I finally figured out why I piss my conservative friends off so much--

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

it's not JUST that I am a liberal Democrat.

A friend of mine was chatting with me today. He is a moderate conservative, leaning Kerry but still undecided. I mentioned how confused and pissed off so many of our mutual friends were about two years ago when I really outed myself good on my liberalism.

He explained to me that it wasn't JUST that I was liberal, it was "everything else you are." He said "you're one of US, so it doesn't seem like you *should* be liberal--you know, you live in the suburbs, your husband is a veteran, you're an AGGIE, for Christ sake, you own guns, you're a soccer mom, you're Christian..."

AH. He didn't need to go ANY farther. I got it. It's that I fit perfectly the stereotype of conservative (throwing in being white and hetero as a bonus, I guess), but I'm a big huge liberal. THAT pisses them off. That makes total sense now. I should be "one of them."

Anyone else have a light bulb moment today? I actually feel a lot better having understood that now. I mean, sure they still disagree with liberalism, but the vehemence mostly comes from their perception of me and how I SHOULD believe, based on those perceptions (stereotypes).

I am a happy woman. I totally piss conservatives off. My friend ended the conversation with this: "Think about it this way, liberals already have so many different groups in this country who agree with them....if you add white suburban Texan soccer mom with religious beliefs, guns and a vet husband, DAMN, who else does bush HAVE???"

That made me laugh. Here's to pissing off conservatives more than they already are.

[sangh0]

1. That's why they hated Clinton, too

A Southern "bubba", so they think he should have been one of them.

[Melodybe]

3. I'll drink to that

:toast:

[JohnKleeb]

2. a christian makes you a conservative?

Funny it makes me more liberal by the moment. My political inspirations are religious, hmm they got their faith through tough immigrant parents. Damn ethnic catholic immigrant miners for making their great grandson inherenly liberal. :D

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

18. I know, I agree

[CaTeacher]

4. what is an "aggie"?

sorry for my ignorance...I thought it was a marble (agate)?

[DenverDem]

11. Graduate of Texas A&M.

A former military school with decidedly arch conservative leanings. Home of Poppy's Presidential Library and where busholini jr is hiding his records from public view.

As opposed to "T'sips", which is the Aggie's pejoritive term for Texas Longhorns (among many others). We have a centuries old rivalry.

Denver Dem
Texas Longhorn Class of '76

[CaTeacher]

14. Oooh!

Thanks for explaining it to me--couldn't figure out it out!

[fudge stripe cookays]

16. A & M stands for Agriculture and Mechanical

Thus, AGgies.

This is where many of our Texas veterinarians graduate from.

"The Corps," an ROTC unit, is a HUGE portion of the culture there, as is the mammoth bonfire every year (several students were crushed to death constructing the pyre several years ago)

And where each regional group has a bunch of folks it makes fun of that it says are less than intelligent (Midwesterners have "Polacks", Canadians have "Newfies," the English have the Irish), we Texans have Aggies.

FSC :D

(edited because I'm a dork and everyone on the board will keep telling me I used the wrong word if I don't correct it)

[Gruenemann]

22. Agricultural and Mechanical, actually. eom

[DenverDem]

25. Actually, Agriculture and Mechanics.

It's an excellent engineering school. I have 2 brothers and a sister who are Aggie engineers.

I still love winning the Thanksgiving Day +1 game over them.

The seemingly mindless Corps originated traditions are the genesis of the "Aggie Joke".
(One tradition, during football games they stand, bend at the waist and squeeze their nuts (yes, I mean testicles) as a show of support for the team. "Squeeze 'em, Ags" is the cry. Hence they are totally open to ridicule.)

Denver Dem
Longhorn '76

[fudge stripe cookays]

27. Mea culpa. Obviously, I didn't go there.

I went to the long-haired hippy art and music school, UNT.

Is it any wonder I turned out a G-D liberal? :D

[DenverDem]

30. One O'clock Jazz Band!!

Best big band in the world. UNT is awesome. I went to the southern campus, in Austin.

[fudge stripe cookays]

46. Yup!

And don't forget Fry Street. Biggest source of freaks between Austin and the Oklahoma border.

