Your sanctimonious bullshit is wearing a little thin

[fleur-de-lisa]

I’m getting a little tired of certain people on DU shitting on the efforts of those of us who reside in red states. Sometimes (not always), when a red state DUer relates a story of an attempt to convert a republican or independent, some of you on DU just HAVE to take a dump on our efforts. More often than not, our progress is dismissed.

Yes, one vote for Obama in a red state won’t make much difference today, but there are other, long-term, exponential factors to consider. If one of us can convince one republican or independent NOT to forward an anti-Obama email or tweet to half the world, isn’t that a win for our side? I think it is well worth the effort. And sometimes, that also results in one of our friends or family members having a conversation with a repuke in an effort to dissuade them for voting for the rightwing. Isn’t that a good thing?

I've been working to convince my mother to vote FOR Obama recently and finally succeeded. She has been working to convince my sister NOT to vote for rMoney (my sister won’t commit to Obama, but she absolutely WON’T vote for Robme). My mother has also pledged to DELETE any nasty anti-Democrat emails that she receives.

Yes, both my sister and mother are in red states, as am I, but isn’t their rejection of rightwing propaganda a good thing for us in the short term, as well as the long term?

So many conservative people that I know are tired of the rhetoric. They may not necessarily be Democrats today, but they are sick of the antics of the republicans. Doesn’t it mean something if we can convince people NOT to spread anti-Obama memes and bullshit rumors, and maybe even to write in ‘Jesus’, or ‘Shiva’, or whatever deity, on their ballots, as opposed to voting for rMoney? Voting for Obama would, of course, be preferable, but I’m thinking long-term strategy here.

I believe we are well positioned to win the presidential election next week and retain a Senate majority. Shouldn’t we be working to keep both of those, and retake the House in 2014?

I’m getting a little annoyed with the dismissal of the efforts of those of us who happen to reside in red states. Our efforts are no less significant than those of you who happen to live in blue or swing states, maybe even more significant!

It is no easy thing to be a Democrat living in a red state! Your sanctimonious bullshit is wearing a little thin. I’m not going to call out anyone out in particular . . . you know who you are!

Thanks for your attention . . . End of my ‘Red State’ Rant.

[Fawke Em]

1. To the greatest page with you!

[SharonAnn]

151. Three cheers for you and the work you do! Yes, it's important. And each one will

And each one may affect several others, who in turn affect several others.

That's how it works!

[BeyondGeography]

2. Anyone who lived through 2000 wants all the PV we can get

Thank you.

[Lefta Dissenter]

3. I'd say

Mere survival in a red state is an enormous accomplishment. I live in a deep blue bubble in a purple state. I don't even like venturing outside my county boundaries these days. Congratulations on each and every voter who you can get to even listen to reason.

[salinen]

97. That'd be

New York or San Francisco.

[Lefta Dissenter]

117. Or Madison. :)

Wisconsin didn't used to be purple, but the teabaggers have gone and effed it up. Hoping to get back to the bright blue we used to be!

[uwbadgerdem]

136. Yup... I miss being deep blue too.

Some say Wisconsin is now Madison and Milwaukee with Alabama in between. Hasn't gotten quite like that yet, but it's not as blue as is used to be when I was a lil' one.

[salinen]

165. I swear

I almost wrote New York, San Francisco, or Madison. Portland is another.

[awoke_in_2003]

145. Add to that...

I am an atheist. It isn't always fun

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. This blue state resident, for one, thinks you are doing great things.

It must be difficult to constantly have to chip away at the mind-sets of the GOPers you are surrounded with, so I applaud your efforts. Anything you can do to change even a few minds will help in the long run. I'm so used to living in an area where the only bumper stickers and lawn signs you see are for Democrats that it's hard to imagine what it must be like to have to deal with so much opposition, so all I can say is bravo, and keep up the good work.

[AnnaLee]

5. Anyone who even tries to get the nuts out of our government is a true patriot and hero.

That is from the bottom of my heart. To me it's not about who wins, it's about my country. That makes it important that people know truth before deciding the fate of our country.

[Thekaspervote]

6. Thank you for pointing that out

I may be new to DU, but hey DU people come on!! Gotta start somewhere. Being a voice in the wilderness is not only a lonely spot , but sometimes dangerous to, life and limb. Let's give a DU red stater credit where credit is due.

Hey you go, and don't let the nay sayers get in your way!!

[fleur-de-lisa]

64. I will be a voice in the wilderness with you . . .

if you'll stand with me and other Dems in the red states!

Welcome to DU!

[madaboutharry]

7. In 2008, I convinced my

daughter's math tutor to vote for Obama. It was simply a matter of showing what the republicans have become. I don't think that there is much chance of changing the mind with die hard wingers, but those republicans who are what I call "Eisenhower republicans" are really embarrassed by their party now.

Keep up the good work

[fleur-de-lisa]

65. Thank you!

And congratulations for your good deeds!

[libdem4life]

8. I am reminded of an old 60s book called The Hundredth Monkey.

Yes, that one person makes a difference. Thank you for your efforts.

The 100th Monkey
A story about social change.

By Ken Keyes Jr.

The Japanese monkey, Macaca Fuscata, had been observed in the wild for a period of over 30 years.

In 1952, on the island of Koshima, scientists were providing monkeys with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. The monkey liked the taste of the raw sweet potatoes, but they found the dirt unpleasant.

An 18-month-old female named Imo found she could solve the problem by washing the potatoes in a nearby stream. She taught this trick to her mother. Her playmates also learned this new way and they taught their mothers too.

This cultural innovation was gradually picked up by various monkeys before the eyes of the scientists. Between 1952 and 1958 all the young monkeys learned to wash the sandy sweet potatoes to make them more palatable. Only the adults who imitated their children learned this social improvement. Other adults kept eating the dirty sweet potatoes.

Then something startling took place. In the autumn of 1958, a certain number of Koshima monkeys were washing sweet potatoes -- the exact number is not known. Let us suppose that when the sun rose one morning there were 99 monkeys on Koshima Island who had learned to wash their sweet potatoes. Let's further suppose that later that morning, the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes.

THEN IT HAPPENED!

By that evening almost everyone in the tribe was washing sweet potatoes before eating them. The added energy of this hundredth monkey somehow created an ideological breakthrough!

