Last night while tornadoes sruck Miss. & Ala. some Du-ers were arguing for NO aid for victims.

[dixiegrrrrl]

Last edited Mon Feb 11, 2013, 03:47 PM - Edit history (2)

I read 3 posts last night where the tornadoes were discussed, and in each more than one DU member made comments to the effect that the victims of the storms did not deserve to ask for help, because some, but not all, Republicans voted against Federal aid for Sandy Hook.

The gross cruelty of southern bashing is almost as great as the ignorance displayed of how many Dems live down here.

These comments were being made at the same time that a tornado hit 40 miles from where I was watching the storm, here in Ala.
ready to flee for my life for the safety of a neighbor's basement if needed.
One of the neighbors is a Republican, the other is a Dem.
the Dem neighbor was gone last evening.
Which of you Southern bashers would tell me to NOT seek shelter in the Republican homeowner's basement?


Hattisburg got hit last night.
The mayor is a Democrat and was the first African American Dem nominee for governor in Mississippi since the Reconstruction era.
In the 2008 election, 555,000 people of Mississippi voted for Pres. Obama.
Over half a million people.
Which of those do not deserve to get aid ????

In Alabama, 795,696, Dems or 38.36% of the population voted for Pres. Obama.
43% of people in my county voted for Obama.
Of the 46 homes which were destroyed last night in Alabama, close to where I live,
Which of those would you deny aid ????


I have been asked by more than one member to repost the links...
after some consideration, including the thought of not wanting to perpetuate the vile remarks,
I have decided to go ahead and link to the threads involved, by their comments, you will know who they are.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022348320


http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014395509

edited to add:
here is photo of one of Hattisburg's families who "do not deserve aid "
photo credit
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/

[IMG][/IMG]

[patrice]

1. I would repost the links. If people think they can say that SHIT, they can say it to EVERYONE!

[Fumesucker]

2. Bless their hearts, some people just can't wait to bash on those they love to hate n/t

[annabanana]

3. really dg.. link this stuff

a little sunlight please.

[DonCoquixote]

82. lookie here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2348320

One operson in reply 14, who i will nto name, talked how there should be consequences to those that deny Sandy aid, he was later corrected when both MS senators were on record as voting FOR Sandy aid.

[Aerows]

129. I've had to correct people on that

at least half a dozen times.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Liberals and Democrats tend to wrap themselves in a comfy blanket

of caring-for-our-fellow-citizens fuzziness and warmth, while excoriating the evil GOPers for being cold-hearted, selfish, granny-starving, dog-kicking bastards. Unfortunately, the Blue side of the ideological divide also has some hateful and sanctimonious assholes, and they sometimes surface on DU during crises. Some might actually be trolls. Others are just assholes, and I wish they'd go away and stop making DU suck.

Fortunately, they are in the minority. The rest of us do give as much of a damn about tornadoes in Alabama and Mississippi as we do about hurricanes in New Jersey and blizzards in Connecticut. Hang in there. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

[Rectangle]

47. Of course I want to advocate gov't help for these Americans, but we equally should point out the

Rural Republican hypocrisy on this matter..

[niyad]

5. of course nobody should be denied aid, just because their reps (and the people who voted for

them) are complete morans. however, the hypocrisy needs to be pointed out next time they run for office.

[indepat]

6. As I recall, 31 Republican Senators voted against Sandy aid, probably including the two from

Mississippi and the two from my very red state. In a separate post, I had clumsily tried to point out the hypocrisy of Congress-critters voting against aid for others while requesting aid for their state/area when a disaster hits at home. I apologize to all on this board and to all the people in the Hattiesburg area who gathered I did not want Federal aid going to the area when just the opposite was true. I was trying only to skewer the holistic hypocrisy that is modern-day Republicanism and that will come as no surprise to anyone on this board who has previously garnered the gist of my entire body of posts. I have consistently lambasted everything even smelling of right-wingedness/wickedness, the GOP in general, any governance promoting the welfare of monied/special interests including large corporations at the expense of the general welfare, and hypocrisy and mendacity in all forms. Further, that I have consistently applauded liberal and progressive positions should further be known. That said, knowing elections do have consequences, I beseech the electorate to recall all of those 31 Senators when next standing for re-election.

[elleng]

15. Ditto.

[intheflow]

119. IIRC, the MS delegation voted for Sandy relief.

Katrina may have been under Dubya's watch, but they remember full well how much they depended on Federal monies to help them recover - and that they continue to be more vulnerable than New England for needing storm relief.

