

93. You just kicked it and I recommended it, though not because I'm happy

In this situation, I see it as an honoring of a fellow DUer, just as we do when someone passes on.

[JNelson6563]

45. You will be sorely missed.

And that sure was a fun walk down memory lane! I may be joining you soon, DU has become very combative. Like a relationship or a recreational drug, when it's not fun anymore, time to move on.

Best wishes on your journey, wherever it takes you! :hug:

Julie

[JTFrog]

46. DU's loss for sure.

You will be greatly missed.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

47. Fare thee well

and keep a song in your heart.

[JohnnyLib2]

48. Awwwww, shoot.

I will miss the terrific writing and thinking. Many good wishes.... :hug:

[DesertFlower]

50. sorry you're leaving. nt

[DesertFlower]

51. self delete dupe

[Swamp Rat]

52. Bonne découverte et bon voyage!

:hi: Paix de la Nouvelle-Orléans :hug:

[FrenchieCat]

53. ((((NO, Hekate! Don't Go!))))

:cry:

[Bobbie Jo]

54. You're a class act, Hekate.

Thanks for making me feel welcome when I was but a noob in '06. I know you don't remember....but I do.

This makes me sad, but I do understand. I miss you already. :hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

56. K n R

[Swede]

58. Sorry to see you go Hekate.

Can't you just take a break?

[nofurylike]

59. K&R! i am sorry. i wish i could feel as if things were going to get

better.

what a beautiful tribute to days gone by, Hekate.

goddess, i am so sorry it has come to this!!

be well!!!

peace,

and solidarity, always!!

[TwilightGardener]

60. Well, shit. That sucks.

Good luck and happiness to you and yours.

[MilesColtrane]

61. See you on the other side.

[Dead_Parrot]

62. Take a break, and maybe come back later

I hope you will, I like your comments.

If not... Well, enjoy your journey, and look out for old women washing their clothes in a ford. They can be tricky. ;)

[lunasun]

63. I just got here awhile ago and really like your posts - wish u would stay; but understand nt

[webDude]

65. Good bye and God Bless!

[scarletwoman]

66. I'm sorry you feel the need to leave, you've done fine work here.

I appreciate your lovely and graceful farewell post, even while I regret that you want to leave.

Best wishes,
sw

[bluedigger]

67. Well, thanks for the gbcw post!

There have been many others, and yours is another one.

You will be missed! Good luck in your future endeavors!:hi:

[Mojorabbit]

68. I have been here a long time also

and still love this place. I love how members chip in to help other members in need even in the midst of squabbling. It is just like a huge family. We take care of our own. I hope you come back after a break to rejuvenate.

[Nostradammit]

69. I am grateful for your presence here, Hekate

you have helped me to keep from losing my mind several
times over the last many years.

[pacalo]

70. No way!

Look at how many people here have enjoyed your posts. Look at how many consider you a friend.

Whatever it is or whoever it is responsible for your decision to leave: is it enough to outweigh the good times?

I know things were unpleasant during the conversations about the TN fire -- there were a couple of troublemakers with a different opinion than I who went out of their way on several occasions to try to hurt me. The odd thing was, I never addressed the two particular troublemakers' comments in any of those numerous threads. With a simple check, I saw that they lived in the same town/state & were obviously working in tandem.

Do your difficulties stem from that particular debate? I wouldn't be surprised, because it was a hot topic.

Please take a rest & come back soon. You will be missed.

[Divine Discontent]

72. what else can I say, Hekate, but...

sweet sorrow, fall softly upon my heart


you are on my 'buddy' list, and that must mean that I adore thee,


may your heart be strong, and good memories stay long,


and I hope to meet you when God sets us free...


:hug:

[Withywindle]

73. I know it's been rough, but I will miss you so much.

I hope your crossroads will bring you back eventually, sister. But if not, then hail and farewell. May the Lord and Lady bless you for all of your days.


(Note to lurkers: if you must leave, then this is how to do it. With class and love, not with blame.)