But notice: A most surprising thing observed by these scientists was that the habit of washing sweet potatoes then jumped over the sea...Colonies of monkeys on other islands and the mainland troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama began washing their sweet potatoes.

Thus, when a certain critical number achieves an awareness, this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind.

Although the exact number may vary, this Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon means that when only a limited number of people know of a new way, it may remain the conscious property of these people.

But there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to a new awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness is picked up by almost everyone!

From the book "The Hundredth Monkey" by Ken Keyes, Jr.
The book is not copyrighted and the material may be reproduced in whole or in part.

http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm

[SheilaT]

28. Unfortunately for such a good story,

it's not really true. The hundredth monkey thing has been popularized, but when another researcher took a closer look at the original study, it didn't really hold up.

Doesn't mean we shouldn't continue to do all we can to persuade others that Obama is a far better choice for president, but the critical number achieving awareness which is then magically communicated from mind to mind . . . isn't really a valid model.

[Blanks]

102. While the 'hundredth monkey' research may not have been valid...

Intuitively it seems to work in the real world. So IMHO; it is an analogy for 'an idea that suddenly catches on universally; once it reaches a critical mass'. Hundredth monkey is a lot easier to say.

When you look at computer use for example; it took some people a very long time to begin using them, and almost suddenly everyone was using them. Certain applications particularly.

I tried for years to convince my mom to get a computer so I could email her pictures; she refused, now she spends an inordinate amount of time playing games on Facebook. She used a computer at work, so she didn't want to use a 'work device' at home. Until everyone else was doing it. It kind of reached a tipping point.

[Ikonoklast]

115. Obamacare will be the "Hundreth Monkey" for Democrats. I will bet my life on it.

Even though the Republican Party is trying to kill every social program we have in this country and is now failing at this last, grand chance to destroy the safety net, in twenty years any politician campaigning against socialized health care in this country will be considered to have a poitical death wish.

Obamcare will destroy the Southern Strategy forever.

[a2liberal]

148. Unfortunately, they will adopt it

Republicans are masters at pretending to protect things they once opposed. Just look at how they claim to be defending/saving Medicare. They will so the same with ACA if it is popular.

[Ikonoklast]

162. But it isn't working. Romney and Ryan aren't fooling enough people.

They think older Americans are all idiots, when in fact, many of them are far smarter than either two of those fraudsters; they can smell bullshit a mile away.

[Democrats4All]

9. keep on keepin on !

my sister is a dem chair of a county in texas and let me tell you they work much harder and endure much more b.s. then blue staters. all of you should be commended for your hard work and determination !

[fleur-de-lisa]

66. Thank you!

[Supersedeas]

169. i'll second that--stick to it!!

[GoneOffShore]

10. And with a bit of luck you'll be able to work on a local level

And get the wingnuts and fruitloops out of school board and city council offices. Which is how they got into state and national political office in the first place.

I live in Pennsyltucky - the blue part, Philadelphia - but I feel the pressure from the rest of the state. I might as well be living in Alabama considering some of the shit that the state legislature passes.

So hang in there.

I wouldn't move to the south because I can't stand the heat and the bugs, but that's not something the residents can do anything about.

Good rant by the way.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

84. Agree with most of of this, but if you live in the blue part, then you don't live in Pennsyltucky.

You, like me, live in Pennsylvania.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsyltucky (Note potentially confusing use of red and blue on the related map.)

[GoneOffShore]

93. Even though Philly is blue by most definitions

We still are pressured by the crazy of Tom Corbett and Pat Toomey. And if Smith gets in that's the full complement of nutso. Philly is an island of blue with purplish edges.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

128. Not disputing that, for sure. But even though my small town is overflowing with R campaign signs,

there are a lot of good Dems, and my county, in general is blue. Toomey and his horrible crew are super bad news, but if the whole state were Pennsyltucky, I would have lost hope of ever getting the bastards out. I'm still holding on to some hope that Casey defeats that lousy forced-birth freak.

[Curmudgeoness]

142. Oh god, I was never sure I was in Pennsyltucky before.

Now I know for sure that I am. Don't know that I wanted to know for sure....but I know how it feels.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

167. I regret having been the bearer of that harrowing news. On the bright side, I love your

tag line: I would agree with you, but then we would both be wrong.

[ashtonelijah]

11. As a Mississippian... Thank you!

This is something I battle with in progressive circles all the time. The dismissivness of my efforts and of my fellow progressives here drives me crazy.

Especially since we did, you know, soundly succeed in a campaign here in Mississippi last year to defeat the Personhood Amendment with 57% voting NO even as the national media and my fellow enlightened ones online told us it was hopeless to even try to campaign against it.

I'm proud to be a red state progressive. It just means I have to fight harder for what I believe in and I have to truly, 100% believe in it!

[oldhippydude]

14. yep Rachel Maddow was gob smacked on that one.....lol n/t

[fleur-de-lisa]

62. Former Mississippian myself . . .

The defeat of the person-hood amendment was spectacular! Excellent work, AshtonElijah! You make me ashamed of my post.

You are my hero of the week; okay, my hero of the month, maybe even the year! Great work!!!

[ashtonelijah]

94. I take very little credit for that

But thank you so much. The way the progressive community came together during that made us think that, with that kind of organization, we could do anything. We were dreaming big that night, ready to pass marriage equality in Mississippi! Ha. Progressives can be amazingly effective when we come together and unite... Even in Mississippi!

[Democratopia]

12. I'm in the same position as you, but am unable to make coversations, so well done!

[oldhippydude]

13. when this whole thing is done...

someday the commentators will use the phrase "Obama Republicans" just like they use the phrase Reagan Democrats... one by one they see how crazy the other guys have gotten and join us... lets not make it any harder

[MADem]

15. Never let "people on the internet" influence you unduly.

If you feel like you are doing a good thing, if your gut feels right about what you're attempting, keep on keeping on and don't worry about strangers in front of keyboards.

This is a great place, full of wonderful conversations, but not everyone is a saint, here. Hell, they aren't in real life, either.

[fleur-de-lisa]

69. Yes, I agree . . . it is a GOOD PLACE . . .

But every once in a while, when someone on DU dismisses the work of some of us in red states, it makes me mad. It's important that we work together to convert the rightwingers! The former Confederate states are the battleground states of the future . . . no one should dismiss our work!

