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'''Democratic Underground''', or simply '''DU''' to its members, is a ]/] ] established on ], ], the day ] ] took office. The site ] articles six days a week and has an online store, a directory of links, and ] where logged-in members may post on various topics of interest. '''Democratic Underground''', or simply '''DU''' to its members, is a ]/] ] established on ], ], the day ] ] took office. The site ] articles six days a week and has an online store, a directory of links, and ] where logged-in members may post on various topics of interest.


Nearly 75,000 forum accounts have been created since its inception with over 50,000 still remaining active, with nearly 15 people actively posting on a regular basis. More than 16 million messages have been posted. Membership and participation are free, although voluntary donations are solicited, and some services are available only to donating members. Nearly 75,000 forum accounts have been created since its inception with over 50,000 still remaining active. More than 16 million messages have been posted. Membership and participation are free, although voluntary donations are solicited, and some services are available only to donating members.


==Features of Democratic Underground== ==Features of Democratic Underground==
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===Forums=== ===Forums===


The DU Forums are a highly active scene where progressives of all types are welcome to come and spew moonbat guano. The site bills itself as welcoming to progressives of all types, though users are sometimes "]" (banned) by administrators for violating site policies, such as these: The DU Forums are a highly active scene where progressives of all types are welcome to come and talk. The site bills itself as welcoming to progressives of all types, though users are sometimes "]" (banned) by administrators for violating site policies, such as these:


<blockquote>We ban ] disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website. If you think overall that George W. Bush is doing a swell job, or if you wish to see Republicans win, or if you are generally supportive of conservative ideals, or you believe terrorism is an actual threat to America and her allies, please do not register to post, as you will likely be banned.</blockquote> <blockquote>We ban ] disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website. If you think overall that George W. Bush is doing a swell job, or if you wish to see Republicans win, or if you are generally supportive of conservative ideals, please do not register to post, as you will likely be banned.</blockquote>


<blockquote>Do not publicly accuse another member of this message board of being a disruptor, troll, conservative, Republican, or ]. Do not try to come up with cute ways of skirting around the spirit of this rule. If you think someone is a disruptor, click the "Alert" link below their post so the moderators can deal with it. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for members of this message board to label anyone with a slightly different point of view as a disruptor. We disapprove of this behavior because its intent is to stifle discussion, enforce a particular "party line," and pre-emptively label a particular point of view as inappropriate or unwelcome. This makes thoughtful and open debate virtually impossible. But whatever you do, do not mention the <b>Site That Cannot Be Named.</b></blockquote> <blockquote>Do not publicly accuse another member of this message board of being a disruptor, troll, conservative, Republican, or ]. Do not try to come up with cute ways of skirting around the spirit of this rule. If you think someone is a disruptor, click the "Alert" link below their post so the moderators can deal with it. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for members of this message board to label anyone with a slightly different point of view as a disruptor. We disapprove of this behavior because its intent is to stifle discussion, enforce a particular "party line," and pre-emptively label a particular point of view as inappropriate or unwelcome. This makes thoughtful and open debate virtually impossible.</blockquote>


<blockquote>Democratic Underground is a "big tent" message board which welcomes a broad range of progressive opinions. As such, you are likely to disagree strongly with many of the comments you see expressed here. Just because most members revel at the thought of American soldiers dying, you shouldn't take it personally if you are, say, a serviceman or servicewoman in the United States Military. The simple fact that someone disagrees with you does not give you the right to lash out and break the rules of this message board, or tell us we're anti-American for championing the Iraqi resistance. A thick skin is usually required to participate on this or any message board.</blockquote> <blockquote>Democratic Underground is a "big tent" message board which welcomes a broad range of progressive opinions. As such, you are likely to disagree strongly with many of the comments you see expressed here. Please do not take these differences of opinion personally. The simple fact that someone disagrees with you does not give you the right to lash out and break the rules of this message board. A thick skin is usually required to participate on this or any message board.</blockquote>


The main forums on DU have been re-arranged since the close of the 2004 US Election season. They now include: The main forums on DU have been re-arranged since the close of the 2004 US Election season. They now include:
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* Individual forums for the discussion of certain relatively non-political topics such as books, science, and sports. * Individual forums for the discussion of certain relatively non-political topics such as books, science, and sports.
* "Group" forums where chartered groups of users may discuss topics of mutual interest such as hobbies, fan clubs, and potential ]. * "Group" forums where chartered groups of users may discuss topics of mutual interest such as hobbies, fan clubs, and potential ].