[azul]

75. Adios, adios

"Well, the world don't need to know
How I adored you
But there's somethin' I must tell you, darlin'
Face to face...
I'll be harder than yer husband
To get along with
Harder than yer husband every night"
-Frank Zappa

Aloha,
Tom
634-5789

[madmax]

76. Jesus Christ on a Trailer Hitch!

Maybe just a break. Don't leave - we need people like you. It's frustrating but, you have titanium ovaries.
This has been one helluva November.

[denbot]

77. Enjoy your journey Hekate

You will be missed, and thank you for the stroll down memory lane. :hug:

[Raine]

78. I'm VERY sad you're leaving

I will miss you so much, your posts are always thoughtful and reasonable. I hope you will PLEASE come back after a bit of a break. :hug:

[mahina]

80. Thank you for your friendship Hekate.

I have so appreciated your time here and your kind and thoughtful notes. DU's purpose is emerging and changing for me too, but I had another idea in mind. Will email you.

I got a paddleboard:) Like Opihimoimoi would say, Come, we go swim!

Hugs and aloha dear. Thank you for the smiles and the aloha.

Peace, sister.

[Bluebear]

81. Thank you for the memories there.

I miss DU pre-2008, and will remember your name fondly. Be well.

[lamp_shade]

82. I understand, Hekate, but I'm sad.

[orleans]

83. thank you for everything

until we meet again...
:toast:

[blogslut]

84. Don't go forever

Come back when you're ready because you will always be welcome, at least by me.

[hfojvt]

85. what were the eruptions of mass psychosis?

thanks for the memories anyway.

[nofurylike]

86. kick so everyone can read this. it is precious. nt

[nofurylike]

87. and a kick for the morning crew. you will be missed, Hekate!! nt

[Skittles]

88. damn

I wish I could kick your ass and make you stay :cry:

[tavalon]

90. I've been using that epithet (without knowing who started it) for years

I hope this is a hiatus and not permanent. I went on hiatus this last summer and while I didn't stay away as long as perhaps I ought to have, it did a world of good for me. It also showed me that I appreciated this place even with the crapfest of the last two years.

Anyway, thank you Hekate for all the times we agreed and when we didn't. May the wind be at your back and good fortune be with you. And if you decide to come back, don't worry, some of us will be here with the light on (I can't even say for sure if I'll be one of them, but some will still be here and still remember you).

Blessed Be, Hekate.

[tavalon]

94. Hekate,

gbcw's always, always have negatives comments interspersed (you know the litany, I'm sure). Yours doesn't have a single one. Were all human, but it's fairly clear from the responses on this thread that you are an exceptional human.

I really hope DU gets through this awful time, sooner rather than later and that people like you and Nance and ........can find a place here again.

[OneGrassRoot]

95. You will be missed, Hekate. :( n/t

[BlueIris]

96. Terribly sorry about your granddaughter.

All my best to you and yours.

[JCMach1]

97. Say it isn't so!

seriously...

[crazyjoe]

98. OK then, talk to you tomorrow!

[LWolf]

99. This is the best farewell post I've ever read.

Well, I usually don't read them, but this one drew me in. Blessings for you on your way, and thanks for the links and the laughter they inspired to start my day.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

100. Peace be with you, Hekate.

:hug: :loveya:

[Generic Other]

101. Will miss you Hekate

I hate to see the old voices silenced.

[lukasahero]

102. Hekate - you I will miss

Godspeed and all good things to you in your future.

And thanks for the trip down memory lane. :hug: :loveya:

[Dogtown]

103. You'll be missed, Hekate.

But I do understand.

[ChiciB1]

104. I TOTALLY UNDERSATAND! See You Around... n/t

[ChiciB1]

105. Sorry, That Didn't Sound Quite Right... I'm On YOUR Side & Agree With

how you feel. I don't think I'm paid up for much longer, have to check... still I GET what you're saying.