[MADem]

89. Some folks snark to hide their own inadequacies.

I usually figure when someone is being either a "Tough Guy" or an "Asshole" on the internet, that they are using the anonymity of the venue to work out their own frustrations, and they have a pretty pathetic life. I suppose it's better than kicking the poor dog.

You won't change those people, but if you advertise that something bothers you, they'll take advantage of that emotion on your part and engage in goading/baiting to try to get a rise out of you, and then snicker gleefully if they can make that happen.

Best bet? Hit 'em with a dose of their own medicine, and then drop them like a bad habit. Call the dismisser a loser-dickweed-jerk, express your sympathy for his cluelessness, and move on smartly!

I happen to agree that all movement is good. If there's a corner of a red state that is blue, that can produce a Democratic House member. Fight every battle--even the unwinnable ones, because time and talk will eventually change hearts and minds.

[Charlotte Little]

16. Sister, I'm with ya...

I'm originally from TN and I've been working on my Mom via phone. It DOES matter to me that she not vote against her best interests. My sister is all in for Obama, but my dad is a lost cause. However, I believe that the more efforts made in red states, the better. I also believe that in 20 years, this country will be mostly blue. RWNJs simply cannot exist as the population continues to change and evolve towards tolerance.

So, I pat you on the back - keep up the good work!!

[LisaL]

17. There are a lot of democrats in red states.

Unfortunately there are a lot more republicans.
I agree that there is not enough effort made in red states to at least GOTV.
We are not even putting up a fight.

[tblue37]

67. If the Dems had learned from Howard Dean's

50-state strategy, I think we would have a very good chance of retaking the House, but unfortunately Dems in general--and especially the party leadership--tend to cede what they consider red states.

[eridani]

80. + a million!

Leave NO area unorganized! In WA State, it's like pulling teeth to get party leadership to put resources into the very red eastern WA LDs and CDs. If you aren't close to being able to get Dems elected there, you can at least make Repubs use resources to defend what they have. After Dean, the national party unfortunately reverted to the policy of ignoring Dems in red states. Really sucks.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

18. Sanctimonious bullshit abounds here...ignore it.

You are doing great work for the long term...keep it up.

[whttevrr]

19. Thank You for your Efforts!

Every mind changed is a valuable asset in the war against ignorance.

I hope you succeed in your efforts.

[CrazyOrangeCat]

20. kick

[proud patriot]

22. I grew up and still live in the SF bay area

when I first came to the internet I was very insensitive and ignorant of the south. This was years ago
but I apologize none the less .

[fleur-de-lisa]

45. No worries . . .

My mother was born and raised in Sacramento . . . my Dad is from Oregon. I understand that most people on the west coast think that those of us living (stranded) in the deep south are ignorant hicks . . . but it just don't happen to be for true!

Seriously, some of us have been educated. And those of us with an education are all DEMOCRATS ! ! !

[sheshe2]

23. I am a Blue State too

and I thank for trying to turn your state from red to orange to purple!

I applaud your determination!

[garthranzz]

24. Who dat? You dat!

Each vote counts on the national level, too.

Free Sean Payton, while we're at it.

Roger Goodell is the Mitt Romney of football. Mitt Romney is the Roger Goodell of politics.

[fleur-de-lisa]

29. True dat!

[Cha]

25. I haven't seen that(Not saying it didn't happen)..only that If I had

I would absolutely say to those people that EVERY VOTE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you fleur-de-lisa!

[CorBlimeyGuvnor]

33. Me neither !

Haven't been here long, but all the tales of converted voters I have seen have been well-received, regardless of the colour of the state.

[Cha]

34. Welcome to DU, CorBlimeyGuvnor..

Are you in England?

[CorBlimeyGuvnor]

50. Thank you.

Yes I am. I live in NE England in a little coastal town on the River Tyne called South Shields. Been a left-winger all my life and a bit of a politics nut. Bit of an insomniac too, which comes in handy when UK/US election coverage is on TV! Wanted to find out a little more about the nuts and bolts of US politics and found this place - seems very friendly, but heated discussion too, which I like. Where are you?


Here's where I am...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Shields

[Cha]

57. Thanks for the geographic description of

where you are, GBG. Fascinating. There's a really Awesome site called The Obama Diary and the admin is in Dublin. What can I say..she loves the Prez and we love her here in the States. http://theobamadiary.com/

I'm glad you found DU..I like it 'cause it's cathartic with all the stress and anxiety of this Presidential Election. The Planet needs PBO to be re-elected!

I'm on the East side of Kaua'i so I'm 6 hours behind the East Coast and always posting late here when it's 4am there. So much news..so little time.

[CorBlimeyGuvnor]

63. Wow ! Kaua'i looks stunning...

Does it ever get cold there? (it does here, believe me !) Will take a peek at the Obama site, certainly. Yes, four more years of PBO (the world probably needs about 40 more years of him TBH). We get the same garbage about the race being neck and neck on UK TV, so it's good to come here and find out the facts.

[Cha]

68. I wish it would get cooler now..we've been a constant 85 degrees for

for Months! But, I can't complain because I came from upper State New York and dreaded the frozen winters!

I won't relax until mitt concedes..so imv..nothin's a done deal. 40 years or so would be optimal for the likes of PBO. Maybe we could stave off more tragic affects of Global Climate Change. We had a Tsunami evacuation warning here Sat night because of a 7.5 aftershock of an Earthquake off Canada's Pacific Coast!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/hawaii-tsunami-2012_n_2033025.html

Thankfully, it did not happen

[BlueDemKev]

26. I take it you live in Louisiana?

[fleur-de-lisa]

30. Unfortunately, from a political standpoint . . .

But if you like to party, well then, New Orleans is the place!

[LadyHawkAZ]

31. Lucky you!

I live in Utah. All the red-state, none of the party...

[fleur-de-lisa]

36. But you have our 'Jazz;' that must count for something, n'est ce pas?

[SunSeeker]

56. The beauty of New Orleans is what made me a progressive environmentalist.

Yes, you're right about the partying. But there is also serene beauty. The flash of a white crane against a brilliant green tree canopy, the graceful strands of spanish moss swaying in the velvety warm breezes blowing through the live oak trees. The bayous, teaming with catfish and crab, sometimes you didn't even need to put bait on your hook. That's how it was in the 1970s anyway. But even then, as a teenager, I saw the scars and filth the oil drilling was leaving. I vowed to devote my life to fighting pollution.

