Are there any DUer's in eastern TN? I feel like an alien.

[chelaque liberal]

This seems to be such a conservative area that I felt uncomfortable about the bumper stickers I had on my truck. I get the most disgusting email from neighbors, very pro war, pro prayer in school and anti evolution.

[democrat in Tallahassee]

1. I'm from east tennessee, originally.

And I know a lot of people there who hate mr. bush. don't despair.
I grew up in rogersville (between knoxville and bristo)

[chelaque liberal]

6. I live near Rogersville.

Moved here recently. I love the area, it is so beautiful here. Tell me some other good things.

[Claire Beth]

7. that's good news

I am hoping East TN will go with Kerry, too. We've got to get the current idiot out of the WH in 2004. I'm happy to hear that at least some people in that area are not happy with Bush*.

[demnan]

2. Al Gore moved to Arlington, VA

n/t

[TNDemo]

3. Al was not from East Tennessee.

Where it is heavily Republican. I do have hope for it though. Knoxville voted Democratic for the governor last time. Around UT in Knoxville and in West Knoxville I think you have plenty of left leaning folks but I definitely feel more at home in Nashville than Knoxville (where I grew up).

[tnlefty]

4. Another "alien" here....

I'm between Chatt and Cleveland and I think that I can feel your pain! Where are you?

[chelaque liberal]

5. Near Rogersville, the town mentioned by democrat in Tallahassee

[sablescort]

8. I'm also East TN...

right smack in the middle between Knoxville and Chattanooga...

McMinn County, the most heavy-repuke county. I couldn't even muster my courage to put my DU bumper sticker on my car considering how heavy repuke the area is.

[newyawker99]

15. Hi sablescort!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[fancypantselitist]

59. I'm new here too!

I live in Monroe County... and we're working hard to turn it blue.

[newyawker99]

68. Hi fancypantselitist!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[fancypantselitist]

71. Hi NewYawker!

:7
Thanks for the Welcome!

[solinvictus]

9. Chattanooga

I'm in Chattanooga.

[Mob Mama]

62. Nice to see another Tn Valley person here! ~nt~

[Claire Beth]

10. I feel for you...

some of those right wingers are very disgusting and lots are very evil. I do not trust them at all.

[Soup Bean]

11. Johnson City here

[CoonDawg]

12. I drive through the area...

I go every week to Kingsport, TN and pass through Chattanooga every week on my way back to Nashville.

I started out the administration with high hopes, but have steadily been disillusioned. Yep, I am a ragin' redneck truckdrivin flamin' liberal.

Ernie B.
LaVergne, TN

[aintitfunny]

13. I'm from Johnson City

Live in Maryland now. East Tennesse has been a Republican stronghold forever.

[Mrs. Venation]

19. Hey, I'm A Tennessee Transplant Living In Maryland, Too!

Where are you in MD?

[aintitfunny]

23. Hey There

I am in Catonsville - a Baltimore Suburb SW of the city. Where are you hailing from?

[Mrs. Venation]

26. I Am In Waldorf

Charles County, in southern Maryland. I love living here. I'd really like to get the Maryland DUers together for some food and drink this summer; would you be interested? We could do it as a fundraiser for Kerry, or for Equality Maryland.

[aintitfunny]

27. That would be a good thing

Just keep us posted.

[nashville_brook]

78. JC ex-pat here -- but have a JC-related blog

east tenn can be both awful and wonderful in the same moment.

[SharonAnn]

14. Yes, I'm in East Tennessee. It's very Republican here but I

find there are more Democrats than you initially might think. Some just keep a low profile.

I'm in Loudon County, near Knoxville.

[Claire Beth]

16. what are you hearing in that area about ....

the upcoming election? Do you know of any repubs who are fed up with Bush/Cheney?

[SharonAnn]

17. The hard-core GOP here will never vote Democratic but they

just might not vote for *. So, one less vote for * is OK by me.

Really, though, there are two major populations here:
1. Long-time residents who are right-wing fundamentalists.
2. Yankee retirees who are well-off and greedy.

Neither one is open to conversion.

