I hate people who hate liberals.

[Bouncy Ball]

Doesn't that sound nice? I really don't, but I thought I'd make this point:

If you're living somewhere where you know pretty much for certain that out of every 20 people you see, 10 or 15 voted for Kerry, and you get annoyed by other liberals a lot, you need to come on down here.

Yeah, come to Texas and be a big flaming ball-busting liberal. We would welcome you here, seriously! And don't do it in old East Dallas or the Westheimer section of Houston or in McAllen, but be a liberal in Plano or Colleyville or Round Rock, or better yet, Abilene or Lubbock or Midland.

Be a liberal where, when you happen to find another liberal through a chance comment, you're so happy you shake hands and immediately exchange email addresses and half of your life story right there in the produce section.

Be a liberal where certain more egregious bumper stickers on your car ACTUALLY cause you to worry about your paint job, your windows, or even your body.

Be a liberal in a state with a concealed carry law, be a liberal where you are told to your face you aren't a REAL Christian.

Be a liberal in a place where, when you find out a coworker is a Democrat (told to you in a whisper and NOT via email), you rejoice at the thought of a new ally.

Be a liberal where your spouse actually tries to talk you out of putting a Kerry sign in your front yard. Not because they don't support him, but out of concern for your house and your family, or, more likely, other quieter forms of retribution that might not happen for a while.

Be a liberal where, when you poll greet for a Democrat on election day, you get veiled death threats, you get shoved by someone coming up from behind you, and you get called an asshole. Repeatedly. Where you get your candidate's literature wadded up and thrown back at you. By people going in to vote.

I don't say all this for sympathy. I love my home state and no fuckwitted freeper bush groupies are about to run me off from the place my family's been since before it was a freaking state.

But come down here for a few months, and I guaran-damn-tee you'll never bitch about other liberals again.




(Edited for stylistic changes and to insert clarifying information.)

[cheezus]

1. great post

you're not quite the DU elite, but you're not an unknown either. I'm curious to see what the reaction will be

[Bouncy Ball]

2. Eh???

[CitySky]

11. DU conspiracy theories, clique politics..

you know, all that cr*p we don't have time for. ;)

[Catherine Vincent]

29. You heard him...you're not in DU's elite group!

:-)

And I agree with you. We could use a lot of liberals down here in Texas. Every little bit helps.

[Bouncy Ball]

30. I'm......I'm....not of the DU elite?

:cry:

LOL! I didn't know there was a DU elite. Oh well! :rofl:

[Hugin]

33. Thank goodness I'm not in the elite either...

Just think how many S&H Greenstamps that must cost.

I'll save mine for an nut-cracker.

[Bouncy Ball]

34. Do they have a special avatar?

:crazy:

[Hugin]

35. Yeah...

But, we're not elite enough to see it... I'm guessing.

;)

[Bouncy Ball]

36. OH! It's a special INVISIBLE one!

Tee hee. Geez, now that the ATA forum is gone, I can't ask about it where other people can read it.

[Lisa0825]

48. I think you're pretty elite, Bouncy!

;-):hug:

[Bouncy Ball]

50. ...

:hug: Thanks, you big flaming liberal in Houston!

:D

[Lisa0825]

56. and I went to "welcome" Bush to Galveston today too:-)

I shouted my "greetings" loudly and proudly!

:patriot:

[Bouncy Ball]

58. HEH!

That's great! Did you read about how he asked about SPLASH DAY???

ROFL!!! There's a thread about it here in GD. Hilarious. The guy is SUCH an embarrassment to humankind.

[Lisa0825]

60. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Thanks for pointing me there! I totally missed that. Too damn funny!!! :rofl:

[Coexist]

112. Countdown just discussed Splash Day!

too f-ing funny!

[AuntiBush]

146. Did you give him "his" famous 1 finger salute?

Hope up another finger for me!

[politicaholic]

12. DU elite?

:wtf:

[Jo March]

18. I wondered at that too

I'm not DU elite either, I guess. x(

[Warren DeMontague]

81. I elite. DU elite?

Only her hairdresser knows for sure.

[Worst Username Ever]

20. DU elite? What is that?

I'm pretty sure Bouncy has been around longer than you under her old name.

[Catherine Vincent]

31. What's her old name?

Tell me, please.

[Bouncy Ball]

32. That's ok.

I'd rather he not. I'll PM you.

[Catherine Vincent]

52. Oh, okay.

I want to know to make sure I didn't hate you before. hehehe!!:-)

[Worst Username Ever]

42. That's not up to me.

[goodhue]

22. What is "the DU elite"?

And how does one "not quite" get there?
By not being "an unknown"? To whom?

Weaving spiders come not here!

[Lilith Velkor]

113. I am.

Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for it makes them soggy and hard to light

[LittleClarkie]

80. If this is a reaction to what I think it's a reaction to,

you missed the point.

Liberals who wanna shake your hand are not the problem.

Liberals who put down other liberals for not being quite liberal enough, or for having a difference of opinion, are the problem.

That's what Pitt was talking about.

If you're referring to Pitt's thread, but you mean your post to be on his side, never mind.

If your thread has nothing to do with Pitt's thread whatsoever, please press 5.

If you need me to shut the fuck up, press the star key.

[Bouncy Ball]

96. Uh, I think you're talking to me, though it looks like you

responded to cheezy, but anyway:

"Liberals who put down other liberals for not being quite liberal enough, or for having a difference of opinion, are the problem.