[H2O Man]

107. I hope not.

While I fully understand why Good People would leave DU at this time, I hope that you and others will stay. This site was indeed very different years ago, and those differences were not simply because Bush/Cheney was in the White House, and now a democrat is. Nor is it a case of "DU has always been this way."

The very essence of the site has changed. The most significant change is not that a few "freepers" have contaminated DU, but that more and more moderate-to-conservative democrats have hi-jacked a once progressive/liberal meeting ground. DU is being used (actually abused) as a means for corporate democrats to administer social novocaine, to stifle dissent, and to get contributions & votes from the same democratic left that they refuse to associate with in public settings.

DU had the potential to be more than a mere discussion site. It could have been used to organize at the grass roots level, and to promote action from the democratic left. Its failure to grow in that direction has resulted in the current problems.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

128. +1

[KoKo]

151. +2

[blackspade]

133. Agree 100%

Hekate, I'm sorry that you feel the need to leave.
I have felt the same over the last 7 years or so from time to time myself.
But I decided that I won't be run off from a site that should be a voice for progressives.
Take care of yourself!
Underground forever!

[Poboy]

134. +1000 H2O Man.

[QC]

136. [phone]

[jgraz]

145. [phone]

:thumbsup:

[Chulanowa]

146. I dunno what DU you're looking at, H20 Man...

I think you may be trapped in Bizarro Universe, if that's what you're really seeing.

[Name removed]

149. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[H2O Man]

188. "Bizarro Universe"

Silly

[Chulanowa]

189. Well, you're describing the exact opposite of the situation

If you're not familiar with Superman at all, Bizarro is an alternate universe where everything is the opposite to our own.

You say it's the "corporate democrats" causing all the trouble around here. Now maybe I'm just missing it - doubtful, given the amount of time I waste on DU - but I think I've only seen something like two or three posters who could count as "corporate democrats" by any logical standard; and annoying as they might be, they certainly aren't capable of throwing DU off-kilter into its current status.

My suspicion is that you are simply labeling anyone who doesn't either match or outdo you on all of your own positions as being a "corporate democrat" - and then scapegoating this new "THEM!" for all the problems we're looking at here.

The way I see it, the real problem is all the witch-hunting, litmus-dipping, eternally pessimistic people who's sole goal is to be as strident as the Republicans in opposing anything mentioned or advocated by Democrats.

[OregonBlue]

190. Thank you Chulanowa for stating the obvious. Obvious to most of us that is. I'm so sorry Hekate

is leaving but I totally get it. Wonderful post.

[JNelson6563]

193. Well said Chulanowa

[HughMoran]

194. Thank you for putting this into the correct perspective.

:thumbsup:

[Scurrilous]

201. ...

:thumbsup:

[HCE SuiGeneris]

153. !

So very well said.

[Political_Junkie]

154. On the money, H2O Man!

As to you, Hekate, you will be missed and thanks for the memories.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

157. TRUTH!!! K&R ... X's 2 n/t

[greenmutha]

158. +1 brazillion

Hekate, PLEASE don't leave DU permanently, just take a break. WE NEED YOU. :hug:

[hfojvt]

159. - googolplex

sorry, just had to cancel out the other positives. I don't see how very much of that is true. How is dissent being stifled?

How is there a hi-jacking of DU when leftist bashing of Obama regularly makes the front page with a net of 100+ Rs? The only people I saw raising funds in GD were Feingold and Grayson, who supposedly has millions of his own funds. Maybe there were some for Harry Reid, but how is defeating Angle a bad thing for progressives? I think much of that is member driven too though. If a DUer is from Missouri then perhaps they want to promote Robin Carnahan here, or Claire McCaskill, even thoough neither are all that progressive. Same with Kansas and Dennis Moore or Raj Goyle.

I am not sure how the left can organize and promote action if they cannot even engage moderate Democrats in discussion.

[H2O Man]

174. Fair questions

{1}Q: "How is dissent being stifled?" A: I didn't say it was, or anything remotely like that, which could be mistaken for even hinting at that.