However, my Republican friends and relatives in the Midwest and Northwest have said they'll not be voting for *. They were really following the Democratic primaries trying to evaluate the candidates because they really want to replace Shrub.

[Claire Beth]

18. well...

if they don't vote for * that is fine by me. I think TN is definitely up for play.

[Mrs. Venation]

20. I Grew Up In East Tennessee

I haven't lived there for over 20 years, but my family (mom, dad, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) live there. My immediate family can't stand * and will vote democratic in November.

I think there are more progressive people in east Tennessee than you might think; I think the neocons are just louder and more rude.

[BlondieK143]

21. Knoxville here!

:hi: Actually, about 10 minutes from downtown. Definitely in one of the most republican towns. BUT I'm encouraged, I've seen a total of 10 Kerry bumper stickers in the past week. :)

[RedneckLefty]

53. Re: "Knoxville here"

Howdy neighbor. I'm in west K-town. I wanted Kerry mighty bad too.
Not to worry. Next time we Demos kick some butt HARD I betcha!
- Redneck Lefty in Knox

[BlondieK143]

66. Hey there!

:hi: I worked in West Knox for two years until our company moved. I'm actually more towards the Sevierville area. :) Nice to have people here locally!

[Only Me]

22. The Kingsport Times News...

I have some threads here requesting DUers, to help me by checking some of the articles from the KTN and send in emails or letters.
They are far Right Wing and get by with to much trashing our party. We as Dems need to make sure our voices are heard. If we don't sound out, and correct inaccuracies we will never make change. Sometimes, well, once in a blue moon, even Repubs, when they get the correct info can make some sound decisions. So, when you get a chance, write , call or email, ask for corrections or retractions every time you see an article full of crap.

Thank You!

http://www.timesnews.net/
Du Thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1517826

[Claire Beth]

24. thanks for the links! n/t

[Only Me]

25. Claire_beth, Thank YOU for your interest!!

[Mr Switters]

28. Our numbers are larger than you think!

I have a feeling that most people in East Tenn truly identify themselves as Independents (regardless of whether or not they continuously vote Republican).

Our numbers are larger than you think! Kerry campaign headquarters in Knoxville has been showing a lot of progress and I'm seeing Kerry stickers and Pins just about everywhere I go. I feel a lot of the East Tenn support of Bush is "fashionable" and over the next 4-5 months you'll see a graduation shift in popular support towards Kerry.

Remember, Knox County traditionally votes Democrat, I believe we even carried Gore last time. The County did go for Bredesen (but that guy running against him really wasn't much of a candidate, see I can't even remember his name, ahaha). Tennessee carried Clinton BOTH times he was elected. What makes these national pollsters think that TN isn't a swing state, tt is VERY MUCH a swing state. If we can move the vote in East Tenn then it is a solid indication of how the election will turn out.

Talk to your fellow democrats, register ALL your friends and family to vote. Show your colors! Do not allow conservatives and republicans to intimidate you not to place a bumper sticker or wear a pin! You have more friends than you think!

Who's seen the "One Term President" stickers floating around Knoxville? We ordered 2500 of those babies and they are EVERYWHERE!

Your's Truly,
Mr. Switters

[newyawker99]

29. Hi Mr. Switters!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Claire Beth]

30. thanks for this wonderful post of good news! n/t

[Mrs. Venation]

31. Welcome To DU, Mr. Switters

It's nice to see someone from near my home town (Clinton) at DU!

:toast:

[luaneryder]

32. Mountain City here

Not only do I feel like an alien I'm treated as one. Anything said against Bush in these parts needs to be whispered or guns will be drawn. I write editorials to the Johnson City Press as frequently as they will print me. This one I saw today was surprising from little Limestone:

This is in response to G.E. Lewis’ recent letter titled asking “Why no Bush on TV?.” Mr. Lewis, I’m in full agreement on this notion of more Bush on TV. I would like to see him on every day for at least four hours to explain his policies and plans for our country. Because, for every minute the idiot is on TV, his poll numbers drop like a rock. And that, Mr. Lewis, is why we don’t see him on TV more than we do.

It seems that the more he talks, the more people learn about him. So yes, I would like to see him on TV more as well, to give the slow learners an opportunity to understand what most of us have known since before the 2000 elections. The truth is that this guy just ain’t got it.