That's what Pitt was talking about."

Oh I know exactly what he was talking about. And what I was saying was, if he or anyone else who feels the same way would live in a place where they are NOT surrounded by liberals, they would soon stop caring about a few asshole liberals here and there. No group is immune to asshole-ism and that includes Dems/liberals/progressives.

But your attitude tends to be a bit different when you feel alone in a sea of freepers. And like I said way below, I'll take three asshole liberals over one asshole bushbot (I just repeated myself! LOL!) any day of the week.

It's just a difference in perspective, that's what I was saying.

[mitchtv]

135. he certainly dragged up a lot of venom

this old Union steward don't need to hear from moderate assholes, who chimed in like crazy and had a nice little hatefest- F'm yeah they ain't liberal enough for me; damnd right, kiss ass mf'rs. We need discipline and order; he contributed squat Rant over

[Zenlitened]

3. Nominated.

:thumbsup:

[Walt Starr]

4. Shit, I've got that beat ALL TO HELL AND BACK

I was a vociferous liberal and openly Pagan person in Cheyenne, Wyoming for two decades! I even ran as a Democratic candidate there twice!

Yes, the state that had the highest percentage of Shrubco voters in 2000!

[Bouncy Ball]

5. Now THAT'S ball-bustin'.

:toast:

My hat's off to you, Walt. Well, it would be if I had a hat on. You know what I mean!

[Zenlitened]

9. Hey, this is starting to sound like that scene from 'Jaws'...

... where Hooper and Quint are comparing scars! :D

[Bouncy Ball]

16. LOL!!!!

Oh YEAH?? Well *I* wore a big ol' tie-dyed shirt with a fucking PEACE SIGN on it to a GUN SHOW and handed out love beads!

:rofl:

Kidding about that, but thought I'd go with the theme.

[Zenlitened]

26. "Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish Ladies...

... Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain;
For we've received orders for to sail for ole England,
But we hope in a short time to see you again...."

:D

[shance]

95. You go Walt!!!

Good for you****

:)

[CitySky]

6. oh, Bouncy, you have just nailed it AGAIN!

Even though I live in the lefty part of Houston, it's still a thrill to find out who the other Dems are in my workplace, my church, etc. We form little whispering discussion knots and invite each other to events...

And to the rest of y'all - COME ON DOWN! You'll be amazed at how much house you can afford down here, too. :)

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Good job!

I am very impressed! You summed up what many of us are living (I am in Okla-HELL-ma). It is the same in the gay community. In big cities, you can deal with 'hating' each other because there are enough of you, but in a small town, even if don't like them, you will share their fate!

GO BOUNCY!

on edit: nominated!

[Misunderestimator]

8. Really good post, BB!

:thumbsup:

[Hugin]

10. Ditto on the recommendation. n/t

[graywarrior]

13. I live right up the road from Katherine Harris' office

Does that count? Lexus' and bigass SUV's with W's all over them. No wonder my stomach churns every day.

[Bouncy Ball]

27. Oh I could have used the example of any area

that went overwhelmingly for bush, really. I just used my state because I live here and know what it's like.

[Jo March]

14. I have to agree

All of my life I've been the lone liberal. My family was repub. When I joined the Army, I was in a sea of repubs. When I went to college (private & expensive), I was in a sea of repubs.

Then I moved to North Carolina, which is red. I had Jesse Helms as my senator. No local NOW chapter. 2 Klan rallies within the first 4 months of me living in NC.

Luckily for me, I have found some allies but when I do, it's a wonderful occasion and we do trade email addresses and rush to spill all of the stories about * and Gannon and SS "reform" and the stolen election.

I like liberals. Heck, I loves me some liberals. I don't agree with anyone shouting down a speaker, though. That is rude and shows a definate lack of raisin'.

Good post. :) :thumbsup:

[lastliberalintexas]

15. Damn skippy, BB

Hell, I'd even ask them to come to Beaumont (blue county at least) and see how well their blood pressure handles the cult of W04 stickers from the white flight areas.


And I think this:

"Be a liberal where, when you happen to find another liberal through a chance comment, you're so happy you shake hands and immediately exchange email addresses and half of your life story right there in the produce section."

was the first time I really did laugh out loud. Especially from the thankfully brief time of my life that I lived in the Hub City! :)

[Tux]

17. So true

Many liberals that complain about liberals tend to be around liberals alot but those trapped in Jesusland knows what hatred toward liberals really is.

[ZootSuitGringo]

19. At this point, I'm just starting to hate people

in general.

[Bouncy Ball]

24. Now don't go doing that!

:toast:

[i miss america]

21. I love people with the courage to speak their minds

:yourock:

[politicaholic]

23. Great Post!! But I'll stay in my Northwest liberal bubble thank you.

I'll move to Texas when I want to live out my fantasies of working for the French Resistance.

[Bouncy Ball]

25. Hey I don't blame you.

But do you hate other liberals? I'm just saying that would cure anyone of it.

[understandinglife]

28. San Antonio, 1968. Peace sticker on window removed by a brick. Check.

www.missionnotaccomplished.us (a time to reflect on the cost of hate)

[merh]

37. From the Deep South - The Magnolia State -

A red state with as many skeletons in our closets as conservatives in our churches, the State of Mississippi, I thank you!

