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EarlG

(22,550 posts)
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 01:52 PM Nov 4

A note about increased traffic and the possibility of DU restrictions on and around election day

Last week we struggled with a completely unanticipated issue -- our database glitched out and it took around 48 hours to fix it, during which time we had to significantly reduce the database load by restricting who could visit DU. We think we now have this situation resolved.

However, beginning today, and going through election day and beyond, it's likely that extremely high traffic will force us to make similar restrictions. To be clear, this would not be the same problem as the database glitch which happened from Thursday thru Saturday last week. However, our multi-step approach to dealing with it is the same.

Under normal circumstances, anyone can visit and read DU. But once our traffic load gets too high, the site will slow down and eventually crash if we do not take action.

When that happens, our first step is to restrict access to registered members only. If you have a DU account, whether you're a Star Member or not, you can get in and read the site.

If this "Level 1" procedure is not enough to reduce traffic to a manageable level, we restrict access further. Our "Level 2" procedure is to restrict access to Star Members only. If you have a DU account and you are Star Member, you can get in and read the site.

The less said about our "Level 3" procedure the better, but just know that if we hit that level, nobody will be able to access the site. In that worst-case scenario, we will post further information on the homepage explaining the situation.

During these periods of expected high traffic, we constantly monitor the site's performance to make sure that things are not getting overloaded. When traffic gets too high, we may be forced to switch to one of these restricted levels in order to stay online.

This is, unfortunately, very difficult to resolve. It is not cost effective for us to run servers powerful enough to handle the kinds of traffic we might see over the next 72 hours or so, when those circumstances only occur once every four years. And I'm afraid it's not as simple as just "adding more power" temporarily.

So while we have done our level best to prepare for tomorrow's election when it comes to security and traffic load, and we will be monitoring the site constantly and doing our best to run under "normal" conditions for as long as possible, I'm not going to sugarcoat it -- this is your official heads up that there is a good chance that we'll be operating in a restricted mode at least partially over the next few days.

Thanks for reading, and please let me know if you have any questions.

EDITED TO ADD AN IMPORTANT NOTE: If the worst should happen and DU goes down completely, we will post updates on our Facebook page. (We no longer have an active Twitter account.) We may also send updates to the DU mailing list. If you receive our weekly "Last Week In Review" emails, then you are already on this list. If you are not on the list, you can sign up via the form on our Contact page.

