Where do I begin? I think a lot of people have asked themselves this exact question regarding this site recently. I am a newby here, so I won't claim to be this all knowing sage of DKos wisdom. But what I will say is that the reasons that initially drew me to this site like a magnet back in 2008 have all but vanished.
I am the young democrat. The eager, thoughtful, energetic, democrat that we all hope comes out to vote time and time again to make this co
untry better. This site was once a site that seemed eager at recruiting such democrats. But now, I do not think this is so. This site has become petty, angry, bitter, hateful, in many aspects. The constant mudslinging and acceptance of hopelessness and embracing of despair has become so damn sad.
More over the jump...
What happened to you guys? People that used to come on here energized about being a democrat, about promoting democratic principles, now refrain from doing so because that energy gets sapped from them 5 minutes into reading a diary on this site.
Before I go any further, let me clarify. Yes. I am an Obama...let me clarfiy that. I am a supporter of "President" Obama, because last time I check, we honor the title of the man holding the office, whether we like him or not. I find it funny how easily though maybe subconsciously we have allowed ourselves to demean this man. Secondly. Yes, I am African American, and it was indeed one of the reasons I supported the President. It factored in my vote because it was a symbol to the rest of the world of the true meaning of America. I was not originally born here. I was born in Haiti. I know what poverty, and dictatorships can be like. That is why I find it funny when so many here in the states, so many who may be suffering, don't understand just how much better they have it and how much others around the world envy what we have here in America.
With that said, this does not mean that I idolize the President. On the contrary. I have my moments where I am angry that he's not fighting back with the obviousness that we all would in our personal lives. But then I think to myself. This man is the President. He is a world leader. There are different rules. As much as we all say that, but..but..the republicans are attacking him, prodding him, poking him, and he's spineless ass isn't doing anything about it! Think of it this way. HE IS THE PRESIDENT, they are not. He holds himself to a higher standard. They do not go to G20 or G8 meetings, HE Does. They don't reside in the White House, HE does. Their heads are not on the chopping block for the war dead, HIS is. There is a reverence whether we like it or not, that comes with the presidency. We would all be better in making sure that we place this in context when criticizing the president's lack of response or the method he chooses.
Now to my main point. This site is toxic. Plain and simple. I'll even go forward enough to call this site simple. And I say that expecting a whole hell of a backlash, but I have a backbone. I am not afraid of the trolls, or pseudo democrats on here who will throw names and so forth in hopes of being bullies behind a keyboard. I grew up through poverty, sacrifices, and much more. I live and embody the American dream everyday, so few words won't wobble my spirit. But be forewarned that I will deliver a blow in my responses as much as I am given.
Some of the people on here who have been criticizing this president have every right to criticize. But I draw a line when the criticizing is baseless and is entirely personal. I draw a line when one levies criticizing without context.
It's a fucked up world out there right now. People are hurting, and people are lashing out. But that doesn't give you a green light to vilify a man because it's the simplest thing to do. This site has developed a mob mentality where the issues are not even in question anymore. Some diarists and veterans on here have become what they once despised. I find it funny that we, who once laughed at the pure ideologues in the Republican party, and once pointed to this as the reason for our 8 years of torment have not devolved into and accepted the same basic principles. Daily Kos is not promoting litmus tests for being democrat. You all and I won't say we are now allowing the media, Fox news, trolls, and despair to take away the greatest thing about being democrat. Our diversity!
I can go on and on about what I have seen on this site the last year or so and the de-evolution that has transformed this site...but it would make for a much longer and hellish rant. But I will say this. You all have allowed yourselves to become simple in thought, and I say that with all that it implies.
Some on here vilify the president for not doing enough in 2 years, when he has achieved in those two years things progressives have been fighting for for decades.
Some on here vilify the president for not doing enough in 2 years, and ignorantly choose not to place things in context. We all want single payer, but please think logically and ask yourselves how you would pay for a single payer system in 2, 4 years, hell two presidential terms. We fail to acknowledge history of progressive achievements; but let me remind you that they ALL took time and they ALL evolve and continue to evolve for the better.
We point at Europe as an example, but let me clarify that Europe was able to start from scratch after the great wars. We do not have such a luxury.
There are countless other examples I can show as to how people have wanted instant change and gratification without placing its implementation into context. Where people have just spewed attacks out of nowhere because they've become an enraged mob. Maybe that's the problem. The want and need for instant gratification. I find it funny, because democratic principles are based on the long term goal, not short term gains. We are the turtle to the hare in this race. I guess this is just another example of how democrats have allowed ourselves to become that which we fought against.
I never thought that on a "blue" site, a President that has done so much for so many would be treated like or worst than his republican predecessor.
I ask myself a question everyday. Is my life or will my life have been better under President Obama's achievements (in 2 years), or that of Bush or previous presidents. That's all I need to ask myself to support his presidency. I ask you all to do the same. If you're honest with yourself, you'll most likely come to the same position. If not, I'm happy to debate with you.
Happy Holidays.