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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow do I visit a red state without contributing financially to their intolerance?
Takket
(21,577 posts)TheBlackAdder
(28,208 posts)SouthernIrish
(512 posts)Bring trash? I live in Tennessee, and while I agree that the majority here are Republicans, many of us are Democrats. People that have the comfort of living in blue areas have no idea how it feels to be ostracized on DU, of all places, because of where we live. I see this happen all too often.
Please try and refrain from stereotyping everyone that lives in red states. While my state has many faults politically, I don't like my state being treated as lesser than anyone else's. Please don't bring your trash here because you hate that the majority are Republicans. That statement is ignorant and rude.
mcar
(42,334 posts)I love TN. I love GA, I love NC. All have beautiful parts and fine Democrats.
customerserviceguy
(25,183 posts)There's a lot of South-bashing here at DU, it's one of the acceptable prejudices.
raccoon
(31,111 posts)Tipperary
(6,930 posts)What a lovely thing to suggest.
Texasgal
(17,045 posts)and dump it in Austin, TX... otherwise you might get your ass kicked. We are a city that is proud of our natural beauty!
What a stupid idea.
Bradshaw3
(7,522 posts)So a shithole state?
pwb
(11,276 posts)Stay there ?
Corgigal
(9,291 posts)Probably most of them.
former9thward
(32,023 posts)I think its nuts to do travel based on politics but if that someone's thing they will have to stay at home. Maybe best for all concerned...
yellowdogintexas
(22,264 posts)This is the reason gas prices can vary so much.
Our Sales Tax starts with the base State rate; we have an assortment of 1/2 per cent goodies which are designated for specific things in the county and the town within the county.
With gasoline, there is a base Federal tax, a state tax and a variety of county and municipal taxes.
salin
(48,955 posts)In many red states there are many blue "dots" of varying sizes - major cities, and cities that are homes to large research universities.These places are anchors of hope for turning more places "purple" from red.
magicarpet
(14,155 posts)Bring anything/everything you need so you refrain from spending dime one.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2019, 06:22 PM - Edit history (1)
overwhelmingly for trump, etc.
Retrograde
(10,137 posts)I don't care how good your reviews are, if you're flying the Confederate battle flag I'm spending my money elsewhere.
nycbos
(6,034 posts)No one should deprive themselves of a trio to New Orleans.
DBoon
(22,366 posts)not just "did the proprietor contribute to the Democratic Party", but also the service or product itself.
Examples:
- National park or wildlife preserve
- Exhibits dedicated to the history of social justice (like https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/ )
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)CDerekGo
(507 posts)That's what I do while traveling. I remember a few years ago when North Carolina was 'discussing' their bathroom bill. I was driving from Florida to Virginia. I made certain to top me and my car off in South Carolina (I know, a RED state, but I was NOT going to patronize anyone in NC). No stops at ALL in North Carolina.
It is difficult to not patronize, especially if you have a car full of passengers. You could pack a wonderful picnic meal, drinks included, stop at Rest Areas along the way. That's assuming you don't need a hotel.
That's all I've got for you.
Good Luck!
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)no even for food purchased if changing planes within those states.
redstateblues
(10,565 posts)yellowdogintexas
(22,264 posts)There are times I think about moving back there just so I could live out my days in a Democratic city.
I did a little research and found that TN 5 has only sent Democrats to Congress since something like 1870...
All Democratic Mayors too.
Memphis is very blue as well.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)when choosing a different historic route for fun recently. But this was passing through and it was easy.
(Passing through on the way to home in GA I should mention, but PA at least was not necessary. )
SoCalNative
(4,613 posts)best not to visit anywhere below the Mason-Dixon line until things change.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2019, 08:57 PM - Edit history (1)
And many of the big cities in the south are not only blue, but refuges for LGBTQ kids looking for a place of acceptance.
Orlando and Orange County Florida is a great example. Near where I live. Much of the talent the local attractions attract are kids moving here from rural places all over America to find an accepting home. And here they do.
I often chuckle at the thought that so many religious conservatives visit here and they and their kids are entertained by so many gay and liberal employees!
I think Liberals from Blue states do more good actually visiting and spending money in these communities. They are generally the fastest growing and in some cases poised to flip the state. I remember when Virginia was solid red. No more. And North Carolina is not far behind. Florida voted for Obama twice so the potential is already here.