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A note about increased traffic and the possibility of DU restrictions on and around election day (Original Post) EarlG Nov 4 OP
Thanks for all the hard work! n/t BaronChocula Nov 4 #1
Thanks for the update and the head's up! Wounded Bear Nov 4 #2
Thanks BlueSky3 Nov 4 #3
Thank you for everything you are doing, DU Admins. 2016 was unbearable. catbyte Nov 4 #4
No questions, but Thank You for the heads-up! We will get through this. nt CaliforniaPeggy Nov 4 #5
Thank you, EarlG. You are a sanity saver if not life saver! MLAA Nov 4 #6
You are appreciated! Here's hoping things go as smoothly as possible for you. chia Nov 4 #7
Thanks! quaint Nov 4 #8
Thanks guys! Dennis Donovan Nov 4 #9
We can always go to DU Facebook - those of us who use it. I think that it worked in 2016 question everything Nov 4 #10
I checked it out in 2016 and it was pretty awful. Does DU have a Xitter page? Crunchy Frog Nov 4 #29
I have never monitored our social media pages EarlG Nov 4 #40
That's Hilarious question everything Nov 4 #46
At some point there are some jobs humans just won't do. Marcuse Nov 4 #59
Thank you Earl True Blue American Nov 4 #100
Thanks, guys. I really appreciate your hard work and keeping us informed. nt Biophilic Nov 4 #11
Strength and Honor, friend and noble warrior for truth. WheelWalker Nov 4 #12
Information ScotLass Nov 4 #13
Well, here we go!!! Think. Again. Nov 4 #14
Thank you for all you do, guys Diamond_Dog Nov 4 #15
Thank-you so much for all the Blue_Roses Nov 4 #16
DEFCON times....nt DoBW Nov 4 #17
I'm so-o-o-oo grateful for DU and for all the work you do! FakeNoose Nov 4 #18
All updates and work is very appreciated. DU is the best as an information clearinghouse. SoFlaBro Nov 4 #19
Ty, and GOOD LUCK!! 🤞👍 electric_blue68 Nov 4 #20
Excellant professional post. chouchou Nov 4 #21
Thank you so much for all you do. Hope22 Nov 4 #22
GOOD LUCK to everyone - I will be a poll watcher all day but will check in progressoid Nov 4 #23
Thanks for the heads up sdfernando Nov 4 #24
Let's GOoooooo ismnotwasm Nov 4 #25
Would it be good for all of us to throttle back our own posting? marble falls Nov 4 #26
It's not the posting that's the problem, it's the total number of visits EarlG Nov 4 #42
COMPLETELY understandable, and thanks for this message! 💙 Gaytano70 Nov 4 #27
Acknowledged and thanks! We will be glued to MSNBC the whole evening tomorrow and into Wed morning PatrickforB Nov 4 #28
Thanks for letting us know. greatauntoftriplets Nov 4 #30
Thanks of the clear explanation. We all appreciate the work you do to make the site available and user friendly, and Martin68 Nov 4 #31
---maybe suggest that most of us refrain from posting anything that does not pertain to the election. 3Hotdogs Nov 4 #32
It's not the posting that's the problem EarlG Nov 4 #47
Or even an option dweller Nov 4 #49
thank you! DemonGoddess Nov 4 #33
Back up your database every 15 minutes! NameAlreadyTaken Nov 4 #34
Thank you. 33taw Nov 4 #35
I miss the old DefCon days, when various features would progressively go out. Crunchy Frog Nov 4 #36
The current system of levels is similar to the old one EarlG Nov 4 #48
Signed up for the emails. It will ve a sleepless night. NNadir Nov 4 #37
Mahalo for letting us know just what to expect. Cha Nov 4 #38
Thank 3auld6phart Nov 4 #39
Your behind the scenes work....... drumpfsucks Nov 4 #41
Earl G: You're the best!! Sogo Nov 4 #43
Thanks to you and Elad for giving us this home Maeve Nov 4 #44
Scotty, we need more power! We're running on impulse power. StrictlyRockers Nov 4 #45
Thank you BoRaGard Nov 4 #50
Thanks for all the hard work! Grumpy Old Guy Nov 4 #51
Thank you! sagetea Nov 4 #52
Thanks for all that you do. And I'm glad I'm have a star membership! GoneOffShore Nov 4 #53
Dear EarlG and Elad, Thank you for everything this site gives us, thank niyad Nov 4 #54
Got it! Thanks for all you and Elad do! ❤️ littlemissmartypants Nov 4 #55
Fully understand! bluestarone Nov 4 #56
Thanks for this heads up and for everything you do for us! ShazzieB Nov 4 #57
