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Is there anyone out there stuck in a bright red state and having (Original Post) Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2013 OP
It sucks. Really sucks. Buzz Clik Jun 2013 #1
where are you? Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2013 #6
New Orleans here. Blue City in a red state. Weird thing is Katashi_itto Jul 2013 #37
my favorite place on earth Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #110
I was raised in a red area of a blue state. Dawson Leery Jun 2013 #2
Do you live in CT?? That is where my family is and where I grew up. nt Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2013 #9
Yes. Dawson Leery Jul 2013 #19
Well, I'm in Wisconsin; the populace isn't bright red, Jackpine Radical Jun 2013 #3
my heart breaks for all you Wisconsinites - hollysmom Jul 2013 #36
Yes yes yes! bravenak Jun 2013 #4
Do you have democratic friends? My only ones are my husband and Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2013 #5
My friends are either apolitical or sending out tea party stuff on their pages. bravenak Jun 2013 #11
I always think that beautiful states with an abundance of natural resources Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #29
It's like drug addiction. We are addicted to draining the land. bravenak Jul 2013 #33
Agreed. Arctic Dave Jul 2013 #18
We are being left behind. bravenak Jul 2013 #23
The upcoming election is going to be horrible. Arctic Dave Jul 2013 #26
It will take years to fix all the damage. bravenak Jul 2013 #28
I think it is the universes punishment on us for unleashing Arctic Dave Jul 2013 #31
We must do this ritual in the weirwood. bravenak Jul 2013 #38
LOL. Arctic Dave Jul 2013 #39
you all know how the politics of NC is going rapidly down the toilet....shameful and embarrassing... NRaleighLiberal Jun 2013 #7
were you born and raised in NC? Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #25
No - born in RI, lived in NH, VT, WA (due to school) and PA (work) - NRaleighLiberal Jul 2013 #49
wow...born and raised one state apart (CT). Went to college in PA Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #111
you're looking at it the wrong way Skittles Jun 2013 #8
I've tried that in Floriaduh and I'm running out of gas. russspeakeasy Jun 2013 #10
I am in Texas too. I feel like a fish out of water. Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #13
oh they are dumber than fenceposts Skittles Jul 2013 #17
Zombie 'friends' persistent Jul 2013 #68
welcome to DU !! You didn't ride your bike from Missouri to Oregon, did you ? nt Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #99
I've lived in Texas for decades. Most Texans I have met ChisolmTrailDem Jul 2013 #75
Hey, at least you have Wendy Davis KamaAina Jul 2013 #83
Are you straight, white or male or a combination? we can do it Jul 2013 #72
Skittles is a beautiful, white female siligut Jul 2013 #80
I am tougher than nails, but tired of the antigay antiwoman shit. I'm over 50 and done wasting time we can do it Jul 2013 #86
I know, I lived in Utah for a year siligut Jul 2013 #87
I am from Texas also and live in Tom DeLay's old district Gothmog Jul 2013 #79
My two nieces live near you....Manville/Rosharon....I worry totally Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #104
Indiana Chipper Chat Jul 2013 #12
hmmmm. Do you have to ban gay marriage if it isn't law already? Guess Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #15
There are many reasons. Chipper Chat Jul 2013 #41
What is up with the Democratic Party here? Proud Liberal Dem Jul 2013 #65
I was going to mention the O'Banion thing too. Chipper Chat Jul 2013 #69
Kernan sort of shot himself in the foot too IMHO Proud Liberal Dem Jul 2013 #71
I'm in Indiana too. Chellee Jul 2013 #90
Feeling the same here in TN, here's what I do - SharonAnn Jul 2013 #108
Fellow Hoosier here ... Myrina Jul 2013 #76
Kansas, Brownbackistan. MuseRider Jul 2013 #14
Even with a 32 percent approval? Dawson Leery Jul 2013 #20
Who is going to run against him? MuseRider Jul 2013 #60
Five years ago I relocated from Kansas to SheilaT Jul 2013 #16
That is so interesting...why did you pick NM? Did you Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #22
I had not grown up in Kansas. SheilaT Jul 2013 #35
This message was self-deleted by its author LumosMaxima Jul 2013 #21
We sat back and they quietly took control of the state houses. Sad about Michigan Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #24
OHIO!!! stuckinodi Jul 2013 #27
what's the most democratic part of Ohio? Cleveland? Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #30
What's the use of moving in-state? stuckinodi Jul 2013 #34
I agree, why should we stay? Anti-gay, anti-woman. I am done wasting my life surrounded by assholes. we can do it Jul 2013 #85
Hell, I'm in the bluest spot in the country and *I'm* having a hard time dealing MannyGoldstein Jul 2013 #32
Me too. That was my first thought. Arugula Latte Jul 2013 #40
Utah defacto7 Jul 2013 #42
I lived in Utah for just one year siligut Jul 2013 #82
Stuck SamKnause Jul 2013 #43
Not in a red state, but have roots in what is now a red state. And we're losing ground here. freshwest Jul 2013 #44
I live in Oklahoma. Behind the Aegis Jul 2013 #45
I live in SC. Are_grits_groceries Jul 2013 #46
How about a red district of a blue state? pinboy3niner Jul 2013 #47
most red states have blue areas , and there are blue states with red areas JI7 Jul 2013 #48
ME, in Virginia. Oh, don't tell me VA is purple. I simply don't see it. Yeah, Northern VA votes Nay Jul 2013 #50
Split the distance? Chan790 Jul 2013 #57
Well, no, for several reasons. We'd still be in VA; the traffic is nothing short of Nay Jul 2013 #92
You are very funny to me. Yes...so much to do with jobs. And, you have to Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #103
Yes, but hopefully, activism will help. ananda Jul 2013 #51
Just register every single voter you know to vote democratic graham4anything Jul 2013 #52
1. shut off the computer datasuspect Jul 2013 #53
I'm not stuck here in Georgia with 6 million raving right-wingers. dawg Jul 2013 #54
And me! cordelia Jul 2013 #58
Ditto. n/t RebelOne Jul 2013 #67
Reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines. Chan790 Jul 2013 #59
Wisconsin here Half-Century Man Jul 2013 #55
You win the Most Depressing Ever DU Post award CanonRay Jul 2013 #56
thanks...I love to be depressing. It is so much fun..it makes me happy> Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #96
I live in a red area of Florida clyrc Jul 2013 #61
What's the bluest part of Florida? Miami? We go to Sarasota Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #102
Yes and I don't even know where to begin airing grievances. n/t UtahLib Jul 2013 #62
You know what's depressing? femmocrat Jul 2013 #63
Thinking about moving from NJ to PA Suziq Jul 2013 #66
Welcome, Suziq! :hooray: femmocrat Jul 2013 #73
Big Difference in Taxes . . . . Suziq Jul 2013 #78
Yeah Proud Liberal Dem Jul 2013 #64
It's too red here in Ohio for me. We are making escape plans. we can do it Jul 2013 #70
Scarolina! nt wildbilln864 Jul 2013 #74
funniest play on words ever !! thanks for the laugh Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #97
My greatest respect to all of you brave folks who are fighting the good fight in red states. Democracyinkind Jul 2013 #77
That wretched Pat McCrory is now the governor of my state, NC. Jamastiene Jul 2013 #81
PA is a red state. Except for the vote for President, we have a stupid teabagger governor, 13/18 AlinPA Jul 2013 #84
Law of unintended consequences will win every time egold2604 Jul 2013 #88
I don't think it's a dream..think it's coming true. Severe shortage of doctors Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #101
I thank God everyday I live in Vermont. Auntie Bush Jul 2013 #89
I was just in Vermont for a graduation. Is it just me or do Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #100
It's not just Red States anymore, though. It's the whole USA and all KoKo Jul 2013 #91
I'm in Minneapolis, which is safely blue, but some of the suburbanites who write Lydia Leftcoast Jul 2013 #93
been there blue cat Jul 2013 #94
i feel lucky to live in bluest city of bluest state Liberal_in_LA Jul 2013 #95
Yes, and no IDemo Jul 2013 #98
Not stuck--we chose to move to NC (Chapel Hill) in 2000 from Nebraska mnhtnbb Jul 2013 #105
Yup...in the Lone Star State. I'm like a fish out of water! nt cry baby Jul 2013 #106
where in TX? Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #109
I'm in Palestine at the moment taking care of elderly parents, but... cry baby Jul 2013 #112
Waco ! Close to Bush's ranch. woo-hoo ! Arlington TX Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2013 #113
Arlington Tx, home of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys! cry baby Jul 2013 #114
Here! Lint Head Jul 2013 #107
 

