Why have I been banned

I never thought of myself as the enemy.  

Rather, I always considered myself to be a trusted user even before I technically was one.  

I have been around this site longer than many of you.  I would have to say that I have been an avid reader since 2003, although I might not have registered until sometime after the 2004 election to express my displeasure, thus the explanation for my user name as one diarist recently requested.  

I like to think that I did my part in making DailyKos what it is today. Apparently, others would tend to disagree.  

Follow me after the fold...

Update: It seems that many have taken offense that I chose to say I was banned when it was, as indicated in my tag line, that it was losing trusted user status. That being said, I truly did attempt to find an old comment that I thought had validity here. I went to look for my old comments, as I so often had in the past, and I found only 35 comments. I will not delete this diary nor should that be an appropriate response. I have admitted below my embellishments and attempted to defend myself. Just so we are clear: I love DailyKos. I don't think I could live without it-even if I don't think of it as Kos' site. I have never been a prolific diarist or a profound thinker like Hunter or Thereisnospoon, but I suggest my hundreds (if not thousands) of comments validate my views even if Kos or some unknown others disagree.  I am proud to say that my first diary ever was to direct this site's attention to Paul Hackett's candidacy. I am also proud to say that I think the first ever troll-rating I gave was to the many anti-Semitic or anti-Israeli comments posted here.  

Have I also disputed the legitimacy of Kos' so-called rules?  Yes.  Have I questioned the notion that it is "his" site? Yes.  Have I urged us to be referred to as Kosites and not Kossacks?  Yes.  Have I troll-rated other comments that I disagreed with?  Yes.  However, I thought that those like Hunter prevailed who said that you need to stop crying and get over it. In fact, I believe I am one of the few who has requested a broader range of options than just recommend or troll.

So, it causes some degree of sadness to know that I am no longer worthy (or welcome).  

For some time now, DailyKos has become my primary source for news.  I have enjoyed the wonderfully written diaries by mcjoan, georgia10, .  I have picked fights with Armando.  I have even accused the thlib DHinMI of being a troll.  I have forsaken the mainstream media.  I get my news here, at HuffPo and at CrooksandLiars.  I do not, and will not, watch CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, the Networks, the NY Times, the NY Post and pretty much all of mainstream media. In fact, I have urged others to stop citing the WaPo as a source.  You all should check out Reuters.  

BTW, it's even worse than I thought.  I just went to look for an old comment of mine, and I found out that they have all been deleted.  What is happening to this site?