How does a progressive survive here?

[redstatebluegirl]

Yesterday I had Someone for Aaron Stiles at my door. Obviously did not pay any attention to all of the Democratic yard signs. 20 minutes later a Baptist preacher stopped by to make sure I Was a Christian and had a Church home. I have a neighbor with a sign that says "I am voting for the American" sitting next to his Romney Ryan sign. Jim imhoffe is on TV saying there is no proof of global warming, and last night I saw a state rep on tv saying education is what is wrong with the country. I am losing my mind here!

[Sekhmets Daughter]

1. Condolences...

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I'm over in Arkansas and feel the same.

[redstatebluegirl]

3. I told the minister I was Unitarian

He looked puzzled, then asked me if that was Christian, after spending more than a little time trying to explain it, I gave up. Battle of wits with an unarmed person.

[DemoTex]

4. I feel your pain!

I'm in upstate South Carolina (ultra-red and ultra
-fundy).

[peace13]

5. I feel your pain all the way from Ohio!

Unfortunately our country is full of ignorant folks. The sad part is that when this is all over we will still be painfully aware that so many in our communities are just selfish, non-evolved beings. I am losing my elasticity for ignoring them. I send you love and energy!

[Nay]

6. I share the agony with you here in Richmond Va -- Capital of the Confederacy. Sob.

[bongbong]

7. Best way to reply to fundie nutjobs

"Sure I believe in the son! Apollo, the son of Zeus! Are you some kind of evil pagan who doesn't follow the truth of Aphrodite?"

[DHelix]

8. It's small victories you have to aim for when you're outnumbered like that

It's why Democratic candidates have to run more centrist in Red States and Republican candidates have to run more centrist in Blue states. The best thing to do is aim for small human rights victories toward the center because when you can get people closer to the center then the center left doesn't seem so strange any more.

Some might call me a sell out but when I'm talking to a conservative person I bring up strawman arguments like Look, I'm not anti-military or anti-police. I'm a centrist (even though I'm not). I believe in capitalism and believe that small business owners deserve the same breaks as big oil (true). I then transition toward opportunity and education and by then most people seem open to hearing about things like Obamacare or why we should return to the Clinton tax numbers (I bring up how good the economy was back then). I then remind people that we are nowhere near Communism and anybody who thinks we are hasn't seen how extremist communism truly is.

People shut down if they think you're a leftist extremist so I find common ground on issues that I am more centrist on and then branch out from there by explaining why progressive values work. I feel like I've had success with people in my inner circle when I do this.

[plcdude]

9. It is

a challenge and quite frankly hard work just keep on keeping on my friend and vote.

[locks]

10. It ain't easy

I've lived and worked for many years in this kind of world; it's not fun. But there are good people in OK and elsewhere, try to find them so you have progressives to talk to and keep on trying to work for change. Thanks for your efforts.

[redstatebluegirl]

12. Thanks everyone!

I guess it has just been a crazy week! Thank goodness there are sane people here who understand!!!!

[OKNancy]

11. I guess it depends on what part of Oklahoma you live in

I'm in Tulsa. I actually am a Unitarian. All Souls in Tulsa is the largest Unitarian congregation in the US.
( I see someone posted about All Souls here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/121845288 )

I don't have problems with people at my door or signs... there aren't any signs.. LOL

There are right-wingers no matter where you live. There are kooks of all stripes no matter where you live.
I would say be friendly, avoid politics if it bothers you. That's what I do.
Although I am fortunate to be around my totally Democratic family. My husband's family and mine and all the kids... all liberal.

Tulsa also has a large gay community, gay pride parade, even a neighborhood nicknamed a gayborhood ( Brady Heights)

Are you enjoying the fabulous weather this past week?