I tried going to UT for awhile, but I hated it. The hiking killed me. I like my campuses a little more on the moderate side. Even with the shuttle bus I nearly died trying to get to classes on time.

Probably because my first term was a summer session, and half the places I needed to get to were on hills with 100+ temps. Screw that.

UNT, walk out the door BOOM you're at the art building. Walk out the other door BOOM you're at the Language building. Walk out another door, BOOM you're at the coffee house.

The most walking I did was to get back to my car. That ruled. Well, that and my grades kicked serious butt.

[AspenRose]

43. That's where my brother just graduated from (UNT)

And it's where Norah Jones went so it's not all bad. :D

(When I was in school though it was "North Texas State University")

[fudge stripe cookays]

48. That's what it was when I started.

I was on the 14 year plan ;-)

Actually, I had a 7 year hiatus. Tried UT in the meantime, but it just wasn't the same.

Other alumni:

Phyllis George
Mean Joe Green
Larry McMurtry

[TahitiNut]

26. Uhhh... "Agricultural and Mechanical" it was.

Texas A&M, the state’s first public institution of higher education, was opened on Oct. 4, 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. The school owes its origin to the Morrill Act of 1862, which established the nation’s land-grant college system.

In 1963, the name of the institution was changed to Texas A&M University to more accurately reflect its expanding role as a leader in teaching, research, and public service for the state, nation and world. The initials "A" and "M" are a link to the university’s past; they no longer represent any specific words as the school’s curriculum has grown to include not only agriculture and engineering, but architecture, business, education, geosciences, liberal arts, medicine, science, and veterinary medicine.

http://www.tamu.edu/00/data/about.html

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

57. Thank you!

That was one of the first things I learned in Fish Camp--that the A&M doesn't stand for anything, officially, anymore. That in and of itself has GOT to be an Aggie joke in the making!

[fudge stripe cookays]

65. Oooohhh....look at the big brain on Tahiti....

Sorry.

reprehensor and I often tease each other with that snarky "Pulp Fiction" reference when one of us shows an extraordinary knowledge of some piece of information.

Everybody look at Tahiti's post! I am but a stinky long-haired liberal hippy from Denton! I know NOTHING! :D

[TahitiNut]

79. (grin) Well, it's all copied verbatim from TA&M's site.

I don't compose when I can plagiarize (with credit, of course). :evilgrin:

[Jo March]

5. I'm right there with you -

I'm a veteran. I live in the suburbs. I'm from Alabama and I'm a Christian.

I tick off a lot of conservatives, too. They get really annoyed with me because I should be a repub! ;)

[coalition_unwilling]

72. Who would Jesus torture?

I'm trying to talk my wife (she's a pro artist) into doing a sign with a picture of a Renaissance Jesus holding a leash around the neck of an Iraqi. So far, I haven't gotten her to bite, but I'm working on it.

[Liberal Veteran]

6. That's because conservatives have odd ideas about liberals...

They think we are all lazy, anti-military, anti-gun, pot smoking, atheist freaks with long hair who are uneducated or don't work.

It's a stereotype the right-wing tries to reinforce.

[PunkPop]

56. I'm only anti-gun, pot smoking and an atheist freak

Guess that makes me half a sterotype ;-)

UNT Graduate here. Go Mean Green. First post!

[newyawker99]

109. Hi PunkPop!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Warren DeMontague]

74. long haired atheist freak here...

oftentimes lazy. Used to smoke a helluva lot of pot, back in the day.

[DenverDem]

7. Gig 'em!

A liberal Aggie, now that's some kind of insurgency. Proud of you!!

If I could just sway my two Aggie brothers over to the light, I'd feel that I'd done something.

Keep up the good work.

Denver Dem
Longhorn Class of '76

[fudge stripe cookays]

24. Our beloved GOPIsEvil is also an Aggie.

There are a couple of them here.

Yay!
FSC

[GOPisEvil]

33. Yes I are!

Most days I look like the typical Republi-bot, too. I can understand where Moonbeam is coming from! Makes sense! :hi:

[DenverDem]

36. The exceptions to the rule.

Proving all Aggies do not suck.

[AspenRose]

41. Another Aggie here

But I fit the 'stereotype' because I'm a woman of color.

Former Texas Comptroller John Sharp, Democrat, also an Aggie (Class of '72).

Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, Democrat, also an Aggie (Class of 68). He's the reason I went to A&M.

Ever wonder why there aren't any buildings on campus named after Democratic alumni....? :think:

[Serenades]

82. Hey!!!!!

I'm an Aggie too and I just finished my last Spanish course yesterday. I feel freaking great but I have had enough of the Bush crap in this city. I'm from Bryan but enough is enough. I've had to lay the wood to many people when they got to talking about their conservative crap (how Godly Bush is, Clinton was the devil, liberals kill babies, etc.).

[fudge stripe cookays]

111. Welcome, Serenades!

Good to see another disgusted Aggie! If you guys are all liberal, there may be some paradigm shift going on down there!

Yeah...right. But I can dream, right?
FSC

[Shakespeare]

45. Yup. Right here, too.

Gig 'em, y'all.

[GOPisEvil]

52. We just need Silas Soule to show up now!

Not only is he an Aggie, he was a BQ! :bounce:

[Beausoleil]

40. Maybe there's hope

I have two brothers, a stepson and a niece who are all aggies. I was in the Longhorn Class of '77. I don't talk politics with my family much.

[Racenut20]

8. Could be you just have a concern for other human beings

without being selfish or asking anything in return. Most of the people I meet can't fathom that I befriend them without motive. It is a real puzzle. Makes you wonder what their mama and/or daddy taught them when they were young.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

20. That's true

isn't that weird?

I'm usually friends with someone because they make me laugh. Or I find them interesting. Or both. Not much more than that. I really don't care about their station in life as far as being friends with them goes.

[Vickers]

9. I am a Southern, veteran, gun-owning (CCW even!) gated-community feller

Yup, it fucks with their heads sometimes.

:P

Edit: FROM GEORGIA!!!!!

[Rockholm]

10. You lost me on Aggie...

Just Kidding. Rockholm, University of Houston '86. Eat em Up Coogs!

[AspenRose]

47. COUGAR HIGH! Just teasing!

}(

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

58. OMG I haven't heard the term "Cougar High" in years!

Thanks for taking me back!

[bobbieinok]

81. hello to 'Cougar High' from Rice 1961

[SemperEadem]

12. the kernel of divisionists rhetoric

" He said "you're one of US,"

If he can define an 'us', then he's already divided "them" from "us". It is proof that those of his mindset are divisionists--hellbent upon dividing this country into two camps--those with rights and those who don't have rights. He and his ilk are for what I call "The Divided States of Ameria" and not "The United States of America".

He would rather sow the seeds for civil unrest and fart in the face of unity and a unified, united country.

[merh]

13. I know what you mean...

It drives them nutts when you don't fit their sterotypes.

I am white, Christian, ex-law enforcement, gun owner, pick up truck driving southerner with Kerry/Edwards stickers.

My mother taught us to be individuals. Also, I cannot understand why all christians are not liberals. I mean the gospels profess a liberal message for pete's sake.

[MichiganVote]

15. What else does Bush have? Same thing he started out with=0

[Ganja Ninja]

17. I think you've hit on just what is holding Bush's support ...

together and why we may see a surprise at the polls in November. It's all about peer pressure. For many of these people their friends, family, church, business partners and co-workers are all about Bush. If they were to openly challenge their beliefs they risk being ostracized. Hopefully when they step into the voting booth their resentment for not being able to speak their minds and say what they feel will come out and they will vote for Kerry and the Democrats right down the line.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

21. Goooood point

and one I hadn't thought about. Hmmmm, food for thought there, gonna have to chew on that one a while.

[ursacorwin]

55. you got it right, there.

i've actually been told to my face by conservatives that they fear what would happen to them if they espoused liberal views. one friend of mine is currently being denied part of his inheritence because his father believes it's the only way to bring him back into the conservative fold.

people who'd do that just make me sick, but then again most of the neo-clown crowd already does.

[GiovanniC]

19. In Fairness

When I see an inbred Confederate-flag waving n---er-hating, "fag"-lynching, Pabst-Blue-Ribbon-drinking asshole and he tells me he's a Bush-supportin' conservative Republican, it's no water off my back.

But if I see a black, lesbian librarian environmentalist anti-war union-supporter and she tells me she's a Bush-supportin' conservative Republican, I'd hit the roof.

