Since it has become quite the fashion among Clinton supporters to depart these shores with long, heartfelt, moving descriptions of their decision to stop posting on DailyKos, I think another one would be redundant. But I have been here five years and hate to leave without saying goodbye. I'll try to keep it short.
I've been a member here since late 2003, after I left daily journalism. I came as a Clarkie, stayed through Kerry/Edwards and the glorious battles of 2006, supported Edwards from the day he announced in New Orleans (my pet cause) until the day he dropped out.
Then I switched to my second choice, Clinton. And that's when the hate started flowing my way.
Just in the past week I was told to "get cancer" and that I was a "worthless piece of fucking shit," a "sad little man" and a "slimy little worm" (I kind of liked that one), and I have been invited to leave many times if I didn't like the way things have become. I resisted this urging, but then I couldn't remember why I was resisting. I'm sure I brought some of this on myself -- being one of the last remaining Clinton supporters here is tilting at windmills, I admit.
I also understand that a lot of people dislike Hillary Clinton and were using me as a surrogate.
Much as I hate to go, I just don't need this kind of hatred in my life - especially from people who are supposed to be on the same side. A lot of people are now disturbed by what this site has become -- but the owner seems to like it just fine, and even to encourage the rancor.
I've generally had a great time here. I always tried to stay positive (if snarky) and not engage in personal attacks. Where I failed in this effort, I apologize. Thanks, Markos, for the free bandwidth. I've learned a lot, and made some good (if anonymous) friends. I might be back sometime, who knows? I wish you all well. I apologize for any feelings I may have hurt along the way.
All week, when trying to talk myself into hanging in here, I kept remembering the day that Barack Obama himself came to Dkos and posted a diary. He was flamed so badly he never came back.
Go Dems!