Then, my family moved away and I found myself in Los Angeles. I now love CA and have fortunately managed to work in an environmental field for the last 17 years, but I still miss New Orleans. And I miss the friends I grew up with. We discussed progressive political ideas even though at the time we did not know enough to put that label on them. We were definitely not the majority, but there were lots of little pockets of blue like us in that deeply red state.

I am glad you are continuing in that tradition. It's folks like you that gave me the courage to pursue my dreams, but it was the beauty of New Orleans that gave me the dream in the first place. And please know that if I do say something snarky about the South, it is not directed at you, or the folks like you that I knew and loved when I lived there. It is directed at the backward mouth-breathing Southern majority that made my life (and my friends' lives) a living hell at times and whose politics have trashed the paradise that was the Southern bayous.

[BlueDemKev]

113. It's really too bad...

...that Louisiana is such a conservative state. You would think with a major urban area (New Orleans) and a highly-populated college town (Baton Rouge), that would at least make it a battleground. A friend of mine (who's a Republican from Minnesota) once told me that "all the collective brain cells in Louisiana wouldn't fill the head of a rodent." (I wonder if he realized he was insulting the strongest part of his electoral base! )

But, perhaps that IS the reason Louisianians vote the way they do.

[BlueDemKev]

90. Heh-heh!

I live in Georgia, but haven't been down to New Orleans in years. Hopefully, I'll get back there soon (that is, if Louisiana still allows Democrats to enter the state!).

OBAMA-BIDEN 2012!!

[fleur-de-lisa]

27. Wow . . . did I just pull an Ann-gry Romney? . . .

'This is hard' . . . I didn't mean to.

I don't want to take away from the hard work of those in the die-hard blue and battleground states; I would just appreciate some recognition for those of us fighting in the bloody red states!

[progressivebydesign]

39. well that wasn't the most elegant way to do that. your anger turned me off of the message.

you just called out your fellow DUers in a very rude fashion... and some people are giving you high fives. I don't get it.

[fleur-de-lisa]

49. I'm sorry that you don't find my post 'elegant' . . .

Well, not really. But, I will certainly consult my latest volume of Emily freakin' Post, sniff my effin' smelling salts, and then promptly ignore you!

I don't give a rat's patootie (I'm sorry, I meant to write 'rat's ASS') what you think of my message. I think it was loud and clear. If you don't agree, you are certainly welcome to GO AWAY and leave me alone!

[TexasProgresive]

131. I think your OP is as elegant as your name.

Texas used to be the bashee de jour but with you and others from our neighbor to the east well Louisiana is taking the heat. Keep on doing the good work and let the scorn of some blue staters roll off.

[nolabear]

32. Amen Baby Girl, Amen. Well done.

[fleur-de-lisa]

71. Thank you, Nola Bear . . . I've been following your posts . . .

since joining DU. You are awesome!!!

[Iceberg Louie]

35. As a fellow in a deep red state

I admire your tenacity and resolve. I know all too well the despair that is inherent in being of the sociopolitical minority, particularly after having lived in the luxury of deeply blue states for a good portion of my adult life. It seems the most ill-informed yet loudest of right wingers are bolstered when they are among a majority culture that shares their viewpoint, and trying to debate them with ration and factual reality is effectively talking to a wall. I struggle with demotivation in this environment, and often have to remind myself of the merits of standing up for my convictions, knowing the reality that I will be unlikely to undo the propaganda brainwashing by Faux and Fiends on the majority of my community.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

54. Listen to Jill Stein say there's no difference between Rs & Ds.

[progressivebydesign]

37. What does this mean? I have seen no anti-red state stuff here.

other than bemoaning the fact that the red states' majority have bad taste in candidates.

It's a grand statement and very dramatic on your part, but truly... what are you talking about??

[ncgrits]

92. How have you managed to avoid the delightful (almost daily) South-bashing posts?

I'd like to know, so I can join you.
geez. sometimes it makes my blood boil.

[fleur-de-lisa]

100. ProgressiveByDesign apparently has blinders on . . .

and because he/she doesn't acknowledge the dismissal of our efforts, therefore, it DOES NOT EXIST.

I found it particularly entertaining that PBD said I was 'rude' and my post was not 'elegant'. I have to wonder if PBD would be so outraged if a male had used the word 'bullshit'. Has Todd Akin just been outed on DU?

I will now retire to the veranda, sip my Mint Julep quietly like a proper Southern Belle, and try not to spill any on my taffeta hoop skirt. Perhaps when Daddy returns from overseeing the Cotton fields, he will chastise me and put me in my place. I do declare, I seem to be in need of a proper upbraiding by my betters!

[ncgrits]

105. Well, Ah doo de-CLA-uh!

HA!

Here's a link to a stupid youtube video you might enjoy out there on the veranda! While I'm not this particular breed of southern gal, I have been know to utter most of these Southern-isms! Particularly "He's as dumb as dirt, bless his heart. . . ." (while reading dumbass posts on DU!)

[txdemsftw]

107. That was glorious!

And yes, I have said many of those things and I don't give a damn! I am who I am.

[northoftheborder]

158. Love it - from someone who sounds just lahk thaut!

[The Doctor.]

126. No one has 'dismissed your efforts'.

You are commended for them.

Some will say your efforts are in vain, but that does not mean they 'dismiss' them.

It's ridiculous broad-brush posts like this one that are just plain silly. You have overwhelming support from DU, you're just looking for something to feel self-righteous about and get a shot of sympathy from other posters that are too lazy or intellectually dishonest to recognize that there are virtually no DUers who 'dismiss' your efforts.

Keep fighting the good fight, but please stop suggesting that DU is rife with people who don't want you to.

It's just plain stupid.

[The Doctor.]

125. The OP bemoans the degredation of her efforts.

As though DUers ridicule her for trying to convert people in red states.

That's what we're talking about.

The DUers that slam red states aren't slamming the Democrats/Liberals, they're slamming the stupid people that make the states red.

[ncgrits]

156. Nope. The south bashing takes the form of

"Fuck Em all" and "let Em secede". The broad brush nature of the attacks is exactly what is so very offensive. And Lisa and I get that. And you do not.