{2} Regarding "Obama-bashing," I'm sure that there is plenty of it. Some might come from people who are on the left, and some from other sources. I'm not particularly interested in it, and hence admit that I don't read it.

However, there is also a good amount of discontent that is not "bashing." People who supported President Obama, but do not feel that he has delivered. Hopefully, people can recognize the distinction between "bashing" and expressing disappointment and even anger.

I like President Obama. I came out in support of him in January, 2008. A group of anti-Obama people attacked me for that. Several attempted to get me banned from this forum.

I continue to support him, although there are numerous areas where I am definitely not satisfied with his positions. One example is Afghanistan; of course, even in the primaries, I noted that I would definitely be protesting his policy in Afghanistan once he was elected.

Because I disagree -- strongly -- with him on Afghanistan, does not mean I do not support him. I recognize, for example, that Clinton wants the US to take a far larger military role there. When I noted that on a thread last week, a Clinton supporter challenged me on it. I suggested that person read books by Alter and Woodward, which fully document what her position is. It wasn't hostile, nor an argument. A person who believes Clinton takes one position, when she in fact takes the opposite stance, would do well to take the time to find out the truth.

Because people like myself disagree with President Obama on Afghanistan, or his stance on DADT, or any number of other issues, it isn't cause for anything more than discussion and debate with those here who favor his positions on those issues.

Finally, regarding this year's elections: I used to donate $ to democratic groups that spread the money to candidates. No more. I donate directly to those candidates who I believe deserve it. I respect others' right to do what they believe to be best, and request the same respect. If some DUers advocate for specific democratic candidates on DU, I see no problem with that. When DUers advocate support for a republican on DU, I do think that crosses a line that used to be respected here.


How can people use DU to organize and coordinate efforts? It's been done before. It can be done again. But only if enough people were more interested in doing that, than are interested in investing energy into meaningless quarrels.

[hfojvt]

178. I can remember some old days

One of my first uses of DU was to help me find out where the anti-war protest was going to be in February 2003. Same thing with the Bush visit in KCMO and Manhattan, Ks. I was also going to be part of a protest of Ann Coulter in Lawrence. For a while there when I googled 'hfojvt' the top result was my post saying that I could heckle Coulter since the event was free. In fact she was heckled and had sort of a melt-down. I didn't make the event though since I was recently out of the hospital and didn't feel like renting a car to drive down there at that point.

However, I am not sure about the efficacy of those efforts in either winning elections nor changing society. That DU is bringing in more moderates should be a good thing if we are expanding into society at large. We want to have a larger group, not a smaller, albeit purer one.

You did say that dissent was being stifled, if not on DU, then in society at large, to quote "as a means for corporate democrats to administer social novocaine, to stifle dissent ..." However, if dissent is not being stifled on DU, then how can DU be getting used to stifle dissent in society at large?

As far as Crist is concerned, I did not read many of those arguments, but the principle seems to be the same. The principle being "the lesser of evils". Crist, as bad as he is, is still better than Rubio. Crist had a chance to win. Meek did not. An unfortunate fact, but a fact nonetheless. I might have felt the same in Kansas if Moran was running as an independent against Tiahrt, but I also might feel it gave us a chance to win. Still my vote would probably primarily be to defeat Tiahrt more than election Johnston and not just because I supported Schollenberger in the primary.

[H2O Man]

182. Okay.

Not stifled by the DU administrators. I meant in the context of the DUers who sidetrack progressive/liberal discussions.

My error. I thought that you were saying I meant by the powers-that-be.

I think it is obscene that people were allowed to advocate for a republican in a race that included a democrat. I think that people here being allowed to do so illustrates the difference between the DU of old, and the modern version.

[Senator]

162. K&+R

[jannyk]

166. You hit the nail on the head!

:applause:

[HughMoran]

176. This is the most divisive post you've ever posted.

I'm very disappointed.

Are you going to set up a purity council to decide who is "progressive/liberal" and do you think the "corporate abusers" should be banned? Who decides?