CHARLIE COX
Limestone

You go Charlie!!!

[newyawker99]

33. Hi luaneryder!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[alilenas]

34. I'm in Knoxville

I live most of the year in west Knoxville and work in Oak Ridge (the rest of the year I live in southeastern Kentucky). East Tennessee is a bizarre area, John "Jimmy" Duncan, the congressman, has proven a staunch anti-Bush voter in areas such as the Patriot Act. Knoxville has an interesting liberal community with a lot of the same people showing up again and again at public events. I don't see a lot of hope for Democrats in elected office on this side of the state, but keeping the vote close gives us statewide elections.

At any rate, you aren't alone in the area. Come down and do a protest now and then.

[Claire Beth]

35. Welcome to DU, Alilenas!

:hi:

[chelaque liberal]

37. Tell me more about Knoxville's liberal community.

Nice to see your post. My OP was back in April and I only occasionally check back....

I went to F911 in Knoxville the day it opened and was encouraged by the crowd. It made me think (hope) that there was a more of a liberal community than is obvious at first glance. I also saw 2 peace and justice bumper stickers in Morristown!

[alilenas]

41. Knoxville's libs

Most of the lefties seem to cluster around the Unitarian churches (Tennessee Valley UU and West Side UU) or the UCC. From there they fan out and overlap other areas. There are a substantial array of liberals in and around the University of Tennessee as well as the community colleges (Pelissippi and Roane State--BTW--RSCC was the first public school in the state to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policy).

The arts community tends to be somewhat left of center, though there are exceptions. Groups such as the Sincere Seven work on union organizing in a culturally diverse setting. There are environmental groups all around the University and of course The Highlander Center has been in the liberal business for years providing support, education and places to hang out.

[RedneckLefty]

54. Re: "Knoxville's Libs"

How right you are alilenas! I attend Westside Unitarian
Universalist Church. But I knew lots of Libs long before I
ever joined WUUC. - Redneck Lefty

[Mr Switters]

43. A few 'spots' around town for like minded libs

If you are looking for a drink, good food, and liberal friends for conversation visit the Sunspot Restaurant on Cumberland Ave (across from campus), or Barley's Taproom in the Old City. Both owned by the same folks, great atmosphere, good vegetarian food selections and massive amounts of domestic brew on tap.

Other than that, the Panera Bread in Bearden (ie Mercedes Place Plaza, across from Kroger) where the Kerry Meet-ups are held always tends to have a disproportionately large amount of Kerry bumper stickers showing up in the parking lot.

Hopefully some of these places will help you feel at home.

[newyawker99]

39. Hi alilenas!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[SiriusLiberal]

36. I'm in Knoxville

[j4rester]

38. Another Democrat in Knoxville

Flanked by Wingnuts but oh well the mountain view is pretty.

[newyawker99]

40. Hi j4rester!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[j4rester]

42. Thanks!

Blogs - Good, Bad and Ugly in Tennessee:
East Tennessee Liberal Blogs:
http://www.leanleft.com
http://cepetro.blogspot.com
http://tnvols.blogspot.com
http://www.fatasspolitics.com
http://www.usndemvet.com/blog
http://uncommonsense.20m.com
http://tennesseeliberal.blogspot.com

East Tennessee Wingnut Blogs
http://conservativezone.blogspot.com
http://www.lesjones.com
http://www.saysuncle.com
http://www.stoneybilt.com/rebel-yell
http://www.alittlemoretotheright.com

All part of the the Rocky Top Brigade via Knoxville’s greatest philosopher since Cas Walker:
South Knox Bubba.

http://southknoxbubba.net/skblog

Bushes accomplishments so far:
http://www.southknoxbubba.net/skblog/archive_2004_06.php#3095

http://www.southknoxbubba.net/watchdog.htm
Cas's old paper notice the headline about the voting machines.

Finally SKB's has the following rule:
‘A new rule for my growing list...

With regard to attendance at public meetings held by your local government:
It's OK to wear shorts...
It's OK if you haven't shaved...
It's OK if you've been drinking...
But not all three.
(I shaved.)'

