I'm heading into the sunset. It seems best for me not to hang out here anymore. But let me quickly say: It's not you, it's me.
[MORE...]
I don't think the site has changed, don't predict its demise, and have nothing bad to say about it, really. There are a lot of great discussions here, and very smart, very good people. I've learned a lot. And much excellent work gets done here, too. This community can be proud of its recent compassionate action to help Haiti, Pakistan, etc., as well as countless positive action diaries -- electoral, activist, and charitable. I've been proud to participate in many such calls to action over the years, and grateful to everyone else who did. Well done, folks.
This morning I saw a comment by Bob Johnson (one of my favorite all-time posters) asking why people feel the need to do a GBCW, TTFN or any variation. That's a good question. I don't kid myself that anyone here is indispensible, and certainly not myself. But I did want to leave a goodbye to people here I've enjoyed knowing. In addition to that -- honestly, I find this place more than a bit addictive and need to make a clean break. Posting a GBCW will kind of cement that.
Politics isn't easy. Emotions run high, especially when the stakes are so huge. I can often feel the toll it takes on myself and other people around here. There is an ongoing discussion -- often a brawl -- on this site about how Democratic party can and should use power once they have it. It's a valuable discussion to have, and it's a very different one than what brought me to this site back in the Cheney-Bush days.
But I think I'm done. I find myself saying a variation on the same thing over and over, often fighting with people who are saying the same thing over and over, and I don't think anyone's convincing anyone. I actually like a good spirited debate, but I'm also increasingly aware of the opportunity cost in terms of time, energy, stuff NOT done... both personal and political. I should also add that I'm not always happy with my behavior in the middle of these arguments -- being online a lot makes it way too easy to be a jerk in ways I'm actually not in real life. I think. I hope.
In place of online politics, I'm resolving to go local. I will do more retail politics: to work for local candidates who I think really represent my values. Even more than that, I want to put way more energy into activism, especially with environmental and human rights matters. And of course, I'd like to be a little more present in my job (dicey right now, as it is for so many people), and for my family.
That's about all I have. Godspeed, all. Thanks for the great community, the valuable discussions over the years. Even the arguments. Wishing you all the best.
******
(P.S. I want to say a special thanks to Meteor Blades, who -- though he may not know it -- has given me a great ongoing political education, just by me reading what he writes here. I also think he does an exemplary job of moderating this site, a tough and nearly impossible job by anyone's standards. Thank you MB.
P.P.S. Of course this diary isn't worth recommending. Save the Rec list for stuff that matters. Just wanted to say so long to people I've connected with and enjoyed talking to here.
P.P.P.S. I believe I WILL let the door hit my ass on the way out. Trying new things, you know! Cheers.)
*******
[QUICK UPDATE: One final thing, then I should make good on my word: started saying thanks in comments to everyone who said goodbye, but realized it could get out of hand quickly. So here's a universal "thank you" to all who wished me farewell. I really do appreciate the good wishes. 'Bye.]