With the writing on the wall...

[RainDog]

Since the extreme right wing of the Republican Party is now (as in "Concerned Women of America" :eyes: ) even telling their moderates to leave the party if they don't want to kowtow to Bush (I read this at talkingpointsmemo)...

...and since this extreme right wing now suddenly LUUUVS federal govt...as long as it's under their control...

...and since, as noted at Salon.com today, states are where it's gonna be at for any sort of progressive agenda...

if you really care about progressive values, but you live in a solidly red state, shouldn't you try to relocate so that your values are represented by your govt?

shouldn't you relocate so that you can work to create a better "part of" America, since you basically will be marginalized if you remain in a red state?

I've thought about trying to leave the U.S., but maybe it's smarter to simply relocate within the U.S. If more progressives move to blue states, those states, with the next census, will gain more electoral college votes, right?

I live in a blue city in a red state. It's under attack by the red interests in the area...I even overheard a jerk saying "we're gonna MAKE this town republican" Even if they don't "make" this place Republican, they control the state government and so control issues with great import, no matter whether the city is blue or red.

I would have never considered this issue if the extremists were not fully in power, but since they are...

Why tilt at windmills when you can make a real difference by relocating and getting involved in a state that wants to create a place to live that meshes with your philosophy?

Has anyone else been considering this idea?

After years of hearing the right wing bash liberals and now hearing them call liberals part of an "evil ideology" and "Christ-haters" and hearing Rush's desire to eliminate liberals...I honestly wonder if this nation can withstand their continued assaults, because, with the issue of terrorism, and with radically different ideas about how to deal with this, there is rage on both sides.

[HFishbine]

1. Moving to a "pink" state makes sense to me.

I am seriously considering leaving my solidly red state, but wouldn't people like me do more good if we moved to the pink (barely red states). Wouldn't my move have more of an effect if I went to NM, CO, NV or AZ?

[Kazak]

4. I seriously considered that too after the election...

but then it occured to me, if they're just going to steal the election anyway...what's the point exactly?

:grr:

[blm]

8. Or NC. It's light pinkish. Dem governor.

.

[HFishbine]

12. LOL!

Yep, and last went for a Dem president 28 years ago.

[RainDog]

13. NC is NOT light pinkish

I also have family in NC and grew up "next door."

I think a colder climate is in my future. Or a wetter one.

[blm]

15. Well, exit polls had the race at 51-49. I think they were accurate.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Of course, it sure has been rainy in Charlotte as long as I've been here. (midJune)

[coloradodem2005]

2. Maybe in Colorado.

With a Democratic state assembly and all the initiatives that we passed this year. We need to hold the majority in the assembly and get the Governor's mansion in 2006.

[seabeyond]

7. panhandle of texas here

i just connect to you, merely cause you sit in colorado. yes i can see a move there. of late, i have been seeing leaving this area, an influx of money into husband business that would allow him to get out of date, sell and go. he isnt ready for that yet. i am seeing 6 months of stuff moving more. i am also seeing quick ways of getting our money.

but yes to what you say, i think we can do wonderful things in colorado, new mexico, even az

[amber dog democrat]

3. I am VERY proud of Travis Co, Texas ( Austin )

and feel there is some reason to dig in and fight. Its a blue oasis in a RED what ever...
but having come from California last week I am convinced people are more intelligent and generally nicer than they are here in Texas. And this is a 5th Generation Texan speaking. Travis Co stayed blue and it will again in the mid terms I am betting - in spite of DeLay's best or worst efforts.

I may well move away in 2 or 3 years anyway. Think the pacific northwest may be a good place to be.

There are days I wonder if we are not headed for a Civil War.

[RainDog]

5. Yes, Austin is a great city

it's the only one in Texas I like, and I have relatives in Texas..though I've never been to San Antonio and I hear it's a beautiful city.

I absolutely DETEST Dallas.

Houston has lots of interesting things, but overall, I could not stand to live in Texas, even though my family tried to get me to move there, and then suggested Austin when they knew I would not feel at home in any other part of Texas.

I live in place that's often likened to Austin, so my situation is like yours in lots of ways.

I just wonder how much can be accomplished at the city level (and not much, it seems)...in my situation, the state is not doing well, though, unlike Texas.

I'm going to be in position, hopefully, to change careers in two years and I'm honestly considering how and where I want to live my life at that point.

[amber dog democrat]

6. We acutally defeated House Repugs - and there is still a recount.

A stronger blue city makes for a stronger Democratic organization. Its a place from which we can forge ahead. County Atty, Sheriff, other races went Dem as well.
Its like being surounded by the armies of Mordor - but I am deeply encouraged that at the grassroots level we kept it this way.

No way would I EVER move to Dallas or Houston. I am not that fond of San Antonio either.

What city are you in? Just wondering. As for living in Texas... when has this state ever NOT had an electorial mean streak ? And I am going back to Reconstruction and before. As they say, its great for men and dogs and hell for women and horses.
I don't believe its changed all that much.

I am thinking Washington state or Oregon. Just like the song says, " I'm going to leave old Texas now". And I won't look back.

[RainDog]

10. now...

I live in Bloomington, IN...where Indiana University is located, and which has a lively independent (tho not as big of a deal as Austin) music scene.

but I'm originally from the south...Nashville, TN. have also lived in Miami, Fl.

I'm ready to live in a blue state, after years of blue city living in red state worlds.

[firebee]

9. Where to move to? It all depends.

Are we looking to win the next election or are we looking to secede from the U.S. within the next four years.

If we're looking to win the 2008 election, move to a swing State; such as Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin or Ohio.

If we're looking to secede from the U.S. move to a Blue State.

[catmandu57]

11. I want to be amongst my people

This isn't home anymore, I've watched it get redder and redder, and now it just feels so wrong.
I found home, Taos New Mexico, given the chance, I'd be on the road today, the only thing is I've got myself stuck in cement here. A wife who won't leave, Cats that I don't know what to do with right now.
I'm liquidating everything, I want the cash on hand to be able to jump at a moments notice if I have to, I would advise all my red state brothers and sisters to do the same, clear the decks and be ready to jump.

[RainDog]

14. family obligations have kept me here, too

...and in the meantime, I've returned to school and need to finish my program.

but I've reached the point that I feel alienated enough from the whole "red state" issue that I no longer want to be living in one small patch of blue in the midst of redness.

I'm not thinking of seccession. I'm thinking that, practically speaking, the only way you will be able to create a govt "of, for, and by" the people you share values with is by moving to a state with a strong progressive tradition already in place.