What a wonderful post. :thumbsup:

Yeah, be a liberal in a state where standing up for the civil rights of others means you might find your house vandalized, your car run off the road, or your family embarassed to invite you to social outings with their in-laws.

Be a liberal in a state that just celebrated "Confederate Memorial Day" and in doing so, all state offices and courthouses are closed.

Don't whine about "liberals" when they are plentiful and can back you up when you need them. You may disagree with them, but at least you know where to find them. Some of us are still looking. :patriot:

Edited to add "me" to "So" to make "Some". Typo!

[BamaBecky]

54. You tell what's it like 'here in the south' to be a true liberal! n/t

[merh]

110. Liberal and Southerner, those two titles are rarely used together.

:rofl:

But, some of us wear both with great pride :patriot:

Hiya BB! :hi:

[Bouncy Ball]

134. Hiya merh!!!

[donheld]

38. Bouncy Ball, you say a hell of a lot in this little post

It's not always easy being vocal about ones opposition to this administration and its agendas.

I very much admire your courage.

[Bouncy Ball]

39. LOL, I read that about four times

and still can't tell if that's a compliment or an insult! And that cracks me up!

:toast:

[donheld]

69. It was ment as a compliment. Sorry it wasn't clear

It's one thing to preach to the choir, but quite another to be lone voice crying in the wilderness. What you describe there in Texas sounds like it takes great courage.

[Bouncy Ball]

73. Oh, thanks.

I really don't know anything else. Which I guess is good, in a way.

Except for one brief business trip six years ago, I've never even been to a "blue state."

:shrug:

[XemaSab]

99. I live in a Blue state

in a county that votes 60-70% republican in every election.

When I see a Kerry sticker, I just feel tickled!

Last week I saw a Dean sticker on a parked car and that made my day!

I met my closest friend in town because she had a Green sticker on her car (which she shortly thereafter supplemented with TWO kerry stickers)!

So I know how it is!

[Radical Activist]

40. Damn right!

Although I prefer to live in a community that is more evenly split. That way you get to make a difference, but don't have to worry as much about retribution. You have my respect for being a liberal in Texas. I have family members in the same situation.

[Fescue4u]

41. Thats a tough one to avoid..

///Be a liberal in a state with a concealed carry law,//

Since 46 states have concealed carry laws and 45 actually issue them and 34 are required to issue them to anyone with a clean record.

[Bouncy Ball]

44. Ok be a big flaming liberal in a state

with concealed carry that went to bush in the last election.

:D

[Fescue4u]

53. Hey thats me :)

Don't worry about the licensed carry folks.

Worry about the ones that carry anyway without a license.

[Bouncy Ball]

55. Well, right.

They've been doing it all along!

[ultraist]

43. I hate liberals who hate liberals who don't agree with them 100%

on every issue.

Hmmmm...

On second thought, I don't hate liberals, even those who have some different positions than I do on some issues. IN FACT, I didn't agree with Kerry and Edwards 100% on every issue, yet I supported them.

BTW, Liberals are NOT the only whiners and hecklers. Whiners and hecklers come from ALL camps.

[Bouncy Ball]

45. Very true, and very good points.

And in my mind, the best we can do is just keep working for the good, and shake off the haters we run into of ANY political flavor.

[Fenris]

46. Right on, BB!

:thumbsup:

:hi:

[Bouncy Ball]

47. Be a big flaming liberal in San Marcos!

Stand out on a busy street corner with a big ol' sign that reads "BUSH IS A PUNK-ASS CHUMP!"

:rofl:

[Fenris]

51. I've seen that bumper sticker around town.

Strange considering the sheer mass of Natural Light-guzzling asshats who go to school here.:)

[Bouncy Ball]

61. Last summer, we were on a road trip

and we were driving through the middle of nowhere Utah. No, I mean like NO telephone lines, two lane road, it looked like the surface of the MOON.

And there in the middle of nothing, was a chemical toilet. We had to take that opportunity and when I went in, I laughed out loud so hard.

There in a chemical toilet in east Egypt Nowhere Utah, was this written in big black marker across the back wall:

BUSH IS FULL OF SHIT!

It seemed rather appropriate, considering the location of the words. So unexpected, too.

[BamaBecky]

49. Me too! For crying out Loud! Go play in another sand box! n/t

[Cleita]

57. You have a good point.

It takes a little freeper-shock to make you appreciate your fellow liberals and intelligent, if contentious at times, conversations. I got freeper-shock when I moved from Santa Monica, California to Idaho and lived there for five years. I also spent two years in Texas around the San Antonio area, which wasn't as bad as many places there but bad enough especially with the religious crap and racism.

[Bouncy Ball]

59. If I lived in a really super liberal area in a mostly liberal state

I swear I'd go in shock. I'd love it, but wow it would be an adjustment.

And I can understand the attitudes of people who get pissed off at liberals who live in mostly liberal areas. My friends who live in central Austin are surrounded by liberals and are liberal themselves, but she sometimes bitches about them and it always shocks me, because I can't imagine that. But if I lived there, maybe I would. Dunno.

But all it would take is living in freeper land for a little while to cure that.

[sharonking21]

102. I live in Austin

but not in central Austin. Most of us who live in the suburbs or semi-suburbs are all too happy to find a kindred soul. I mean...like,..I even, gasp, have friends who did not support my candidate in the 2004 Democratic Presidential primary!