[The Doctor.]

157. Umm.... did you bother to READ the OP?

She said:

"I’m getting a little tired of certain people on DU shitting on the efforts of those of us who reside in red states. Sometimes (not always), when a red state DUer relates a story of an attempt to convert a republican or independent, some of you on DU just HAVE to take a dump on our efforts. More often than not, our progress is dismissed. "

I don't know how it is, that in your mind, she was talking about people telling the red states to secede. She's not. She claims that DUers "shit" on her efforts to convert their red state neighbors.

THAT is what I claim is bullshit.

Please, for future reference, read and understand what the dialogue is about before criticizing someone. And NO, I'm not going to ever be nice to people who jump in swinging without bothering to understand what's being discussed. It's childish, ignorant, and stupid.

[ncgrits]

159. Nice. Call me stupid. Off to ignore. Have a good one.

Bu-bye!

[The Doctor.]

160. Again, learn to read.

I said that what you did was stupid, not that you were stupid.

Thankfully, I won't have to waste my time getting you to understand the conversation before responding now that you've stuck your fingers in your ears and screamed "I can't hear you!".

You won't know that I said it, but "Thank you".

[Coyotl]

38. REC

Sorry about your whereabouts. Hang in there.
Just remember Christ was stuck with Romans

[K8-EEE]

40. Love and respect to all the Red State DUers from Los Angeles

Actually I am amazed at what people have to go through with their lawn signs and all that, not to mention having to live by/talk with teabagger morons all the time. If it were me I might be tempted to turn off to politics completely. I think you guys are awesome and you're right it's easy to be blue in a blue state.

[StevePaulson]

41. In My State The "Eastern" Part Is Republican

I simply love driving "home" and displaying the "Republicans Are A Disease" sign in my car's back window. These folks are good people, but they are simply stupid when it comes to politics. They actually vote for the Republican Slimeballs that are destroying their lives and our country. They don't want to hear anything different, but I tell them how wrong they are every chance I get without appearing to be an asshole (usually). Some of my "friends" are so ignorant, arrogant, and filled with hate nothing but laughing at them, and attempting to make them look stupid will work.

There is still hope.

http://www.RepublicansAreADisease.com

[CitizenPatriot]

42. Keep up the great work

Sure your state might not be in play this time around, but if you can make inroads in a red state you are undermining the GOP base.

That is a win in my book.

Keep up the great work. Also, I've been there and it's TOUGH going and requires a lot of patience. It doesn't help when people dismiss your efforts. They do matter - even if it's just a little less hate in the country, that matters.

[MFM008]

43. why let anyone on a blog upset you?

you know your doing right.
Its easy for us who live in blue states to forget the frustration of our red state brothers n sisters.

[sheshe2]

60. As a newbie it is pretty easy to feel you have been kicked in the stomach a few times

so I can say..... poster is not a newbie, but hell let's all get together here and just VOTE!

[patrice]

44. KICK!

[lobodons]

46. Have fun looking at how states do change with this:

Use the scroll down bar to see how the Electoral College has changed throughout the years. Look at 1916, 1920 for example. See, there is hope for the South and other Red States!!

http://www.270towin.com/

[Tennessee Gal]

82. I love that!!!

Thanks for the link.

[ProudProgressiveNow]

47. Red and Racist state here.

We are doing our best to turn it blue.

[Indpndnt]

48. Howdy, neighbor! Texas, here.

I know exactly what you're saying and couldn't agree more.

[ashling]

51. Nicely said

[SleeplessinSoCal]

52. uh oh. I just posted a shocked response to a post about Boise.

I was just stunned as every time I look at the map Idaho couldn't be more red.

I can actually empathize because we moved to Orange County, CA 14 years ago. We are most definitely in a minority here. I worked 2 years ago to help shore up Loretta Sanchez as she's the only congressional Democrat in Orange County.

I'll have to think again before posting.

[Blue_In_AK]

53. As another red-stater, I thank you.

As Shannyn Moore always says at the end of her daily radio broadcast, "painting a red state blue, one stroke at a time."

[IrishAle]

55. Red Today..

.. but time on the whole is on our side, in my lifetime I fully expect Tennessee, Texas and Georgia to go blue. This election, and perhaps the next are the last chances for the extreme right to destroy the future of this country, by then the numbers of progressives will overtake the aging and shrinking isolationist culture that controls the right.

However, in that time, expect more and more desperate acts of violence and misguided rage to multiply. Those of us behind the lines will (and in some cases already do) be on the receiving end of fear and hatred. But, we shall prevail.

[Jennicut]

58. I live in a pretty blue state and appreciate your efforts.

I live in New England and I agree with you. Who knows what seeds get planted over time in red states? I would not give up on them. Many have changing demos and could become purple some day. So, keep doing what you are doing.

[fleur-de-lisa]

59. Thank you for the encouragement, Jennicut . . . one day I believe that we will prevail!

[Hulk]

61. I salute you and your efforts!!

I've been critical of the "red states", particularly in the South, but also in the Midwest and the West as well. As a progressive, and also an aglo married to a Hispanic, I must also say I often fear for our safety in some of those regions when we travel around the country. But I've often thought of moving from the Pacific Northwest...."God's country"....to live elsewhere...away from all that is familiar and my family. I've conisidered moving into a red state...and I'm still giving it thought.

But to the point, your efforts are greatly appreciated, and if you feel you are being shit on by DU posters, then my apologies. There is a lot of history as to why the South is red today...and the lack of information via radio and television to the South, Midwest and West countryside are strong reasons for the lack of a progressive movement today.

Convincing ONE person to consider a progressive view is a huge accomplishment, considering those factors mentioned above. It's through lots of education and patience that we can win voters over to even consider a Democrat in an election today.

So....apologies for my snarky comments, and a sincere salute for your efforts to communicate, with patience, what is necessary to get a "republican voter" to open their minds a bit to what is going on in their country today, and consider voting for someone with a "D" after their name. It makes a difference!!

[busterbrown]

70. This site is full of hardcore nuts! I for one am thrilled to meet a red state progressive. There is

something special about them and the fact of the matter is that we need to support them in any way
we can so they can begin to effect change in their habitat... Love you guys.

