There are many days I think this place is so nuts without decent trolls, I want to shove a pencil in my brain (no, it isn't in my ass). There are also times I have just left for weeks or a couple of months. Today, while it was fun for awhile in some whacky diaries, I thought it would be time again to take a break. But then I read Indians 101: The Southeastern Ball Game by our beloved Ojibwa and I remembered what actually tethers me here.
If you have never read any of Ojibwa's diaries, your education is not complete. He is an astonishing historian for all the Native American tribes who were our stewards before they were displaced, marginalized and watched their landscapes ravaged. Ojibwa is our Indian librarian for ancient treasures and contemporary tragedies. He is the Library of Congress on Indian Affairs for me.
And what else? I stay here because someone named "i dunno" started IGTNT just after the start of the killings in the criminal war instigated by the Cheney/Bush Administration. IGTNT was a generally ignored diary series for a long time, but "i dunno" didn't flag -- it continued until other incredible people here joined, researched, cried, wrote and kept that series going as it still breaks our hearts that we need it.
And what else? BlackKos is a treasure trove of astonishing history, music, politics, good old fashioned anger. I am blessed to join these incredible folks on their porch which is open to everyone. Sometimes we have to shoo the flies away. Sometimes we are embarrassed by our own seminal racism. We learn, we change.
And what else? Clarknt67, rserven and so many others in the LGBT community. I'm a straight old broad. I've had that general sense of non-homophobia but no real sense of what the hell is wrong with this country? I have learned more from the LGBT community than I can ever thank them. I am more sensitive to issues I never knew existed. I am more active with my family and friends to try to eradicate homophobic nonsense. I've learned.
And what else? weatherdude and FishOutOfWater are lifelines for so many people beyond this site. I don't think we will ever know the impact of their diaries on tornadoes, flooding and other severe weather. They survived despite assholes because this community knew how to use their donuts wisely. I cannot impress upon people here enough the importance of what these two and others do when it comes to natural disaster crises. We found that out during the California wildfires when the bloggers on this site saved lives of people who never heard of Daily Kos.
And what else? KosAbility -- my god. What incredible people. What an amazing service to so many who have felt alone, are without healthcare, despairing because they thought no one understood what they were going through. This series is an astonishing service not just to us, but to those whom we email a diary or a tip. These are some of the bravest people I know.
And what else? Pooties and Woozles of course. My favorite diary for getting rid of trolls. The unity should be cloned and sent to Congress and the UN. People who just love animals, fun and the comments of each other. A blessed respite from angst.
And what else? The Gulf Watchers who are still at it for over a year. These watchers are astonishing because they don't give up. There are always amazing updates. They are utterly committed and perhaps gave the best real time information during the long immediate crisis. This is a band of intelligent, knowledgeable individuals with different skills. Another treasure. And another group, like IGTNT which I can't wait to have no more news.
And what else? I could name probably another ten great community diaries on gardening, painting, home repair, birds, books, writing, etc. but I am sure others have their own favorites.
And what else? The opportunity for me to be a curmudgeon and disagree with people whom I respect and those I don't.
Thank you Ojibwa (or you can be embarrassed that I wrote this diary). You truly made me think about what was important here and I'm sure I missed a ton. And yes, I am here for the politics but my fondness is anchored with the above.