Anyone live near Joplin, Missouri?

[Mizmoon]

I am thinking of relocating. My ancestors are from that area. I was thinking of returning. Anyone know the area? Is it nice?

(Yes, I plan to visit before I make any commitments, so don't worry)

[MoJoWorkin]

1. You will be greatly outnumbered

The 7th Congressional Dist. Rep is none other than Tom DeLay's right hand man, Roy Bunt. You can't get any more Neo-Con than that. He gets away with tossing his wife of 33 years aside for a younger model (just as our MO Sen. Bond does) without any consequence, as he is a good God fearin' Christian Repuglican. This is the MO Bible Belt.
Years ago it wasn't so bad, but since the Ass. of God made its HQ in Springfield--just up the road 70 miles from Joplin, and in the same district--it is solid Repug. One of the BIG reasons MO leans Repug.as St. Louis and KC can't offset outstate anymore.
If you like a good fight--but never going to win--come live in SW MO
The countryside is nice to look at,though.

[MoJoWorkin]

2. Almost forgot---Atty Gen Ashcroft 's home is Springfield, MO!

Need I say more?:puke:

[MadHound]

3. Well, its like this

SW Missouri is a beautiful place to live. The forests, plains, and countryside is wonderful. The rub comes when you have to start dealing with the people. Most of the folks down there are very conservative, and aren't shy about it. Also, being in the buckle of the bible belt, it means that there are many religious fundies down there. There are a small number of intelligent, liberal people down there, but they are few and far between.

And don't plan on finding relief in the nearest urban area, Springfield. It too is beset with RW conservative religious fundies. As noted above, it is home to the world headquarters of Assembly of God churches. There are some liberal pockets here and there, but by and large, it is conservative country.

That being said, you can probably live in the area fairly easily. I lived in the area for six years, and the trick is to simply avoid politics and religion. However, you will have to come to your own conclusion on whether or not it is worth it to live in an area that is full of natural beauty at the expense of having to censor yourself at times. Some people can, some people can't, it is up to you to decide on this for yourself.

[Red State Rebel]

4. You are right - it is beautiful country

but it is very right wing. The cost of living in that area is good.

[MoJoWorkin]

6. Lived in SW MO all my 59 years--and REFUSE to censor myself

I do try to avoid "bringing up" religion or politics in conversation with anyone other than close friends or family---but---if that IS the conversation, I speak my mind. After all, I have as much right as they do, and most likely have lived in this area longer than they.
I have had to change where I get my hair cut a few times, as I couldn't leave my two cents worth out. HA!

My bumper stickers on my car are as follows:

Bush bin Lyin

the red slash thru W

Fire the Liar
Vote Democrat 2004

Support the Troops
Bring Them Home Alive

Does that show you how I censor myself?

:kick:

[MadHound]

7. Understand where you're coming from

And that is essentially what I meant by "censoring" When I lived down there, I wouldn't initiate the conversation, but if religion or politics were brought up, I wouldn't back down. And otherwise, I treated the people like everyone else.

[Terran]

5. I can put you in touch with progressives in Joplin if you want

The Missouri Association for Social Welfare has a chapter in Joplin, and it's very active. There are progressives in SW Missouri, you just have to know where to look.

www.masw.org