[Aerows]

127. And you would be wrong

Wicker and Cochran voted FOR Sandy aid. As did, eventually, the Representative of the district Hattiesburg is located in, though why in the hell it took him so long is a mystery, since his district was slammed by Katrina. I didn't vote for any of them, for the record. I'm just thankful it didn't affect us here in the eastern coast, and I'm wishing the best for all those that did get affected. You know, like any decent human being would.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. Some DU'rs see life through a prism defined by party.

[Marrah_G]

8. bingo

[Catherina]

10. +1 n/t

[tammywammy]

9. Welcome to DU....

I've seen this type of reaction for years on here. It was always especially poignant when there was a hurricane headed toward Texas while Bush was president. The cheering and hope for destruction on DU was disgusting back then too.

Mother Nature knows no politics. I hope those in Mississippi receive the help they need.

[davidn3600]

11. We got some backwards thinking on this forum

So you are going to tax them. But then say because they voted against the President, they shouldn't get assistance?

Good thing our president is smarter than people in here...otherwise we'd be in the middle of a 2nd Civil War by now.

[Bake]

12. This is NOT who we are!

Repubs are the ones who say f**k everybody else. WE DON'T! Those South-bashers who want to screw people who are hurting from the tornados can KISS MY ASS AND GO STRAIGHT TO HELL. That's not who we are, dammit!

Sometimes this place makes me sick to my frickin' stomach.

Bake

[kentauros]

140. There are times when I'd love to say exactly what I feel

directly to each of these so-called members of DU.

But, I don't want my post hidden, either.

And you're right, this isn't who we are. We Liberals are supposed to be the compassionate ones. Let's act like it!

[Catherina]

13. A small minority with small minds, small consciences and small hearts

Just ignore them and their worthless words. I think quite a few of those are trolls making the best of what little time they have left. The majority of us care about everyone equally.

Thanks for posting the links too because some things you just have to see with your own eyes. That was awful


:hugs:

[elleng]

14. I doubt it,

and as one who had a post hidden due to misunderstanding by some jurors, I suggest DUers look carefully at the words and deeds of others. Those like me who suggested some payback is reasonable were referring to congressmembers, wherever they are, who voted against aid for Sandy victims, and NOT for the victims of disasters.

[Straw Man]

19. Not so sure.

Those like me who suggested some payback is reasonable were referring to congressmembers, wherever they are, who voted against aid for Sandy victims, and NOT for the victims of disasters.

It's hard to take this any other way:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2348824

[elleng]

20. Guess so.

Thanks

[Straw Man]

16. Some people treat politics like professional sports.

Their team preferences spill over into geographical bigotry. It's a tribal mindset, in the worst sense of the adjective.

[Liberal_in_LA]

17. kick

[greiner3]

18. At the risk of becoming another pariah in your eyes;

I don't believe that you are TOTALLY justified in painting even a small, (it's so miniscual that Nate would call it very statistically insignificant) portion of DU'ers as being so callous as these few members have shown.

As a matter of fact, at one time, these people were among my very short Ignore List.

All in all, jus saying.

[Burma Jones]

21. The problem with the Intertubes is that every stupid asshole has a voice

and an anonymous one at that......

So, use your ignore button and live long and prosper......

[Tom Rinaldo]

22. It is right to point out the hypocracy - but not to oppose aid.

In any districts where Republican Reps voted against Sandy aid for the North East but may now seek federal aid when they are in need of help - those Reps should be shamed by national media as well as on the House floor by other Reps - but we should not withold help from people in real need. It is always horrible when devestation strikes - I don't care how people voted when people are in need.

[niyad]

23. I am going to take another shower--just read some of the comments in the first linked post--

beyond vile

[cordelia]

24. Kick

[Sissyk]

25. K & R

Thanks, dixiegrrrrl!

[Glitterati]

26. They did it last week during the Georgia tornadoes as well

Too many DUers lack compassion and sympathy. They have become those they are condemning by advocating against aid for Mother Nature.

Seriously, what's the difference between the REPs who voted against Sandy Aid and these DUers? Not an inch, not one iota. Same lack of compassion, same lack of care for people.

Throw in some south bashing and these DUers are in heaven!

[freshwest]

143. It's like Robertson condemning disaster areas for sins, it feels the same way and is wrong.

It is against Democratic Party principles. Our President would not do that.

Yes, these posters sound like the ones they condemn for voting against the NE getting Sandy aid.

But they were for NJ getting aid even though it is governed by a GOP who denigrated Obama in Tampa, so they should think a moment.

[notadmblnd]

27. I was not one of the people saying they deserved no aid

However, I guess it would depend on the amount of devastation. When my parents house was hit by a tornado several years ago, their home owner insurance paid for the damage, there was no government aid. My parents home was the only home in the neighborhood that was damaged by the tornado, but I imagine if the entire neighborhood had been wiped out, then some aid may have been required.

