Starting to understand why red states might be voting against Medicaid and SSI

[cilla4progress]

51. Very interesting

We don't hear this point of view often. I think you've hit on something discussing hobbies and depression.

I live in a rural area in eastern WA, conservative area with low wage jobs. I'm college-educated, spouse and I are professionals. We and our friends here find plenty to do - outdoor hobbies, hiking, skiing, horses. So, OK, these take money. Our values are those of old 60s-70s back to the land hippies. Our local friends who are blue collar and likely Trump supporters fish and hunt.

I think there is also something in there about people feeling like there is something to strive for. That there is a reason to be straight in order to learn and at least acquire skills for a trade, if they aren't the book learning type. So, like you say, when their only realistic option is minimum wage jobs, that's not going to do it.

My husband works for the local government. These remain some of the best jobs in rural America. Wages here are low otherwise.

I'm trying to have empathy for these folks. Still working on it.