I visit Daily Kos every day. Not once or twice. I'm literally on and off this site dozens of times a day. Since this past February, I've written 36 diaries and some 1150 comments.
Why? Don't I have anything else to do? (I can hear the chorus of get a life . . .)
Well yeah, I've got tons to do: career worries, a child to raise, a business to build, loved ones and friends to visit. But I come here for you, for the sense of community and comraderie, for the laughs, the eye candy, the pooties.
I come here because this year, you're helping me stay sane.
I realized this election was really getting under my skin the other night when Sarah Palin invaded my heretofore safe dreamspace. (EWWWWW -- don't even go there. I'm not a female version of Rich Lowry.) I dreamed I was yelling at her -- no need to tell you why; you've already dreamt or diaried it -- and she screamed back with the smug satisfaction of a head cheerleader who just stole my boyfriend AND my job as student council president.
Yes, that's how bad it's gotten. That's why I come here: you share my indignation, cheer me up, calm my worries, teach me.
Everytime I log in, I learn something.
Most other blogs -- however invaluable -- only give me the news. You explain why the news matters, usually from multiple interesting perspectives. You talk about what's at stake for real people.
You inspire me to action (donating, canvassing, writing media figures or public officials).
You equip me with the slickest graphics, YouTubes, statistics, photoshops and jokes.
And by the way, there are some terrific human beings on this site. (I'm pretty sure others aren't so terrific but fake it effectively.) You frequently display breathtaking generosity, kindness, fellow feeling.
(You're also dependable. I can count on about 10 people to do an R-rated riff on the phrase "fellow feeling.")
So thank you. Hats off to you, to all of us -- let's help each other get through the next 3-1/2 weeks.