I've never had it that bad before, but I've seen some people who by any stretch of logic SHOULD be Democrats, but vote Republican. I also know one guy who hates Arabs and "queers", but he hates Bush just as much so he votes Democratic. Go figure.

[monarch]

51. You're absolutely right!

Several weeks ago, I saw a car with two bumper stickers--"Bush 2004" and "Save the Bay." What was that person thinking?! Now, it was in another state and I have no idea what bay needs saving, but it still amuses me.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

59. Yeah

I thought about that as I was writing the original post. But the fact of the matter is I see a HELL of a lot fewer people who "should" be Dems/liberals and vote rep than people who "should" be rep and vote Dem.

Know what I mean?

[GiovanniC]

86. That's Because People Who Are Smart Enough

To have good views about the environment, a woman's right to choose, gay rights, education, health care, energy independence, race, gender, etc......

those people are usually smart enough to vote Democratic.

[CityZen-X]

23. Spare The Air

Next time you have a Spare The Air warning in your environment, do as I do, ask your conservative friends to do their share-by not breathing!

[Logansquare]

28. It's because they've created an "Us against Them" paradigm

"Us" are white, middleclass, heterosexual, probably church-going, and "they" are everyone who is not that. Only problem is that our real enemies are the ones pulling the strings.

[jackieforthedems]

29. Pi--ing The Conservatives Off - response

I hear you - know exactly what you mean. I have been pretty active in the Terri Schindler Shiavo situation in Florida, and had been visiting the Free Republic site, posting messages and etc... They are Conservative Right, as many of you may know. Anyway, I had been absent for quite awhile due to my disabled son having to have an extremely extensive leg surgery - from start to finish: a 9 month process. Anyway, I decided to speak my mind yesterday at freepers regarding the Holy Communion issue and John Kerry. Yikes! I am definitely glad that I am not a Republican, that's all I can say. Because I also was raised in the Catholic faith, etc... they jumped all over me for my opinion ( that I don't think religion and politics should mix ). They sent me all kinds of pictures of black cats, trolls, and people ready to be beheaded. They told me I'm a bad Catholic and some even told me that I was a heretic ( demon ). We live in the suburbs, too, and I know how you feel. Finally,I couldn't resist telling them a few things on my mind, too. It's sad that some people don't have minds of their own anymore in this country. They can't seem to see what's happening with the current administration. I told them Bush was another Hoover and that I suppose they'd all hold hands and jump a bridge together if their leader told them to. Heard they'll be passing out more rose-colored glasses at the Republican convention later this month. I'm new here, and this is my first post/reply. Hope to talk to alot of you soon!

[CityZen-X]

32. Welcome jackieforthedems

Welcome to DU! Looking forward to more points of view.

Mir, Paz, Shanti, Salaam, & all the Peaces together.

[jackieforthedems]

90. Reply

Thanks! I'm glad to be here!

[DebinTx]

34. Welcome jackieforthedems

I'm also a newbie, so you're not alone. This is a great site.

Bet your comments got you tossed from the freeper site. Not a big loss is it?

[jackieforthedems]

91. Reply

This looks like a great site. Yep, I was told to not let the door hit me... No loss at all.

[Redneck Socialist]

35. Hi jackieforthedems!

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[jackieforthedems]

92. Reply

Lol!!! That's too cute! :toast:

[GoneOffShore]

49. Welcome to DU

Glad to have you with us.

:toast:

[jackieforthedems]

93. Reply

Thanks! :hi:

[info being]

68. You're a cool dude!

Just remember, you don't have to agree with everything said here. As long as you remain polite and intellectually honest I think you'll find it is a nice place to come for a reality check.

[jackieforthedems]

95. Reply

Ok - gotcha.O8)

[newyawker99]

110. Hi jackieforthedems!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[catzies]

31. More than a stereotype - a MYTH reinforced with PROPAGANDA

Labels can be so destructive. Look what they've done to "liberal" and "feminist." It's just another form of bigotry. I believe both words have positive meanings and messages and I want to take them back.

When anyone calls me a liberal or a feminist, I claim it with pride and ask why they think those are "bad words." They usually can't come up with an answer.