We got together to work for Kerry in the general election and to try (successfully I might add) to take Travis County back for the Democrats (it went more or less Republican for two election cycles prior to 2004).

I keep looking for these rotten people's little horns and cloven hooves to become apparent -- given that some of them actually had the nerve not to agree with me on my choice for the Democratic Presidential nominee.

While I am confessing all, I will even state that I have (oh-my-God) collaborated with Democratic centrists and with anti-Bushite independents and with far-left radicals who would just as soon see Bush strung up from the nearest tree, all depending upon what their purposes were.

When it gets closer to the 2008 primaries, I may have to temporarily draw my trusty plastic light-sword and zap some of these people to Kingdom Come for their obvious lack of good taste. But, I will at least wait till then.

[sharonking21]

154. We found an interesting phenomenon

when we did block walks in Williamson County and in NW Austin, considered to be staunch Republican territory. On more than one street, we would find multiple 'closet' liberal Democrats who thought they were the only ones on their street. They were sure that ALL their neighbors were Republicans, but in fact, on some streets in this supposedly conservative territory, almost every other house was Democrat.

Yet due to their assumptions, they felt tremendously alone. Many said, "Well, you certainly have my vote, but I wouldn't dare put up a sign in my yard." Others practically fell into our arms, they were so glad to see a Democrat and we usually had a hard time getting away from them--they longed to talk to someone of a like mind. We would try to explain to them that their perception was incorrect, that many of their neighbors were Democrats, etc. and give them names and links to local Democratic grassroots organization, the name of their Democratic precinct chairs etc.

This convinced us that one of the most important functions we could provide was visibility events and actions around Austin so people could see that they were NOT ALONE. Thus we all began proudly flaunting T-Shirts, bumper stickers, signs etc and having visibility events that would let these people know they were not alone--Meet-ups and House Parties not only in liberal central Austin but all over in the suburbs. Wish we could have thought of more to be visible in the suburbs--most of the good meeting places are in Central Austin. Before long, signs were popping up all over in the 'strangest' places.

[Lone Pawn]

62. Yeah, well I hate people who hate people who hate liberals.

So there.

[Bouncy Ball]

63. I hate people who hate people who hate people who hate

liberals! :D

(Actually I was looking at my original title line and people who actually hate liberals would mostly be bush voters, so my title is pretty accurate!)

[Lone Pawn]

67. Hey, BB, don't be such a hater!

:D

[Bouncy Ball]

68. Hatey hate hate.

I have all the hate of a thousand burning fiery hells!

[WilliamPitt]

64. Nominated

[IronLionZion]

130. Will, your thread and this one go together perfectly

beneath your cynical sarcasm, I got the message that you both want liberals to work together instead of fighting like a bunch of douchebags. Infighting over the most inane little things is not just shooting ourselves in the foot, it's shooting ourselves in the head.


I'm nominating this too, just like I nominated yours.
:toast: :patriot: :applause: :grouphug:

[Coexist]

65. I once got into my only emotional "discussion" on DU

with someone who was all proud that he didn't have to live in the evil soulless suburbs where we ignore culture, the environment and our children with certain regularity.

Gee - it must be so hard to be liberal in a city full of liberals. Imagine being forced to overhear progressive conversations in the subway. What a tough life!!

I live in the suburbs of a red county (partially rural to boot) in a state that the Republicans have stolen twice. I have a Bush as my President and a Bush as my Governor.

It is lonely and hard - I feel that I monitor my behavior sometimes because I may be the only left voice that these people EVER hear. I want them to think of me, an open liberal, think of the fact that they know, like and respect me when they hear Rush and Coulter ranting about liberals. Remember that I was their daughter's girl scout leader, that I helped them get their son tutoring in our Pop Warner program - not just associate liberals with abortions.

My best friend is a Wednesday and Sunday Baptist conservative.

But I wouldn't trade my situation for an easier life, politically. We need progressive voices in every part of the nation - to remind people that differing opinions are okay, and there is room for us all in this big country of ours. You learn to get along and realize that Republicans are not all evil greedy, sociopaths - a lot of them are just people getting through the day and trying to do what they feel is right, same as you. This is a surreal concept for a lot of people on DU.

[lastliberalintexas]

104. Ah, so I'm not the only one

"I feel that I monitor my behavior sometimes because I may be the only left voice that these people EVER hear."

I am the same way, and even drive better when I have bumper stickers on my car. Heck, the only reason that I don't have any on right now is that I suck as a driver because I'm always in a hurry. I don't want to piss someone off and have them telling their friends some "pinko" darted in front of them in traffic!

I also think this might be why some of us can get into such heated discussions here at DU. This is the only time so many people, especially Southerners, get to blow off steam with mostly likeminded people. Or with people who actually have a mind even! I have certainly found that I can be a real witch on here at times if I've dealt with nothing but Bushbot End Timers all day, so I really try to watch myself here as well. I'm just not always very good at it... :)

[Coexist]

111. .... smile.... I drive careful too cause I have a

Kerry Edwards sticker on my car for the same reason!!!

[GodHelpUsAll2]

119. I live in Texas

Dallas Suburbs. I have democrat bumper stickers, and I no longer watch how I drive, or what I say or any of that. I am sensibly cautions but I do not walk on egg shells anymore. Now I have the, you want a piece of me attitude. Well, come get it because I am mad as hell and I am NOT taking it anymore!

