Allow an old timer, in more ways than one, some observations.
This should be the weekend of great celebration for the members of this community. There is yearlyKos which by all indications has been well organized and enthusiastically supported; and, I'm sure there will be many celebrations in Las Vegas. On the other hand there is the attack on one of our members that takes the breath away.
It's been a while since I wrote a diary, not for lack of interest, but because of time constraints and because I didn't feel I had anything important to add. But, I think it's time to comment on what I've seen happening both in the diaries and the comments over the past couple of years.
This site has become the place to go for information, and hopefully that will always be the case. But, it used to also be the site where people came for community. They still do.
However, where there was respect for all opinions there is increasing hostility toward those who disagree these days. The tone is shrill.
Perhaps it started with the pie fights. Perhaps it is partly because of the frustration we feel at the direction of the country, and the passion to correct that. And, maybe the values of the members have changed over the course of time. But, the change must be acknowledged.
My preference is for community because I truly believe that it is the sense that we are our brother's keeper that gives us strength. And, I think the idea that most people are good is the basis for progressive values.