[MuseRider]

28. Tornado season is just getting cranked up!

Oh boy, this will be no fun.

I would feel guilty if I had voted for any of the morons in my state who voted against Sandy help (everyone of them from my state voted against it and we are in tornado alley) but I did not.

I don't think this will stop, many of the liberals here are not liberals.

I am glad you posted this. I hope you, your family and friends did not get the nasty stuff as the storm moved your way.

[redstatebluegirl]

29. I think we are all guilty

Of not using our brains before venting when our names are not displayed. Being anonymous is a blessing and a curse. I often wonder what these boards on both sides would look like if we had to identify ourselves each time.

Those who feel no aid should be given to any state whose reps voted against Sandy aid need to rethink that position. I pointed out early on that there could be political consequences for Reps who live in places like Tornado Alley, but at no time did I think we should not respond as a compassionate nation when our neighbors homes and lives are in tatters.

Perhaps this will make us all think before hitting "post". Praying for all of those hurt last night.

[Chorophyll]

30. I think you meant "Republicans voted against Federal aid" for victims of Hurricane Sandy, right?

Not Sandy Hook?

Anyway, I'm sorry that some DUers feel that way. It's shameful. No American citizens should be penalized for the idiocy of their representatives in Congress. Not even if they voted for those idiots. And no one who calls him- or herself a Democrat should say otherwise.

[nolabear]

31. Ah yes. I was in that first--uh--person's sights. He represents DU like the RW represents MS.

The nasty, ignorant, mean spirited, miser-souled pretending they speak for everyone. n the percentage is shrinking. Here, I'm not so sure.

Stay brave, dixiegrrrl. We know who we are.

[Aerows]

130. We do

and we are Southerners, but we are kind ones, and we vote Democratic. I'm a NOLA transplant to MS, myself.

[nolabear]

131. And I'm a MS and nola transplant to the PNW. Days like today I miss it mightily. Happy Mardi Gras!

[Aerows]

132. Laissez les bons temps rouler, cher :)

Actually, I'm not going to parades today. I'm enjoying the day off, and cooking

[nolabear]

133. Probably smart. I hear it's a rainy one. And I am NOT as young as I once was!

Used to be nothing would deter me, but I doubt I'd go for a good drenching anymore. My sisters are out in the parishes and love the little parades with the kids. Sounds like my speed...though I am seriously thinking of hitting Jazzfest this year!

[Aerows]

135. I remember a Mardi Gras

when it was so damned cold, but we had family members over so we HAD to go, that it started sleeting. It was miserable, but hey, I guess enough beer cures everything LOL. Thank GOD my family had a warehouse not too far from the parade route. Our family members had a great time, since they were used to the cold. It was horrific LOL.

[Texasgal]

32. Pretty disgusted..

Par for the course here on DU I guess..

I am so glad that you are safe, I have a friend in Hattisburg and they were not affected structurally thank goodness. Big supportive hugs to you dixie!

[panader0]

33. It's not just southern bashing--it's state bashing. I live in Arizona and

I have seen many comments here like "those idiots in Az got what they deserved" etc etc. I like to remind them that we only got Janet Brewer as guv because Pres Obama tapped Napolitano for Homeland Security.
Even in the reddest of states there are good, progressive Dems, and to condemn a whole state, or an entire region of the country is just not right.

[Texasgal]

34. I understand that...

But I must admit that the South gets exorcised pretty consistently here on DU.

I guess AZ does too, but not many other states.

[dixiegrrrrl]

35. State bashing, ignorant stereo typing and REAL stupid thinking..

The broad brush smears against "red" states shows NO sensitivity towards the Dems who live in those states.
Maybe these vindictave arrogant posters would prefer that all of Dems move out of red states so that
the Repugs cam gerrymander ALL of the votes?

[jeff47]

36. Elections have consequences

I don't think aid should be denied.

However, how do you propose the senators who voted against disaster aid but now need disaster aid be corrected?

An incident like this one drives home just how necessary this aid is. Yet the senators from AL and MS decided to vote against aid to others as "wasteful spending". Shouldn't there be some repercussions upon those senators, and the people who elected them?

There has to be some sort of reckoning between their demagoguery and reality in order to turn the country away from their demagoguery. I just don't know a good way to accomplish that. There has to be some way of driving home the fact that they are getting help they would deny to others. Withholding that help would be a way to do so, but is in itself reprehensible.

[Glitterati]

37. Go right ahead. Punish those politicians

But leave the people who are suffering mightily out of your revenge.

Do what you want, but by gawd, have some compassion for HUMAN BEINGS who did not vote against any aid.

If you aren't smart enough to do that, then, please just STFU so we can suffer our losses in peace.

