Southern Discomfort

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  • Posted By: gatorsz @ 08/04/2008 12:27:58 PM

    I would like the author and anyone who agrees with him to know that I think they are offensively dumb and it makes me sick just knowing they exist.

    • Posted By: vogelk2 @ 08/04/2008 1:09:08 PM

      I have to agree with you on one point the author expressed that I did not agree. He said the South was faithfully Christian, but they are a cult. They do not believe in Christ's words, especially in the sense of equality. Therefore, many Southern "Christians" are part of cult that distorts the bible to support their views. You have a chance to rebuke this statement, I am open to what you might have to say of the statement.

      • Posted By: jfmccann @ 08/04/2008 1:20:53 PM

        I resent being called a member of a cult since I am a Christian. You must not know any true Christians otherwise you wouldn't say such a stupid thing.

  • Posted By: rwbarlow @ 08/04/2008 12:23:16 PM

    This has been said in other comments here but, I'll say it again " the news media cannot stand to pass up an opportunity to slam the South". I'm sure Hollywood will take it's shot at us again after this election is all settled.

    • Posted By: vogelk2 @ 08/04/2008 1:17:31 PM

      I for one will be watching the South very close during this election, Keep in mind, Obama does not have to win in the South for me to think differently of the South. I just need to see change sufficient change in the South as I have seen in the rest of the country.

  • Posted By: not.your.change @ 08/04/2008 1:13:04 PM

    I enjoyed the article. When I clicked the link to read, I was prepared for the worst, an article charging the South with ignorance and an inability to let go of the past for change. I was refreshed to read what I felt was "fair comment". There are people in the South that will never be ready to forget the Civil War. There are people here that have moved forward and while still holding to their family ties are working for a change. There are absolutely people in the South with baggage but none of it racial or religious. In ways, I feel I am all of these people. I believe we live in the greatest country in the world. (I've traveled to other countries and feel I'm allowed my opinion). But the greatest country in the world or not, we still have a lot of problems. I want change. I want people to have health care. I want to find a better way to balance the global ecomomy to bring some of our jobs back home and allow our exports to be more competitive. I want personal choice when it comes to abortion - it's not for me, but it's my body not the Supreme Court's. I want our children to receive a good education. I want parents to be parents and I want people to take responsibility for their actions. I want limits placed on how much can be spent on a presidential campaign. Is no one else appalled by the millions being spent to vote someone into office that is going to tell us exactly what we want to hear for the next couple of months and then enter office and do exactly the opposite. Limit the money...regardless of the source. We have homeless, people without healthcare and foreclosures left and right but we're tossing millions around to put someone into office...it's just shameful. I want change, but I can't say that any candidate is offering the change I want.

  • Posted By: AlaTide @ 08/04/2008 1:10:10 PM

    Wow, another "The-South-lives-in-the-past-and-is-full-of-racists" article. So unique! Such insight!

    Does anyone believe racism is just a Southern issue? Or, for that matter, even a ???whites only??? character flaw? American???s have made the South their pitied and despised little sister where they like to project their own faults and flaws. When is someone going to peel away the racial veneer in places like NYC, Boston and Cleveland? Sure, it might be harder to get people to share their true feelings in some of those places, but as they say, 'The Truth Is Out There???. It doesn't just exist in the South, but the region is a very easy target.

    The South???s obvious racist past is real and should never be forgotten. It will be a cross the region must struggle with for many years to come, but that struggle isn???t just occurring in the South. Though it does make some non-Southerners feel superior to believe it is.

    Stereotyping people because of their race, religion (or even regional background) is a national, world-wide and even human species-wide problem. Still, the causes for Southern racial attitudes are as complex as its current social fabric is diverse. Any attempt to make a vote against Obama as a referendum on the South's racial attitudes is just plain dumb.

  • Posted By: tct23 @ 08/04/2008 12:40:38 PM

    Way to proliferate narrow-minded backwards views of how people think the South is. This is the most ridiculous and biased articlIe haev read in a long time. Not only is it a derogatory view and generalized view of Southern States and the people who live here, but you are also trying to make te upcoming election as simple as a black and white issue. If someone doesn't vote for Obama are they supposed to be considered a racist? McCain seems a little more in the middle than any other candidate has seemed--so maybe if someone votes for him it is bc he is moderate and not bc he is white. A shame you have to make it all about race...something I am so sick of in this country. Let's look at other issues and qualities and move away form skin color, ok? I also love how you make it sound like just the South has a problem with illegal immigration. I haev a problem with illegal immigration--not bc I begrduge anyone the opportunity for a better life--but bc I value our country and the way it is run and I value doing things the right and legal way. It is only fair to apply for legal immigration and not put such a strain on those of us who have lived here and paid taxes all our lives. I welcome immigrants--legally so that it benefits everyone. Come have a better life, and contribute, pay taxes, expand the culure of American society by all means. However, do not enter illegally and then protest that you aren't being treated "fairly'. when you enter this country illegally--it is the same as stealing and I don't understand why we have to endure complaints about this.