[KoKo]

177. Hugh M......Get Over Yourself...We are wishing well to Hekate..and H20Man didn't want to get into

it with you...but you are taking over Hekate's Post and replies.

Give it Up and come BACK AND FIGHT SOMEWHERE ELSE! PEACE! :hug:

[H2O Man]

181. Not even close.

I've posted far more divisive things here on DU.

The rest of your post is equally silly.

[HughMoran]

199. Silly meaning it points out the absurdness of your "purity test"?

Yes, I agree, it's silly to post something so utterly divisive in this thread.

For shame.

[DevonRex]

200. +1 nt

[dave29]

183. Sad to read this post as another 2002 DUer

I think perhaps paranoia has set in, and the divisiveness mentioned in the OP is on full display even here. Just look at what happened the moment you passed judgment: the wedge was in.

Lamenting this moment.

Yet, even as such, from one liberal to another:

peace.

[Spazito]

184. I don't understand why you felt the need to post as you did in this thread....

injecting into it a divisiveness which, up until your post, was not in evidence. There are posts in this thread by posters who have disagreed with the OP poster, have acknowledged that difference of opinion, yet had the grace to respect and appreciate the OP poster's valuable contribution to the site over the many years by not bringing those differences into this thread and, instead, wishing her well, again, with grace.

[H2O Man]

187. The OP was

about the divisions on DU. I have often talked with the author of the OP. I said I hoped they would not leave. And that it bothers me to see others leaving, as well. Then I expressed my opinion of what the most significant division on DU is.

Some people agree with me. Some people don't. Go figure.

[DevonRex]

195. It was totally not cool. nt

[Octafish]

186. Well said.

Thank you for putting the situation into words, never giving up, and always shining light on the darkness, H20 Man.

[SammyWinstonJack]

108. K&R

:hug:

[Philly219]

109. Newbie here

After reading your post, I want to thank you for giving me a great deal of coverage of what has been happening on this site, along with your contributions. I'm just coming onboard and you're going away. I feel like I'm losing a friend who I never got to know (if that makes any sense). In any case, I wish you luck and strongly wish you would stick around - or feel the need to logon sometime in the future to give us some updates on what you're doing online.

Thanks and take care,

[ceile]

112. K&R

[TuxedoKat]

114. I'm sorry you are leaving

and I hope you'll consider returning after some time off.

Although I've been here two years, it takes awhile to remember the names. Whenever I saw your name I had a good feeling about you so I probably rarely, if ever disagreed with you. Godspeed!

[derby378]

115. Hekate, I've been on DU about as long as you have...

...and I wish you wouldn't leave. But I respect your decision and wish you well.

As for me, I'm staying. This was ChickMagic's online home, and she introduced me to DU, and now it's my online home.

I met so many fascinating individuals here that I've lost count of them all. Some have died. Some have gone on to do other things.

But there were two DUers here (ChickMagic and crispini) who were instrumental in teaching me that if I want to have any influence on what our party does, I need to get off my ass and do something. These two have my eternal respect.

I believe that what you perceive DU once was, DU can become again. But in order to reach the Promised Land, we're going to have to walk in the wilderness for a little while longer.

We are Democratic Underground once again, and it is as the Underground that we shall realize our full potential.

Please stay.

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SunsetDreams]

118. or you could just ask what she meant?

:shrug:

It was explained in one of the early replies. gbcw = good bye cruel world.

[HughMoran]

121. It's a heartfelt letter written by an 8 year DU veteran explaining why they are leaving DU

:wtf: back atcha

[MorningGlow]

117. Resignation not accepted

Nuh-uh.

Jesus Christ on a trailer hitch, Hekate, what would we do without you?!

[DevonRex]

119. Dammit, you made me cry. And you made me miss the good

things about this place. And you made me realize how few and far between they are now. OMG.

[msanthrope]

120. I will miss you. Please reconsider. n/t

[PopSixSquish]

122. Thank You for "Jesus Christ on a Trailer Hitch"

I've used it over and over again through the years. I always get plenty of laughs when I explain the origin.