Buzz Clik

(38,437 posts)
1. It sucks. Really sucks.
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:37 PM
Jun 2013

Particularly because the state has lots to offer. But the dominant politics? Woe is me.

 

Katashi_itto

(10,175 posts)
37. New Orleans here. Blue City in a red state. Weird thing is
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:43 AM
Jul 2013

we support the state.

They are our welfare state. Without us they would starve.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
110. my favorite place on earth
Tue Jul 2, 2013, 06:57 AM
Jul 2013

lived there 3 years on a job assignment. funny...you only had to drive to Metarie to find red.

New Orleans, to me, is the best kind of blue. It is a true live and live place. No rules like many of the most liberal
places have. I was home on a visit to blue CT and at the beach. There were actually cops walking the beach
looking in coolers to make sure there was no booze and glass. They have gone so far to protect everyone
from everything it's not cool anymore

Dawson Leery

(19,348 posts)
2. I was raised in a red area of a blue state.
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:38 PM
Jun 2013

The Upper Fairfield/Litchfield counties are not nice places, especially back in the 70's when my parents moved there (Newtown area). It was more like rural Indiana. The same can be said for Putnam/Duchess counties in New York.
Things have changed somewhat, still have no desire to live there.

Jackpine Radical

(45,274 posts)
3. Well, I'm in Wisconsin; the populace isn't bright red,
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:40 PM
Jun 2013

but the laws being enacted by the Republicans running the show are. It's saddening and maddening to watch the headlong destruction of a once-great state.