Why not block new sign ups for 72 hours starting now? n/t FSogol Nov 4 #58
Thanks for the heads up Earl KS Toronado Nov 4 #60
not again Soxderrube Nov 4 #61
Donate $5 wryter2000 Nov 4 #95
This message was self-deleted by its author Karma13612 Nov 8 #129
BS Soxderrube Nov 4 #62
It's not a game EarlG Nov 4 #91
just pray we dont have a repeat of 2016. AllaN01Bear Nov 4 #63
Supporting DU is important. No excuses for not LuckyLib Nov 4 #64
Well, see you on the other side! Initech Nov 4 #65
Thanks guys. You're the absolute best!!! judesedit Nov 4 #66
Thank you, EarlG! piddyprints Nov 4 #67
Thanks so very much! nolabear Nov 4 #68
Thank you to both you and Elad. sheshe2 Nov 4 #69
Battle stations orangecrush Nov 4 #70
Thank you for the update! chillfactor Nov 4 #71
Fingers crossed. Thx for letting us know and working so hard. marked50 Nov 4 #72
Thank you for all your hard work. Good luck tomorrow. BoomaofBandM Nov 4 #73
Thank you for all you do. barbtries Nov 4 #74
IF DU goes 100% down obamanut2012 Nov 4 #75
Understood! Appreciate your efforts. keithbvadu2 Nov 4 #76
Thank you, EarlG and elad. Aristus Nov 4 #77
Many thanks Marthe48 Nov 4 #78
Thank you! And thanks for understanding how much we all rely on DU every day. mountain grammy Nov 4 #79
I normally choose "leave me logged in on this computer" when I log in. Does that tie up resources ? eppur_se_muova Nov 4 #80
It wouldn't make any difference EarlG Nov 4 #97
Are there any non-essential functions we as members can avoid to significantly lighten the load? muriel_volestrangler Nov 4 #81
Sounds like a plan. We are the reverse of Star Trek however. GreenWave Nov 4 #82
Thanks for all your work, EarlG! calimary Nov 4 #83
Thanks Ananda62 Nov 4 #84
In that case, I might actually get some work done tomorrow. mahatmakanejeeves Nov 4 #85
i get the traffic thing, but after the previous stunt to get more paid views... I'm skeptical as hell NotHardly Nov 4 #86
Slightly confused... EarlG Nov 4 #101
Thank you EarlG Tigerpal Nov 4 #87
Welcome to DU radical noodle Nov 4 #121
Where would we be without you? ReRe Nov 4 #88
You got this. DJ Porkchop Nov 4 #89
Perhaps you can make a subreddit for us to post in? joshcryer Nov 4 #90
Your hard work and this site are so appreciated. pnwest Nov 4 #92
K&R spanone Nov 4 #93
Thanks EarlG bdamomma Nov 4 #94
EarlG, would it help if everyone Captain Zero Nov 4 #96
It would not make any difference EarlG Nov 4 #99
I would like to add that our beloved DU has an Instagram page as well. OldBaldy1701E Nov 4 #98
Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride! liberalla Nov 4 #102
TY EarlG mntleo2 Nov 4 #103
Thank you. hotdamn00 Nov 4 #104
Thanks for the heads-up and all you do behind the scenes. Golden Raisin Nov 4 #105
Thanks EarlG Arthur_Frain Nov 4 #106
Thank you for all you do Greybnk48 Nov 4 #107
Thank you EarlG for all the work you do for us Trailrider1951 Nov 4 #108
Maybe pin this to LBN for a few days? Prairie_Seagull Nov 4 #109
Thank you for all of your hard work relayerbob Nov 4 #110
Thank you UpInArms Nov 4 #111
Thanks guys for all you do. TomSlick Nov 4 #112
Many thanks Earl!! n/t Ars Longa Nov 4 #113
Thank you, and EarlG, for everything thing you guys do! lobointexas Nov 4 #114
Thanks so much for keeping us informed, EarlG! Hoping for the best!!! Rhiannon12866 Nov 4 #115
Appreciate the info! bovine6 Nov 4 #116
Profound thanks and hugs to you, EarlG and Elad Hekate Nov 4 #117
Thank you for the info. As always. Bluethroughu Nov 4 #118
Thanks for the hard work ... let's go win! (nt) confoosed Nov 4 #119
Que sera sera. FailureToCommunicate Nov 4 #120
Roger that. nt Hotler Nov 4 #122
Thank you EarlG and Elad for this wonderful community. blogslug Nov 5 #123
About these "crashes". Refer to Churchill's "fight them on the beaches" speech. Yeah, that one. jaxexpat Nov 5 #124
EarlG, thank you and your team for all you do. badhair77 Nov 5 #125
Site issues mamacita75 Nov 5 #126
Doesn't it just suck to have such a popular and well-run home to come to? BobTheSubgenius Nov 5 #127
Will restrictions ease soon? Marthe48 Nov 7 #128

