For the past year, I’ve been a consumer of all that is “Daily Kos.” I've appreciated being able to access tomorrow’s headlines today, devoured the hardcore analysis, and thoroughly enjoyed the immediate reader give and take displayed by people, who actually engage their brains. I guess that's called "lurking." Guilty! That was before Sarah Palin came crashing into my life!
Now, I’m certainly not shy, and will tell anyone who asks (and some who don’t) my opinions and observations. Yet something about “publishing” on the Internet has kept me from formalizing the relationship. Can you say NSA? Maybe it was snark-envy or fear of being trolled by the pros. Whatever the case, every day I would think, “These are my people, they feel what I feel, laugh at what I laugh at, and rail against what I rail against.” I would compose responses and encouragement to others in my head, but that’s where everything would stay…thoughts lost to oblivion and emotions repressed.
Well, several days ago, I was watching another Palin/McCain fable being promoted by the MSM, and while screaming at the television for the umpteenth time, I started to experience some severe chest pains...
I suddenly realized this form of expression wasn’t the best thing for my health (or the neighbors’ opinion of me.) So, once I calmed down, popped a couple of preciously rationed blood pressure pills, (I have no health insurance), I made the big move and finally opened an account at the Daily Kos! I am now “bluebluelady” and I can’t tell you how good it feels to get some of those thoughts and emotions out on the table. My blood pressure, (don’t they call that the silent killer?) like millions of others in this country, explodes every time I read or hear about the latest hypocrisy or atrocity perpetrated on our dear planet and its citizens, by the neocon masters and their faithful fundy puppets.
Now, I know what you might be thinking, “Why doesn’t she get off her duff do something productive for the ticket instead of venting here?” Well after sending many, many carefully crafted letters and emails to what poses as the media in this country and to some tone-deaf politicians over the years, if I got any feedback at all, it would be just a form letter with the standard auto-response dribble. I also volunteer in my district by phone banking and I served as a delegate after the caucuses here in Washington State. All these activities are good and I will continue to do them. However, they require that I keep my passions and emotions somewhat in check and not unleash in any certain terms (or language) what I might be thinking down deep. Conformance and subtlety have never been my strong suits. And finally since I’m on a very limited income, I can only give much less than what I would like, again leaving me feeling frustrated and helpless.
A little encouragement and inspiration from another human being once in awhile can go along way in restoring one's faith in mankind, and can be a real health benefit to some. Now, I am not a brilliant or witty orator, or political insider who will bring you the latest breaking news, or a clever strategist with jaw-dropping ideas to share. But having an educated community with heart and soul to count on for support (and yes, vent to) when all the world seems f__ked, is priceless.
There is such relief and satisfaction in being validated, making a connection with like-minded souls and finding out you're not the only one out there that sees the insanity. And what the heck, those pesky NSA voyeurs have probably got a whole tome on my liberaaaaal activities anyway, so what good would it do to stay totally anonymous online? (Droogie my sincerest sympathies! And my apologies with a wink and a smile to JeffLieber and his recently posted "untitled diary" if my snark IQ is not quite up to par. My mom always said "Practice makes Perfect." So have a little patience, I'll get there. )
Getting back to the above aforementioned epiphany, after nearly causing a final medical meltdown for this older American, I found Sarah Palin good for something. She literally drove me out of the virtual closet by pushing all the right buttons with her anti-environment, pro-animal cruelty, anti-female, Cheneyesque ways of governing. Courtesy of the Palin phenomena, I am now an official Kossack with all the privileges and (health) benefits that brings. My blood pressure is slowly getting back to normal now that I've made contact, so I can’t thank you enough Sarah!
Also, if you've hung in with me this far, I want to give a little shout-out to a certain diarist with a regular blog here at the Daily Kos. Just when I thought I couldn’t stomach one more Republican injustice or insult, I would turn here, before the little men in white coats could haul me away. The fact that this person took the time to toss me a lifeline via an email recently, gave me the courage to take the next step and join your community. Thank you, thank you, thank you BiPM (Cheers and Jeers) and friends! You and your band of merry regulars have been lifesavers and I mean that literally. I look forward to being a part of your marvelously depraved community and getting my feet wet in the "kiddie pool." I know that I'm not ready for the deep end yet, so be gentle, as I find my way and serve where needed!
Well, here goes! I'm going to hit the "Publish Diary" button for the first time. Wish me luck! It's Friday and I’m ready for that Rum and Coke now!