If there's room for me in your support group, I think I should join.

hollysmom

(5,946 posts)
36. my heart breaks for all you Wisconsinites -
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:38 AM
Jul 2013

it was such a progressive stat - but I am in NJ watching people fall for the Christie is a good guy media crap, so who knows my future.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
5. Do you have democratic friends? My only ones are my husband and
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:45 PM
Jun 2013

my friends from other places. Where you born and raised in Alaska?

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
11. My friends are either apolitical or sending out tea party stuff on their pages.
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:55 PM
Jun 2013

I was born in Los Angeles and came here when I was in sixth grade. I left in 97 came back in 2000 and left again in back to Alaska in 2004. I love it here but it's like a bigger Texas politically. Without excellent filibustering. We have oil so the right is trying to control the resources and expand production. Oh and poison our streams and rivers with mining runoff. I'm working on my neighbors and they're voting democratic for the most part. By the time I'm dead I think we'll be a blue state. I'm 32. So in 50 years.


 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
29. I always think that beautiful states with an abundance of natural resources
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:27 AM
Jul 2013

would naturally be democratic...preserving the environment, etc. But, so not true. Maybe it's the
enormity of the state and they think they can grow economically and just hide the bad part the growth causes??

what you say is my problem....becoming true friends with apolitical people.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
33. It's like drug addiction. We are addicted to draining the land.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:32 AM
Jul 2013

We have to hit rock bottom before we get scared enough to change. It's so beautiful here that we can't imagine it changing. We are wrong.
Slowly but surely my apolitical friends are getting pissed about one thing or another. We will win in the end. Our children will be better than us.

 

Arctic Dave

(13,812 posts)
18. Agreed.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:13 AM
Jul 2013

I am so sick and tired of receiving e-mails to donate to some out of state cause of turning some state "blue".

I want my state to turn blue. Heck, I'll settle for purple.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
23. We are being left behind.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:19 AM
Jul 2013

I can't imagine Goofy ass Parnell going along with marriage equality, too busy trying to give discounts to oil companies.

 

Arctic Dave

(13,812 posts)
26. The upcoming election is going to be horrible.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:23 AM
Jul 2013

I'm afraid they are going to sweep it again by dragging their feet on the redistricting and the avalanche of oil money that will come to defend HB21.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
28. It will take years to fix all the damage.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:26 AM
Jul 2013

It's like when blue states have a win, the democrats in red states are punished for it. Nd everybody forgets about us.

 

Arctic Dave

(13,812 posts)
31. I think it is the universes punishment on us for unleashing
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:30 AM
Jul 2013

Sarah Palin on the world.

We may have to resort to animal sacrifice to absolve our sin.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
38. We must do this ritual in the weirwood.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:44 AM
Jul 2013

A sacrifice to the old gods. Or maybe R'hllor.
Take this sacrifice and cast your light up us, for the night is dark and full of Sarah.

NRaleighLiberal

(59,922 posts)
7. you all know how the politics of NC is going rapidly down the toilet....shameful and embarrassing...
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:46 PM
Jun 2013

and yes, utterly depressing.

NRaleighLiberal

(59,922 posts)
49. No - born in RI, lived in NH, VT, WA (due to school) and PA (work) -
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:12 AM
Jul 2013

NC (moved here 20 yrs ago) was my first exposure to a red area - I remember when we moved here, my PA friends were aghast at us moving to the land of Jesse Helms. We find refuge in Durham, Asheville and Ocracoke island (all blue areas).

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
111. wow...born and raised one state apart (CT). Went to college in PA
Wed Jul 3, 2013, 12:12 AM
Jul 2013

small catholic girls school near altoona.

Skittles

(152,918 posts)
8. you're looking at it the wrong way
Sun Jun 30, 2013, 11:46 PM
Jun 2013

I live in Texas and take absolute delight in tormenting conservatives / racists / homophobes, etc. - try it - it is SO easy

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
13. I am in Texas too. I feel like a fish out of water.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:03 AM
Jul 2013

But, yes, have tried to throw facts at the conservatives/racists/homophobes...but, facts don't seem to have any
effect....like they have some secret immunity.

But, others I have met...they are nice people....but never seem to talk about anything meaningful at all. Like world events and politics have zero place in their lives. And, these are college educated people with jobs in education and business. I think that bothers me more than the crazies.

 

persistent

(7 posts)
68. Zombie 'friends'
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:54 AM
Jul 2013

Boy can I relate to THAT !

I grew increasingly annoyed then disgusted with with my co-workers in Missouri starting in 2001. These were all college educated securely middle class folks with the BEST job in 100 miles. They, as I, had the luxury of TIME, to understand quickly changing world events.

And they displayed great skill in putting and keeping their heads firmly in the sand. I chucked it all in 2010 and set out on a bicycle to find folks who Think like I do. I now life in Eugene, Oregon and feel at home for the first time in my life. And I'm 54.

I am stunned I must say that even here too many folks are silent about the NSA spying. As William Binney said, this is a turnkey totalitarian state. I have no doubt those who think it is OK will change their minds -- but it will of course be too late then.

Come to a BLUE state friend !




 

ChisolmTrailDem

(9,463 posts)
75. I've lived in Texas for decades. Most Texans I have met
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:31 PM
Jul 2013

are dumbasses. You ask them a question about almost anything and you get "Huh?"