[napi21]

37. I agree. But there are extremists in all groups. Those are what

the conservatives use as their example.

It's been going on for years. I'm 60, and I remember when the word feminist first was used. Even then I didn't consider myself a total feminist. I fought very hard for equal pay, and eqqual opportunity, but I still liked it when I was on a date and the guy opened the door for me, or brought me flowers. The really staunch feminist at least was made out to want to do everything for herself.

O suppose the same thing goes for the word liberal. I am a liberal, but I don't want anybody cheating on government programs, or the something for nothing ideas.

It is propaganda that has destroyed both labels.

I a way, the word Christian is getting the same treatment. I'm a Christian Catholic, and a Democrat too. Some of the propaganda these days paint ALL Christians as RW NUTS. That's not true either.

[jackieforthedems]

97. Response

Yes. I'm just glad to be in good company over here at DU now.

[jackieforthedems]

96. Response

Way to go! I agree.:yourock:

[Redneck Socialist]

38. I get that from time to time

I actually like confounding people's expectations. I hunt, I fish, I'm a gun owner. Friends and acquaintances in that circle sometime pop a gasket when they discover how liberal I am. "How is that possible? I thought you were one of us?" is exactly the response I get.

To be fair I occasionally get the same response from our side, "Hunting? Guns? Ick! You can't be one of us!"

Oh well...:shrug:

[jackieforthedems]

99. Response

Yeah. Basically, I'm comfortable enough in my own skin, too, to not really lets others' opinion of me bother me to darn much. I know I had them wondering over at freepers what planet I was from. One of them even said I had 2 thought trains going on at once. Lol! I'm glad I gave them all something to think about. :think:

[EST]

39. You might also tell them

to whip out their dictionary (the big fat book with all the dust on it) and look up "liberal" pointing out the fact that it means you are not a bigot as well as some of those other nasty things you are not.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

61. I swear I just need to

type up the definition of liberal and print them out on little business cards and get them laminated.

Then I can just hand them out, proudly I might add, whenever this comes up and say, "Here's the definition of liberal."

[jackieforthedems]

101. Response

Lol!:)

[jackieforthedems]

100. Reply

Thanks. Maybe I'm not an expert on religion or politics, but my parents always said, "Don't mix religion with politics". The freepers said I had to or else I wasn't putting my God first - that I was instead worshipping my politician. I thought church and state were separate. What does everyone think on here?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

42. Write it off as Brain Envy.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

60. Hee hee

I need to remember that term.

[jackieforthedems]

102. Response

I think alot of them were praying for Tylenol 3 with codeine prior to my departure.:headbang:

[ieoeja]

44. I had the exact same realization a few months back.

To make matters worse, when they start on liberals want this or liberals want that I often hit them with "really? What liberal? Can you provide a quote? Because I am a liberal who spends a lot of times talking to other liberals and we are all opposed to those things. Maybe you should ask a liberal what they want instead of listening to their political opponents make shit up that they attribute to us."

Last night I ran a bunch of them through a timeline of the issues that piss them off. They could come up with nothing from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s or even 70s that particularly bothered them. Everything they came up with was from the 80s or 90s. I then pointed out that the primary political event of the 80s was the "Reagan Revolution" which brought conservative initiatives to the forefront of American politics. And of the 90s it was the Republicans taking control of Congress for the first time since the Great Depression. In other words every single government initiative that gets their goat occurred when liberalism was on the back burner and conservatism dominated the body politic.

THAT knotted a lot of brows. It is amazing how many things they view as liberal was actually originated by conservative Republicans.

[fudge stripe cookays]

53. Oooooh! Keep that up!

It'll be hard for them to vote if their heads have exploded from being faced with facts!

FSC

[Kanary]

50. Those repetitive stereotypes of "libruls" have been effective, eh?

Here's to blowing minds by stepping out of stereotypes!

:toast:

Amazing what the ability to think, and feel, for oneself can do...... :hi:

Kanary

[Rowdyboy]

54. Man, it irritated the hell out of my co-workers that I was liberal....

I mean, for crying out loud, I'm a male, white, Christian, normal appearing regular guy of 50. But, instead, I'm the anti-Christ-A LIBERAL DEMONCRAT!!! How dare I think like that in Mississippi!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

62. Isn't it funny

when their heads explode???

