It's time for me to stand up and be counted.
I'm joining with my brothers and sisters who are answering Robinswing's call to action for a one-week boycott of Daily Kos. No diaries, no comments, no recs, no tips, no lurking, no reading, no logging in, no nothing.
In so doing, I'm making no judgments about those who choose to stay on the site next week. People may have many reasons for doing so, and it is not for me to question them. But for me, this is the only decision I can make.
I've seen a great deal of protesting today that there is no racism on this site.
Bullshit.
There is racism, sexism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, other religious bigotry, bigotry based on national origin, homophobia, transphobia. Yes, much of it gets addressed via HRs.
Much of it does not.
The racism, however, has been toxic for at least two years, and the recent "purge" has been conducted in a manner that has disproportionately, and unfairly, affected African American Kossacks and their allies. However good, or at least neutral, the intentions, this cannot go unchallenged. Not on a "liberal," "progressive," "Democratic" site.
When Daily Kos is at its best, it can do wonderful, amazing, truly humanitarian things. I've seen it; participated in it; benefited from it. I've learned so much from people here, and found friends and new "family" members that have enriched my life immeasurably. I have no intention of abandoning those folks.
However, conscience dictates that I stand up and be counted on their behalf this week. And if that means that at the end of the week, I am banned, I accept that. I will see all of you elsewhere, I hope. You all know where to find me, either at my personal blog or our gallery site, both of which are in my profile. Many of you have my e-mail address, or can find it easily enough in a comment search; if not, I hereby give those of you who do have it permission to share it with anyone who wants it.
I have no illusions that my absence will be noted, nor that it will necessarily accomplish anything of value. Because of my own increasing health problems and our personal situation, I've done only three or four diaries all year, and have gone for extended periods without even logging in. I know the site will function just fine without me.
This is not about that.
And it will not only be me. I'm lucky; some generous and anonymous soul bought me a subscription last year after a site ad torched my hard drive. But Wings visits the site on a daily basis, too (usually more than once a day), from his own laptop. And he is not a subscriber, nor even a member - so arguably, he makes the site much more money than I do, because he has to put up with the ads. Occasionally, I think he's even been known to click on them. But he is joining me in this week's boycott. No site visits for any reason.
I thought about writing a lengthy diary explaining my decision in detail. But you know what? Right now, it doesn't really matter. If I remain unbanned and see you on the other side of next week, perhaps I'll do it then.
For now, I'll only say this: To my family here, I love you more than I can say. This Red, Black, and White woman stands with you, now and always.
Apane bimaadiziwin. Giga-waabamin minawaa.