Very few actual Texans I come across can hold up their end of a debate/conversation. And, you're right, they are immune to facts/science.

we can do it

(12,095 posts)
72. Are you straight, white or male or a combination?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:15 PM
Jul 2013

That makes a big difference.

Also, I am ready to be treated as a full human being in a full equality state.

siligut

(12,272 posts)
80. Skittles is a beautiful, white female
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 02:37 PM
Jul 2013

But she might need an exception, this girl is tough as titanium nails and doesn't take any shit.

siligut

(12,272 posts)
87. I know, I lived in Utah for a year
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:18 PM
Jul 2013

The people who believe that god sanctions their hate are the worst. The scorn from these people is palpable if you are a female past childbearing-age or gay at any age.

Gothmog

(143,654 posts)
79. I am from Texas also and live in Tom DeLay's old district
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:57 PM
Jul 2013

It is tough at times but Texas will turn blue eventually. The demographics will control this change and eventually the GOP will not be able to keep Hispanics from voting. Texas is already a majority minority state and the GOP is only able to win due to the low turnout and registration rates of Hispanic voters. The voter id law may be a good thing in that there are Hispanics who are pissed at the concept of the GOP trying to steal their vote.

Right now, the women vote is going to be important and the GOP is on the wrong side of the war on women.

Battleground Texas has a good action plan and the Texas Democratic Party is getting its act together. Under Boyd Ritchie, the plan was to spend money on East Texas and try to get people in East Texas to vote for Democrats. That was a waste of money except for the consultants who were friends with Boyd. Now the Texas Democratic Party is focusing on races that we can win and on developing an infrastructure. Judge Hinojosa is doing a great job and I feel good about where the party is headed.

I was out registering voters this weekend as well as working on a fund raiser where we will roast Juanita Jean. I am convinced that Texas will be blue at some point.

It is tough being in Texas but things are looking up

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
104. My two nieces live near you....Manville/Rosharon....I worry totally
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:35 PM
Jul 2013

about them...They are A students but can't seem to perform any critical thinking whatsoever. Both, maybe 13-14 and they seriously thought that Obama was going to make them work in factories after work, if he won. That is what they heard at school and they didn't even stop and say "hmmmm...that makes no sense." Another think that was going around was that he was going to make them all go to school on Saturdays. It's amazing the propaganda out there - even aimed at kids.

Chipper Chat

(9,619 posts)
12. Indiana
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:00 AM
Jul 2013

The republicans, led by the disgusting governor Mike Pence, are so pissed about the SCOTUS gay-rights rulings that they are mouth-breathing to place a ban on gay marriage into the state constitution. It will pass because the state democratic party is growing weaker by the day. I'm ashamed of my state.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
15. hmmmm. Do you have to ban gay marriage if it isn't law already? Guess
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:07 AM
Jul 2013

it's just preventative? What you say reminds me of the repukes voting a zillion times to repeal Obamacare....it just makes these hate-filled people feel better but does nothing to improve the good of the state.

How'd Indiana get that way? You're surrounded by dems on three sides right?

Chipper Chat

(9,619 posts)
41. There are many reasons.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:11 AM
Jul 2013

1) Brain drain
So many intelligent liberal young people leave the state after graduation. We are stuck with the churchy low-info joe the plummer types who breed lots of kids. They watch Fox News and believe everything Rush and Beck have to say.

2) Evan Bayh quit at a time we really needed him to lead the democratic party. The party has just fallen into disarray.

3) The Pukes control both state houses and the gubner mansion. Right-to-work passed. Anti-abortion bills are waiting in the wings. They would be front and center right now except their candidate for senate opened his mouth and said a stupid thing and Joe Donnelly squeaked by into the Senate.

4) People here worry about the price of gas, how to get more jobs available, and how to pay their cable-TV bills so they wont miss Survivor and American Idol. Politics? What's that?

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,338 posts)
65. What is up with the Democratic Party here?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:25 AM
Jul 2013

It seems like O'Bannon took the Democratic Party with him when he passed away in office. We seriously need to get our act together. It's getting bad here IMHO. Hopefully, the ALECs/teabaggers/far right-wingers will wear out their welcome (and soon)!

Chipper Chat

(9,619 posts)
69. I was going to mention the O'Banion thing too.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:10 PM
Jul 2013

When Ted Kennedy died I felt a great irreplaceable loss. I felt the same when O'Banion died.

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,338 posts)
71. Kernan sort of shot himself in the foot too IMHO
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:13 PM
Jul 2013

when he hedged about whether or not he would run for his own term in 2004. Of course, Daniels was a pretty *strong* candidate that year and probably would've won no matter what. We had the Governor's Mansion for much of the 1990's and part of 00's. That was after a LONG string of successive Republican governors. Hopefully, it won't take as long for us to find our footing again.

Chellee

(2,083 posts)
90. I'm in Indiana too.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 04:13 PM
Jul 2013

Bless Skittle's heart for enjoying banging her head against a brick wall, but as for me, I'm sick of it. I argue, remind, defend, explain, and point out the obvious EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I am heartily sick of it. I am alone; I am always the only one on the liberal side and I am surrounded by vileness and stupidity. I am tired. I am tired of carrying the flag by myself. I am tired of NEVER having a co-worker next to me say, "Exactly, and another thing..." after I've made my point. I am tired of Glenn Beck being considered a "news source."