    • Posted By: vogelk2 @ 08/04/2008 12:53:45 PM

      I hate to say it, but the issue in the south still remains a black and white one. That is unfortunate, but not as unfortunate as the denial that enbodies the concept or issue. The reality is many Southerners will not voote for Barrack Obama because he is a "N" in their perspective. With that said, I think the bloggers and the author of this article have gotten some things right. The South is changing and the South is slow to change, but just not enough for a Barrack Obama victory in most Southern states without a black majority.

      • Posted By: tct23 @ 08/04/2008 1:09:23 PM

        But you cannot classify this as a southern issue. There are probably many Northerners and Mid-westerners who might noe voite for Obama based on teh color of his skin--and that is wrong. But, I'm sure there are also many people who will vote for him just bc he is black which is also wrong.

  • Posted By: southernbornandraised @ 08/04/2008 12:54:29 PM

    ok...again..people on message boards get soooooooooooo off the subject. Read the article. Its about the south. Its a terrible article. Mr. Dickey evidently drove through the south with his windows up driving 80 miles per hour. If would have taken his time and spent more time listening instead of writing his own thoughts then this probably could have been a good article. Instead he veered way off track and only perpetuated northerners thoughts of the south and only perpetuated southerners distrust of people they open their lives to. Read the article and know that Mr. Dickey takes are in no shape or form the REAL SOUTH.

  • Posted By: BourbonTide @ 08/04/2008 1:02:55 PM

    Also, this guy..."reallyticked"...take a look at McCain's "Straight-talk Express." There has never been a flag on it. Lemme grab my american flag pin before i go out today....real americans show their patriotism with actions, not some .99 pin you buy at a Birmingham bus station. Ignorance like this is what gives rise to ridiculous articles like the one above.

  • Posted By: cerrojim @ 08/04/2008 1:01:56 PM

    Dear really-ticked,

    I have a bridge in Brooklyn that i would like to sell you. Since you believe anything you hear, this should be attractive to you. "Somebody like him." Your racism and ignorance are on full display. Sad, sad, sad human being you are.

  • Posted By: lhwilk0 @ 08/04/2008 12:38:02 PM

    What an offesnsive drivel of garbage "journalism" -- Propagandist Dickey needs to keep his mouth shut. Dumbass. Perpetuating the myth as those turds Sharpton and Jackson.

    • Posted By: vogelk2 @ 08/04/2008 1:00:40 PM

      That was very polite of you to use the word turd instead of the "N" word. I see reconstruction has worked in the south to an extent. Good Job!

  • Posted By: Jackerella @ 08/04/2008 12:45:24 PM

    I think everyone needs to open their eyes !! If you read this then you should of also read were the government is allowing health insurance companies get into your prescription records. They are calling it a health credit report. I've had enough of both parties and am really going for change and going to try to get others to follow and get our Government back where it belongs ( in our hands). Vote Lib, or writing in Ron Paul. REVOLUTION TIME !!!!

    • Posted By: lhwilk0 @ 08/04/2008 12:57:03 PM

      Yes indeed -- As a country, we are being run into the ground by the avaricious, elitist, fascist minority who are able to leverage their in-bred political and corporate networks to their continued benefit at the expense of the many. Exactly what we fought against at the founding of this grand experiment. Wake up People; this is no longer a government "fof the People, by the People for the People". It is time to rise up and take back what is rightfully ours, by Constitution, by Law! Revolution is nearer than you think. Live Free or Die!

  • Posted By: BourbonTide @ 08/04/2008 12:51:38 PM

    This is one of the more ridiculous articles I've ever read. It's so out of touch it's unreal. This article made the South out like it was somehow this isolated region stuck in time somewhere in the long past. Give me a break. Atlanta is the most wired city in the country. Atlanta was the last American city to host the Olympics.

    • Posted By: notroubleatall1963 @ 08/04/2008 12:55:02 PM

      Correction: Salt Lake City was the last American city to host the Games (Winter).

      Maybe this is the depiction of the South that people don't always see too clearly, though they know it exists. It's not about hyping Atlanta or any of the major cities. It's more about the culture of the South and how that is tempered by its colorful history.

  • Posted By: BourbonTide @ 08/04/2008 12:54:44 PM

    Give me a break. This is one of the more ridiculous articles I've ever read. This guy made the South out to be some isolated region stuck in the past, when in fact, Atlanta happens to be the most wired(internet) city in the country. Atlanta was the last American city to host the Olympics... This guy went to a few small towns and highlighted the stereotypes that many uneducated people from other parts of the country can't seem to let go of. =

  • Posted By: Cloudosmoke @ 08/04/2008 10:07:43 AM

    Everyone that says they are the all american will have a different opinion when November comes and goes. Many people talk about how patriotic they are and this and that about how they love their country. If Obama is elected President, they will just assume pack their bags as they will more than likely feel that they have been betrayed and that America is not America anymore. It won't surprise me one bit. But if they do think like that then they can go back to England or Ireland or where ever their ancestors came from, no skin off my back. I have had to sit through GW and Ronnie that stomped on my rights for too long. Obama will bring true perspective of equality to the U.S.