[FrenchieCat]

72. We all make a difference.....

Each and everyone of us...
And don't let anyone make you feel like that's not the case.

Dark cinicism happens on DU constantly, which is why I tend to stay away
these days.

Yes, it can depress a person who otherwise might be much more inspired,
and could make that much more of a difference.

Come here to get some of your news, but don't expect any encouragement....

Folks deep into Internet politics aren't always the best at giving folks
something to look foward to. I learned that through experience.

[lexw]

73. I can understand your frustration...

I grew up in Orange Country, California during the Reagan years: a more conservative California land you'd be hard pressed to find.

One fall, the union I worked under took a vote and decided to strike. The vote included the more liberal Los Angeles stores as well, so we went on strike.

Out of the 150 or so workers from our store, 2 of us were on the picket line. The rest went with the Reagan frame of mind, crossed the picket lines and continued to work.

I spent the entire Fall and Winter (Thxgiving /Xmas) outside with a picket sign. The union had to hire others to picket for us when we went on break.

The store was very popular, and I recall standing (and eventually sitting on the brick wall) with my sign on weekend afternoons watching hordes of people walking by without a blink—dozens and dozens and dozens, passing by like flood waters. Occasionally a young person would walk up, ask for a flyer, nod and walk away. Otherwise, we looked like a complete joke. Young men would drive by in their shiny new pickup trucks and yell things like "GET A JOB!" and speed off.

Thanks to L.A. we won the strike...but I guess I didn't feel like it: after going back into the store afterward, it was so uncomfortable that I quit a few weeks later.

Anyways, I can imagine how tough it must be to live in a STATE that is something like that. Hang in there, I wish you the best!!
And Thanks for your hard work: we're all in this together. And, I'm sure you love your state and that's awesome!

Go Obama!!!

[Daemonaquila]

74. Short-sided nonsense.

How do they think some red states got so red, anyway? Oh, yeah - because Rethugs played EXACTLY that game, so well.

[OkieGranny]

75. Oklahoma here

I'm a tiny blue fish swimming in a blood-red sea. It is tough; seems like wall-to-wall teabaggers most of the time, but there are many progressives here if you know where to look.

Proud to say both my kids are voting Obama for the second time; I must have done something right!

P.S. I'm really sorry that we've inflicted Inhofe on the rest of you all these years.

[TroyD]

76. I agree that every vote is important

Votes in red states are important for the same reason they are important in blue states - they may not alter what happens in the Electoral College for that state, but they help the overall popular vote by going into 'the pot'.

Most models project that Obama will win the Electoral College. But we also want him to win the Popular Vote so that there can't be attempts to question the legitimacy of his mandate. Therefore, every vote Obama gets whether it is in California or whether it is in Idaho, still matters.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

77. Sorry to hear some members are dumping on you. To them I offer this:

There are no actual "red states" or "blue states".

This is the 2008 county by county map with shading from red to blue. If it's 50/50 it's shaded as purple.



Note that most of the red areas are empty land. Almost ALL of the heavily populated urban areas voted for Obama while rural areas voted for McCain. Look at Southern Texas and the Deep South.

While you folks in the so called "blue states" are acting all smug to the OP consider that there are areas in "red states" that were a whole lot bluer than yours.

[ncgrits]

106. I love this map and use it often!

"While you folks in the so called "blue states" are acting all smug to the OP consider that there are areas in "red states" that were a whole lot bluer than yours."

YEP!

[TwilightGardener]

78. I haven't seen this.

[vlyons]

79. I live in TX, a big red state

and I also get tired of people thumbing their nose at us. I also lived in Calif for 31 yrs before retiring, so it's not like I've never been anywhere or been exposed to different POV and ethnicities.

[hamsterjill]

104. Texas here, too.

I get tired of people lumping all Texans into one category. Lifelong Texan here. We are as diverse as any other state. We just have an overabundance of right wingers at the present time. A lot of that is because they moved from the north down here in the 80's when they screwed up their own parts of the country.

We are working hard to make Texas blue again. And I believe we are making progress!

[RedCloud]

120. I would like to see our guys keep boots on the ground in Texas...

Too many Latino and other minority voters to ignore. Could swing the state back with a large ground game. Wouldn't that shut up the repugs for a long time!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

150. Mike Malloy used to have a regular caller from West Texas....

Classic drawl and all but a complete Liberal and he used to say some of the people around him were just plain crazy.

The thing is,...everybody knew they were crazy.

We have a problem in this country.

Too many sane people stay home and too many crazy people vote.

[toepoker]

81. Took a beating in 1992

Sorry, fleur-de-lisa I had to give up discussing politics in NOLA. I moved from a blue state and upbringing thirty-two years ago and call it home with pride. However, the abuse was just too stressful to continue to discuss politics. My immediate family lost seven homes in Katrina and not all that big government assistance (thank you, everyone) could cast a shadow on the FOX influence. I have at least raised my children to respect others viewpoints and lifestyles. Since I am so new to DU I have not seen what you have experienced. Keep up the good fight fleur-de-lisa. I just may have to climb back into the ring. I found this site after the first debate this year. Wow, it has really helped! I was beginning to think I was all alone.

[myrna minx]

111. Welcome to DU, toepoker.

I'm so sorry to hear what happened to you and yours. We have many Duers from the Gulf Coast who were affected by Katrina so I'm sure you'll find friends here who relate to what you went through.

I live in the People's Republic of Minneapolis where it's easy to be an out and proud liberal. I respect and admire our Red State brothers and sisters who have to endure feeling all alone in great swaths of FOX-world, where it can be outright dangerous to have an Obama sticker on their car. It takes courage to be a liberal in the Red States and I salute and respect our friends who press forward when it seems futile, but every effort helps.

[Tennessee Gal]

83. From deeply red Tennessee and old enough to remember when it wasn't quite so red, I can sympathize.

It is extremely difficult to live in an area with such heightened ignorance on the issues.

I was proud that Tennessee went for Clinton in 92 and 96. Then I was furious that Tennessee did not go for Al Gore.

I have been very vocal with my opinions in the past, especially in 2000. I learned that it is much more effective around here to choose my battles wisely and speak with reason and common sense. I challenge the ignorant with questions and point out facts. When they cannot answer questions on their positions or cannot refute facts, they have lost the argument. Deep down they know that and perhaps that little seed of doubt will grow to full awareness and changing of minds. One step, one voter, at a time.