And New Orleans, in my home state. Every American should go there and support that liberal city. For the food and music if nothing else.
Mississippi and Alabama? Well, you got me there!
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)The best way to turn a red state blue is to promote progressive people and businesses in those places. That is why a concept of a statewide boycott is wrong, it cripples progressives in red states and embolden rightwingers by giving them a cause. As little as 20 years ago, you and I know that the Orlando area was still pretty red, but for the last five years it has been one of the bluest areas in Florida and is getting even bluer.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)And you are correct. The I-4 corridor is going to be the region that turns this incredible state Blue once and for all. Unfortunately I live in Lake county. The Villages and all those old white republicans will keep this and Sumter county red even if the panhandle goes blue!
I love this state because I spend time in the outdoors. We will never be AOC blue, Because we arent Brooklyn. Yeah, wish we were. But good god, for another Walkin Lawton! I actually met him and his wife at a book signing not long before he died. Hell, I was a republican then and voted for the man. My first Democratic Vote!
Have a great evening.
mcar
(42,334 posts)Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)I didn't see anyone in DU making a fuss about that
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)That is how we will make Florida permanently blue and bring Georgia and North Carolina along. North Carolina seems to be following the Virginia route as things are now. Honestly, in maybe two decades, I see Florida and the Atlantic coast states all blue, even South Carolina. States like Mississippi, Alabama and Lousiana likely won't go blue, but there will be large blue patches in them and they will elect democrats.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Or not one I saw, anyway. This is a response to a question by a member here about avoiding red states.
Perhaps start a thread about avoiding states that pass anti-abortion laws. See how that goes?
At least here in Florida we have, so far, fought that off. But they will try again next term.
DashOneBravo
(2,679 posts)I get to travel with my job. I go to Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan, NY. Pretty much anywhere there is automotive plants. Youd be astounded by the number of people who see a white middle age guy with a strong southern accent and think it is ok to spew racist shit
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Same in many places in the South.
If you help them grow it makes it more likely the entire state will turn blue.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)in order to get to Denver. So it means a necessary Gas stop each way. And that is a sour point with us. I know I know,take a couple five gallon can with you. Did that once,the fumes are way to dangerous.
Still refuse to stay or buy food in that firggin State.
Aristus
(66,386 posts)is pretty blue.
pnwmom
(108,980 posts)Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)customerserviceguy
(25,183 posts)It's that first and second ring of suburbs of SLC that contain 80-90% Mormons.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Island of Blue in a sea or Red. Moab and the Southeast of there is Native Lands which are now dark Blue.
Lived int that backassward state for ten plus years. And heard the phrase"you ain't one of us,so just go back where you came from"a few hundred times over that lenght of time.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)A while back I wanted to buy something online and saw that the company was from Salt Lake City. I thought it odd that such a company existed there. I bought anyway and have subsequently bought from other cutting edge companies there. The city has become a hotbed for young tech startups. The natural beauty around the city is amazing, so it is a natural location for inspiration and innovation. I really believe that Provo will eventually follow Salt Lake toward blue, even with BYU dominating the city, a lot of tech people have started to find the place.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)in your lifetime. If you are not a Temple Recommend Card carrier,you are not living in Provo.
Zambero
(8,964 posts)The city proper voted twice for Obama and HRC in 2016 albeit by a smaller margin. All state legislative seats in town save one are now held by a Democrat. Great stuff, but short of offsetting the red tide that swamps the rest of Idaho.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)I do volume purchases from a company called Plant Therapy that is located in Boise. It seems to be progressive, but I have wondered given the location. There is nothing that they have done to cause me to wonder, they have consistently been wonderful, but as someone posted on DU, ALT-right people have made their was into farmer's markets and natural products, so I wondered. What is the company like socially in Boise?
Zambero
(8,964 posts)not being a user of essential oils products. That said, farmer's markets seem to attract a highly diverse political mix. Elements of both left and right share similar sentiments when it comes to issues of nutrition and the food supply in general. There tends to be mistrust across political lines when it comes to practices of genetic manipulation, irradiation, pesticide use, chemical fertilizers, and large scale food processing. Choice of certified organic products are a means of alleviating many of those concerns. (Also not an advertisement!).
