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Top Comments: 19th DKosaversary Edition [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-09-25

Yesterday was a milestone, and not just because of the cover photo. Yesterday marks my 19th dKosaversary, the yearly marking of when I first created my Daily Kos profile. As I wrote on September 24th 2019, my 15th dKosaversary:

I didn’t write my first comment until October 14th 2004 and my first diary wasn’t until April 27 2005, but this is my dKosaversary, the day I stopped getting my info second-hand from a coworker and decided to get involved myself.

I think back to my political involvement way back in 2004, and it was… erm… minimal. Don’t get me wrong, I always voted in the even-year elections, and have since I first became eligible to vote in 1982. During my undergraduate years I voted absentee (MUCH harder to do then than now, IMHO!) and when I settled in the Boston area I became a Massachusetts voter. Back then I didn’t often vote in the odd-year local elections; I’m embarrassed to say I used the “I don’t really know much about the candidates/issues” excuse for FAR too long.

I know why we can’t have him, but I still miss Flag Guy

But then a coworker began sharing stories and information gleaned from this political blog he read. Curious, I started reading myself, and eventually made my own account so I could participate. I’ve written over 1000 diaries since then (most for Top Comments!), have made almost 21000 comments and Recced almost 26000 other diaries. I have survived Pie Wars and Primary Warz and Rox/Sux battles and more Site Updates That Undoubtedly Will Decimate The Site and I am still here. But longevity here at Big Orange isn’t what I’m here to talk about.

What I want to say is: Thank You. Yes, you.

If you’re reading this, you’re a member of the Daily Kos Community. You’re a dedicated member, because casual viewers never seem to find their way to the community diaries. You’ve transformed my life in ways great and small. To name just a few…

I began writing (non-scientific pieces) again after a decades-long break for reasons. I went to my first YearlyKos because I so wanted to meet more of you after attending those early-days local meetups. Some of my dearest friendships were made in those early days, and when I attend Netroots Nation each year you’re why it’s Family Reunion Time I developed the confidence to speak about two of the three topics we’re “supposed” to not talk about at the dinner table: politics and religion. Often at the same time. [I miss the old StreetProphets days when it was Little Blue] In case you’re wondering, my comfort speaking about that third topic, sex, comes from my faith community :). I learned here that local elections matter. A LOT. And I began paying attention enough to vote smart, and help others do so too. Because of you and your activism, I joined my local Democratic City Committee in January 2017 to take action rather than despair at home. I’m currently our Treasurer and last Saturday was an ex officio delegate to the MA State Democratic Convention. I stepped up to become a poll worker in 2020 because I was concerned for the health and safety of our (generally older) current workers, and really enjoy making sure everyone who is eligible to vote, CAN vote!

I could continue but I know the lists you really want to see are Top Mojo and Top Pictures. So I’ll end by saying that whether you’ve been here for a little while or got here before I did… thank you. I’m so glad you’re here.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/25/2195448/-Top-Comments-19th-DKosaversary-Edition

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