At long last, I've had enough.
It's way past time for me to move along.
In November of 2003, I signed up for an account here and since that day DailyKos has been my primary online source for political information. More importantly, it has been a place to voice my frustration with the calamity of the Bush administration and to express my support for the Democratic party as it attempts to reclaim power.
An unexpected side benefit has been the feeling of solidarity and community with fellow posters. I have truly enjoyed the exchanges with so many of you and have appreciated the insights and especially the good humor you have shared with me.
Now, however, my visits here have become less and less rewarding and I find myself more often than not frustrated, befuddled and angry after visiting here.
Without belaboring the points, this is why I have decided to bow out:
-Lack of civility to fellow Democrats who may support a less popular candidate. For months now, I and a few stray stalwart Hillary Clinton supporters have struggled to maintain a voice here. Quite a few have bailed out long ago or been banned and only the most tenacious have had the stomach to continue. This intolerance has been disappointing, but certainly not the deciding factor in my decision. I've soldiered on in spite of this because I am not afraid of standing up for my views.
- Kos' front-page post accusing, without a shred of evidence, the Clinton campaign of doctoring a photo of Obama in order to make him look "blacker" and, hence, more "sinister," was a signal to me that it is time to leave. When the owner and creator of this influential blog showcases unsubstantiated smears of a leading Democrat, it is cause for alarm. I asked myself, "What does it mean to be a member of this community?"
"Does my participation here lend support to this smear?" "By posting here, do I lend my good name, albeit a fanciful Username, to this noxious smear?"
-A diary today advocated violence at the Democratic convention in Denver. That was the tipping point for me.
What have we become if we speak of burning down our own convention? I want no part of it and I will not associate myself with such outrageous tactics. Here it is in all its splendor If Hillary Gets To Claim MI And FL, Denver Will Burn
Threats of violence, lack of civility, highly-charged candidate diaries, ....I just can't go there anymore.
It's sad for me, but I think I'll be doing my high blood pressure a big favor. I doubt I will ever find a blog as active and inspiring as this one once was, but times have changed this site and one has to adapt or move on. Since I am unwilling to adapt, I have to move on.
Namaste.