Tanuki
(14,918 posts)Easy to find by googling.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)If we go to Moab,we only Patronize Nav and other Native Business's. When traveling and in a hurry,you usually take the shortest route from point A to point B. From Vegas to Denver,it is I 15 and I 70 which is lined all the way to the Vail Summit with Red State Warrior Business's. If we Motel on this run,it is a Best western owned a Gentleman and his Family from India whom are old acquaintances from our B to B sales days of long ago. BTW,his Motel is in Richfield Utah,another town much like Provo. Fun to overnight at his Establishment and catch up on Old Times in a total Blue State.
Dan
(3,568 posts)we entered the state with a full tank of gas.
You will be surprised as you pass through the state, how many (just about all) exits - indicate that there are no services available.
My interpretation of that message was - they didn't want you in their little towns or communities.
I respect their right to so state, and I keep my $$$ in my pockets when it relates to Utah.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)I 70,those are generally Section Points for the D&RG railroad which is now Union Pacific. And a couple of those exits lead to old Towns Sites long since abandon.
Others are Exits to Crude Oil Storage Tanks or Abandoned Coal or Uranium Mines.
Dan
(3,568 posts)but it appeared to us, that these exits led to small communities...
Regardless, we now go with full tanks.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)And what state do you live in?
SCantiGOP
(13,871 posts)without abetting the posters Intolerance?
You do realize that a lot of long-time DUers live and work in red states? I suggest you also boycott B ORourke and J Castro, who are running for the Democratic nomination to be our President, since they live in (horrors!) Texas. Same goes for Buttigieg. And it certainly goes for my long-time friend and civil rights icon, Rep James Clyburn, currently the third ranking Democrat in the US House.
Im not trying to be combative, but your post is nothing more than a lame attempt to show your philosophical purity. Most people would know how not to spend money no matter where they were.
GusBob
(7,286 posts)Do the people that live in those states financially support intolerance by fiat or is there a special fund or something?
How does one know for sure that there is no intolerance in blue states?
The whole premise is ridiculous
trev
(1,480 posts)One of my favorite trips a few years back was to visit a friend in Kentucky. The people there were friendly and eager to make conversation. The countryside is beautiful. And Knob Creek bourbon is to die for.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Lost me there! Wellers, Blanton and even Makers are much better corn squeezins But no accounting for taste.
I kid of course. Kind of!
But doing the bourbon trail is a special American thing. Europeans come over to do it.
Have a nice evening.
Pacifist Patriot
(24,653 posts)Tipperary
(6,930 posts)What I wanted to say would have been hidden. You said it well/
dustyscamp
(2,224 posts)I'm a little bit scared since I'm not white, but I'm hopping nothing serious will happen.
greymattermom
(5,754 posts)Atlanta. You'd feel at home as long as you don't go over 20 miles north.
dustyscamp
(2,224 posts)But, maybe one day I'll visit Atlanta. It looks like a beautiful city
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)Jake Stern
(3,145 posts)it's probably best to just not go.
Just think it's becoming absurd that folks are so worried about the political bent of everybody that comes into their lives, for any reason, that they base even the smallest of decisions on whether or not somebody is a Republican.
Surprised folks aren't asking the cook and server how they voted before sitting down to eat lunch.
greymattermom
(5,754 posts)It's really a rural vs urban thing.
brooklynite
(94,594 posts)Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)10 red states are on the no visit list for public employees
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)Holy crap.
Doreen
(11,686 posts)Food, water, tent, and even gas cans so you do not even have to buy their gas. I am sure you can find someplace you can set up your tent for free at. If need be take a washboard so you do not have to use their washers. Find Democrats to stay with. I can't offer any more ideas.
Stonepounder
(4,033 posts)Yes, KY is a red state. Yes, we have the two worst Senators in the US. Yes my Representative is a jerk.
But the funny thing is the people, by and large, are good folks. In the almost 20 years I have lived in KY I have never heard a racial slur, have never heard a nasty comment made in the grocery store about the Muslims, blacks, immigrants who shop there.
We've had stories about young black men jumping into freezing water to hold the head of a (white) driver whose car had plunged into a creek in the dead of winter until a rescue crew could arrive. When our daughter and son-in-law were involved in an accident and went with one of their children in the ambulance and we stayed with the other child, who was about 6 at the time, the two truck driver arrived looking like something out of Deliverance. He took one look at Zack, realized that he was on the edge of freaking out, and had him 'help' get their car up on the flatbed tow truck - having him pull the levers on the truck that tipped the bed up and down and the ones that controlled the winch.