And that is why I want to leave. I know I should stay and fight to turn it blue, but it isn't Texas. They can see the light at the end of the tunnel in Texas. But the tunnel is getting deeper and darker in Indiana. Donnelly is the best we can come up with, he only squeaked in because Murdock imploded, and he votes with the Republicans 44% of the time.

I'm done. I'm over it. Someone else can fight the good fight. I want peace. I want kindness, generous spirits, decency. After 35 years (I escaped for 12 years in the middle), I know that those things are in short supply in Indiana. Hoosiers can wallow in their own bigotry and selfishness without me.

Now all I need is enough money to get out, and I'm working on that. It's probably going to take me another year or two, but I am going. My daughter and I are going to start blue state reconnaissance trips this year. Burlington, VT you are first up.

SharonAnn

(13,756 posts)
108. Feeling the same here in TN, here's what I do -
Tue Jul 2, 2013, 12:15 AM
Jul 2013

I make sure that I financially support candidates who share my values even if they are from another state.

I don't try to convert the "Godly", right-wing Republicans, or conservative Dems.

I know my money only makes a small difference, but I hope the candidates I support at least recognize that what they stand for is noticed and supported by people elsewhere in the country.

Some of the people I support:
Bruce Braley
Elizabeth Warren
Al Franken
Alan Grayson

Maybe it doesn't make much difference, but it's something I can do. And if millions of us did that it would make a real difference.

MuseRider

(34,051 posts)
14. Kansas, Brownbackistan.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:03 AM
Jul 2013

Nobody likes him but his re-election is assured. Koch brothers will have it no other way and ALEC rules the state now.

It IS depressing but we continue to work. Wish there were more of us or that there was enough support to field candidates.

MuseRider

(34,051 posts)
60. Who is going to run against him?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:39 AM
Jul 2013

Yes, with a 32% approval he beats every one you poll against him.

Koch brothers base their business in this state. They own us. The Dems have no money on top of no guts. They fold faster than any group I have ever seen in my entire life. Some of them talk a good story but fold when someone frowns at them.

The way Sammy is going we will be a little kingdom before long. I know we are not alone in that but with the Koch B's here we will have a very difficult time getting out of this.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
16. Five years ago I relocated from Kansas to
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:07 AM
Jul 2013

New Mexico to get away from a red state.

I was also in the process of getting divorced, and simply did not want to stay there. I was quite fortunate that I could pretty much move anywhere I wanted, since I'd be starting over completely. I had no career, had only recently returned to work after staying home two decades raising children.

I often say that in my most optimistic fantasies that the marriage had not ended, I could still not imagine having persuaded my now ex to move here, and I'm extremely happy with my decision.

I know how difficult it can be to uproot your life, but there are times when it's well worth it.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
22. That is so interesting...why did you pick NM? Did you
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:18 AM
Jul 2013

know anyone there? It's funny..but you're right...people who grow up in red states don't seem to ever
want to leave. Of course, I am totally pulling that observation out of my ass...but my husband was born
and raised in Texas and although he loves to travel - wouldn't leave. But, I am crazy about him and
wouldn't take off. Would move anywhere bluer if he would agree.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
35. I had not grown up in Kansas.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:34 AM
Jul 2013

I was born in Utica, NY, and when I was 14 we moved to Tucson, AZ. Since then I've lived in the DC area, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Boulder CO, Kansas, now NM.

I'd been to Santa Fe several times earlier to attend summer programs at St. John's College, so I already knew the city somewhat. I knew that a couple of high school classmates were here, which was nice but not the precipitating reason. I looked at several other possible places, but this was the one that most appealed to me.

If you've only ever lived in one state I suppose it would be very difficult to relocate. I'd moved enough that it wasn't hard at all, even though I was getting ready to turn 60. There are practical considerations, like work and being farther away from family. You can always make new friends. There's a lot to be said for living in different parts of the country.

If I were to remarry, or even get into a new relationship (which so far hasn't happened) I would absolutely refuse at this point in my life to move to a state, or region, or city I didn't care for. That's just me.

Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Original post)

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
24. We sat back and they quietly took control of the state houses. Sad about Michigan
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:20 AM
Jul 2013

though. It has always been a slam dunk.

we can do it

(12,095 posts)
85. I agree, why should we stay? Anti-gay, anti-woman. I am done wasting my life surrounded by assholes.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:06 PM
Jul 2013

and yes, I am in a more democratic area. Enough is enough. I want equal treatment NOW.

 

MannyGoldstein

(34,589 posts)
32. Hell, I'm in the bluest spot in the country and *I'm* having a hard time dealing
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:30 AM
Jul 2013

This country is so fucked up at the national level, it's just staggering.

My hearts go out to you good people in red areas. A few years ago, we had a family move into our neighborhood from a red place, so the husband could attend a local school. They're crazy people, impossible to deal with, they hate facts and logic. Thank God we only have to deal with one of these in our neighborhood, I can't imagine what it would be like if they were the norm!

