Reply #7: I think you make a very valid point...

[BeTheChange]

Im from NY, raised in Texas, 5 years in Cali... then back to Texas for a couple years.. now.. Im in WA.

I spent my teenage and college years running from the idea that had been put into my head that somehow, people in the south were unworthy rednecks. My family is a big italian/irish dem family from NY. I was incessantly teased by them when we would go back home to visit. I never really gave the south a chance and I got the hell out as soon as I could.

It was interesting going back to Texas... I realized that preconcieved notions and sterotyping didnt do anyone a whole lotta good. I came to love Molly Ivins, Jim Hightower... Garrison... the kindness of people, the libertarian and democratic tendencies that ran deep. It was nice not to be freaking assaulted by beliefs... I had great debates and conversations, with freaking politeness and respect.

Im glad to be back in the Pac NW but when it comes to attitudes, Im often very turned off by the abrasive way in which they are presented. Im glad only the holidays bring the cynicism and sarcasm of my family in the east.

Give me a glass of sweet tea, a slow southern breeze, some cards and a discussion where I dont have to fight every sentence tooth and nail, especially when we are on the same side.. give me breaks of silent consideration and slow smiles, shakes of the head and chuckles. The populist approach just makes my ears listen a bit more.

But that is just me.