[liberal N proud]

63. Leralism defined by the dictionary

Note the mention of religion both Prtestant and Catholic and to Christianity...
(The Right Wing movement has stole the Christians and made them beleive you have to be republican if you go to church, thank you 700 club and jerry fallwell).

lib·er·al·ism Pronunciation(lbr--lzm, lbr-)
n.
The state or quality of being liberal.

1. A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.
often Liberalism The tenets or policies of a Liberal party.
2. An economic theory in favor of laissez-faire, the free market, and the gold standard.
Liberalism
3.A 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.
4. A 19th-century Roman Catholic movement that favored political democracy and ecclesiastical reform but was theologically orthodox.

[seabeyond]

64. oh that is so funny and let me tell you why

sittin here in amarillo and all i talk to about dems/repugs,........i say, i should be a repug, i have the money, i am christian, kids go to christian school, hubby repug, he has guns and i dont want to take away his rights, i dont believe in abortion, but then i dont believe i have the right to make a choice for another, ...........

i use it in my agruement to tell people you cant just point finger and say i am the leftie you all picture in such horror, i am one of you and this is why i dont like bush

yes to what you say. and it is a blast. i have started challenging my church going fundamentalist baptist people, ............am i christian, i dont follow any of the baptist rules? let them tell me no,.....not a single one has

[fudge stripe cookays]

67. Watch their heads explode.....

Do it right before Sundy (Texan pronunciation...) school!

[info being]

66. I'm that way too

I'm a white male working in sales for a large corporation. Worse yet, I have an MBA. The conservatives I work with are bothered by me because it doesn't seem to fit their stereotypes. I told the guy who sits next to me that I used to be more conservative when I was younger, but then I came to understand that Econ 101 doesn't explain everything.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

69. Good one!

I used to be a tad more conservative when I was younger, too, but even then it only made me a moderate. I don't think I've ever been truly "conservative."

[Shopaholic]

70. Me too.

White female, college-educated, Southern Baptist, who lives in one of my town's most affluent neighborhoods. People simply do not understand why I'd be a Democrat. Well, for starters, I don't want some man telling me what I can do with my body or in my bedroom. Because I believe in social justice. Because I'm the granddaughter of a teamster and the daughter of an union man. Because as my father puts it, "Every time a damn Republican goes into the White House--the economy goes into the toilet-the rich get richer and everybody else suffers"! In short, because I'm not some hippie, flower-child or not on welfare, I don't fit their stereotype of what a liberal should be.

[info being]

71. So tell us about what it is you want to do in the bedroom.

Kidding, of course!!! Sounds like you're parents raised you well.

[ieoeja]

73. Why did you admit you were kidding?

She might have answered. Wait til she accuses you of being a pig and THEN "admit" you were just kidding.

[Catherine Vincent]

98. LOL!

[Shopaholic]

104. Nah--I've got a good sense of humor.

I don't get offended very easily--except when I watch BushCo lie their asses off, dismantle the constitution and ruin the country. Then I go ballistic. And yes, my parents raised me right-they're both die-hard Democrats too:dem: They believe it's unchristian to vote Republican!

[Warren DeMontague]

75. I'm a hippie.

guess that's why I never have this problem with conservatives guessing I'm a republican. Either that or they read my bumper stickers.

Seriously, though -- what I don't understand is why the GOP thinks that their narrow ideological agenda should appeal to anyone besides billionaires, halliburton execs, and the people who want to institute "Biblical Law" in the US... Why should so-called "soccer moms" be in a hurry to stack the Supreme Court with people who are going to criminalize the birth control pill? Why would suburban middle class people be interested in an agenda that enriches the top .005% of the country, while everyone else is left not only holding the bag, but also with under-funded schools, broken down gov't services, and inaffordable health care? Are they hallucinating-- do they really believe that 3&1/2 years of job loss, a stock market in the crapper, kids coming home dead from a war based on lies and a deficit skyrocketing through the roof can be overcome by cheap, emotional wedge non-issues like 'gay marriage'?

My suggestion is that you folks tell these people what you've said here, when asked, "how can you be a liberal". Sounds like they could use some educatin'.

[info being]

76. I have no problem explaining it

The only problem is with them listening.