And, for the record, no one in Georgia has requested federal aid for last week's tornadoes. No. one.

[jeff47]

38. Would be nice if you bothered to read my post before replying. (nt)

[Glitterati]

39. I read it.

Take your high and mighty bullshit somewhere else.

This bloivating bullshit specifically:

There has to be some sort of reckoning between their demagoguery and reality in order to turn the country away from their demagoguery. I just don't know a good way to accomplish that. There has to be some way of driving home the fact that they are getting help they would deny to others. Withholding that help would be a way to do so, but is in itself reprehensible.

[jeff47]

42. So you just decided to ignore the parts where I said not to deny aid.

Good to know you just wanted to attack someone for something they don't believe. And told you they don't believe it.

[Glitterati]

44. Your sermons are the problem

especially at this time. There is a time for politics, and NOW is not the time.

Allow the people of this community to at least clean up the toothpicks which remain of their homes and lives before you get on your soapbox.

Try some C O M P A S S I O N.

[jeff47]

53. I'm having severe doubts about your claim to read what I write

Since you are claiming the exact opposite of what I'm writing.

But hey, at least you got to torch that strawman!

[Glitterati]

59. You are coming through loud and clear

Doing your best to give DU a bad name.

[jeff47]

71. Considering you still think I want to deny aid

it's not me giving DU a bad name.

Valiant battles against strawmen are beneath us. Stop doing it.

[Glitterati]

72. In your own words

Shouldn't there be some repercussions upon those senators, and the people who elected them?

No denying them. You said it. You own it.

[jeff47]

118. Because I only wrote one sentence.

Seriously, this is just getting very sad on your part.

[Aerows]

134. Amen

Take the high and mighty bs elsewhere!

[Bake]

41. Stand 'em up in front of the House and Senate and throw rotten tomatoes at them.

And be sure it's covered by C-SPAN.

How's that for starters?



Bake

[Glitterati]

43. Even better idea.....

require the legislators to provide community service in THEIR district cleaning up the mess. Dollar for dollar in federal money, he has to work it off.

[Bake]

49. I like that! but AFTER the tomato-ing!

Bake

[Texasgal]

45. Can you clarify

what you meant by this statement?

Shouldn't there be some repercussions upon those senators, and the people who elected them?

[Glitterati]

48. You know exactly what he/she meant

These people wish to extract revenge while the people of Hattisburg are picking up the toothpicks the tornado left of their homes and lives.

Right. Now.

Right. Fucking. Now.

[jeff47]

51. I assure you I can speak for myself.

It would be nicer of you to stop substituting your fantasies for what I actually write.

[Glitterati]

61. You might consider that you're speaking on/for DU as well

thanks for the impression you're leaving of DU for all of history.

[jeff47]

69. Here, lemme help

https://www.hookedonphonics.com/

If you actually bothered to read my posts, you'd discover I've never said we should withhold aid. So really the only danger to DU's reputation is whether or not all the posters are literate.

[Glitterati]

76. You made yourself entirely clear

Shouldn't there be some repercussions upon those senators, and the people who elected them?

And the Teabaggers will eat it up, even if they just cashed a check from FEMA.

Even though, no one has requested a check from FEMA or anywhere else.

You just can't wait to take revenge, even if you have no right to it.

[jeff47]

50. That electing evil bastards who would deny such aid to others should have consequences.

However, I have no idea how to actually do that - I'm for giving the aid without any strings attached.

The votes against Sandy aid should be a negative issue in the next election. But they will not be. Instead they will run on cutting spending, and the Teabaggers in the affected areas will happily vote for them even after receiving aid.

[Texasgal]

55. I am really trying to get this

Do you mean that the consequence should be toward the voters or the politicians?

Please help me understand what your " consequences" would be?

[jeff47]

67. The entire point is I don't have a good idea for consequeces

If I was a complete sociopath, the idea of denying aid would be appropriate - they voted for limited government that would not help them, and they'd be getting what they voted for.

But I'm not a sociopath. I don't think denying them aid is a good thing. I want the voters to realize they are not getting what they voted for - they're getting more than they voted for.

More to the point, I would like the voters to realize government is not pure evil. It can help them, and will help them in this case. And I'd like them to make their voting decisions based on that new knowledge.

But I don't expect that to happen. The senators will run on "government is evil", and "government can't help people". And the Teabaggers will eat it up, even if they just cashed a check from FEMA.

[Texasgal]

73. I completely understand your position.

Unfortunately, one issue voters don't really exist on either side of the aisle.

The thing about Southern Dem's is that WE do scream it from the rooftops, we go against the grain and vote and are very much involved. It's hard and depressing when the south gets crapped on by other Dem's.. It sucks. We are simply outnumbered, but we are here and working!