catbyte

(35,841 posts)
4. Thank you for everything you are doing, DU Admins. 2016 was unbearable.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 01:56 PM
Nov 4

We appreciate you more than you know.

question everything

(48,898 posts)
10. We can always go to DU Facebook - those of us who use it. I think that it worked in 2016
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 01:58 PM
Nov 4

Thanks for the alert.

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
40. I have never monitored our social media pages
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:18 PM
Nov 4

Last edited Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:02 PM - Edit history (2)

I stopped posting to DU’s Twitter page as soon as Musk bought it. But I have only ever used Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to post the daily Pic Of The Moment -- which I haven't even created for a while, mainly due to the reasons expressed by this cartoonist:



I don't monitor the Facebook page or do anything with it, but it comes in handy if we have an emergency and need to get information out.

After the election I might see if there are any DU social media experts who would like to volunteer to run our social media pages... we’re really not using them properly. I just have no interest in social media, personally

Think. Again.

(18,274 posts)
14. Well, here we go!!!
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:00 PM
Nov 4

Thanks, DU Admins!

Hang tight everyone, we have a big celebration coming our way in the next few days!

FakeNoose

(35,795 posts)
18. I'm so-o-o-oo grateful for DU and for all the work you do!
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:03 PM
Nov 4

You'll never get a complaint from me, I know you guys are working hard to keep running during this crazy time.

Thank you!

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
42. It's not the posting that's the problem, it's the total number of visits
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:20 PM
Nov 4

Many, many people will come and lurk on DU on election day/night. Restricting your posting (or even your personal visits) won't make any difference to the total amount of traffic.

PatrickforB

(15,114 posts)
28. Acknowledged and thanks! We will be glued to MSNBC the whole evening tomorrow and into Wed morning
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:08 PM
Nov 4

so I'm anticipating we will be OK. You know, I would not be surprised if bad actors try and overload you with traffic just to shut down DU during election day.

Honestly, I'll be SO HAPPY to get election day over with. This is been a situation of constant low-grade stress since early this year - it just buzzes in the background like an annoying fly.

Here's hoping Harris/Walz win big and the Dems take House and Senate! Trifecta!

Martin68

(24,625 posts)
31. Thanks of the clear explanation. We all appreciate the work you do to make the site available and user friendly, and
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:11 PM
Nov 4

we can all deal with interruptions that occur due to unusually high demands on the server.

3Hotdogs

(13,432 posts)
32. ---maybe suggest that most of us refrain from posting anything that does not pertain to the election.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:12 PM
Nov 4

For instance, it is not important to know if there was (or wasn't) a long line at your poling station.

10 regional posts about what is going on in your state is also not important tomorrow.

Maybe restrict most of the non-political post categories for the day.

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
47. It's not the posting that's the problem
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:24 PM
Nov 4

It's the total amount of traffic -- all the lurkers who show up during big news events, like the day Joe Biden dropped out for example, or election day tomorrow. That's why restricting access to registered members, and then to Star Members, is effective -- because all the other traffic gets blocked. The number of people posting is never a problem.

dweller

(25,106 posts)
49. Or even an option
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:27 PM
Nov 4

For no replies ?
Just post the facts , no comments in reply necessary
(Similar to the post from admin pinned at top of LBN )



Nm just saw EarlG’s post above

✌🏻

Crunchy Frog

(27,007 posts)
36. I miss the old DefCon days, when various features would progressively go out.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:13 PM
Nov 4

That got us through some bad shit.

Are there any plans in place to deal with a massive influx of trolls, like limiting new memberships? I guess MIRT will be pretty busy.

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
48. The current system of levels is similar to the old one
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:26 PM
Nov 4

With regard to registrations, if we get some kind of crazy influx of trolls who are causing trouble, we can disable account registration separately. But that's a different issue from managing the total amount of traffic.

Cha

(305,559 posts)
38. Mahalo for letting us know just what to expect.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:15 PM
Nov 4

And Thank you for all you and Elad do to Keep DU Running Smoothly .

I Wish Us All the Luck in the World For the Election and Talking about it on DU!

🕊️🕯️💙🌊🌊🌊💙🇺🇸🌈

3auld6phart

(1,273 posts)
39. Thank
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:17 PM
Nov 4

That is anticipated to happen for sure. I am pleased to say Thanks. My beef seems to be OKay. Staying tuned in . Not having ti sign in every time.. Vote BLUE…

drumpfsucks

(52 posts)
41. Your behind the scenes work.......
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:20 PM
Nov 4

You and your minions do incredible work for us.
Thank you, and I can't wait for DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND to declare VICTORY!!!!!

StrictlyRockers

(3,897 posts)
45. Scotty, we need more power! We're running on impulse power.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:24 PM
Nov 4

Aye, Captain! But the dilithium crystals might overload!

niyad

(120,266 posts)
54. Dear EarlG and Elad, Thank you for everything this site gives us, thank
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:38 PM
Nov 4

you for all the incredibly hard work you do keeping this running so smoothly.

I just signed up for the email list as a backup, but fingers crossed. Get all the rest you can today!

May we habe good reason to celebrate very soon!

Soxderrube

(40 posts)
61. not again
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:49 PM
Nov 4

Block me out again when I have done nothing wrong, sucks. I come to this place for stable news info. It's hard-to-get good info from all tv (I don't watch) If that is the game you play it will be "DELETE".

