Because there are not enough threads about the South on here lately...

[Baitball Blogger]

21. Just in the last month I have been blessed enough to be a part of some spectacular events hosted by

Southerners. I know there is a lot to learn.

I think what sets us off is when we're dealing with Southerners who have very old, old ideas like ideas off property rights (i.e some here have infected the minds of members of the community with ideas of adverse possession and as a group took over the HOA boards to take over the Association's common grounds) or even having government officials who think they're still operating from a backwater in the South, and feel that collusion with the CLEOs (community leaders, elected officials) is a proper way to run a municipality. Of course, there is corruption in the process as they yield their due diligence requirements by allowing their good ole boys to set the city's agenda. (BTW, it's not hard to hire someone from Alabama or Mississippi so their ideas can come along with them.)

It is when we're fighting a battle that shouldn't even exist in the 21st century that we might get defensive. But you take that out of the picture and frankly, the South is as much a part of me as anything can be given the 55 years of being exposed to it. I respect those who have stayed true to the charm and groundings, but let's face it, during the Bush years there was a very concerted effort to circle the wagons and many of us felt excluded as many iconic Southern experiences suddenly felt co-opted by the right. Country music, for instance.