Keep up the good work, fleur-de-lisa!

[Paladin]

85. Thanks. Well-Said. (nt)

[kalli007]

86. I am in a Red State, and nobody is gonna stop me from spreading this DU knowledge!

I know that there are some hardcore Rethugs that I can't convert, but I concentrate on the fence sitters or ambivalent people. Had 3 friends vote for Obama this week that otherwise would have just sat out.

[mgcgulfcoast]

87. thanks

i lived in mississippi and know what you mean

[justiceischeap]

88. Every little bit helps. I live in a blue state

but I've lived in red states too and when I lived in VA (during the Kerry campaign), even though I knew my vote wouldn't turn the tide, I knew it helped. It's people like fleur-de-lisa who helped turn VA and NC blue in 2008.

I've always maintained that there are sane and rational Republics out there, it's just a matter of engaging them. I'd much rather see moderate, sane GOPer's back in DC than this whacked out bunch of Teabaggers. If talking to folks in red states, and making them see that the extremism in their party is the problem, I'd say that's better for America in the long run. People like Norquist and his "drown the gov't in the bathtub" BS need to go. It's not the Charlie Crist's of the world that are ruining our discourse, it's the Paul Ryan's.

[ncgrits]

91. Preach it, Lisa!!!!

"Our efforts are no less significant than those of you who happen to live in blue or swing states, maybe even more significant!"

EXACTLY!
Well put.

[thevoiceofreason]

95. Texas here. Amen, and pass the biscuits!

[txdemsftw]

108. and gravy!

You forgot about that gravy!

[LaydeeBug]

166. and CORN!! Heck, let's have a barbeque...we'll ask Kansas for some steaks

and ribs (Texas?) and I'll bring some crabcakes!

[jcgoldie]

96. Go Lisa!

Great thread and I love the title

[jsr]

98. The sanctimonious bullshit is obnoxious, elitist, patronizing, and stupid.

Thanks for the post.

[Waiting For Everyman]

99. Progress is always worthwhile!

Good job fleur-de-lisa, and all persuasive red-staters!

[Andy Stanton]

101. Virginia used to be a red state

But now it's purple. So you never know.

I think North Carolina, Arizona and Florida will eventually turn purple.

[txdemsftw]

103. THANK YOU!

Thank you for stating it so well. We have simliar stories (convincing our Mothers to vote for Obama) and it really amazes me how people can be so hateful towards fellow Dems when we're on the same damn team!

I've said it before..but I LOVE my state. I love living where I do, the people here are great (most of them), and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Do I love everything about my state? Nope. But, more and more people are 'seeing the light' and that is a VERY GOOD THING!

We can't change the past. All we can do is spread the message and hopefully one day things will be better.

[a la izquierda]

109. I hear ya.

Used to live in Oklahoma. I'd move back in a second.what many don't realize is that liberals might-gasp- have friends, families, homes, etc. in these places.

I'll take OK over CA any day of the week (lived in Los Angeles for years).

[mstinamotorcity2]

110. sometimes the frustration

is a little over-whelming. It took me a long time to get it together. I may have been one of those back in the day. So let me apologize for myself and others. Don't get angry. I think your op made it clear how you feel in a way that lets every one know that some things need to be taken into context as not to offend those who work on the conversion process. I have been there. It is truly hard. If you think its tough living in a RED state, doing conversion??Try living in a BLUE state with Fox Loyal Legion in my own community. Its crazy!!!! They believe the stereotypes that have been portrayed. Of their own people. Do you know how hard it is to dis-spell 250 years or more of LIES!!!!!! Looks like we have our work cut out for us. I wish you all the LUCK. You will be fine.

[sellitman]

112. Sometimes local elections can go Blue in a Red State

That doesn't happen without people like you!

[barbtries]

114. you've made great progress.

i'm a blue woman in a purple state (NC) but my right wing siblings are both in blue states. we just don't talk politics much.

[wildeyed]

116. When I moved to NC 15 years ago, it was a solid red state.

Me and a bunch of other liberals worked hard at the grassroots level for local change, the demographics started to shift and look at as now in all our glorious purpleness! So keep working hard and planting seeds. Who knows what will bloom for you

[PoliticalBiker]

118. I for one...

...thought your rant was righteous and spot-on
What you are doing to persuade others of the benefits of not voting republicrap is an honorable fight.
I am in a *battleground state* (MI) that usually goes blue but for some unknown reason elects righties for state government.
For you to live in a red state and fight for blue takes courage.

Carry on soldier!

[cui bono]

119. What you are doing is CRUCIAL and SO important.

How the hell else will your state turn blue if you give up on it?

Thank you and keep up the good work!

[yellerpup]

121. It is hard to be blue in a red state

and you are doing all you can, one voter at a time, to turn that around. You earn nothing but praise from me.

[OldDem2012]

122. Holy crap!! You said everything I've wanted to say!....

....I live in Alabama, but you know what?

There are NO Romney/Ryan signs in MY neighborhood! Imagine that if you will!

[mil_5529dem]

123. not from the red states

but I can understand where you're coming from. Some people are just inconsiderate.

[The Doctor.]

124. I'm pissed off at the puppy-kicking contingent on DU.

I mean really. What's with kicking puppies on DU?

There are SO MANY.

No, I don't have examples. There were one or two puppy-kickers though, so that should prove that "many" on DU kick puppies, I'm sure.

I'm just SO sick of it!!!!

And it sure makes for a good rant!

[SpankMe]

127. Voting for Obama in red states is very important

If there's an Electoral Vote anomaly and Obama loses the Electoral Vote, but wins the popular vote, then we want the popular vote to be as lopsided as possible in Obama's favor. The more lopsided the popular vote is, the higher moral authority we'll have in stopping the Tea Party agenda.

[Alleycat]

129. Thanks!

All votes count. You are doing some very difficult work.

[WCLinolVir]

130. I have to laugh at myself-

I actually tried to show a Ron Paul supporter where his logic failed. Oh no. He had every argument from Faux to boot. Are RP supporters a hybrid? Waste of air. I have a rule to never bother trying to change someone else's opinion, but that is more from arrogance on my part. Being in Virginia, I focus on getting the supporters there to vote, en masse!! But Virginia is a state in play, which is exiting.