Response to Soxderrube (Reply #61)

Soxderrube

(40 posts)
62. BS
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:49 PM
Nov 4

Block me out again when I have done nothing wrong, sucks. I come to this place for stable news info. It's hard-to-get good info from all tv (I don't watch) If that is the game you play it will be "DELETE".

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
91. It's not a game
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:08 PM
Nov 4

It’s a plan for managing extremely high traffic on the busiest day that we will see in four years.

The alternative to staggered restrictions is to let the site slow to a crawl and then crash. Our priority is keeping the site online for as many people as possible.

AllaN01Bear

(23,126 posts)
63. just pray we dont have a repeat of 2016.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:50 PM
Nov 4

i think we will fare well this time around with the eggscllent teams around.

LuckyLib

(6,898 posts)
64. Supporting DU is important. No excuses for not
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 02:51 PM
Nov 4

becoming a Star Member. Best news feed on the internets. Thank you guys, for all you do!

barbtries

(29,860 posts)
74. Thank you for all you do.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:17 PM
Nov 4

I feel good that there will be no repeat of the nightmare of 2016. I don't know how many times I reloaded that page before digging up your fb page that terrible night. still traumatized apparently.

obamanut2012

(27,821 posts)
75. IF DU goes 100% down
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:19 PM
Nov 4

Like that awful night in 2016, go to Reddit's r/ politics, and click on the daily discussion thread hub. That will give you info you need.

eppur_se_muova

(37,500 posts)
80. I normally choose "leave me logged in on this computer" when I log in. Does that tie up resources ?
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:30 PM
Nov 4

Will you be enforcing a disconnect after x minutes without activity, or doesn't that help ?

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
97. It wouldn't make any difference
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:35 PM
Nov 4

It's not the amount of activity by existing users that's the problem, it's the total amount of traffic hitting the servers. On big news days we get a large increase in lurkers, and election day is the biggest news day every four years for us, which means lots and lots of people will be lurking.

muriel_volestrangler

(102,554 posts)
81. Are there any non-essential functions we as members can avoid to significantly lighten the load?
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:35 PM
Nov 4

eg searches, "My Posts" etc. If the huge bulk of the load is just plain "reading threads", I guess it wouldn't be worth it.

GreenWave

(9,255 posts)
82. Sounds like a plan. We are the reverse of Star Trek however.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:43 PM
Nov 4


According to the tech manuals diagnostic levels indicate how much of a disruption on the system the diagnostic will take, where level 5 is run a self check usually taking a few minutes, all the way to level 1 shut it down, physically check, and carefully reinitialize. The details of each diagnostic level and time taken change depending on the system being diagnosed. Level 4 diagnostic on a navigational thruster probably takes less time and involves different measures than a Level 4 diagnostic on the warp core. Here are some generalizations of the measures at different diagnostic levels.

1. Take system out of service, full shutdown, manual inspection, observed re-initialization, manual testing.
2. Take system out of service, limited manual inspection, crew monitored automated tests.
3. Take system out of service, minimal manual inspection, automated tests.
4. Take system out of service, automated tests.
5. Automated tests.


mahatmakanejeeves

(61,134 posts)
85. In that case, I might actually get some work done tomorrow.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:51 PM
Nov 4

Thanks for all the hard work.

Let’s hope we have enough history going on Tuesday that I won’t need to add any.

Tigerpal

(3 posts)
87. Thank you EarlG
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:52 PM
Nov 4

And thanks to all the members for being here. I've lurked DU for about 20 years. It's one of the only places that makes me feel sane. I know I should not have waited as long as I did to join, but I'm happy to be here now!

ReRe

(10,819 posts)
88. Where would we be without you?
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 03:55 PM
Nov 4

No where, that's where! Will feed my star in a week or so to defray some of the costs. Thanks for all you do!

We've got this. Harris/Walz 2024!

joshcryer

(62,493 posts)
90. Perhaps you can make a subreddit for us to post in?
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:06 PM
Nov 4

I expect Russian DDOSing as the election results are coming in.

bdamomma

(66,534 posts)
94. Thanks EarlG
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:20 PM
Nov 4

for reaching out to us. Very understandable though with precautions listed. Heavy traffic on site is anticipated for this most crucial election.

Thanks again.

Captain Zero

(7,514 posts)
96. EarlG, would it help if everyone
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:29 PM
Nov 4

Attempted to add to already established topics instead of starting new ones?

