Although I've been a member here since 2006, I rarely write diaries. Instead I prefer to lurk, being educated by those smarter/wiser/more knowledgable, and to participate in the community by commenting, as well as helping in GOTV activities during election years.
So why post a diary today? To support the boycott.
Regardless of how it started, it's obvious - and has been obvious for a LONG time - that things need to change.
Why? Well for starters:
-- The marginalized in society should not be marginalized on a progressive / liberal site.
-- In order to elect more and better Democrats, everyone needs to work together instead of letting wedges, personalities and personal biases take priority over the common cause.
Adding to this: in my experience, individual members of Black Kos, LGBT Kos and Street Prophets have been the most open and supportive of me. They've treated me as a real person, engaging in real conversation as part of the larger community. When we've had disagreements, they've been the most likely to actually engage, and try to understand our differences, rather than just looking for something to rail against.
I'm not black. I am a Christian and queer. But I consider myself a part of all 3 communities here and have regularly seen other members of these communities subject to attacks and just general ugliness. I'm told that this exists often in the I/P diaries as well, but as I don't spend time in those, I have no frame of reference.
I've spent enough time here to see and know who is kind and open on a regular basis, and who is rude for no apparent reason other than some chip on some shoulder somewhere. Or maybe just because this is their daily place for blowing off steam at the expense of others.
We've got a major election coming next year. I'd love to see us all pull together for the greater good. This shit has to stop in order for us to focus and be undivided in our efforts and attention.
I still love Daily Kos and think that, despite its flaws, it's still one of the best sites on the Internet. But I'd love to see more and better conversation and interaction here, not just efforts to elect more and better Dems.