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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAbout those red states and blue states
I spent Thanksgiving in Memphis. No family there, just love the place. This was our third or fourth Thanksgiving there. We go to eat at the Paula Deen buffet in Tunica, MS on Thanksgiving. Then we tour all of the wonderful music venues and museums and hang out on Beale Street. Just have a wonderful time every time we go. We're big music lovers in my family so we just love the vibe in Memphis.
While we were there and probably because we just had an election, and because I spend way too much time on DU, I kept thinking about Tennessee being a red state. And we drove across MO to get there, and it's now pretty much a red state as well. And while I find that sad, it's not such a horrific thought. I live in a very red state and I've survived.
Anyhow, I was thinking that if I ever let the politics of a state keep me from wanting to go there and spend my tourist dollars, I'd miss out on so much. I live in the most boring state imaginable, in a city that no one ever wants to visit and I'm actually jealous of the people who live in Memphis. I hope they realize what a treasure their city is.
We also aren't Elvis fans in my family. When I was a little girl, my grandmother LOVED Elvis and dragged us to every one of his horrible movies as soon as they hit the theaters and I pretty much was over Elvis by the time I was 12 or 13. But every time we go to Memphis, we stay at least one night in the Elvis motel across from Graceland. Its' a hoot. It has pictures of Elvis EVERYWHERE (even over the beds) and a guitar shaped swimming pool. And Elvis movies on the TV. And even though I'm not a big Elvis fan, I really like staying there.
I think about this whenever I see state bashing here on DU. We'd live such small and limited lives if we allowed our politics to constantly dictate how we spend our time and our money. Don't get me wrong. I think it's important to know that the CEOs of Chic Fil A and Papa John's are obnoxious right wingers and that Red Lobster plans on screwing their workers to pay for Obamacare. And no amount of persuasion would ever convince me to spend my money on a Ted Nugent CD.
But I won't avoid visiting red states just because they are red. I'm betting there are probably more than a few good Democrats living in each of them.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,727 posts)Our lives would be so much poorer if we boycotted every state whose politics we disagreed with.
I'm glad you had a great Thanksgiving, too...
proud2BlibKansan
(96,793 posts)Just love that Elvis hotel
No Vested Interest
(5,167 posts)I've spent many a pleasant vacation in South Carolina, and will continue to go, as I have a timeshare there, which is impossible to unload, so we use it every year.
Yet I can't stand the politics of South Carolina.
I live in the red part of Ohio, and most of the people I have known all my life are Republicans descended from long lines of Republicans. I seldom talk politics with them, as, like most Republicans, they are not tolerant of other views. But, mostly they are pleasant, polite people who keep neat homes.
I guess that's why I'm glad to have found DU a few months ago, where I can express my thoughts re politics without fear of being shunned by my neighbors (and some family).
kentauros
(29,414 posts)We're not a nation of electoral votes. We're a nation of individuals, and we individuals live all across the nation, no matter how our state votes in the Electoral College
And that Elvis motel does sound like a hoot! If I ever get to Memphis, I'll have to remember it
proud2BlibKansan
(96,793 posts)LOL
Yes, check out the Elvis motel. Love i! http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/tennessee/memphis/days-inn-memphis-at-graceland/hotel-overview
kentauros
(29,414 posts)And I love the sign!
I'm not an Elvis fan, but it would still be worth a stay, or even just a visit. Looks like fun
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)and I love it here. I moved to Georgia from South Florida in 1989 and have never looked back. I visit Tennessee occasionally and love it there, especially Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. I do not let politics interfere with my enjoyment of the South.
proud2BlibKansan
(96,793 posts)Always have wanted to go back.
Fawke Em
(11,366 posts)(I live in Knoxville - about 45 minutes from the Smoky Mountains).
Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)Still Sensible
(2,870 posts)but then again I live in Redneckistan (otherwise known as Oklahoma).
appamado amata padam
(303 posts)proud2BlibKansan
(96,793 posts)There were Obama signs everywhere.