I have a number of links on this GD thread re Syria

[karynnj]

90. That has been REAL tempting - however I wonder if all of us

not radical left leave. I wonder whether it sends the wrong message. Worse it makes DU more of an echo chamber that will maybe never allow any genuine conversation.

In a way, we saw that happen once before - Firedoglake was an interesting - if unfriendly to us forum. In 2008, after Hillary lost, they became as bad as any RW site -- and to this day they color everything against Obama and most Democrats.

I think there are tipping points - and there exists a point where the percent of people willing to dissent from the main view of the board becomes so low that it is an entry barrier to any people not in agreement with the main group. In addition, it is welcoming to any who echo the main group -- even those who strategically come in and post just on topics where they fit. (The obvious example is the and Paul fan club.) This could have the impact of ultimately transforming what this site is.

We were NEVER in the mainstream of DU. The closest we were was in the excitement of 2008. Remember that even in early 2008 when Kerry endorsed Obama - there was livid outrage and character assassination from a very significant segment of DU. Through the entire time, no matter how close to DU "goals" Kerry's actions were he was NEVER the DU favorite that sleazes like Edwards, Weiner and Grayson were. I think we all remember seeing some Kerry comment or Kerry vote that we KNEW would lead to a rehashing of all their grievances would be forming on GD. Now, people who primarily support Obama - our Democratic President - are almost as much outsiders as we are.

I almost left when Kerry became SoS. For two reasons - as he was out of the political world, I thought what DU thought was less important. In addition, he will be seen for what he - and Obama accomplish - not whether he is popular on DU.

I stayed because Kerry seemed to be making such a good start. Then because I wanted to defend his integrity and to push the discussion to the POLICY issue where there are HUGE reasons to disagree with the path they are on.