Hopefully aid will be given to those in need. I really appreciate your clarification. In times like this it is easy for DU'ers to get jumpy and emotional about certain issues. Thank you for hearing me out and explaining your position.

[Glitterati]

74. Your point is completely invalid

No one has even requested a "check from FEMA" or anyone else.

Just jumping the gun so you can get on your soapbox, displaying your utter and complete lack of compassion.

[jeff47]

83. So now you don't want to send any disaster aid?

Or are you somehow thinking that such aid isn't distributed via check or FEMA?

[Glitterati]

87. Normally, we don't request federal aid

Most of the time, we southerners recover from these tornadoes without ever requesting FEMA or federal help.

You see, we're normal, compassionate people who don't live for years next door to people we don't know. When there's trouble in OUR neighborhoods, we don't wait for jerks like you to come help. We get busy and rebuild our neighbors' homes and make sure they cared for and fed. We're a hearty people who care for each other and don't wait for the FEDS to show up with a check.

It's called compassion. We in the South have it in abundance and aren't afraid to show it.

[Posteritatis]

68. The answer to your question is "No, not on stuff like this."

Holding residents hostage in disaster situations for political reasons doesn't automatically become okay because they voted for the other guy.

[jeff47]

70. And if you bothered to read what I wrote, you'd find I'm not calling for that.

I want voters to realize they're getting more than they voted for - because of the rest of us. And in spite of who they voted for.

I have no idea how to actually get that across. Their senators will run on a Teabagger platform of government is evil and can never help. And Teabagger voters will eat it up, even if they just cashed a FEMA check.

[Glitterati]

84. Here's a clue, Jeff

just for the clueless.

Most of the time, we southerners recover from these tornadoes without ever requesting FEMA or federal help.

You see, we're normal, compassionate people who don't live for years next door to people we don't know. When there's trouble in OUR neighborhoods, we don't wait for jerks like you to come help. We get busy and rebuild our neighbors' homes and make sure they cared for and fed. We're a hearty people who care for each other and don't wait for the FEDS to show up with a check.

It's called compassion. We in the South have it in abundance and aren't afraid to show it.

[jeff47]

86. Here's a clue for you

This thread is about federal disaster aid.

So the fact that you now think southerners are rugged individualists who need no federal help really isn't relevant to this thread.

And if southerners are such rugged individualists, why would you care about denying federal aid? You know, the position you were taking 5 minutes ago when you failed to read my posts and thought I was advocating that.

[Glitterati]

88. No it's not

This thread is about a tornado hitting Hattiesburg, MS.

It is YOU who is trying to make it about federal aid when no one has requested it.

It is YOU jumping the gun, acting like a jerk taking the opportunity to bash southern DUers.

It is YOU trying to make it about something it's not.

[jeff47]

117. Can't even read the title of the thread?

This is getting quite sad.

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

90. If folks in the south have such an abundance of compassion,

why did so many elected officials in the region vote to deny aid to Sandy victims?

[Glitterati]

91. Write and ask

It is not my responsibility to assist you in South bashing. You'll have to gather the facts yourself.

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

92. Great answer. n/t

[OldDem2012]

94. You don't deserve any more than you got. Deal with it. nt.

[cordelia]

101. Excellent. Succinct and straight to the heart of the matter.

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

102. I deserve an answer.

If elected reps from the south and lower midwest think disaster victims in the NE are undeserving of federal aid, why should people from the NE feel charitable when disaster strikes in the south, southwest and great plains?

When tornadoes and wild fires ravage your states this summer, I hope the kindness and charity of your neighbors are sufficient enough in providing aid and recovery. Begging the federal government for help would be beneath you, not to mention the ultimate height of hypocrisy.

[Glitterati]

104. You deserve nothing

but the disrespect you show to other DUers who happen to live in the south.

And, you'll get nothing else.

BTW, you have your fire regions messed up.....

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

106. I said great plains AND southwest.

And FYI, I don't show disrespect toward DUers in the south. I'm a little annoyed that people on a liberal message board will unnecessarily defend and tout the "greatness" of the most ass-backwards place in the industrialized world.

[Glitterati]

107. Oh, you mean the Northeast?

that can't even dig itself out of 24 inches of snow without federal help?

Yeah, I agree.....ass-backwards.

[Glitterati]

109. California! They'll be surprised they've been lumped in

to the south bashing by you.

How nice!

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

110. That southern "education" of yours has failed you terribly.

Have the last word... Engaging you in a discussion is like trying to teach a dog how to read.

[Glitterati]

112. Oh honey, I was educated in the midwest

in suburban Chicago, no less.

Clearly, you're just an equal opportunity bigot.