Finally:
Two of my neighbors belong to the following church: http://www.thelionofjudah.org- which believes in God and Guns. And that the U.N., Arabs, Crusty old masons and Alcoholics Anonymous are evil.
They think the southern baptists are too liberal.

One of my sb neighbors was talking to my wife about the dangers of hormones in milk. My wife mentioned something about passing hormones through breast milk if you breastfeed a baby while on birth control. The neighbor responded that she did not believe in birth control because interferes with nature. This would be fine but her husband has had a vasectomy (I guess the nature thing just applies to the women folk).
Another time she was complaining because her sister in law and fellow sb was giving her a hard time about working- it wasn't fair to her husband and two children and she would regret it for the rest of her life (she sales Mary Kay).

[LunaSea]

44. Extreme West Knoxville here

The pastures and farms are going fast.
I'm becoming surrounded by multimillion dollar churches and gas stations.

I see your stickers. Makes me smile and gives me hope!

[chelaque liberal]

45. A good Eastern Tn story from another thread:

Thanks SharonAnn reply #14
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2368634#2369091

[gibbsvol]

46. UT grad here in atlanta.

I have plenty of friends back in k-town who are working hard to bring us a "blue" Tennessee. I know the campus will vote Kerry all the way, with the exception of some of the fratboys.

[peacebuzzard]

47. There is this one here, today....

Maybe the only one for today ...... It is lonely ....:hi:

[RedneckLefty]

56. Yo peacebuzzard M8. Now there's another Knoxvillian here..

...I'm Redneck Lefty In West Knoxville. I'm here to kick some
Republican butt and take names! - RL

[ktowntennesseedem]

48. West Knoxville!

ET is quite a repub stronghold, but I have been most encouraged by the number of Kerry/Edwards signs and bumper-stickers I've seen around town. Probably still outnumbered around here, but closer to 50-50 than I've seen before. And it might only be due to a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Bushies, but even that is promising!

[RedneckLefty]

55. Howdy West Knox neighbor!

I'm in West Knox too. Howeru neighbor? So you are that other west
knox Democrat that lives out here in the Repub west eh?
Tough here huh? I damn near shot the last West knox repug snob
who tried to steal my Kerry sign from my yard. I'm sick and "tared"
of these west knox repugs stealing my signs! Next time I burn
their butt with my pellet gun! hehe! - Redneck Lefty in Knox

[Fifth of Five]

49. Maryville now

It sure feels like the most Republican place I've ever been.

[Liberal Mommy]

50. I grew up in Maryville!

My family still lives there. I'm a Texas transplant now. How long have you lived in Maryville? :hi:

[Fifth of Five]

51. Eight years

I'm a transplant. When we moved to E. TN, we chose Maryville for the schools. Still here even though the kids are in college now.

Nice place, nice people...for the most part.

[RedneckLefty]

52. Hey Tennessee M8. I'm a DUer

I'm in Knarcksville. Where ewe? Don't worry M8. You're not alone
as a Dem here in Tn. though I know it sometimes feels like it.
-RedneckLefty

[Fly by night]

