I've cried after reading something on DU before. Actually literally cried.
Granted, it was aimed personally at me. But still. Words can hurt you. And discourage you.

I agree with many of the posters that this happens on both sides, etc. Few people are completely innocent.

But, I think it's fucking ridiculous to poke fun at these young people for being emotional while this whole thread is full of playground games. The whiny accusations of so-and-so started it, or they do it too! read like grade schoolers on the monkey bars.

If this thread even represented that HALF of Duers were sick and tired of this bullshit, they could stop engaging in childish rhetoric and make a change. Seriously. If half of DU just stopped engaging in this meaningless monkey poo flinging fest, stuck to the issues, were polite and treated each other like human beings, I seriously think the difference would be huge.

Sure, they'd have to put up with others being nasty and rude and not lower themselves to that level for a while. Sure, they'd have to learn to hold a civil tongue, do a little more research. But, think about it guys! You'd get to feel incredibly self-righteous, and with a REAL REASON too!

No one will listen to me. That's ok. I think, secretly, some people enjoy being nasty and engaging in flame wars over nothing and feeling victimized. But, I've always tried to post by the basic idea that I will not post to you anything I wouldn't say to your face in person. Tired and overused, I know. But, it works for me. I get in to fights, I say mean things sometimes, but I still try to engage people as I would in person.

Back to your game of tag. I'm done.