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
40. Me too. That was my first thought.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:49 AM
Jul 2013

I can't even deal with things and I'm in Portland fucking Oregon. There's no escape from the knowledge of what we're up against in this country.

siligut

(12,272 posts)
82. I lived in Utah for just one year
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 02:49 PM
Jul 2013

But I caught myself just a week ago making a judgement regarding a man with an unusual hairstyle. I was never narrow-minded like that prior to living in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately we are not inert compounds and our environment has an effect on us, whether we like it or not. I live in WA now.

SamKnause

(13,009 posts)
43. Stuck
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 02:06 AM
Jul 2013

Ohio.

They are attacking the unions.

They are attacking the rights of women.

They are attacking the rights of people to vote.

They are pro fracking.

They are anti abortion.

They are anti equality.

They want to privatize the interstates.

Cincinnati has been taken over by the Tea Party.

It is sad to watch such a great state under attack by the Tea Party and religious fanatics.

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
44. Not in a red state, but have roots in what is now a red state. And we're losing ground here.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:34 AM
Jul 2013

But I think there should be a red state support group. There is the southern progressives group and state groups but I think you guys need one.

It's the reason I left where I grew up (well, and the heat) and the reason I freak when I go back to visit. It's not at all like it was, the landscape in every way has changed. More like the old south was.

Or even worse. And people wearing their hate on their sleeves or rather trucks and being so discriminatory. I think this thead should make it a bit easier for those in other states to understand what you're going through. Depressing. Outnumbered. Being drug into the last century.

It's harder I think, to have never known the kind of unity and tolerance and forward thinking the red states once had, and the grief of a new world that is nothing like one expected.

Best wishes.

Behind the Aegis

(53,792 posts)
45. I live in Oklahoma.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:39 AM
Jul 2013

I am gay and Jewish. Though this is one of the larger cities, there is no gay bar/club/groups, and the first Jewish center just opened here a few months ago. There are a few liberals here and I get all giggly when I see a democratic/liberal bumper sticker. It can be depressing at times and very lonely, unless I feel like driving 50 miles or so to Tulsa, and even then...

Are_grits_groceries

(17,111 posts)
46. I live in SC.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:54 AM
Jul 2013

I don't get depressed.
I just stay grumpy or mad.
I do not take bullshit from anybody. My list of relatives and friends that I stay in contact with is small.
However, it has never been all bad. I do know people in every part of the state who are solid blue and have created oases around themselves. Any are now solid groups of blue all over the state. We keep trying to connect the dots.

SC is like a huge dysfunctional Southern family.

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
47. How about a red district of a blue state?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:56 AM
Jul 2013

CA is blue, but Buck McKeon's district is red.

I recently was redistricted out of McKeon's area--though I haven't moved anywhere. So I now have a different GOP Rep. because they moved the line a few blocks. Whoop-de-do.

When I drove back here after volunteering for the Kerry campaign in Ohio, a woman took note of the Kerry placards on my car and said, "So you're the other Democrat in the Valley."

I have a lot of conservative friends here, but also some liberal ones--including some who tell me, "I'm so glad you're here!" We may be the minority, but we tend to support and reinforce each other.

Nay

(12,051 posts)
50. ME, in Virginia. Oh, don't tell me VA is purple. I simply don't see it. Yeah, Northern VA votes
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:45 AM
Jul 2013

blue, but the rest of the state (I'm in Richmond) is a total hellhole of red idiots. We've been here for 20 years. We're retired, so theoretically we could move away, but who wants to leave the kid and grandkid? I truly am sorry that we raised our kid here, because he and his wife would never move because she has a thousand relatives here.

We may get out of town for months at a time, but that's the only relief I see. I sincerely regret moving here, but at the time, we moved for jobs. Fucking jobs.

 

Chan790

(20,176 posts)
57. Split the distance?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:21 AM
Jul 2013

Richmond is only an hour and change from the NoVA 'burbs. Move 40-50 minutes north (around Fredericksburg, a nice blue enclave) and you're close enough to see the kid and grandkid whenever you want and to be able to drive into DC or NoVA whenever you'd like.

What often happens is the kids then often eventually move to split the distance again.

Nay

(12,051 posts)
92. Well, no, for several reasons. We'd still be in VA; the traffic is nothing short of
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 06:53 PM
Jul 2013

horrendous within an hour of DC; housing is at least twice as expensive once you hit the DC bedroom communities; and Mr Nay and I really don't like urban atmosphere. We are in the county here and have a decent house in a quiet area. That's as close to city living as we could stand.

I think what we'll do is go out west or to Canada for several months a year. I just can't think of anything else to do. Wish I'd never moved here.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
103. You are very funny to me. Yes...so much to do with jobs. And, you have to
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:30 PM
Jul 2013

both be risk taking people. You don't even think about it when you are young. Ok, we can live here
for a while - we are young enough to live 50 places more. But, as you succeed you get entrenched.

 

graham4anything

(11,464 posts)
52. Just register every single voter you know to vote democratic
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:48 AM
Jul 2013

Tell them to not listen to wedge issues, and to care about important stuff like the voting rights acts

For everyone the court attempts to stop voting, register 10 others, and make sure on election day that they actually vote.