57. gathering to save our democracy, Sunday noon (12/12) Nashville

>
> A GATHERING TO SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY
> SUNDAY, 12/12/04, NOON
> WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA
> TENNESSEE STATE CAPITAL
> NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
>
> BE THERE!!!
>
> WHERE WE ARE
>
> By now, all of you are aware of the overwhelming evidence that the 2004 election was tampered with. As I write this message, plans are underway to recount the votes in at least a half dozen states, most notably in Ohio. Yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee took three hours of testimony on the evidence of the Ohio election theft and the multiple actions now underway in that state to overcome the election fraud and theft. (That hearing was broadcast live on C-SPAN television and radio yesterday morning, and has been rebroadcast on C-SPAN twice already.)
>
> The evidence for this election theft is everywhere and is undeniable.Since 11/2, the nonpartisan Election Incident Monitoring System has logged over 38,000 (and counting) reports of election irregularities and voting machine "glitches", 99.99% of which favored Bush. Numerous voters have reported that the electronic votes they cast for Kerry registered instead for Bush or another candidate. The total votes reported cast for President in many U.S. counties exceeded the total number of people who voted. (In Wyoming, with no important state races at stake, the total reported vote for President was 106% of the total registered voters there.)
>
> In too many states, absentee ballots were misplaced or never counted, and provisional ballots were discarded in violation of election rules. Voting machines were disproportionately distributed to create long lines (and discourage turnout) in Democratic districts. And the disconnect between the exit polls and the "reported" vote – a prime source of speculation that the Ukrainian vote had been tampered with – was so bad in our own country that statisticians have placed the odds that this disconnect occurred by chance in the billions (or even trillions) to one. Against those odds, a PowerBall ticket would be a safe investment.
>
> In the face of this overwhelming evidence of U.S. election fraud, our "mainstream media" has been virtually silent and our (unelected) President's concerned comments about the Ukrainian election seem hollow, misdirected and distractingly self-serving. We sincerely hope that the American people will become aware and resolute enough to re-import a love of democracy -- and an understanding of the necessity of free and fair elections as democracy's foundation -- from the Ukrainian people, whose brave actions have placed a spotlight on our own inattention to the obvious election theft in our country. And while we're at it, we hope that we can also re-import from the Ukrainians the wisdom and the courage to change the things that now threaten democracy in the United States, while we still can.
>
> The Ukrainians are not our only brave role models. Yesterday, a Nashville soldier in Kuwait (Spc. Thomas Jerry Wilson) stood face-to-face with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and demanded to know why he and his fellow soldiers were being sent into battle in Iraq unequipped and unprotected from the dangers they faced there. That bravery should be honored by our own presence at this gathering on Sunday to issue our own demands (of our media and our government) that free and fair elections -- the foundation of any democracy -- be protected in this country. If a single Nashville soldier can speak truth to (illegitimate) power and be heard around the world, so can we. We can do this -- together.
>
> WHAT WE CAN DO NOW
>
> This Sunday, protests over the election theft will occur simultaneously in all U.S. state capitals, as well as in the District of Columbia. Tennessee needs to "report for duty" also, we need to be present and accounted for as part of this nationwide protest. Through this email, we are inviting you (and everyone you know) to join us on the War Memorial Plaza (on the east side of the Tennessee State Capital) at noon on Sunday (12/12) to show our common concern for the survival of democracy -- right here, right now.
>
> This will be a very free-form first gathering. We will have some folks speak about the breaking news of this election theft, we will distribute summaries of that information and we will review some of the options available to all of us to help prevent this coup. We will allow opportunities for anyone (and everyone) who wishes to speak to do so. And we will distribute orange ribbons to everyone there, so that we can begin to show our solidarity with the brave people in the Ukraine, our Tennessee soldiers in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan who are fighting to protect what's left of our democracy and our thankfulness for their potent example.
>
> I'M IN -- I WILL BE THERE -- WHAT CAN I DO NOW?
>
> If you and your friends and family can join us this Sunday, we need you to do three things:
>
> 1) Please email me back right away, confirming that you will attend. If you plan to bring friends and family members to the gathering, please let me know how many will be there with you (Bernie Ellis: [email protected]). If you would like to speak on any particular aspect of this election theft or distribute materials at the gathering, please let me know that also.
>
> 2) Please forward this email to anyone and everyone you know in Tennessee and surrounding states who are as concerned about the future of our democracy as you are, and invite them to join us. Ask them to pass this email along to others and to email me back also so I can get a handle on the number of people who will be there.
>
> 3) Please make up signs and banners, or bring any other street theatre "props" that you'd like, to make this a visually memorable gathering. BY ALL MEANS, WEAR ORANGE.
>
> This gathering will take place, regardless of the number of people who respond to this invitation. But if at least 100 people write or call me back, I will notify the Nashville television stations and newspapers and invite them to cover our gathering. Rest assured; we are not alone. Over 20% of the American people already believe that this election was stolen (that's over 60 million people!!), and that's without much media coverage of this issue so far. If we can come together and create a large gathering of concerned Tennesseans on Sunday, the ensuing news coverage (matched by similar protests across the country) will help awaken many more people in our state and nation to the clear and present danger that our democracy faces if this fraudulent election is allowed to stand.
>
> So please come join us at noon on Sunday, at the War Memorial Plaza on the east side of the state capital. It will be a clear, sunny day, with temperatures in the 50s. Come meet with many other like-minded people who share your concerns and come show, by your presence and your voice, that you will not allow this election theft to stand. Come get your orange ribbon, and help us begin to take our country back!!
>
> SEE YOU ON SUNDAY
> 12/12/04, AT NOON
> WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA
> NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
>
>
>

[localpolitician]

58. Greene County here

yes...there are a few around the Greene County area...