During the next few days?

EarlG

(22,550 posts)
99. It would not make any difference
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:39 PM
Nov 4

The problem is not activity by existing DUers, it's the massive amount of additional traffic caused by lurkers on big news days. On most normal big news days, DU can handle the load, but presidential election day is basically the mother of all big news events for us.

Regular DUers shouldn't feel like they have to do anything differently to help get us through this -- if we start getting overloaded, we'll make changes at our end to compensate.

OldBaldy1701E

(6,409 posts)
98. I would like to add that our beloved DU has an Instagram page as well.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:36 PM
Nov 4

They can post updates there as well. Just follow the bouncing DU ball!

Thanks for everything EarlG. This site is the island in the storm.

mntleo2

(2,567 posts)
103. TY EarlG
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 04:55 PM
Nov 4

I am glad you explained things, I am a low income senior and cannot afford membership, I think I have been with you since you were a bulletin board group, I am old but I am sure I have been a member almost since DU began (and a friend of Andy Stevenson when he was alive). I did not know whether I did "something DU bad" and was kicked off here, or what.

So I am glad I did not do anything bad and am still a member.

Cat in Seattle

hotdamn00

(39 posts)
104. Thank you.
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 05:05 PM
Nov 4

I've been here 11 years and have a whopping 38 posts. I'm here multiple times a a day, every day. I just signed in to make sure my account was still active, Obviously it is, so at least I can survive DEFCON 4. Good luck, all.

Trailrider1951

(3,453 posts)
108. Thank you EarlG for all the work you do for us
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 06:02 PM
Nov 4

I may not post much, but I'll be here as long as DU is here!

lobointexas

(126 posts)
114. Thank you, and EarlG, for everything thing you guys do!
Mon Nov 4, 2024, 07:58 PM
Nov 4

I can't imagine another election night without DU. I was only a lurker in 2004 and it was restricted to members that night.... and we all know about 2016.

badhair77

(4,629 posts)
125. EarlG, thank you and your team for all you do.
Tue Nov 5, 2024, 09:09 AM
Nov 5

This place has been a safe haven at times and for those of us here for 2016, weeks remember how horrible it was to try to log in and there was nothing. A dark time. Again, thanks for being there.

mamacita75

(118 posts)
126. Site issues
Tue Nov 5, 2024, 09:53 AM
Nov 5

Thank you for all you do and are doing to keep DU up and running. It is very appreciated.

I voted on October 22nd, my husband as well.
When we were leaving, he said someone nearby had mentioned they lived on the same road while checking in. When we got in the car a gentleman was following behind us and approaching the car. My window was down, and I recognized him as someone I had met earlier in the year at the mailboxes at the end of the road. We acknowledged each other (he was parked next to us) and I said hello, we shook hands, and I introduced him to my husband. Very firm handshake as I recall from the mailboxes (arthritic knuckles got crushed - ouch!) We chatted a little while about aches and pains and getting older. Then he reminded me where he lived up the hill, the look of his house and having a huge djt flag flying high on his property.

I mentioned the best thing about aging is the wisdom that comes with it...and we parted ways with smiles. OMG! One never knows but I truly hope he is not terribly hardcore when he learns the results of this election. Years ago, a UPS driver had said to me the unbelievable amounts of ammunition delivered on our road. We were getting a delivery, and some boxes had fallen so he had to stack them back up against the wall of the truck. This was during the Obama years.

At the end of my driveway, I can see an enormous djt flag flying high (too high) on a property a couple of roads away. It is like they are flying it like their last stand. So proud and arrogant and definitely uninformed. I feel for them, but I prefer not seeing it in my line of sight. Oh well, there are quite a few trumpers close to us, but I do not feel anxious or fearful.

Again, thank you for this site!!! I don't know where I would find comfort if it was not here.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,795 posts)
127. Doesn't it just suck to have such a popular and well-run home to come to?
Tue Nov 5, 2024, 01:53 PM
Nov 5

There is nothing like this anywhere that I have ever found.

Marthe48

(19,111 posts)
128. Will restrictions ease soon?
Thu Nov 7, 2024, 11:17 AM
Nov 7

I have 2 friends who'd like to visit DU, and perhaps join.
I'd like to mention in a fb group I'm in as well, called Harris for Ohio, probably get some new members from there.
Thank you.

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