I regularly posted diaries on Dkos from the beginning of August to mid Dec. (4.5 mths). DKos was my first blog in my life. Dkos was my first left political internet exposure after coming from the dark side in the fall of 2006. I was a prolific commentor. My first three or four diaries were horrendous. On my first which was a brain drain of mixed opinions of right and left I rightfully got blasted by most but a few were kind and said keep coming back and I did. I posted about 50 dairies in that time and probably made over 4000 comments.
I wrote about numerous subjects but the one I was most passionate about was the plight of our vets and troops. I had studied the problems. I knew all about the VA and the DOD. I get my healthcare at the VA. I have TBI (traumatic Brain Injury) like MANY coming back from combat. I do not think we should ever have gone to Iraq and we should get out ASAP. My views on all major issues are those of a Democrat. I did not get a great deal of readership to my articles on vet/troop issues. Some I had put 20 to 30 hours into reseach and writing. The readers I did get were primarily unaware of the magnitude of the problems.
They were very positive and wanted to help. I didn't feel I was getting enough done to help my brothers and sisters in arms. I started my own blog beginning in early Dec. and we posted our first article on 12/28. Our blog is NOT political. It does not compete with Dkos or any other blog for that matter.
There are military blogs that allow only military members. There are websites to educate people that are not blogs. My intention was to take the empathy of the rather unknowing (getting more knowledgeable) left and combine it with the troops and veterans to try to solve the massive problems. Our slogan is;
"Citizens and military combine forces to advocate for better care for troops and vets, for responsive government and for the Constitution."
Since starting Sancho Press, http://sanchopress.com/ , I have not been blogging on Dkos. No time. I have done a little on Docudharma and some on VetVoice and that is it.
Now for Dkos' thanks. I was hesitant to post a two part series I had because it was very long and I had gotten a "hard time" in the past on Dkos for the length of my articles. I also was disappointed near the end (mid Dec.)in general in the attacking done here, sorry. See my article showing 71% said yes to one degree or another with 30% saying it hurt Dkos. http://www.dailykos.com/...
This beside the point. I hesitantly posted my two part series beginning Sunday 2/10 here. I got an ourstanding response. Almost enough rec's to make the rec list. I made the rescue ranger twice in the past. Several who said they would email all in their contact list to tell them about the articles and/or Sancho Press. It was amazing. We got 6 new members that day from Dkos, the most we have gotten in one day (besides our starting group). I see from my site meter many have been coming from Dkos since Sunday.
I thank the Dkos community and those who responded on a Sunday afternoon to some guys diary who they probably had never heard of. http://www.dailykos.com/...
My faith in Dkos (where I started learning blogging) has been restored. I will be cross posting every article I contribute to Sancho Press over to Dkos from now on.
Just wanted to let everyone know. Thanks again. We need more members. They don't need to write articles if they don't want to. Although we have a mix of 70% troop/vet articles and 30% other (not political). You don't even need to comment. When we get a new member I add them to my Sancho Press Contact list. When we have enough members to have some impact on congress and senate I will send emails to the entire list advising of bills coming up or issues that have come to the forefront and to come over to participate.
We will have the simple pre-written letters where all you do is fill in your name, city, state and hit send to your congressman and senators. We already have the senate lookup.
WE NEED numbers to have an impact. HELP ME make my vision and goal and idea come true. I know uniting the empathy, compassion, desire to help those in need of the people on the left with the troops/veterans to solve their problems is a good plan.
The military traditionally have a majority vote repug. I correspond with them and they are tired of getting screwed by those who pushed to send them to Iraq. I have been telling them it was the left that helped the troops during Nam and the left are the ones who help people and have empathy for ALL. Don't make me wrong. I have a number of vets and troops on the front lines I regularly communicate with and are members. I have about 30 left wing bloggers.
We have a good group but we need a larger one.
Thank you Dkos for regaining my confidence in this community. I am glad to be back at my beginnings. I alsmost did not post that here on Sunday. I am so glad I did. Tom.