Hello, you few idaho democrats

[rniel]

I'm in boise. I think that's the only city where there are a few liberals left. Am I wrong?

I grew up in twin falls area though.

[The Mafia Squirrel]

1. "the few, the proud, the liberal"

Hi there all, Nampa signing in. Just moved here from Boise shy of a year ago. It's nice to know there are friendly voices in the wilderness. Here in my district it is HEAVILY conservative. District 13 (Gary Bauer?).

I've been a fighter for Kerry and against Bush and it's pretty exhausting because as I'm sure you know, you have to basically break down everything friends, coworkers, Bushies think they know about politics and inform them of facts, legislation, and statements that they either never heard or got lost in these United States of Amnesia.

Ashamedly, I'm fairly adept @ national politics but sadly lacking on the state and local level. Does anyone have any resources, fact guides, etc. for the young progressive on the go?

Over and out,
Thom

[rniel]

2. What I think

there's some people way too set in their ways to change over their ideas. These are developed when your young. I grew up not knowing that I was a liberal or conservative until I went to college and took my first government course. When presented with the facts about how this country came about I don't know how anyone could be on the side of bush without hating our country. I even believe it's part of the conservative plan to ruin all education for our children. I think if we can just improve education for our children it is natural for people to lean liberal. Like clinton said "when people think, liberals win"

[The Mafia Squirrel]

5. when people think, liberals win

Citizen Bill sure has a way doesn't he? And it's remarkable how true that statement is. Enough questions and you can get to the root of anyone's philosophy and from there it's a question of whether or not they will listen or can ably defend their position (Something I truly believe is just shy of impossible for today's far right winger). In the country as a whole, but here in the Gem State in particular, I'm shocked at how well the right has fortified their standing not with facts or informed debate but semiliterate rabid attacks. Unfortunately it's worked to some extent, liberal is code for unwashed hippie commie bastard; If you're a "good" Christian it's assumed that you vote (R) despite torture, screwing the poor, and keeping women second class citizens. They call themselves the 'values' party but it was this party that benefitted when Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. He even said "We've just lost the South for a generation." Values apparently mean open and unabashedly (God knows we don't want to know what they're hiding from us, our hair would turn white) raping the environment and unprecendented levels of corporate and individual greed. At some level I would look at my children and ask which was more important, my shareholders or their future and their vision and memory of their father.

Our job is to challenge the programming, almost to a man (or woman), the average person will want to protect the environment, enhance and fund our public education, and support fair play in the corporate world, giving the hoi polloi the opportunity to succeed rather then be crushed by inflation or the quest for profit over employee. In short, the average person is a liberal, progressive thinker.

If fingers could be long winded I think my have succeeded, and with that I bid you farewell.

[newyawker99]

3. Hi The Mafia Squirrel!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[The Mafia Squirrel]

4. Awww shucks

You make a squirrel feel welcome. Thanks

[newyawker99]

7. You are welcome!

:hi:

[aePrime]

6. Hello from up north

I grew up in Boise, but now I'm in Moscow. There are a couple of liberals up here, but not enough.

I've heard rumors that Latah county is one of the more liberal areas of the state, with the university and all, but I've never found anything to back that up.

In fact, just the other day I search for a campus Democratic club, but only found one for Republicans. I don't understand Republican students. "Oh, oh! Cut my funding! Please!" :)

[newyawker99]

8. Hi aePrime!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Q3JR4]

9. I live in Boise,

but I grew up in Burley.

My grandparents and immediate family (still in Burley)are all democrats.

Here in Boise, the North end is where it's at for the Dems. When a Dem candidate is nominated there, no matter who runs against him/her he/she wins. Nicole Lefavour, the lady who's secured the Democratic nomination for that district (19) is a typical example. When she is elected (yeah, we're that sure), she'll be the first openly gay individual elected to ANY position in the state of Idaho.

[rniel]

10. RE: Nicole Lefavour That's encouraging thanks.

n/m

[moderatepenguin]

11. Boisean here also...

Born in Boise, raised in Jerome, and now thankfully back in Boise.

When I was a kid I was absolutely certain that I was Republican. Shows how much I knew, eh? I still identify more with middle-of-the-road than liberal ideals, but it is safe to say the Republican has been beaten out of me.

Nice to meet y'all!