Whew, That steam is gone. For clarification, I do not start things with people, I do not talk or act ugly but I do not silience my opinions any more. I state my peace when the situation calls for it and I dig my heels in and don't budge. We will by God take this state back if it kills me to do it.

[Coexist]

123. You take care of Texas

I'll be working on Florida, one confused Republican at a time. I do have very civil differences of opinion with several Republican friends who now "see it my way" on several issues and will freely admit that Bush has veered from their fiscally conservative agenda.

[Virginian]

153. We need Dems from bright blue areas to move to

sparsley populated red states.
How long do you need to live in Wyoming to vote there? It couldn't be very long, Cheney had to do it in order to run for VP. The constitution says that both the POTUS and VP can't be from the same state.

In looking at the Red/Blue map, there seem to be huge counties in some of the red states that could easily be turned blue with a colony of Dems. Counties that have a large landmass and a small population. Perhaps, students from Massachussetts or DC could go to a college near one of these large red counties in Nevada or Wyoming. Maybe some young person looking to "find" himself could look for himself in one of those red areas long enough to vote in the next elections. We are the majority, but we are too concentrated. We need to do as Bouncy Ball suggested, move to a red state (and dilute the red vote). We might even get a Majority in the Senate and House if we start soon.

[crispini]

127. Hola! Drop by the Texas forum

and meet up with the DFW gang sometimes! :hi:

oh, and: great post Bouncy! :thumbsup:

[6000eliot]

66. I remember feeling very uncomfortable

when I wore my "Kerry/Edwards" t-shirt at the Bush airport in Houston for a connecting flight just before the election. I got really dirty looks that day.

[Bouncy Ball]

71. Yeah THAT'll get some nice looks.

I did that with my Dean shirts, with Kerry shirts. Kerry buttons. Hell, I open up my wallet and catch people noticing my ACLU card--you should SEE the looks I get for THAT, LOL! But I figure, looks won't kill me and it's really only weird at first.

[6000eliot]

79. I don't think their intentions were murderous

but I did feel paranoid. Then I thought to myself, "what the fuck is wrong with you, wearing a shirt like this into an airport in which a statue of GHW Bush is prominently displayed?"

[Bouncy Ball]

83. LOL.

Yeah, if you aren't the type of person who likes a lot of attention in public (that's me), it's hard. I want to say "Hey take a picture!" or something equally stupid. Or "what's your problem?" Or even better: "Yeah, I'm a Democrat, bite me!"

But other Dems in other places are always talking about how we need to be nice, we need to win them over, blahzeeblahzeeblah.

It's just that sometimes it's hard to be hated AND nice at the same time.

[6000eliot]

85. Since I didn't get lynched

I'm glad that people there saw someone who disagred with them. Two young ladies on the plane smiled and waved at me too.

[Bouncy Ball]

86. See, THAT'S why liberals around here wear shirts like that

and have bumper stickers like that. I really don't do it to piss off bushbots, that's just a side benefit.

I REALLY do it so that other people who agree with me don't feel so damn alone. So they can go "Well fuck me, someone who feels like I do!" and smile and maybe feel that much braver.

[6000eliot]

91. I do it at home occasionally too.

I live in an area of NJ that has no Democratic party to speak of. We have one of the stupidest, most RW congress people in the House, Scott Garrett (if you haven't heard of him, believe me it's a good thing). I used to wear my pink triangle and rainbow flag t-shirts around town, but they wore out and I never replaced them. You've motivated me to do it. Thanks.

PS Sorry for not using the spell check on that last post.

[sharonking21]

106. I still wear them and display them

Given that I am a "growing girl" (ahem), my Clark and Kerry T-shirts and my DU T-Shirts are the only ones that still fit me. I wear them all the time without even thinking about it--forget I have them on. I've been surprised at the number of people out here in NW Austin (semifreeper territory) who stop me and say "Love your T-shirt." Same with my bumper stickers --one for Clark, one for Kerry--which proudly still remain on my 1980's Oldsmobile behemoth.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

70. Great post.

:applause:

I was born and raised in a blue state. Now I live in the bluest part possible. I can turn to a stranger at the bus stop, point to a Bush-bashing article in the paper and make a joke, and be reasonably confident I'll get a laugh in response.

The overwhelming percentage of my friends, neighbors and family members are liberal, to such an extent that the few who aren't are cause for concern and wonderment. When I visit a red state I feel parched by the absence of liberals. I'm awkward and constrained, aware that my usual speaking style can create personal and professional repercussions.

I could take my liberal freedom for granted, but I don't. Posts like yours are great reminders that many liberals have to put it on the line every day. I swim in a blue sea while they share precious water in the desert. I have great respect for what they do.

Yeah, some liberals are assholes. But I'll take liberal assholes over conservative assholes any day.

[Bouncy Ball]

77. Heck yeah. I'll go you one better--I'll take THREE liberal assholes

over one conservative one any day of the week!

[seabeyond]

72. amarillo, .....i was thinking the same, i loooooove liberals

one just one, let me just have 1 to hang out with

[Bouncy Ball]

74. I kept thinking you were in Abilene.

I was going to mention your city specifically and I got it wrong! LOL!

Do you not know ANY others?