:patriot:

[grantcart]

124. I never thought that a personal OP could evoke such sadness.

Is there a level beyond DEFCON FUBAR?

[Hydra]

125. *Waves*

I totally understand where you're coming from. I came to DU for similar reasons, and while I've always gotten a certain amount of pushback to my bluntness and digging in places no one wants to hear about, the mood and goals here have DEFINITELY changed.

I miss the real underground DU where we asked the hard questions and flipped off the people in power.

Good luck in your endeavors. Truth in all things.

[Pathwalker]

126. Oh no! I am sad beyond words. Please don't go, Hekate!

As you can see, you are well and truly loved, respected and admired here. Please, I beg you, reconsider! :cry: :cry: :cry:

[DeepModem Mom]

127. I remember the exact moment you posted "Christ-on-a-trailer-hitch."

I happened to have family visiting in the room as I was on my computer, and was able to instantly share with them. What an apt, memorable, and outstanding hoot!!!

:hug:

[NJmaverick]

129. Thank you for sharing. You will be sorely missed.

[AspenRose]

130. Oh man, that Blogslut post was the best ever. Good times.

:hug:

[seabeyond]

138. it was a hoot. we have had a couple other threads that were gut bustin funny. nt

[DevonRex]

140. I just now finished reading all the threads linked in the OP. They made me laugh and cry.

They were hilarious. But now I see exactly what Hekate misses here. Something I haven't seen in a long, long time now that I think of it.

[AllyCat]

132. Sorry to see you go Hekate. Peace and blessings to you.

May you find your way back from time to time :)

[mdmc]

135. peace and low stress

I fear I am too left of DU and will end up banned some day..

[murielm99]

137. Goodbye.

You will be missed. Maybe sometime you will check back in and let us know how you are doing.

[seabeyond]

139. wavin hekate. thanks for the threads.... love blogsluts.... nt

[Ignis]

141. That's a real shame.

We rarely saw eye-to-eye on political matters, but I enjoyed your unique voice.

Here's hoping your GBCW turns into a short hiatus, followed by a return to DU.

BB&93. :hi:

[Mimosa]

142. Don't go, Hekate.

Change your mind.

[Jackpine Radical]

143. If you really do leave, you will be missed.

May I recommend a little break and then maybe have another look?

[xxqqqzme]

144. Signed on in '02

as well. Many of the events you note, I remember well. I miss those early days and the thrill/heartbreak of discovery. I remember the 9/11 Time line book project. The person organizing the information frequently came here asking for assistance and some of us were happy to help. I bought the book. It is an amazing collection of facts and information The Terror Timeline: Year by Year, Day by Day, Minute by Minute: A Comprehensive Chronicle of the Road to 9/11--and America's Response by Paul Thompson (Paperback - Sept 7, 2004).

I traveled to San Francisco to attend a demonstration (and visit old friends). I discovered a group of DUers in front of me at the demonstration. Spent a wonderful after-protest afternoon with them before returning to my friends home. Met a bunch of DUers in DC at the electoral college vote in '05. Cheered when Barbara Boxer added her Senator's voice to the objection from congress. I had never been to DC before. Suggestions from DUers, on what to see, enhanced my stay.

I'm sorry to see you go, but I do understand. Much has been lost. It is starting to feel a little frayed and worn but I still come here first for LBN before taking off for other news sites. I wish you well on your journey. It was good to meet you here. Take care.

[David Zephyr]

148. I understand, but I think you will be back. As to your "bar" metaphor...

You are correct in that the DU is, in many ways like a bar or a saloon, but it is more than just that. A saloon certainly provides community, but it is a structural vault with one entrance/exit. The DU is not just a bigger, worldwide community, but it also provides many cyber portals that can propel one beyond the DU, far beyond the entrance/exit swinging door to the saloon. It's a saloon with launching pads.

Still, I will miss your posts.