[Texasgal]

105. Southern Dems do what they can

we are simply outnumbered. We fucking FIGHT and work our asses off unlike some others that regional states that just "expect it" I personally have no issue with anyone asking for federal aid no matter where they are!

Nobody is begging for shit, we will ask when it is help is needed. Your nasty anti-south crap is getting tiresome.

Go fuck yourself.

Jury? Hide. I don't care, this poster is a fucking asshole!

[CokeMachine]

142. +1000

Just what I wanted to say but being relatively new I wouldn't dare. There was a lot of the same shit being spouted during the fire storms in Colorado last year. I even had a couple of posts hidden for telling it like you did.

[OldDem2012]

93. If you don't understand that these reps can vote any way they want once they get in office....

....then there's nothing anyone can do to explain it to you.

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

97. These reps campaign on anti-government sentiment.

Last edited Mon Feb 11, 2013, 10:51 PM - Edit history (1)

During their campaigns they promise to cut government spending, they demonize the federal government and people who benefit from it (oblivious to the fact that their states/districts are often the biggest benefactors of federal spending.). On election night, the vast majority of voters in these districts vote to elect them.

If you don't understand that these reps are elected by the people to office, and that the majority of their constituents agree with their policies.....then there's nothing anyone can do to explain it to you.

[OldDem2012]

98. Yep....just how I thought you would respond....s-squared, d-squared. nt.

[Glitterati]

99. You don't know that, you can't know that

you know nothing but your bigotry of the south.

But, you go ahead....you blame those people who lost their homes in Hattiesburg. ASSUME they are teabaggers.

Nothing on this planet will change your mind.

But, quite frankly, I'm done with your south bashing. **Plonk***

[still_one]

115. The problem is those same representatives are screwing over their own state. However, it should be

Noted that Mississippi did vote down the extreme right when they tried to grant full rights to a fetus, so it is unwise to use a broad brush to paint everyone in a state

[hughee99]

136. Is THAT what the senators from AL and MS did? Are you sure?

Is it possible that three of the 4 senators you're referring to actually voted FOR Sandy aid?

[bvar22]

40. DURec, and prayers for the suffering.

Thank You for your documentation of this tragedy,
both in Mississippi,
and here on DU.




You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]

[dembotoz]

46. may we always hold ourselves to a higher standard than republicans

should not be hard

[ripcord]

123. Exactly

We should be showing them the way not sinking to their level.

[Puzzledtraveller]

52. Yeah I completely reject that bs attitude of youre either with us or against us

see way too much of that here than I'd like too.

[dixiegrrrrl]

60. That's the beauty of the strong sense of community in southern small towns.

My neighbors will show up to help if I need it, and not care if I am of their religion or their political belief.
Nope, not even Tea Party members will care, they are, when needed, responding to *community*.
As I would..as i have done, time after time.
My roofer is a hard shell Baptist and strong Republican, Fox tv watcher ( he does not read well, come to find out)
and has come to help me twice for small roof problems and never charged me a cent.

See, people in these small towns have history together, going back for generations, and they value community.
So we vote the way we want to, and go to our own churches ( or not) and talk about what we have in common,
not focus on the differences.

DU could take a page from that.

[Texasgal]

62. I agree.

Small towns and small communities tend to have each others backs no matter what. I live in a neighborhood like that and I am grateful!

[Glitterati]

63. Unlike most places we KNOW our neighbors

I moved in my home this weekend. The first thing I did was introduce myself to my neighbors.

That's how we do it in the South. We know each other, we care about each other and we're ALWAYS there when needed. But, never in the way when not.

I can't wait to get to know the lovely couple 2 doors away who are first generation Bosnian immigrants. How much I will enjoy learning about their home and their culture!

When my husband was ill, our neighbors fed us for weeks, drove the kids to high school functions, picked them up when needed, did everything without being asked. When he passed away, they did it all again.

Community is all important to us.

[OldDem2012]

54. I haven't quite figured out why so many supposed "liberals" make such hateful comments....

....about people living in the South. It's just irrational, in my opinion.

[Texasgal]

56. Irrational AND Stupid! N/T

[bluestate10]

95. Reflex reaction. People hear the haters from the South and fail to recognize

that a lot of good people live down there and don't run their mouths.

[JI7]

57. i would vote against a Democratic Senator/Congress person who votes against Aid

[Go Vols]

141. heres one :/

Democrat Jim Cooper's vote against Sandy relief shows, once again, why he needs to be primaried

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/16/1179526/-Democrat-Jim-Cooper-s-vote-against-Sandy-relief-shows-once-again-why-he-needs-to-be-primaried


The stupid is strong here.