* The Largest forum type of all for propagating unsubstantiated, lunatic, kooky, moonbat "conspiracy theories" like MIHOP, LIHOP, Gannongate, Plamegate, chemtrails, DSM, draft reinstitution dates, etc.
An "Ask the Administrators" forum was maintained until ], ]; this forum allowed users to pose questions to the board administrators. This forum has now been shut down by the administrators, who felt that the forum was being used as a medium for people for to issue complaint after complaint, with the nature of their complaints being inflammatory. A "Rules" page, a "Frequently Asked Questions" page, and a "Contact the Administrators" page showing the email addresses of the administrators have been substituted. If the Administrators don't like your complaint, expect to be tombstoned. An "Ask the Administrators" forum was maintained until ], ]; this forum allowed users to pose questions to the board administrators. This forum has now been shut down by the administrators, who felt that the forum was being used as a medium for people for to issue complaint after complaint, with the nature of their complaints being inflammatory. A "Rules" page, a "Frequently Asked Questions" page, and a "Contact the Administrators" page showing the email addresses of the administrators have been substituted.


Two of the most controversial forums are often scenes of hot debate between posters: Two of the most controversial forums are often scenes of hot debate between posters:
* The Justice/Public Safety board, used for discussing ] issues and commonly referred to as the "Gun Dungeon" or "Gungeon"; and * The Justice/Public Safety board, used for discussing ] issues and commonly referred to as the "Gun Dungeon" or "Gungeon"; and
* The ]-] affairs board, sometimes referred to as the "Basement." Expect a lot of anti-semitism here. * The ]-] affairs board, sometimes referred to as the "Basement."


===Campaign Underground=== ===Campaign Underground===
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===Demopedia=== ===Demopedia===


On December 7, 2004, DU launched the ] of Demopedia, a ] based collaborative project aimed at presenting the Democratic and ] opinion and outlook, and at collating and preserving some of the information generated on the forums. During the beta, only users who had registered at DU before December 7 were able to contribute. It uses the ] software. On ], ], DU launched the ] of Demopedia, a ] based collaborative project aimed at presenting the Democratic and ] opinion and outlook, and at collating and preserving some of the information generated on the forums. During the beta, only users who had registered at DU before December 7 were able to contribute. It uses the ] software.


===Member avatars=== ===Member avatars===
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Registered members can select an ] that will be displayed along with each of their postings. For donating members, this avatar can be a custom ] that they have supplied; non-donating members can choose from a set of standard images that include popular symbols, images of political figures or ] figures, and state outlines, state flags, and a few national flags. These avatars allow users to show some of their personality with each posting. Registered members can select an ] that will be displayed along with each of their postings. For donating members, this avatar can be a custom ] that they have supplied; non-donating members can choose from a set of standard images that include popular symbols, images of political figures or ] figures, and state outlines, state flags, and a few national flags. These avatars allow users to show some of their personality with each posting.


After the ], many members displayed an upside-down American flag as their avatar; an inverted flag is an international symbol of distress. But most of the DUmmies aren't aware of this, but rather use it as a symbol of their utter hatred for America and its law-abiding citizens. After the ], many members displayed an upside-down American flag as their avatar; an inverted flag is an international symbol of distress.


==Ideology== ==Ideology==
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Although DU restricts its postings to people on the political left, members have many internal disagreements over a wide range of issues, as well as disagreements over tactics of opposition to the Bush Administration. Nearly all members oppose the ], but some DU members favor only a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, while other members favor an immediate and total pullout. Some members favor the ], while a majority do not. Another such issue is ]; DU participants include supporters and opponents of further restrictions on gun ownership. Although DU restricts its postings to people on the political left, members have many internal disagreements over a wide range of issues, as well as disagreements over tactics of opposition to the Bush Administration. Nearly all members oppose the ], but some DU members favor only a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, while other members favor an immediate and total pullout. Some members favor the ], while a majority do not. Another such issue is ]; DU participants include supporters and opponents of further restrictions on gun ownership.


While supporters of ] are a distinct minority at DU, many posts criticize the ] from the left. Democrats such as ] and ], who are more inclined toward compromise and conciliation with the Bush Administration, are regularly attacked at DU, while Democrats such as ] and ], who favor a more confrontational approach, are more highly regarded. Islamo-fascist terrorists are also highly regarded. While supporters of ] are a distinct minority at DU, many posts criticize the ] from the left. Democrats such as ] and ], who are more inclined toward compromise and conciliation with the Bush Administration, are regularly attacked at DU, while Democrats such as ] and ], who favor a more confrontational approach, are more highly regarded.