But I suspect you will also miss the saloon, even though a fist-fight breaks out from time to time. And yes, the bouncer does make mistakes from time to time throwing out the wrong person. I figure you will miss the familiar faces, the sense of community, and even the give and takeing place in what Johnny Cash sang as "the blood, the guts and the beer."

And I grant you that the latrine can really smell at times, but...

Hekate, I think you'll miss being "where everyone knows your name."



Regardless, here's a toast to you and I respect your decision and wish you the best. :toast:

[opihimoimoi]

150. Hekate....please call....its in the inbox....(sniff)(much sadness)

[gademocrat7]

152. Please dont go, Hekate.

[KoKo]

155. Sorry to lose a long term DU'er like you, Hekate.

But, for now, there's truly nothing much that can be done here that could compare to the "old days." It's been dwindling away for awhile now.

Good Luck to you!

[tularetom]

160. This isn't the usual "I'm leaving so beg me to stay" ego thread

I sense you have given this a lot of thought and I will miss your threads.

I wish you happiness in whatever you do and hope that you will someday feel comfortable about returning here.

[LiberalEsto]

161. Blessings to you

I will absolutely miss you.

[malaise]

163. It breaks my heart to see you leave DU

I love your posts. :grouphug:

[Uncle Joe]

165. I hope you decide to stay regardless of the changes, your voice is needed.

Peace to you, Hekate.:hug: :hi:

[Lasher]

167. There I go, turn the page

Thank you for all your contributions.

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on. - Omar Khayyám

[aikoaiko]

168. Just remember, Will Pitt has retired from DU half a dozen times only to come back better than ever.

You too, perhaps.

No offense to Will, of course.

[michaelslomo]

180. Will Pitt, Keith Olbermann, Conan O'Brian, Jerry Brown . . .

Lots of temporary exiles. Think of it as a mini-vcation.

[Major Hogwash]

169. Don't go, I just found out what "IBTL" means!

Just take a break.
Come back later, refreshed, and full of vim and vigor.
Or bourbon and coke.
Whatever it takes.

I will fight for you and your family even if you leave.
That is my promise and my vow.

[Scurrilous]

170. ...

:kick:

[Lost-in-FL]

171. I wish you happiness and peace.

:hi: Goodbye.

[Duval]

172. Hekate, as the saying goes, "You do

what you have to do". We will miss you, and hope you will return to DU.:hug: :dem:

[mzmolly]

173. I wish you'd let us have a vote.

:(

I add my voice to the list of those who want you to stick around, or just take a break. I hope you'll reconsider.

:grouphug:

[Number23]

175. Kick for my sweet Hekate

[ladywnch]

179. goody bye Hekate. you have been one of my favs over the years

and I certainly understand.....my husband and I are both struggling with a decision to stay or not. Like you I remember the early days.

go in peace and maybe we'll see each other again here one day.

[Octafish]

185. Won't be the same without ya, Hekate.

Let the Eagle Soar, Baby.

If you can, please don't be a stranger. Thank you for making ours a better journey, my Friend.

[flamingdem]

191. A very lovely post! xox nt

[CBR]

192. Sorry to see you go Hekate. Best wishes. nt

[blondeatlast]

196. I wish you well, but with a very, very heavy heart. I also understand; I'm trying to get up the

gumption to go myself.

Fare thee well, my friend. :cry:

[Vickers]

197. I'll marry you if you stay.

Don't tell my wife.

:loveya::hug::grouphug::loveya::hug::grouphug::loveya::hug::grouphug::loveya::hug::grouphug::loveya::hug::grouphug:

Edit: Goddammit, I *HATE* it when I fuck up a smiley.

[FailureToCommunicate]

198. Wishing "hozro" to you. We'll keep a candle burning...

[WilliamPitt]

202. BOO!

:(

[Scurrilous]

203. Come back soon!

:thumbsup:

[DinahMoeHum]

204. Hey, sometimes you gotta step aside and take stock of things.

Otherwise you can really lose your sanity.

Wishing you well, Hekate. Don't stay a stranger too long.

:hug: