During the 2012 elections, amongst my social network there were quite the many opinions on President Obama, both good and bad. However, few had what I was looking for - actual analysis of facts and substantive criticisms. I found that here at Dailykos.
I didn't find a choir in which I could preach or be preached to. I found a place to really get schooled in politics.
And when I finally took the plunge to create an account, I found people who truly appreciated Kurt Vonnegut for the amazing writer that he was. One of my first diaries almost got me banned. But there's nothing quite like writing one where the tips provide an immediate indication of whether or not you've written something amazing or fallen flat on your face.
I found that kos had no qualms about speaking plainly about the state of affairs of both the Republican Party and the Democrats, but also doing it eloquently, effectively.
This was the place where, among other things, I learned about Mitt Romney and the 47%, my home state's Rick Snyder and the Emergency Manager law, and the GOP efforts to rig the Electoral College.
One of the stories I kept up with closely, the Virginia AG's race, has absolutely nothing to do with me, but it was so damn exciting, I read every diary I could find on it.
And because I love the community here so much, it gave me the courage to start a group of my own.
I'm thankful that Netroots Nation will be held in Detroit next year. With the Dkos community, I know Detroit will have a devoted, energizing ally in its corner vs. the corporatists, austerians, and outright thieves.
For all this and so much more, Daily Kos, I thank you.
And yeah, I'm also thankful for family, friends, Obamacare, and the other usual stuff, too.