==Activism== ==Activism==


DUers are active in US politics in many ways. Sometimes DUers in different parts of the country meet at DU gatherings in certain cities. DUers have also been known to attend political protests and rallies, volunteer for campaigns, and write letters to editors of newspapers and members of Congress. Most never leave their parents' basements, however. DUers are active in US politics in many ways. Sometimes DUers in different parts of the country meet at DU gatherings in certain cities. DUers have also been known to attend political protests and rallies, volunteer for campaigns, and write letters to editors of newspapers and members of Congress.


===Activist Corps===
⚫ One of the newest ways in which DUers are involved is called the DU Activist Corps . Founded on ], ], the Activist Corps is a group of over 1,000 DUers who are committed to taking action on a certain issue whenever an official Activist Corps activity is posted. The first Activist Corps action was posted on ]; members wrote letters to the editors of local newspapers regarding ]'s role in the leaking of ] agent ]'s name. More than 40 letters were pubnlished in newspapers throughout the country. Sadly, very few demonstrated a proficiency in writing above a third grade level.

⚫ One of the newest ways in which DUers are involved is called the DU Activist Corps. Founded on ], ], the Activist Corps is a group of over 1,000 DUers who are committed to taking action on a certain issue whenever an official Activist Corps activity is posted.

The first Activist Corps action was posted on ]; members wrote letters to the editors of local newspapers regarding ]'s role in the leaking of ] agent ]'s name. More than 40 letters were published in newspapers throughout the country. The second Corps action was to sign ]s to US Senators asking them to reject ] nominee ]


===Political candidates=== ===Political candidates===
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* Monica McGlocklin, a three-term former member of the ] Legislature; * Monica McGlocklin, a three-term former member of the ] Legislature;
* Elizabeth Rogers, Congressman ]'s opponent in the ]; * Elizabeth Rogers, Congressman ]'s opponent in the ];
* Jeff Seemann, Congressman ]'s opponent in the ];
* Justin Sowa, Congressman ]'s potential opponent in the ]; and * Justin Sowa, Congressman ]'s potential opponent in the ]; and
* The late Andy Stephenson ("Politicize my plight"), a voting-reform activist who ran against Sam Reed for ] Secretary of State in ] (lost horribly). * The late Andy Stephenson, a voting-reform activist who ran against Sam Reed for ] Secretary of State in ].

During his campaign, however, Seemann was banned from DU. Makes one wonder.


==Notable members== ==Notable members==
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Several notable figures have posted in the forums at some point. Among those who have been verified as not being ]es are: Several notable figures have posted in the forums at some point. Among those who have been verified as not being ]es are:


* ], the son of ], a sniveling idiot; * ], the son of ];
* ], member of the ] and King Moonbat; * ], member of the ] from ];
* ], the wife of ] (although later disgusted by the DUmmies' jubilation over Laura Ingraham's being diagnosed with breast cancer); * ], the wife of ];
* ], a son of ] and weasel-child; and * ], a son of ]; and
* ], self-absorbed liberal activist, long-winded and nonsensical "]", and owner of Truthout.org. Occasionally gets attacked by bricks. * ], liberal activist, ], and owner of Truthout.org.


==Owners== ==Owners==


The website is owned by Democratic Underground, LLC (a ]), which is in turn owned by David Allen (der $kammer) of Washington, D.C. He goes by the ] "Skinner" while on the boards and handles most of the issues relating to the forums. The other two administrators, "EarlG" (of Washington, D.C.) and "elad" (of Chicago), handle the articles and technical issues, respectively. The website is owned by Democratic Underground, LLC (a ]), which is in turn owned by David Allen of Washington, D.C. He goes by the ] "Skinner" while on the boards and handles most of the issues relating to the forums. The other two administrators, "EarlG" (of Washington, D.C.) and "elad" (of Chicago), handle the articles and technical issues, respectively.


==Criticism== ==Criticism==
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Critics of the site allege that the site administrators and moderators are biased against, and unfairly ban ("tombstone") or ], posters who consider themselves to be to the political ] of ], the ] ] ] for the US presidency. Some critics are affiliated with the ] forums, which were founded by ] supporters who felt alienated from Democratic Underground during the contentious primary season; many of these posters had been banned or were later banned from the Democratic Underground forums. Critics of the site allege that the site administrators and moderators are biased against, and unfairly ban ("tombstone") or ], posters who consider themselves to be to the political ] of ], the ] ] ] for the US presidency. Some critics are affiliated with the ] forums, which were founded by ] supporters who felt alienated from Democratic Underground during the contentious primary season; many of these posters had been banned or were later banned from the Democratic Underground forums.