    • Posted By: dubldoc @ 08/04/2008 12:54:07 PM

      You know, I clearly remember the comments from 7 years ago about repubs suggesting to dems that they 'go somewhere that people think like you, like Europe or Canada....well...conversely, ...where WILL the conservatives go to live where people think 'like they do'...??? Paraguay? Spain? SERIOUSLY?? Since nearly all of Western Europe follows the Liberal Democratic ideal (except, perhaps, a country like Spain, which has, shall we say, a differant tradition), and same for Canada and Australia..... where DO conservatives feel they have a portion of the World that emulates their conservative/religious beliefs and
      vice versa. I'd LOVE to hear some opinions on this...

  • Posted By: sdhdavis @ 08/04/2008 12:41:06 PM

    Well I am from Macon, Georgia and find the above article so disconnected it bothers me. I will not vote for Obama because he treats Southerners like we are a bunch of country hicks. He mocks us because we believe American citizens have a right to bear arms. He patronizes us because we have a deep and abiding faith in God which translates into right and wrong instead of let's just make everybody feel okay about everything they do. He also considers us backward because we have no desire to adopt any language but english. Because of these beliefs Obama accuses us of ignorance. I do agree I don't like to be told what I should and shouldn't believe especially by a liberal yankee elitist who has only served in the senate for 1 year and changes his opinions and views based on what part of the country he's in. Obama is the perfect European. Not the qualities I view as necessary to be elected the next President of the United States of America. Sorry.

  • Posted By: Crestlinecbs @ 08/04/2008 12:16:21 PM

    Whatever your political leanings might be, you have to be utterly disgusted by the unprofessional journalism exhibited by the writer. By using the phrase "the first with a reckless war" you immediately see the "reckless" bias of the author which compromises his integrity and credibility. I was interested in the premise of the article until I read that phrase and decided not to bother readingthe balance of his apparent propaganda. Where in the US can one get unbiased information with which to make important electoral decisions. Journalists have mostly become cheap hacks.

    • Posted By: cheryl1968al @ 08/04/2008 12:36:20 PM

      You are absolutely correct Crestlinecbs. It would be refreshing to actualy listen to the news or read an article where you had no idea what side the writer stood. I am a born and bred Southerner and will vote for the person (regardless of color and gender) that I think will lead our country in a direction we need to go. I have followed the presidential race closely as this election to me is very important. I admire both candidates for what they have accomplished and done with their lives, but what is most important to me is where they stand on issues that I think are most important for the country....those are economy, immigration and the continued war on terror. I am pretty conservative in my thinking on these issues and do not agree with the future America that Obama sees. I am a firm believer in small government, a firm believer in immigration, however, not condoning illegal immigration. Come to our country one and all, but come legally, live legally and pay the same taxes I pay. I believe, as our forefathers believed, that we do have a duty to protect and promote democracy in the world and stand up to oppressive regimes that would treat people inhumanely. It is foolish to think that people who believe this want war.....of course they do not...no one WANTS war, however, we cannot be afraid of it either and we MUST do what is right, no matter if it is not popular. That is why Obama will not get my vote.

  • Posted By: lhwilk0 @ 08/04/2008 12:34:57 PM

    Garbage "journalism" -- Dickey, what an idiot. Pepetuating the myth.....dumbass.

  • Posted By: d4rodeo @ 08/04/2008 12:20:45 PM

    I live in the South and there is one thing that I can tell you for absolute certainty. Stop blaming white people for racial bias. I see it much more in the blacks and hispanics than I ever do with white people. Stiop using this as a crutch for Obama. If we don't like him it is because of HIS bias and not mine. I don't attend a church that teaches and breads hate, but Obama does. Don't tell me about his "moving away from it." That is just a polictical ploy. He is a socialist muslim and you had better know that!!

    • Posted By: markus1976 @ 08/04/2008 12:34:45 PM

      and you're using your "he's a socialist Muslim" excuse (which is BULL, by the way...not true. Have you done ANY research on the candidates? probably not) as a crutch to foster your racism. Seriously. "Muslim" has become the new subsitute for the N word. He is NOT Muslim, NEVER was, yet you continue to perpetuate this...

      PLEASE explain to me that it's NOT racism, and explain what IS the real reason!!!!!

  • Posted By: southernbornandraised @ 08/04/2008 12:33:46 PM

    MMMM, Holmeed : your quote

    The south ruined the country 3 times, we should have killed everyone there.

    See those are the kind of comments I read on these news media message boards. You have not heard me once say I hate northerners, liberals or that I wish them dead. People like yourself holmeed are why our issues as a country are deeper than any election will solve. Its a known fact our country is divided 50% to 50% and I dont see it changing anytime soon. Its not Bush's fault or the Republicans or Democrats. Its just that our country and its residents are divided as how they see the country and what they want for it. If either side pushed their issues it only divides the sides further.

  • Posted By: holmeed @ 08/04/2008 12:30:08 PM

    sorry hokie pick your own cotton. I do not mean that of course (kill them all, but I think the south would if they won) however the damage the south has done to America.. read your history....please

  • Posted By: gatorsz @ 08/04/2008 12:28:12 PM

    I would like the author and anyone who agrees with him to know that I think they are offensively dumb and it makes me sick just knowing they exist.

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