So don't lump us all in the "Red State" category simply because people like Mitch McConnell get millions and millions from China and who are traitors to their Oath of Office have campaign money to burn. Bear in mind that up until Russia diddled the election and gave us tRump, KY normally elected Dem Gov, Lt Gov, and SecState. (Remember that The Turtle has the lowest favorability rating of any Senator in his home state.)
Arkansas Granny
(31,518 posts)Regardless of politics, by and large, the people are friendly and we have so many opportunities for outdoor activities in beautiful locations.
Jake Stern
(3,145 posts)Friendly folks. Before my ex and I split we had looked at houses there.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Although the notion of how do I avoid anything indirectly intolerant is a testament to irony.
mcar
(42,334 posts)There are so many Democrats here working and fighting. Don't overlook us.
Besides, we have manatees.
MuseRider
(34,111 posts)mcar
(42,334 posts)dawg day
(7,947 posts)I recommend Birmingham, AL, with its historic black churches and the beautiful and moving civil rights memorial to the 16th St. Church bombing victims, the 1963 Children's Crusade, and the many civil rights activists.
(And spend your money in the African American neighborhoods. The barbecue is very good.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)In Orlando there is a 60 year old southern food joint. Ok. Soul food. But as a white southern guy growing up in the 70s imagine my shock when I found out Soul Food was what I grew up eating!
Anyway, I eat there when craving the food of my youth. Always the only white guy in the place. Usually the Oxtail. Last time I was there a large extended family from Louisiana came in. Must have been 15 of them. They had spent a week at the beach but were doing the theme parks and said they always find good African American owned restaurants to spend their money at. I thought it a good idea and now do the same. Mainly because the food is so damn good. Not healthy I admit. But a man has to splurge occasionally!
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2019, 09:39 PM - Edit history (1)
that was owned by a grandmotherly Black woman. It was always full of mostly White students and the student newspaper often did rave reviews and puff pieces about it.
Yeah, oxtail is good, even if not defatted fully. So is pigstail stew and collard greens. All southerners that were poor or lower middleclass ate and still eat a lot of the same food.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Hell, I grow and freeze up collards every year. Buy a cured country ham yearly just to cook with greens and beans. Ok, and to eat like prosciutto with wine. It really the same thing.
And defatted oxtail! Its the best part.
You get to Orlando stop by Nikkis. Its the real deal. They would appreciate the business and the welcome is great.
Have a good evening.
Maxheader
(4,373 posts)rumour to start with some good visibility..
I would think the states business leaders would have nightmares if they
thought there was movement to avoid new business startups or a reduction
in spending...
former9thward
(32,023 posts)He went to a lot of places that were intolerant...
In It to Win It
(8,254 posts)...and make sure you have enough gas.
MicaelS
(8,747 posts)That way everyone wins.
You won't have to sacrifice your political purity, and your fellow Americans will not have to be subjected to you.
roody
(10,849 posts)Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)nolabear
(41,986 posts)this kind of broad brushing is odious.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)In a restaurant next time I visit New Orleans! A city ever American should experience. I think it the most original American city in the nation. Nothing like it in the world.
Especially if you get out of the Quarter.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)If it is elderly relatives, visit and ignore the rest. When there, look for progressive businesses to spend at, they exist everywhere.
GusBob
(7,286 posts)Dont smile
Treat every single person you meet with hostility like they are your sworn enemy
Treat their so-called intolerence with the one you own
Good luck!
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)lpbk2713
(42,759 posts)Do unto others before they do it to you.
Generic Brad
(14,275 posts)I am in the heart of Trump country and except for a few bumper stickers I do not observe support of him here. Most people here are too nice to want to offend anyone and they avoid discussing politics like the plague. There is very low voter participation.
I don't think red staters deserve to be mocked or punished. Last year I moved to Tennessee and earlier this year I vacationed in Alabama. I have come to realize I had formed a stereotype in my mind and the people here proved me wrong at every turn.
Feel free to visit any state in the union. Don't let a few loudmouth jerks drive you away. There are way more nice people than bad people.
Texasgal
(17,045 posts)I'm In Austin, TX and we are heavily blue! We survive as a city from tourism!
Dallas and Houston as well...although Austin is a much better place to visit in my opinion.
Also the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas is getting bluer with the Big Bend National Park in the background!