[seabeyond]

78. not a single soul, i do have my repug midland husband

who voted for kerry this year. supports me tons

but nope, not a democrat to be seen. i know they are out there. they meet at the library. gonna see if i can find them some how, lol lol lol

[seabeyond]

75. first post appreciation for you post, this post

putting a Kerry sign in your front yard. Not because they don't support him, but out of concern for your house and your family

or to go out of business because someone saw the sign and you can no longer feed your family

yup

pretty amazing

[Bouncy Ball]

76. yeah, my husband was not as worried about a brick through the window

as he was about quieter forms of retribution--his company does a lot of business around here.

Also, he would take the sign in every night and put it out every morning.

[VelmaD]

82. Preach it, sister

Nicely said. :toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

84. Daaaamn! Sounds like home! Not just Texas. Try Illinois

south of Chicago. I SWEAR I'm the ONLY damn LIBERAL in this friggin' village. :cry: DU really IS my sanctuary. I'm SURROUNDED by mindless, RW, wacko, nutjobs. They're everywhere.

I still can't believe my car hasn't been destroyed because of my bumper stickers. I NEVER see other cars with Liberal/anti Bush/anti war bumper stickers...ever.

[Bouncy Ball]

88. I can't believe my car's in one piece either.

Considering what I have on it. :scared:

It's pretty blatantly anti-bush. Pretty in your face. But no cuss words. Kids do read them.

[SmokingJacket]

87. You speak the truth!!

I live in a very nice cozy liberal enclave -- and yes, "liberals" rub me the wrong way sometimes.

But when I get irritated at the overwhelming political correctness and touchiness and self-flagellation of this place, I cast my mind back to my former life in the rural south... living not too far from where that man was dragged behind a truck for being black. And where the KKK ran the school board. And where there literally wasn't a bookstore within a hundred miles.

Ah. OK, liberals ain't so bad!

:toast:

[Bouncy Ball]

89. EEEeeeeeeeeeeeeesh.

That gave ME chills. Yikes.

I know a lesbian couple who live in a VERY rural area south of Dallas and I visit them from time to time (I used to work with one of them) and I just wonder how they handle it all. I mean, they aren't exactly in the closet, though they don't go around REMINDING people or anything. It's just kind of unspoken.

But still. How do they do it? Then one day I was talking to Laura (not her real name) and she explained that they simply loved living in the country, they loved Texas and she'd be damned if anyone was going to run them off.

Well, that's how I feel, too. So I understood. Still, it's not easy for them. They are routinely shunned all over the place.

[lastliberalintexas]

103. Where did you live SJ?

I actually lived in Jasper for a time myself, and that's why I ask. I've worked many a political campaign in the pineywoods, and it's grown very disheartening to watch the yellow dogs of East and even Southeast Texas be swayed by the bigotry of the pseudo-religious. Though Newton County was one of only 2 counties in the state to vote for Bob Krueger rather than Kay B**** those many years ago (even the blue El Paso, Austin and Beaumont areas let us down then).

But the days of the solidly Dem East Texas are well behind us, as the zealotry of the End Timers has become firmly rooted here. Even amongst the African Americans in this area, which is what is probably most disappointing to me. I know most white people are too easily fooled, as by and large our lives are rather easy. But Black folks used to know that they couldn't trust authority, even if they are only targeting the "queers" right now. Blacks of prior generations would have told these younger people that it might just be the "queers" right now, but you can be damned certain Blacks are on the list somewhere.

Texas is certainly a test for the soul, as is any other area inundated with End Timer "Christians" I'm sure. But the Rockefeller republicans people deal with in New England and the Goldwater republicans people out West deal with just don't compare to the fundies of the South.

[SmokingJacket]

107. West-Central Louisiana.

Ay-yi-yi!!!!

Constant reports of Blacks being jailed for traffic infractions then beaten practically to death.

I've lived elsewhere in the south, too, but nothing was worse than that neck of the pinewoods.

[lastliberalintexas]

114. The offense of DWB- Driving While Black

Or if you're on 59, Driving While Hispanic. Racial profiling alive and well in law enforcement. Though of course that's a problem in many areas, as the New Jersey patrolmen proved unfortunately. Racism is certainly still very prevalent in the South, but even it didn't turn people away from the Dem party like the gay rights and abortion issues have. And the most frightening aspect is that they are making such inroads into the minority communities. I've seen several of those 700 Club stick figure bumper stickers "defining" marriage on cars driving down the road, and then am flabbergasted to see a Black family inside. Tom Joyner would tell them they should know better!

Glad you got out in time. :)

[dave29]

90. Just last night

here in Austin - yes the last liberal bastion in Texas, I was in the drive through at Taco Cabana, and witnessed someone trying to start a confrontation with the driver behind me for having a "W is not in my alphabet" bumber sticker.

He kept shrieking, drunkenly, from his own pickup truck "the election's over, you need to get 'W' back in your alphabet" and "get over it". The guy behind me politely smiled, and said "W's not in my alphabet anymore. Maybe yours". The other guy kept rambling incoherantly, but eventually gave up.

Upon edit: I'm wondering what this jackass would have had to say to me upon seeing my Dean '04 bumper sticker proudly on display.

[LittleClarkie]

92. I'm discovering I work with more Dems than I knew

but I'm still surrounded in the suburbs.

Got called a Communist at the pub.

Got told I was unconstitutional at the State Fair.

[dave29]

93. can a person be unconstitutional?

still, to be called as such at the state fair is just silly.