[Liberal In Red State]

132. Hallelujah . . . We may not have the results that ya'll do . . . But our efforts . . . inch by inch

Help to kick the Teabaggers and their ilk down the road . . . And hopefully someday we too can enjoy the spender of living in a Blue State! We can't be as forthright in our protestations . . . But believe me . . . We help embolden others of like mind who always felt alone in their convictions! I too live in a Red State . . . My mother-in-law And sister-in-law live in Red States . . . They use to spew their garbage Un-checked . . . Now their son/brother and grandson/nephew spew it right back . . . They no longer want to talk politics . . . One small step at a time . . . We will get there! Amen!

[japple]

146. Bless you for helping to kick the Teabaggers down the road! Welcome to DU!!!

May your actions be rewarded many times over, and your converts doubled. I'm in Georgia but have strong family ties in Texas, going back to the 1800's. We have lots of work to do getting our fences mended here in the US, and we need everyone to pitch in to stop the name-calling and cultural warfare within our own borders.

[southern_belle]

133. I totally agree! kick! n/t

[Ford_Prefect]

134. For those who have forgotten it is not only about Obama. Its also about getting democrats elected!

Everywhere!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

135. States shift to blue one voter at a time. Beside the newly blue voter may convince others, too.

Keep up the good work.

[obxhead]

137. I've been all but cyber stalked by a DUer with the sole purpose of discouraging support for Powell

I've posted numerous threads trying to garner cash support and more importantly phone banking help for Wayne Powell who is challenging Cantor this election.

One particular poster has come to nearly every thread telling others how much of a long shot it is and how s/he is so in touch with the DCCC that it's a wasted effort.

As a long time VA resident that had a 4 year stint in SC I feel your pain.

TBH I'm sick and fucking tired of ALL the southern bashing that goes on here. When you point a finger there are 4 others pointing right back at you.

[Skittles]

138. red stater here, and I hear you

I'll never give up the fight, and I've made quite a few people think twice about their ingrained loyalty to the GOP

[carolinayellowdog]

139. Virginians were dissed as Evil Confederates here in 2004-5 so I feel your pain

but take heart, red states do turn blue

[condoleeza]

140. You're right, I'm sorry you live in a red state, thank you for keeping on n/t

[Systematic Chaos]

141. My Independent, right-leaning mother-in-law is scared to death of Romney and voting Obama.

She's in Pensacola, Florida.

She works as a hospice nurse, and doesn't want to see what has been gained through Obama's (albeit limited) health care reform swept away.

She voted McCain in 2008, but isn't being fooled this time. I'm very proud of her.

[Zambero]

143. Once red states can go purple and even blue

Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina. Next up Arizona! Every effort pays off, maybe now, and if not today perhaps in the future.

[savebigbird]

144. *FIST BUMP* !!!

<----That's what I feel like most of the time where I'm from (MAJORLY red state). It just gets sooooo exhausting and redundant to hear the misinformed complaints ALL. THE. TIME. We have to keep fighting, though!!!

[abelenkpe]

147. Democrats in Red States are made of stronger stuff than me for sure

Honestly my hat is off to you! It's easy being a peace love and happiness hollywood liberal in hollywood. I applaud your tenacity and efforts.

[Hekate]

149. KnR. You go, girl.

I couldn't find the You Rock! smilie, so I just kept adding smilies to this post as I searched. Non Illegitimi Carborundum, Fleur de Lisa -- you rock!

[benld74]

152. Oh I KNOW what its like to live in a red state-believe me I DO!

[zenandpeace]

153. Thank YOU!

I live in a swing state and I know what it's like to be in a predominantly red state. It's really hard when the Repugs are throwing so much money into your state. It's probably even more difficult being in a full red state. I feel for you. Thank you for doing what you can with those around you. Isn't that what Obama says is our edge... Grassroots. Keep it up.

[klook]

154. I'll be helping vote John Lewis back into Congress Tuesday.

Last edited Sat Nov 3, 2012, 05:04 AM - Edit history (1)

Sometimes people forget about the importance of these "in the belly of the beast" districts.

But before I was fortunate enough to live in a Blue Dot district in Ga., I was "represented" by a loathsome Republican ideologue, John Linder, and for a while there by the aptly named crook, Pat Swindall. It was like putting a couple of tablespoons of bile on my cereal every morning.

And now I still have the horrible Johnny Isakson and the vile Saxby Chambliss opposing everything I stand for in the Senate. One day their reign will be over, and I will keep fighting to make it so.

[LaydeeBug]

155. a-FUCKING-men. They are nothing more than desperate, breathless bullies

and some who read that comment will know EXACTLY which DU clique to which I refer.

Each. and. every. time. I post anything about a fight I am having on social media, I am always accused of lying, in some round about way. Perhaps they think a high post count means they can boss us around. I am not sure.

And I do not give a shit. Who in the hell do these people think they are?

[LaydeeBug]

161. Oh, and I am in a VERY blue state...but I engage the righties anyway, to keep it TRUE BLUE. nt

[Shining Jack]

163. Kick n/t

[JNelson6563]

164. May the gods favor you!

I am grateful to those who work tirelessly while in a sea of red.

I get it. I am in a red zone within MI. Everyone takes MI going blue for granted. We have more red than is commonly known. The only two state-wide Dems we have are our two Senators.

How fun and easy it must be to be awash in a sea of blue! You can do very little and have all sorts of success on election night.

Don't be discouraged friend! There are many of us out here working right along with you, fighting the good fight.



Julie

[dgraz007]

168. Thanks for Fighting on

One of the reasons I have remained on social networks like Face Book is to collect friends from the Red states, who are Democrats and need support. There are actually some groups organized in the Blue states to give these hard working fighters support.
I had a woman contact me about what to do with the horrible remarks she was getting from people she thought were friends. She was being emotionally beat up, and had no where to express her views. I helped her join three different groups, who would help give her the support she needed.
Like you, she has changed the minds of a few people, but mostly she has had to rethink old relationships, and move on. With family is it is more difficult. I even have a sister, whose husband is a life time Republican. You know not to send messages to some people, because you just know which ones will never jump ship.
Even changing the mind of one or two people you know helps us all, so I thank you for fighting for what you believe in.