(for the democratic candidate of course)

Every state can be turned blue.

 

datasuspect

(26,591 posts)
53. 1. shut off the computer
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:49 AM
Jul 2013

2. get out there

3. do something about it.

if you can find two people who think like you, you have a fledgling movement.

 

Chan790

(20,176 posts)
59. Reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:31 AM
Jul 2013

The prison attack scene in Watchmen. "I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me."


(Brutally violent.)

Ironically, Rorschach is one of my least-favorite characters in both the comic and the movie.

Half-Century Man

(5,279 posts)
55. Wisconsin here
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:08 AM
Jul 2013

Looking outside its tree and dirt colored. Bad leadership. People getting pissed off. Walker and crew stupid to think what they enact will last. ya know "we be cheeseheads, go pack."

CanonRay

(14,013 posts)
56. You win the Most Depressing Ever DU Post award
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:15 AM
Jul 2013

I just makes me want to cry. Thank Heaven I live in Oregon now, in a blue, blue county. Sorry fellow DUers. I wish you all could vote with your feet. I spent ten years in a Red county in a purple state...that was enough for me.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
96. thanks...I love to be depressing. It is so much fun..it makes me happy>
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 08:56 PM
Jul 2013

JK

sounds so simple...just pack up an go blue. but, funny thing about being in love

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
102. What's the bluest part of Florida? Miami? We go to Sarasota
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:27 PM
Jul 2013

every year and dipshit Katherine Harris lives there.

femmocrat

(28,394 posts)
63. You know what's depressing?
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:14 AM
Jul 2013

Living in a formerly blue state that is now run by conservative, corporate teabaggers: Pennsylvania.

Suziq

(1,009 posts)
66. Thinking about moving from NJ to PA
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:26 AM
Jul 2013

I am retiring after 40 years with the same company. Seriously thinking about jumping the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania for tax purposes.

Blue help is on the way!

femmocrat

(28,394 posts)
73. Welcome, Suziq! :hooray:
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:14 PM
Jul 2013

We will need your vote in the 2014 election to unseat Gov. Core-butt!

I'm surprised that PA has lower taxes! They don't call us Tax-sylvania for nuthin' ! LOL

Suziq

(1,009 posts)
78. Big Difference in Taxes . . . .
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:45 PM
Jul 2013

Especially property taxes. We have been out to PA twice on a home search and the difference is stunning.

That would be two more blue votes - me and hubby!

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,338 posts)
64. Yeah
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:19 AM
Jul 2013

stuck here in Indiana. The Democratic Party here had held the line on a lot of things until about 2010 and between 2010 and 2012, the Republicans now have quorum-proof majorities in the Indiana Legislature and have held the Governor's mansions for 3 consecutive elections now. While I didn't really like Daniels, I *really* don't like having Mike Pence for Governor. Amazingly, he nearly lost to a fairly unknown Democrat last year but he still won and we'll have to put up with him for at least 4 years. Where I live (Indy) is fairly progressive and we even got a LGBT non-discrimination ordinance passed awhile back but we lost the Mayor's office a couple of elections ago and we lost our majority on the City-County Council due to the Republican-controlled Legislature eliminating some of the at-large positions, which included mainly Democrats. The one bright shining exception to Republican hegemony was the election of State Superintendent Glenda Ritz this past election but then the Republican-controlled Legislature turned around reduced her powers and gave some of them to the Governor, who happens to be Republican. The Republicans have been working on pro-corporate, "right-to-work", anti-abortion, anti-Planned Parenthood legislation since 2011 (though the PP law, thankfully, got struck down in the courts) and we're teed up for a huge battle over anti-marriage equality amendment next session (presumably, which is likely to get ugly (it has been passed once, it has to be passed by another legislative session and then put on the ballot for referendum).

Support group for "Red State" Duers? Great idea!

we can do it

(12,095 posts)
70. It's too red here in Ohio for me. We are making escape plans.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 12:13 PM
Jul 2013

My partner of 24 years and I are hoping to move to Delaware some day soon.

Democracyinkind

(4,015 posts)
77. My greatest respect to all of you brave folks who are fighting the good fight in red states.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 01:42 PM
Jul 2013

We talk the talk, you walk the walk. I'm inspire by every single one of you!!! Keep it up!

Jamastiene

(38,187 posts)
81. That wretched Pat McCrory is now the governor of my state, NC.
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 02:49 PM
Jul 2013

Talk about depressing. He is going to destroy what was good about this state like he did Charlotte. Charlotte is still trying to recover from his hideous policies.

I do live in a blue county in a red state, but for a blue county, it is still backasswards and overly Bible Belt, preachy, homophobic, etc. Yes, it is very depressing. I'm just glad for the internet. It has helped me meet people who do not think like these assholes where I live. Oddly enough, I have met people who live in my own hometown through the internet. So, there are more of us here who do think differently than the typical busybody right wing jerks around us. Usually, though, in rural towns like mine in red states, it is hard for progressives/liberals to find each other. It takes patience and even after you have found others in your area who are not so right wing, it is still very frustrating to still know you are surrounded by right wing jerks who will never change their mentality.