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)SHRED
(28,136 posts)samnsara
(17,622 posts)...flying into OKC and going up and down tornado ally. Hubby and i quit about 5 years ago. We decided we could not throw our money into that suppressive culture
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)Everything else can wait.
yellowdogintexas
(22,264 posts)They always know where the local Democratic eateries and such can be found.
If you came to Fort Worth, I have solid info on a terrific family owned Italian place (BYOB too), a top notch burger joint, a not Starbucks coffeehouse, a Middle Eastern cafe and a Cajun place. The local Fondue place is owned by a man who ran for the State Legislature as a Democrat. A number of BBQ and Mexican places are Democrat owned here.
Given a little time and a rough survey of my friends I could find a bunch more . We share this kind of info regularly; not for the purpose of ignoring non Democratic establishments but to make sure the Democratic small places stay in business and thrive.
bluecollar2
(3,622 posts)Esperanza's on North Main street..
still_one
(92,217 posts)Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)JCMach1
(27,559 posts)That's easy in Texas. Most of the cities are Blue. Stay away from the countryside and Chic Fil A
Croney
(4,661 posts)My mother is 96, I gotta visit her. Today I bought groceries at Walmart (very close by) and picked up a few things at CVS. The prejudice isn't noticeable 24/7, but you know it's there, like a rip tide under calm waters, waiting for you to take a wrong step.
I hate when clerks here tell me to have a blessed (two syllables) day, but I just smile. Have to choose my battles. Would I take a stand to defend some person or principle if need be? Without a doubt.
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)Retrograde
(10,137 posts)a variant of Blessed Be? I feel the same when people wish me Merry Christmas or similar: I just say "and the same to you".
I'm always amused here in California to see road signs stating that this section of road is adopted by X County Atheists or Y City Wiccans. I'm an atheist myself, but I belong to a group that makes blankets for local women's shelters and I thank the churches that let us use their spaces for our work.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)I am a person with no religious beliefs, but I take it as it is intended. I truly do not understand being offended by a greeting.
If someone said as-salamu alaikum to you, would you also be offended by that?
Croney
(4,661 posts)The phrase reminds me that I'm neck deep in Billy Graham land. Being impolite would never cross my mind. Now, if somebody with a MAGA hat walks up to me, there won't be a smile on my face. But I haven't seen one of those in the last year here in Baton Rouge. I'm sure they're out there though.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Im a freethinker so dont believe in blessed anything.
But the clerk was just being polite in his or her own way. I mean, what are you going to say to object?
Its like when I tell some Bless you when they sneeze. Being polite.
I hear it regularly. My normal response is I have a Blessed Life.
They are poorly paid clerks at a store. Not trump in his doppelgänger outfit.
Good god. Its not like the peckerwoods are down here waiting for the next load of Freedom Riders to attack.
Youll get politeness if you give it. Same as everywhere.
Rural Southerners live in a multiracial world. Now rural Indiana, Wisconsin or Ohio. Not so much.
Croney
(4,661 posts)I said I just smiled.
I don't have to like it, I don't have to say Bless You, I don't have to say Under God. I wouldn't judge a person's character by the common phrases they hate. There must be a Seinfeld episode for that.
Peace. (I don't mind that one but some might).
DashOneBravo
(2,679 posts)Golden Raisin
(4,609 posts)I live in Manhattan and recently had to travel to Mississippi for my grandniece's college graduation. I'm 70 and up until this trip had (deliberately) never set foot in Mississippi. But this was unavoidable, as was spending money while I was there. Sometimes it's just not feasible.
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)Laffy Kat
(16,383 posts)And even I won't go to Mississippi anymore. Scary place to me now. Seriously.
pnwmom
(108,980 posts)and there's nothing any of us can do about it. The blue states tend to pay more in Federal tax dollars than they receive in benefits. With the red states, it's the opposite.
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)pnwmom
(108,980 posts)of the other ideas of the red voters in those states.
JI7
(89,252 posts)a whole . even without the boycott this is how it usually is.
just like california benefits the country as a whole.
but it is still good to try to go to blue businesses and avoid maga places.
Meowmee
(5,164 posts)Or try to patronize non red places there if possible. If you want to go just go, you only have one life.
EllieBC
(3,016 posts)attitude and save yourself some serious pearl clutching.
Renew Deal
(81,861 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)which is blue.