I have read Oke's diary, and ear's, and through the links, Robinswing's. Place has gone to hell in a handcart on steroids. When will the grownups prevail and civil discourse return? earicicle shared a story of unjust persecution by a sibling that reminded her of the unjust and vicious persecutions that have become an ongoing and unwanted feature of the site.
So I'm joining the quitters this week, and not only because of racism. I continue after the bump, because there is more to this than racism.
Why we congregate here has reasons as varied as the individuals involved. But I believe most of us derive our sense of community from our shared concern about our nation's future. At least that is why I'm here.
Further, I think most of us are realistic enough to realize that it will take much social change to evolve beyond our present two party political system. If one takes that as pretty much of a given, and if one has even a strain of the milk of human kindness coursing through their veins, the party of choice isn't even a question. The mandate becomes working to shape up those corporatist Democrats or bust a gut trying.
So here we are, with a stated blog purpose to elect more and better Democrats. Along the way we have built a sizable and pretty darn terrific community of those various individuals who have elected to stick it out through pie fights, flame wars, personal invectives and various other assorted BS.
But, as is said, there is some shit I will not eat. Racism. Sexism. Homophobia. Personal slander. And there has been way too much of it on the site, which has more than seriously impacted my ability to use and enjoy dkos.
I will not partake while site members I respect like Oke and Aji and Robinswing take their leave because the site has offended them. I find the not so transparent racism and sexism and homophobia and ad hominems mounding higher and higher on a daily basis. I'm saddened that Denise Oliver has had a diary written that targeted her and attempted to undermine her many contributions here.
Today I spent working at a wellness gathering for undergraduate students at a local college. We had individual sessions with students to help them better understand diet and nutrition, and it was a positive, fulfilling day. This evening, one pooped puppy that I am, the first thing I laid eyes on was Oke's diary about quitting the site for a week as a protest.
Now I know Oke to be one of the most stand-up people I have met in quite some time. Integrity is one of her middle names, and Compassion is the other. To have this caring, serious-minded individual so dismayed that she posted about her leaving, then to read dear earicicle's diary pursuing the same path, leaves me with no honest option. If they believe they must, in good conscience, not post for a week, I have to join them. To top this off for me, my sister in spirit Aji, one of the best writers here, has joined the departed. That these strong women felt they needed to stage a protest and take a week's leave hit me hard.
I'm not much of a loss to the site. My opinions are just that, and I usually state them too baldly and occasionally without adequate reference. My words often lack both wit and wisdom, but they are sincere, however misspoken.
However, for a week, they will not be written here.