I Owe a Great Debt to DU, DU Activists, Bloggers and Others in this Community.

You see, I am, as one DU'er put it recently, a 'Keyboard Warrior'.

All I do is type, vote, call/write my congresscritters, talk to friends, read and respond on multiple blogs, support new ventures with cash (because I do not have time and the cash comes from the time I spend doing my job so, in essence, I guess it could be seen as time...).

But here is something that I value above all the other little things that I do; I try and learn from my mistakes, whether they be in judgment, ignorant postings, errors of fact...etc. I try and always continue to remain open to the idea that I might not be right (for I am often wrong) and that someone out there can lift me up out of ignorance and make me a better person and that will make the community better as a whole.

I also try and lift up the discourse when I post. I do not always succeed, sometimes, I have bad day. My car didn't start, my kid was late to day camp, I was late to work, my boss yelled at me when I got in, I spilled coffee on my keyboard; whatever the reason, it affects my responses and well, I may have missed the High Road a couple of times and for that, I apologize to any DU'er who I may have offended.

I have also flipped on a few issues. Yep, I am a flip-flopper. See above where I talked about learning. It happens sometimes. I changed my position. It keeps me vital and it keeps me always moving forward, but, alas, I know it irks some people here when you change your position or beliefs. I guess some people have it all figured out and never have to change, me? No way. Lifelong learner; born to be raised out of ignorance. I never had solid role models growing up, so in a way, life is my role model and I will probably still be figuring stuff out on my deathbed. Life Unresolved...pretty succinct summation of my life so far.

I recognize that there are greater people than me at DU who fight all day long to end the nightmare of the last 6.8 years and I really wish I could be there to help. I will not give excuses, they are like noses, and everybody has them. I will continue to do what I can. And when I go back to China, from time to time, you can bet, I will relish the sidewalk conversations with the people as I tell them about the real US...

I have grown here at DU. I have learned about the political process and what works and what does not work (and I am still learning). I have been ignored for being ignorant. I thank those who chose not to ignore, but to respond to me and help me understand my error.

Thank you all for doing what you DU. Thank you Skinner, just, well, thanks. Thank you EarlG, for giving me reason to believe. Thanks to all the Mods for trying to keep the discourse high and helping me when I was on the wrong track or quoting from less than reliable sources. And a special thanks to all the DU'ers who post and continue to raise the bar for the discourse that is DU.

I am a long time reader and short time member. I am a DU'er and I am proud that occasionally you let me say my piece, even if you do not agree.

Peace. Will. Prevail.

I really do love everyone here at DU. Everyone. Sappy, I know, but true.

Peace.

I still try and smooth out what I can.

Peace

It's not so hard when processing new information. The best of critical thinking is the ability to take what one "knows," look at it and decide whether to keep that knowledge or replace it with a new truth. Some of the best fighters of democracy that I have met were raised racist and right wing fundamentalist. I have so much admiration for them - what I consider the best of the critical thinkers. So, like you, I try to emulate them - always listen to other's views and never hesitate to flip flop.

Thank you for your post.

I was born out of that very racist, right wing fundamentalist mindset. I met a counselor once (during a real bad time) who told me that I was 100% responsible for who and what I was to ever become, that I, and I alone had the power to change my destiny.

That man saved me as does all at DU who continue to enlighten and educate.

Peace.

I love DU. I like it when people are around that I have a lot in common with.

It's a great refuge from other sites where I argue with people who don't have
such well informed and humanistic views.

Sue

you are truly a great asset to DU - :hi:

:grouphug:

UIA

Tears again...once when writing and now this...you are very kind.

Thank you, it means a lot.

Peace.

some days, I walk funny with one foot on the high road and one on the low one, regardless I try not to tie my identity to my opinions.