[LittleClarkie]

105. This is what he was selling that made me approach him

I asked him about the shirt, if he was kidding. No. I asked what it meant. He said that it had to do with the Revolutionary War, and how England is socialist, and how Democrats are socialist, so getting rid of us would be like driving out the British.

That's when I asked him, if Kerry won, and then got assassinated, should I point the FBI in his direction? No, he'd honor the president. Oh good.

He was a pro-life gun guy. He said because Dems don't believe in the Second Amendment, we're unconstitutional. But don't worry. It's okay if we live here. He'll let us. But we can't serve, because of the unconstitutionality thingie.

I let him know I thought he was sick. He let me know that he thought killing babies was sick, and then stormed off in a righteous huff.

Both he and the guy who called me a commie seemed to want one party rule. Well, the "commie" guy was okay with two, as long as the Repubs were the Left Wing and some other party was the Right Wing.

Batshit crazy, both of them.

[Bouncy Ball]

97. LOL, you're "unconstitutional?"

LOL, how does that work?

I would have laughed out loud. Hell I WANT someone to say that to me now. My very existence insults and offends the Constitution, LOL.

What did you say?

[LittleClarkie]

115. Well, first, you don't believe in the Second Amendment

So then, you see, you're unconstitutional.

I was also a Socialist. Like the British. So he figured his folk should make like the Revolutionary War and chase us Socialist folk out of the country.

Actually, he was more generous than that. He figured it was okay if us Socialist Democrats lived in the country. But we shouldn't run for office or anything. 'Cause we're, you know, unconstitutional.

Mostly I just listened, and thought to myself, "I'm talking to a crazy guy who likes guns." He was a pro-life gun guy. Still trying to wrap my head round that one.

[Bouncy Ball]

117. I love telling people like that I OWN guns.

It makes their head explode. And I really do, two of them.

[shance]

94. Texas ex here BB. Thanks so much for posting.

I think what bothers me perhaps like you, is a consistent arrogance and narrow-mindedness coming from individuals here at DU who should know better. It's draining to see their rants and their constant need to be affirmed and need to instigate a reaction either positively or negatively. Tiresome and divisive to say the least. If they really care about progress and promoting good, they won't continue to promote division here at DU and anywhere else.

You read my mail Bouncy. I love my homestate of Tejas and yet what has happened to it, the privatization and ravaging by good ole boys and denial and cooperation by so many of the women, has broken my heart.

Obviously it has affected you tremendously as well. I know it well to be a liberal in a sea of right winged swimmers. :)

So many right wingers, extremists really, know nothing about what they preach when they blather on about religion. They actively (or passively) avoid knowledge of anything different and/or avoid expanding their world, and they have insulated themselves from anything different than their very sanitized white bread existence.

As a result of their insulation and subsequently ignorance they are so disconnected and fearful* to connect with any real heritage of life or nature, they become obsessed to dominate, conquer, damage, destroy and harm, and yet as they continue on their death and destruction rampage, they have escaped accountability. Atleast for now.

With that said, Texas's greatest asset are its people. No doubt just like you. There are those who have bullied there way into powerful positions, but they will never, ever represent you or me.

They don't represent anyone really other than themselves. Keep doing what you're doing and taking pride in being a TRUE Texan.

Thanks for all your posts and for caring as much as you do.

[Richardo]

98. You rock, Bouncy

:yourock:

What a great post.

[Bouncy Ball]

100. No,

YOU rock. LOL!

thanks!

[Richardo]

101. ;-)

[bloom]

108. Sing it sister.

:bounce:

[Sugar Smack]

109. You inspired me so much I misinterpreted my energy

as a need to go out jogging after 2 years. I loved your post. I live in a blue town in a red state, but work out of town. When I run an errand at work and see Kerry stickers, my road rage disappears and I don't care if they drive like bats out of hell.

I like the phrase "HOKA-HEY". Translated; "It's a good day to die". I am under the spell of that phrase and not in the least bit suicidal. I wake up and look at the sky and own my mistakes and accomplishments. Then, whatever the day brings I look forward to it without any fear, based on the spirit of the tribe.

In other words, I may die defending my rights. So be it.

And thank you for making my day!!!!!!!

[orpupilofnature57]

116. Move to N.Y Shrub hates N.Y. except of course the asshole that ruins it..

Wacky Pataki.

[lonestarnot]

118. Be one where when you disagree you're mowed down by SUV's

fucker tried that today here in AZ... Still trying to find out if he went to jail... The lady protester did.

[JerseygirlCT]

120. Sounds too good to be true

not.

Sorry, but I'll pass and stay here in blue world...

[Bouncy Ball]

125. Well, my post was only directed at liberals who hate other liberals.

If you don't, then it wasn't directed at you.

[JerseygirlCT]

137. That's good! nt

[tavalon]

121. And herein is one of the main reasons I'm trying to move to Seattle

Bouncy, you so amazingly encapsulated what it's like to live in Texas as a liberal. And hell, I've lived the last few years in Austin (before that, San Antonio. Oh my God!).

Beautiful, even though I think Will has a point, yours is a lovely counterpoint.

[goodboy]

122. substituting "liberals" for "hypocrites" makes more sense in the context

of WP's essay.

[FizzFuzz]

124. blue state red county here

not so bad, but I can't imagine living landlocked in jesusland. I have a hard enough time in a 1/2 Dept of Dominionism at work. Eccchhh.