[Claire Beth]

60. welcome, to DU! n/t

[newyawker99]

63. Hi localpolitician!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[fasttense]

72. I'm from Greene County too. n/t

[Mob Mama]

61. Chattanooga lib here....

I hear you....my minivan is very much alone, in a sea of cars blaring W, W, W!!! (Only *my* W has a big red slash through it, lol!), along with my "Support the troops, not Bush", and "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Kerry!" bumper stickers. Pissed off conservatives are forever passing me on the highway, shaking their head as if I'm missing a limb or something. They'll never get it.

Hold your head high...I long ago ceased to care what folks think of my stickers. I even like pissing conservatives off - it's fun! ;-)

Just take my advice - only use super-sticky stickers...some nuts think if they steal your stickers, you'll suddenly have an about- face and become a righty!

[cynatnite]

64. Kingsport here! n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

65. I am

I am a southeastern democrat. :) I only got one bad look one time during the election cycle. Don't feel a lone. :)

[MominTN]

67. All you east TN people

Go to http://lastcar.blogspot.com/
Give him hell!
Tell him what you really want your government to do instead of his using your dollar to blog the republican mantra.

[Egalia]

74. I read the blogging legislator too

He deletes opposing views, not exactly a grown-up thing to do.

I actually like that he blogs; it's good to know what he and his cronies are up to, and to have some help in understanding their strange worldview. I just wish some TN dems would wake up and start blogging (in self defense!).

[Fifth of Five]

69. I'm from Maryville.

We are all aliens here.

[SharonAnn]

70. Hey, I'm from Loudon! Good to know you!

[FreedomAngel82]

73. I am!!

I'm in Chattanooga. I don't have any stickers on my car anymore. I want to get some though.

[alice_in_wonderland]

75. Chattanooga!

I have been a lurker for a Long Time, & signed up just so I could tell you about my little, (hot), square, solid black, home-made window sticker, taped to the inside of the rear driver's side window, that just has a reverse print white "F" in the center, with THE PRESIDENT in small print below. Perhaps you've seen a real one of these, I wanted one that couldn't be torn off. I never liked polo shirts with alligators, either; I get real sick of seeing bumper stickers that look like private club logos.

People do comment on it, mostly women with positive reactions - except they say "I hope my father/husband won't see it", and this happens mostly in the parking lots at the two churches where I sing, a white Episcopal church and a black AME church.

And I also get the annoying forwards from relatives and church members, I have to make myself read them so that I can see if there's any sense to what they're thinking, but mostly I see a need to hide behind something that seems successful and powerful (but don't look behind that curtain!)

I think in Chattanooga we've totally lost the voters' imagination - they're too scared to vote for change, and maybe some are just too scared to vote for fear of making a mistake, i.e., no good choices for a clear cut winner. And I feel like the church going women don't want to vote against their husbands.

And I'm real sorry we didn't elect Ann Coulter as mayor (really!).

[Egalia]

76. Is Rep. Campfield your Rep?

This fellow is an embarrasment,

Republican Rep. Campfield Hurls Insults at Dissenting Constituent & Exhibits Failure to Master 3rd Grade Language Skills

http://guerillawomentn.blogspot.com/2005/05/republican-rep-campfield-hurls-insults.html
and

Conservative Bloggers Happy to have Blogging (R) Legislator - When Will Democrats Wake Up and Blog?

http://guerillawomentn.blogspot.com/2005/05/conservative-bloggers-happy-to-have.html

[Geek_Girl]

77. I'm in Chattanooga

But I live near downtown and it's not too bad.