[bluestateguy]

58. I think they should get all the aid they need

Even in situations where the politicians voted against aid to other parts of the country, I cannot find it in good conscience to punish the people for their politicians' stupidity. I have thought about this long and hard, and come to that conclusion.

Having said that, I do think it is fair to remind people publicly when politicians vote against aid to one part of the country, and then come and ask for it for their towns and states. That kind of hypocrisy should be pointed out.

[LanternWaste]

64. When I do come across one of these posts...

What I find frustrating is reading posts that are more full of dogma than a 13th century drum circle celebrating Ghiasuddin Balban or a Klan meeting on Halloween night-- politics uber alles in a sense. Or, in another sense, "Ideology trumps the people."

I can understand a visceral reaction ("I'd kill him myself if I were there...&quot , but some of these posts are going far beyond a mere reaction, and become reactionary dogma in which politics takes the place of religion, and the true believers wish to cast out the infidel moderates.

When I do come across one of these posts, I simply take a deep breath, imagine myself patting them on the head with a "bless your little heart" uttered, and hope to God their problem is simply youth (as I give a lot of latitude to the idiocy of youth as youth has a cure-- albeit one that often takes more time than it should).

If I do suspect it is an adult posting the ideological dogma, all I can do is weep that humanity has lost another mind to the forces of an intractable and righteous political doctrine.

[dixiegrrrrl]

65. I find your words comforting and helpful.

Thank you.

[bluestate10]

66. I am sorry to see that damage. I personally want help sent right away.

I just hope that politicians from the South see the error of their ways. But people shouldn't suffer.

[Whisp]

75. whoever said that are assholes not worthy of the attention they seek.

fuck them.

and that's about all the attention and time I will waste on their patheticness.

[treestar]

77. Maybe they were just trying to make the point that very red states

say they don't want and need that aid. It is a majority of voters in those states. As states, they claim they don't need aid and resent paying federal taxes that may aid other states.

States exist as states, so why can't we talk of them as political entities without some DUer insisting on taking it personally? We know there are liberals in red states.

[Texasgal]

79. it's hard not to take it personally

especially when you are right there in the midst of the tragedy!

We Southern Dems or no different from Blue staters, except that we work harder and make the best out of shitty situations.

[OldDem2012]

96. If you and they know there are liberals living in Red States than why don't you and they think....

...about that before bashing the entire state? Is it that difficult?

Or do some DU posters just like stirring the pot by pissing off those of us who live in the South?

[Glitterati]

100. You see, it's those all knowing, smart northerners who shove that money down here

You know.....like all that federal money, sponsored by DEMOCRATS in Washington, DC who voted in all the money to put electronic voting machines in Georgia.

Brilliant plan! That plan converted a state run and controlled by DEMOCRATS for 128 years to a Republican controlled state.

Yes, those brilliant effing northerners shoved that shit down our face. THEY put these teabaggers in office with those damned riggable machines.

But, doncha know.......we're the dummies!

[Texasgal]

103. Unfortunately it IS that

difficult for some DU'ers... and it's really disgusting.

[treestar]

149. They are bashing the State itself.

The state is an entity. If you bash the state I live in, it does not mean you are bashing me. You can bash my state any day. You can praise it and it does not make the right wingers in my state any better. Why should they feel good about something they are against?

A State is a thing that exists of itself. All states have freepers and good DUers in them. And we support DUers in red states. We are not better DUers if we live in blue states. We have freepers in blue states too.

[OldDem2012]

150. That's NOT their intent, and you should know that. nt.

[treestar]

151. Says who?

Find a post where the poster says they intend to bash every citizen of that state personally.

[OldDem2012]

152. Good-bye and good luck. nt.

[Ian David]

78. They should get their aid, but their legislators should be held up for ridicule. n/t

[Texasgal]

80. As if they won't by us Southern Dems?

Ofcourse we will ridicule!

[Ian David]

81. I mean he should have to stand next to Obama and be publicly dressed-down...

... when POTUS shows-up with the relief check.

[Glitterati]

89. Don't you mean IF Obama shows up

with a relief check?

Aid hasn't been requested. Maybe you should wait until that happens before you plot your revenge?

[xmas74]

85. If aid is needed (it is)

Then it should be granted. We got it here in Missouri when Joplin was hit and yes, there are DUers living in Joplin. I'm sure there are some living in Hattisburg.

I've been here for years and can vouch that sometimes people suck.

[Logical]

108. Didn't we already have one post like this? n-t

[dixiegrrrrl]

113. Dunno.

The more the better, given the topic, tho.

[Logical]

116. I think one scolding is enough. n-t

[intheflow]

120. Get a grip.

Not everyone can read every post on DU. And your scolding this poster for scolding DUers to act humanely toward their fellow citizens doesn't speak highly of your values in this discussion.