[Warren DeMontague]

80. Well, if you're like me, you're not a miracle worker...

but good luck anyway. B-)

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

77. Good post

in fact, I am going to remember how you put that, it was quite effective.

[Warren DeMontague]

78. Re: Conservatives and "Christianity"

They have a very funny interpretation. But apparently one preacher slipped through the screening process and delivered a sermon to the Family Bush last weekend that, um, doesn't really gel with the "Supply-Side Jesus" that the GOP worships...

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/08/09/shed_wealth_minister_tells_bush_family_congregants/

I suspect this guy won't be delivering any more sermons to high-powered republicans, any time soon.

[69KV]

83. This thread reminds me

Bowhunting season is coming up real soon.

I have a big Kerry sticker on my pickup.

Heh, I've wondered if I'll be getting any double-takes or strange looks? You know, truck with deer coming back into town, guy in camo driving, Kerry sticker. "But, but, youre southern born and bred, white, drive a pickup, hunt and fish, and, and, you're voting for the hippie draft dodging lesbian pot smoking party?" "That's riiight!"

I live for busting stereotypes.

[Warren DeMontague]

87. Yeah.. As opposed to the

"billionaire, screw-the-poor, raid the treasury, health care only for the rich, elitist, send my job overseas and get a PO Box in the bahamas because only little people pay taxes party"

[69KV]

105. exactly

:toast: :dem:

[indigobusiness]

84. You should remind your friend that he is human

and that SHOULD make him a liberal.

[Rebellious Republican]

85. Hey Moonbeam, you are not alone! I am a stereotypical conservative

I am a southern white, middle aged male, Ford pick up truck drivin' veteran, ex-republican living in Florida! I think George has some serious problems, don't you agree?

[Warren DeMontague]

88. Woo Hoo!

I'm poppin' a big tent! Proverbially speaking, of course.

[Rebellious Republican]

107. Now, now, just calm down down there fella. Those stories you

here about sailors and soap on a rope are just not true. Proverbially speaking, of course. :evilgrin:

:toast:

[BlackVelvetElvis]

89. Human beings don't fit into nice, neat little packages

We are way too complex.
Honestly, what is Liberalism? To me, it mean a progressive stance on domestic issues. It means social security, medicare, a minimum wage, the GI Bill to name a few.
The semantics have been co-opted by the conservatives. Don't all people want these things?
I'll bet you they do, they just don't know it.

[Cha]

94. Everything that you are, Moonbeam is who I think

would natually be a good Liberal.

Of course, the vet's wife and the aggys are usually republican I'm told ..but anyone paying attention can see that bush has made a lot of them question their political persuasion.

Anyway, I'm glad you Are one of us!:)

[scottxyz]

103. If you want the long answer...

...read the recent Harper's (from April 2004) where there's a big feature article talking about how the Republicans campaign on conservative "social" issues (anti-abortion, pro-gun, anti-gay) and then once they're in office they implement conservative "financial" issues (helping out rich people).

I think the article was by Thomas Frank and it was called "What's the Matter with Kansas?" - it's also been published somewhere else.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

106. What is the stereo-typical liberal?

Can someone tell me?

[Sputnik]

108. Oh, thank you!

Thank you, Moonbeam, thank you for figuring that one out. It will surely save me all the time I would have spent continuing to figure out that same question!

I see what you mean: I'm a white Southern female, a Christian, and a stay-home-mom. I want to scream when people just assume that I'm a Republican who adores GeeDubya. I've never been anything but a Democrat....never even considered going to the dark side.

Yes, my husband is a police officer and he likes to hunt, but he has nothing but contempt for the NRA. And, he and my father (a Korean War veteran) dislike Bush even more than I do.

It's probably easier to be a Democrat here in Arkansas because the Democratic party is still strong here, but there are certain Republican whose noses have gotten out of joint when I told them I'm a liberal Democrat and proud of it and/or told them exactly how I feel about El Smirko squatting in the American people's White House.

You made my night! It energizes me to read posts like yours. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there's a lot more people like us than the Bush/Cheney/Rove team can handle. :D

[onebigbadwulf]

112. The republicans still have the rich white multimillionaires...

IE...the only people who benefit from republican legislature anyway.