These people claim that DU is not truly ] or ], but rather ]. (These ones are all on methamphetamines or crack). In particular, many members claim that the moderators of the ] forums enforce an anti-] bias or adhere too strongly to the politics of the centrist ] (DLC). These people claim that DU is not truly ] or ], but rather ]. In particular, many members claim that the moderators of the ] forums enforce an anti-] bias or adhere too strongly to the politics of the centrist ] (DLC).


===From the right=== ===From the right===


Conservatives/right-wingers often criticize Democratic Underground for removing comments and banning users who don't fit the site's left-wing stance. But mostly they just laugh at its Kool-aid sipping inhabitants whom they have fondly named "DUmmies". Conservatives/right-wingers often criticize Democratic Underground for removing comments and banning users who don't fit the site's left-wing stance.


Because most of the the site's forums can be posted-to by anyone who has registered at the site, outlandish postings by some members (Mopaul and Bouncy Ball are favorites) are occasionally held up as an example of what the forum's membership believes as a whole. One example of this was the dialog about the ], in which a few posts suggested some conspiracy at work; while the threads were eventually locked and publicly disavowed by the site's administrators, the postings in question were reported by '']'' and ]. Because most of the the site's forums can be posted-to by anyone who has registered at the site, outlandish postings by some members are occasionally held up as an example of what the forum's membership believes as a whole. One example of this was the dialog about the ], in which a few posts suggested some conspiracy at work; while the threads were eventually locked and publicly disavowed by the site's administrators, the postings in question were reported by '']'' and ].


==External links== ==External links==

Revision as of 21:40, 22 July 2005

DU logo
DU logo

Democratic Underground, or simply DU to its members, is a liberal/progressive online community established on January 20, 2001, the day President George W. Bush took office. The site publishes articles six days a week and has an online store, a directory of links, and forums where logged-in members may post on various topics of interest.

Nearly 75,000 forum accounts have been created since its inception with over 50,000 still remaining active. More than 16 million messages have been posted. Membership and participation are free, although voluntary donations are solicited, and some services are available only to donating members.

Features of Democratic Underground

Columns

DU has several regular columns, and on any given day may have a number of guest columns sent in from contributors.

Bernard Weiner and Ernest Partridge of The Crisis Papers are frequent guests.

Forums

The DU Forums are a highly active scene where progressives of all types are welcome to come and talk. The site bills itself as welcoming to progressives of all types, though users are sometimes "tombstoned" (banned) by administrators for violating site policies, such as these:

We ban conservative disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website. If you think overall that George W. Bush is doing a swell job, or if you wish to see Republicans win, or if you are generally supportive of conservative ideals, please do not register to post, as you will likely be banned.

Do not publicly accuse another member of this message board of being a disruptor, troll, conservative, Republican, or Freeper. Do not try to come up with cute ways of skirting around the spirit of this rule. If you think someone is a disruptor, click the "Alert" link below their post so the moderators can deal with it. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for members of this message board to label anyone with a slightly different point of view as a disruptor. We disapprove of this behavior because its intent is to stifle discussion, enforce a particular "party line," and pre-emptively label a particular point of view as inappropriate or unwelcome. This makes thoughtful and open debate virtually impossible.

Democratic Underground is a "big tent" message board which welcomes a broad range of progressive opinions. As such, you are likely to disagree strongly with many of the comments you see expressed here. Please do not take these differences of opinion personally. The simple fact that someone disagrees with you does not give you the right to lash out and break the rules of this message board. A thick skin is usually required to participate on this or any message board.

The main forums on DU have been re-arranged since the close of the 2004 US Election season. They now include:

  • Latest Breaking News
  • Editorials and Other Articles
  • General Discussion
  • General Discussion: Politics (superseding "General Discussion: Campaign 2004")
  • The Lounge (for general non-political discussion)

Other forums include:

  • Individual forums for the discussion of state and local issues.
  • Individual forums for the discussion of certain political topics such as education, homeland security, and guns.
  • Individual forums for the discussion of certain relatively non-political topics such as books, science, and sports.
  • "Group" forums where chartered groups of users may discuss topics of mutual interest such as hobbies, fan clubs, and potential 2008 presidential candidates.

An "Ask the Administrators" forum was maintained until April 26, 2005; this forum allowed users to pose questions to the board administrators. This forum has now been shut down by the administrators, who felt that the forum was being used as a medium for people for to issue complaint after complaint, with the nature of their complaints being inflammatory. A "Rules" page, a "Frequently Asked Questions" page, and a "Contact the Administrators" page showing the email addresses of the administrators have been substituted.