[cordelia]

122. But one can never have too many "blame the victims" posts, right?

[Glitterati]

114. That was last week - Georgia tornadoes

same south bashers though. They're really busy plotting their revenge on the south.

[still_one]

111. Perspective is everything, and disasters have no political affiliation.

[eppur_se_muova]

121. In AL, Macon county went for Obama by 87% ...

... but they were outnumbered by Repugs, so no gruel for them.

http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/results/state/AL#president

[dixiegrrrrl]

124. The state requested Fed. aid for tornado disasters in 2011 and 2012.

Looks like our Dr. guv man has a heart.
'Course, it all depends on who benefits from the aid, too.

[Aerows]

125. BOTH Senators from MS

voted FOR Hurricane Sandy aid. I don't know how many times I have to repeat that, even though they are Republicans. The idiot Representative that I didn't vote for voted no (and how he possibly could, considering how we were slammed by Katrina, I will never know), but at least our senators have some sense.

And dixiegrrrrl, I know where you are coming from. I doubt there are many people here that are more liberal and tolerant than me, and I've lived in the Deep South in one state or another all of my life. We cannot help it if we have idiots around us, but heaven knows we TRY to educate them. We vote Democratic.

I was not affected by the tornadoes, but had the occurred anywhere in the country, I would still want to help those people. Even the Southern bashers. So for all of you that are Southern bashers, please think about people like myself and dixiegrrrrl that live here and saddened by your comments.

EDIT: As much as I detest Palazzo, at least the asshole ended up supporting Sandy aid after all. I feel a little bit better about the intelligence level he may or may not have, even if I probably wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire.

[dixiegrrrrl]

126. Maybe we need to put that in a sig line....

"BOTH Senators from MS voted FOR Hurricane Sandy aid"

even people in this thread claimed the opposite.
Jeez, how much time does a google search take???????????

Not only can you and I do our best here in the South to change minds
we can also address South bashing when it pops up on DU.
At least, I intend to, and this post is my start.
Thus I am grateful to all the DU members who "got it" and commented in this post.

[Aerows]

128. No kidding!

I think I've typed that sentence at least half a dozen times, and people still keep saying they didn't. For crying out loud, they so rarely do the right thing that when they finally do, the least we can do is recognize it.

I try to quash the Southern bashing when I see it, because there are some wonderful people here. I'm well aware we have idiots here, but frankly, there are plenty of them everywhere.

[MADem]

137. You don't believe most DUers take that attitude, I assume.

I certainly don't.

[dixiegrrrrl]

139. I said " some Du-ers" and "more than one DU member "

The supportive and positive comments on this thread clearly show that the majority of members do not have that attitude.
However, the "south bashing" is an ongoing and rather frequent attitude here, unfortunately.

[MADem]

144. I am just trying to tamp down the "j'accuse" vibe before it has a chance to

ramp up--which is why I made a statement as opposed to asking a question. I felt confident that you felt the way I assumed you did. However, we've seen how a phrase can be twisted from "some" to "most," and the next thing you know, someone has shoved a broad brush into your unwilling hand.

I think most of us are decent people, even though we may differ on this-n-that, or not see eye to eye on a particular issue that is near and dear.

The "south bashing" is an unfortunate meme, made easy by so many prevailing stereotypes in popular culture. I find myself in the south at least once a year, sometimes more frequently, and I haven't found the people that I associate with to be "others" in terms of (most of) their politics and attitudes--except for the cooking. The cooking IS a different thing. There's some fine and fatty food happening down where I go visiting...so it's good for my arteries and waist line that I don't live there!

[dixiegrrrrl]

145. The cooking.....ohhhh yeah. Deep fried everything.

I happen to be a pretty good cook, of the Pac. Northwest variety...emphasis on freshness, and on vegies and stir frys.

Down here, they even have deep fried creamed corn!!!!!

Must admit tho, I had a piece of Buttermilk pie that was pretty good.
And nothing beats home made sour cream pound cake.

[MADem]

147. Barbecue. Chicken and waffles. Fried okra. A thousand iterations of mac-n-cheese.

Chicken fried steak.

Pies, oh lord, the pies.

Did I say pies?

Oh, those pies!

I don't eat like that up north, not at all! And when I go over the water, I go "Mediterranean!"

[HiPointDem]

138. +1

[hay rick]

146. Think you meant Sandy, not Sandy Hook.

Good post. Two wrongs do not make a right- something we all know but don't necessarily practice.

[dixiegrrrrl]

148. lol..you are right...I meant Sandy

Sandy Hook is a community on Whidbey Island where I used to live..guessed it got printed into my brain.