I stumbled upon Dkos sometime during the 2004 presidential campaign I think. Back then, as a Evangelical Christian Democrat so disgusted by the right-wing's hijacking of all these Christian and Political, I sought out on the net to find a vibrant community that shared my desire to see the Democrats take back the political landscape and restore some sanity to political debate. I lurked. For years. I came out of the shadows during the 2008 Presidential campaign, and started posting. I was welcomed wholeheartedly here. I was told that despite my views, All were welcome here. This was, after all, a DEMOCRATIC website intent on electing Democrats. A BIG TENT. But the times, they are a changing...
First, let me just say that I recognize all communities evolve over time. It's healthy. As the evolution happens, those within the community decide who's accepted in the community, and who's not.
Those who know me know I've written diaries focused on hostilities towards Christians and Evangelicals. I've written diaries on the seeming division between White and Black voters as it related to support of President Obama. Today's "Gibbs" diaries (which for the record I agree with some of what Robert Gibbs said), coupled with the barrage of recent diaries that are affectionately called "pie fights" around here, have certainly opened my eyes to a revelation: This community is in the midst of a metamorphosis. And it's new iteration probably leaves me and other like me out.
You see, I'm a Democrat. I'm left of center (farther than some, not as far as others). To label myself, I'm a financial liberal and a social "moderate" conservative. I care about the environment, and about my sisters and brothers who are hurting and are considered the least among us. I care about gentrification and fair/affordable housing. I care about the rise in racist rhetoric in this country, and about a society that believes in rewarding the lower nature of humanity rather than the higher virtues. I also believe in the traditional definition of marriage (like President Obama), am pro-life (but anti-crazy/operation rescue nutcases). I don't believe all corporations are evil (though some patently are), and I don't believe all war is bad. Nevertheless, I'm a passionate Democrat. But it seems that around DKos these days, It's not just enough to be a passionate Democrat anymore. Diary after diary, comment after comment, has made it clear that the desire of this community is one where the ONLY acceptable viewpoint is liberal(as defined by the community)and progressive(as defined by the community).
People's politics are influenced by their beliefs, but that happens in many and varying ways. I always felt like Democrats were THE party of inclusiveness. Narrow-minded and Democrat just didn't go together. But whether or not this community recognizes it, there are assumptions made about what a member of this community believes from a social standpoint: obviously you believe in evolution (I don't), you're obviously pro-choice (I'm not), you obviously are in total support of gay marriage (I'm not). These views mean that me and other Democrats like me fall along a political spectrum that may be to the right of most of you. Okay, fine then. But at DKos we're considered "others". Some of you have even said that I should be Republican. Well, but..I've ALWAYS been against the Iraq war, I was all for a public option (heck Single Payer would be just dandy in my view!), I think Blanche Lincoln should have a seat at home for now, and I'm praying for the day that I can debate Erick Erickson from Redstate or Tony Perkins from FRC on national TV! I wouldn't make a very good republican. So, where does that leave me?
I have views that grate some of you, and I knew that some of my views would not be welcome warmly here, and that was o.k. because, according to the FAQ, you didn't need to be a liberal progressive to feel a part of this community. Different goals, but one mission - Electing more Democrats. But hold the phone and fastforward to 2010 and,in fact, I notice that the Dkos FAQ has been updated to address the election of "better" (I believe this means liberal/progressive) Democrats and the acknowledgement that this site isn't, in fact, a place suitable for all Democrats. And this is correct. The tone, tenor, and slant of many of the diaries that appear on DKos are just too much for me, but are fine for some. And that's cool. Like Tupac said, I ain't mad atcha! Or hey, maybe it was always this way, and I was always just fooling myself.
Sigh..At any rate, I got the message loud and clear. This is not, necessarily, the community for some of us "left of center" Democratics. But I have a saying: I don't have to be you, to be me. Just like I did back in 2004, I'll start another quest to find a community that is truly open and welcoming for ALL Democrats
Some will continue to post here. As for me, and probably others who will never post a diary, I'll check in on the site "for the news". I'll also stop in and visit my folks on Black Kos and SistahSpeak.
Other than that, as my kids say, I'm cool.
Peace!