Nothing like a forest full of wolves to make ya circle the wagons.
I hope that understanding that we are all in this for a greater cause can someday (soon please) help even out the dissention.

[Extend a Hand]

126. Great Post!

I thought I worked in freeperville until I got sick of it and decorated my cube with Kerry/Edwards and Anti-Bush bumperstickers. Then I started getting private chat messages and emails from other democrats.

It is curious though, where I work, before the election, the bush folks were very vocal about their position and the democrats were very quiet.

[mitchtv]

128. I saw you on the other 'hate thread' today

I felt alone til I found your posts amd a very few others. Pissed me off, I almosted started an "Ihate Moderates" thread. I paln a race thru texas with bumper stickers "we're here , we're queer, we're from Calif/Mass, and we're here to take your guns" MA and Ca plates required.

[sharonking21]

148. I've always wanted

to get the fundies panties in a real twist down here in Texas by answering back to their questions about gay marriage: "Oh, I not only support it! I think it should be mandatory for everybody!

[Bouncy Ball]

152. !!!!!!

:spray:

Now THAT'S good.

[sharonking21]

155. I have an evil mind . . .

I put Bush stickers on my cat-box.

[mzmolly]

129. Here here!

I said here here to the other one too, but you both have good points!

:toast:

[lonestarnot]

131. Fuck Texas!

[Bouncy Ball]

133. Texas fucks you very much.

What the hell was that about?

[LincolnMcGrath]

132. Damn Skippy

:woohoo:

[yowzayowzayowza]

136. One Liberal in Delayland here...

and damn PROUD of it.

[cry baby]

138. Yeah, BE A LIBERAL WHERE THE CO. DEM. PARTY HQ

IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED! Being from Tx myself and now living in Tn., you are so right. Your post knocks the ball out of the park! There's no way to describe how it is living in such a red area to someone that has never lived in one.

[tnlefty]

139. I don't get called an asshole, "damned libral bitch" is more like it.

I've been run off of the road with my kids in the car twice because of stickers, but I still have them and change them often. I changed them 2 weeks ago and I love the red faces, frothing at the mouth, yelling, finger pointing, fist shaking.

My current stickers are: Focus On Your Own Darn Family; Another Christian Against the Christian Coalition; and the Friendly Fascism sticker.

I've told my kids to smile and wave at people who are having sticker induced rage fits because it makes them even madder. Our new goal is one exploding head!

[LondonReign2]

142. I'm so disappointed

My "F the President", "Don't pray in my school and I won't think in your church" stickers and Darwin Fish haven't provoked the outrage I've hoped for. Instead, I've had several people stop me to ask where they can get some.

[tnlefty]

144. Chin up...I have a friend who has been accosted in parking lots

for the "Don't pray in my school" and One Nation Under-Educated stickers that she has on her car. Perhaps you just haven't been in the right place at the right time yet. I'm sure your time is coming, lol!

[Bouncy Ball]

149. I love the Focus on your OWN Family stickers.

I need one of those. Mine are due to be changed out anyway, getting tired of the current ones. And everyone's seen them.

[LondonReign2]

140. Does Flower Mound count?

Just asking, from one non-DU elite Texas (temporarily) liberal under seige by freeptards to another.

[Bouncy Ball]

151. Heck yeah, Flower Mound counts.

That place is SCARY! (Just kidding. Kind of!)

:D

[PDittie]

141. BOOM shahkah lahkah lahkah

BOOM.

Me, I love liberals. And Texas too.

[Q]

143. Good for you...

Keep on Truckin!

[AuntiBush]

145. Can you come to my state and tell a few Freepers off for me...

Thanks. Needed that one.

[huskerlaw]

147. Well said!

I would love to be in a situation where I knew enough liberals to actually hate one or two of them.

Here in Nebraska, if I see a Kerry/Edwards or general anti-Bush sticker, it's actually a warm-fuzzy moment, and the owner of said car receives a huge smile and a wave. I get the same thing in return.

Actually, funny story. My car has 4 liberal bumper stickers (including DU), and one day I was in the grocery store parking lot, about to open my trunk to deposit my groceries when this nice looking man walked up to me. It was none other than one of our TWO democratic candidates for city council. (yes, only TWO out of like, 20 pre-primary candidates) Turns out, he was so darn excited to see my liberal stickers that he wanted to say Hi. He said something like, "I saw your bumper stickers and just knew I had to talk to you. You seem like someone who might vote for me??" I assured him that I had and obviously would again.

I guess in my part of the world we cannot afford to fight with each other. Although I hate being in this ultra red state, I do sort of enjoy the instant camaraderie we liberals have with each other.

[Bouncy Ball]

150. That is exactly what I was trying to say:

"I would love to be in a situation where I knew enough liberals to actually hate one or two of them."

You summed it up beautifully in one sentence. Awesome. As for the instant camaraderie, exactly on point, too.

[dxstone]

156. Great post, Bouncy!

Yep, it's all in your perspective...
Sometimes it's all bicker-bicker-bicker here... but your point is so well-taken, and draws us all together a bit more...
I hope someday all us progressives will find a way to truly unite as one strong voice and presence...
Then again, I'm SUCH a hopeless utopian... sigh...


RUMMY GIVES A MEAN WET WILLY!

DXS
http://presidentevilonline.com