AlinPA

(15,071 posts)
84. PA is a red state. Except for the vote for President, we have a stupid teabagger governor, 13/18
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:03 PM
Jul 2013

US House members who are ignorant republicans, both the State House and State Senate are republican controlled and one asshole teabagger republican US Senator. Do I sound depressed?

egold2604

(369 posts)
88. Law of unintended consequences will win every time
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 03:27 PM
Jul 2013

I had a dream where one by one, all the young doctors moved away from Red states that legislated extremely repressive anti-abortion and anti-contraception measures. The average age of physicians started to rise rapidly until there were no physicians under 60 years old left in the state. The same went for teachers, engineers, professionals of all ilk and most minorities. The extreme red states became like Somalia because there were no professionals with large incomes paying state tax. All that were left were the right wing christians who gladly lived in a state with no money to repair infrastructure, no working hospitals, no health insurance, and better yet, no women of child bearing age because they all left the state.

One can only dream.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
101. I don't think it's a dream..think it's coming true. Severe shortage of doctors
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:26 PM
Jul 2013

here in TX... My husband had to wait three months to see a dermatologist and that was with a PA.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
100. I was just in Vermont for a graduation. Is it just me or do
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:21 PM
Jul 2013

you ever find it a tad too green-militant? Guess I like
a bit of debauchery with my environmentalism. We went to
the Strolling of the Heifers - and the festival booths were all
info-type booths - solar this, solar that. Don't get me wrong
I love all that and care 100% - it's just that it seemed like there
was no fun mixed in.

Other than that...we were in Putney at a gorgeous B&B and the
area was absolutely beautiful.

KoKo

(84,711 posts)
91. It's not just Red States anymore, though. It's the whole USA and all
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 04:40 PM
Jul 2013

over the world. There are few places anymore that aren't touched by all this angst we are going through. It's either our state governments have been taken over by ALEC or Koch Brothers Groups/Teabaggers/Crazies or they are working to undermine things nationally which affects us all. Then there is the climate change which puts the "unexpected" into our lives with crazy weather, food and environmental threats: Floods, Tornadoes, Heat Waves, Blizzards, Hurricanes, Death of Bees, Monsanto Agriculture...on and on.

I remember the early days of DU where we in Red States used to ask others where in the US or outside could one go to get away from this oppression. Back then there WERE states where progressives felt comfortable and our whole society didn't seem so "off the rails."

Maybe I've just become cynical...but I think anywhere one lives they are under attack as a Dem Progressive these days. And look at what a mess the rest of the world is in these days with Austerity and Protests and discord.

We just gotta live through these times until it gets better. That's the best I can think of to deal with it.

Lydia Leftcoast

(48,217 posts)
93. I'm in Minneapolis, which is safely blue, but some of the suburbanites who write
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 06:59 PM
Jul 2013

comments on the website of the local paper are knuckledragging ignoramuses, thinly (very thinly) disguised racists, and haughty nouveau riche types who brag about "escaping" to Florida from a tax bracket that doesn't even exist. (Yo! I know that there's no 45% federal tax bracket, but the ignoramuses don't.)

IDemo

(16,926 posts)
98. Yes, and no
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:18 PM
Jul 2013

I'm in Boise, a somewhat purple area of flaming red Idaho. I have generally wound up with an even split of neighbors and co-workers politically. While the politics here are abysmal, there are other quality of life factors that continue to make it one of the best places to live, IMO.

And we Dems have had our moments (even if rarely):



mnhtnbb

(31,302 posts)
105. Not stuck--we chose to move to NC (Chapel Hill) in 2000 from Nebraska
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 11:08 PM
Jul 2013

where we'd spent 6 years; 6 years in Missouri prior to that; 23 years in southern Calif
before that.

I LOVED Chapel Hill when we moved here and still do. It really is an oasis of blue
in a sea of red. There are lots of like minded people here. The problem, of course,
is how the state has been completely taken over by right wing Repubs.

Hubby and our oldest son participated in the Moral Mondays protest today.
It is very depressing to see the damage these a$$holes are doing to
the state--and will continue to do--unless enough people wake up
here to stop them in 2014.

cry baby

(6,682 posts)
112. I'm in Palestine at the moment taking care of elderly parents, but...
Wed Jul 3, 2013, 08:10 AM
Jul 2013

I grew up in Arlington. Then I moved to the red state of Tennessee for almost 30 years. What I wouldn't give to live in a blue state!!!

Where are you?

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
113. Waco ! Close to Bush's ranch. woo-hoo ! Arlington TX
Wed Jul 10, 2013, 10:56 PM
Jul 2013

or Arlington VA ?

I actually like DC...can't get any bluer than that

cry baby

(6,682 posts)
114. Arlington Tx, home of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys!
Thu Jul 11, 2013, 12:44 PM
Jul 2013

I have fond memories of playing tennis tournaments in Waco when I was a teenager (about a hundred years ago)!

I long for Ann Richards. Was watching TV yesterday and there was a story about how long it's been since this state has elected a democrat for governor. Her eyes sparkled with wit and wisdom not seen since...sadly. I see her spunk in her daughter Cecile, and it gives me hope for our future.

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