Two of the most controversial forums are often scenes of hot debate between posters:

  • The Justice/Public Safety board, used for discussing gun issues and commonly referred to as the "Gun Dungeon" or "Gungeon"; and
  • The Israel-Palestinian affairs board, sometimes referred to as the "Basement."

Campaign Underground

DU has an online campaign headquarters named "Campaign Underground." The site, which was put together with help from DU members, features a database of information about campaigns, voting trends, and media. A "media blaster" feature provides the ability to email local media outlets in many U.S. cities. Eventually DU hopes to have other features, such as integrated local news from the forums, a local event calendar, and other issues specific to states and locals.

Demopedia

On December 7, 2004, DU launched the beta version of Demopedia, a wiki based collaborative project aimed at presenting the Democratic and progressive opinion and outlook, and at collating and preserving some of the information generated on the forums. During the beta, only users who had registered at DU before December 7 were able to contribute. It uses the MediaWiki software.

Member avatars

Registered members can select an avatar that will be displayed along with each of their postings. For donating members, this avatar can be a custom image that they have supplied; non-donating members can choose from a set of standard images that include popular symbols, images of political figures or popular culture figures, and state outlines, state flags, and a few national flags. These avatars allow users to show some of their personality with each posting.

After the 2004 election, many members displayed an upside-down American flag as their avatar; an inverted flag is an international symbol of distress.

Ideology

Although DU restricts its postings to people on the political left, members have many internal disagreements over a wide range of issues, as well as disagreements over tactics of opposition to the Bush Administration. Nearly all members oppose the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but some DU members favor only a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, while other members favor an immediate and total pullout. Some members favor the death penalty, while a majority do not. Another such issue is gun politics; DU participants include supporters and opponents of further restrictions on gun ownership.

While supporters of Ralph Nader are a distinct minority at DU, many posts criticize the Democratic Party from the left. Democrats such as Joe Lieberman and Dianne Feinstein, who are more inclined toward compromise and conciliation with the Bush Administration, are regularly attacked at DU, while Democrats such as John Conyers and Barbara Boxer, who favor a more confrontational approach, are more highly regarded.

Activism

DUers are active in US politics in many ways. Sometimes DUers in different parts of the country meet at DU gatherings in certain cities. DUers have also been known to attend political protests and rallies, volunteer for campaigns, and write letters to editors of newspapers and members of Congress.

Activist Corps

One of the newest ways in which DUers are involved is called the DU Activist Corps. Founded on July 1, 2005, the Activist Corps is a group of over 1,000 DUers who are committed to taking action on a certain issue whenever an official Activist Corps activity is posted.

The first Activist Corps action was posted on July 12; members wrote letters to the editors of local newspapers regarding Karl Rove's role in the leaking of CIA agent Valerie Plame's name. More than 40 letters were published in newspapers throughout the country. The second Corps action was to sign petitions to US Senators asking them to reject Supreme Court nominee John G. Robverts, Jr.

Political candidates

Some DUers have run for, and have even been elected to, political offices as high as Congress. Examples of these include:

Notable members

Several notable figures have posted in the forums at some point. Among those who have been verified as not being hoaxes are:

Owners

The website is owned by Democratic Underground, LLC (a limited liability company), which is in turn owned by David Allen of Washington, D.C. He goes by the username "Skinner" while on the boards and handles most of the issues relating to the forums. The other two administrators, "EarlG" (of Washington, D.C.) and "elad" (of Chicago), handle the articles and technical issues, respectively.

Criticism

As with any politically charged website, there are many charges made against Democratic Underground from both the political Left and the Right.

From the left

Critics of the site allege that the site administrators and moderators are biased against, and unfairly ban ("tombstone") or censor, posters who consider themselves to be to the political left of John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee for the US presidency. Some critics are affiliated with the People for Change forums, which were founded by Howard Dean supporters who felt alienated from Democratic Underground during the contentious primary season; many of these posters had been banned or were later banned from the Democratic Underground forums.

These people claim that DU is not truly liberal or progressive, but rather centrist. In particular, many members claim that the moderators of the Israel-Palestinian forums enforce an anti-Palestinian bias or adhere too strongly to the politics of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).

From the right

Conservatives/right-wingers often criticize Democratic Underground for removing comments and banning users who don't fit the site's left-wing stance.

Because most of the the site's forums can be posted-to by anyone who has registered at the site, outlandish postings by some members are occasionally held up as an example of what the forum's membership believes as a whole. One example of this was the dialog about the 2004 tsunami disaster, in which a few posts suggested some conspiracy at work; while the threads were eventually locked and publicly disavowed by the site's administrators, the postings in question were reported by The New York Times and Fox News.

External links

Category: