I am disgusted with my state. STUPID PEOPLE!

[LiberalAndProud]

[Cobalt Violet]

1. Which state is this? n/t

[Stephist]

2. AMEN!

I'm done with this F%^king state. Can some one tell me a good blue state to move to? right now I am leaning towards Vermont.

[NEDem]

3. My wife and I have been discussing moving

to New Mexico, but I don't see that as being any better.

[LiberalAndProud]

8. Would you consider attending?

I will be here (Heidi Heidemann)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=164x142

[prairie populist]

4. Well said my fellow Nebraskan, now

what do we do about it?

After the 2000 election, during which time all I did was cast a vote for Gore, I swore I would never sit on the sidelines again. This time I made several donations to the Kerry campaign and the DNC, did the bumper sticker/sign thing and convinced several of my friends/family members that Bush is not for good them.

But on the statewide level, there was an incredibly lethargy among the leadership of the Democratic party. Let's f@#king fix that. On the state Dem party web site there was no way to make a simple contact or post an idea the last time I checked. What's up with that?

The Rep party does a great job of identifying young people who would make good political candidates with broad appeal. They groom them for several years, advising them on what offices to run for, etc. The Dems need to follow suit, looking ahead 10-20 years instead of just what can be done in the next 2-4 years.

Any ideas from the rest of you Blues stranded in a sea of Red?

[Krupskaya]

6. Former Nebraskan, now blue-stater checking in!

What you've said about the repubs grooming their candidates years in advance happens everywhere and I think it's a chronic problem of the Democrats that we don't do the same. We've been reacting too long and need to get our shit together.

Even here in once-again-solidly-blue Minnesota, we do the same thing. React, react, react.

[prairie populist]

11. It's good to here from a Blue stater

I have a lot of family in Minnesota and Wisconsin and they were all appalled by the thought of going Red State.
Good job holding the line up there.

[prairie populist]

12. Er, make that: I'm happy to HEAR from a Blue stater

[LiberalAndProud]

7. I am attending the post-mortem on Nov. 9th here in Lincoln.

What message do you want to send to our party in this state? What message do you want to carry to the people?

Fortenberry's opponent -- what was his name?? Oh yea, Conneally -- the guy who voted with his Republican colleagues 90% of the time. Our candidate ran a dismal campaign. Let's get serious!

[prairie populist]

9. Thanks for asking

Some thoughts from southwest Nebraska, perhaps the reddest corner of our oh-so-bloody-red state:

There are several pockets of Democrats/Indies out here, but many feel too overwhelmed by the vitriol spewed by the right to step forward - if you want to see some real Redneck bloodletting check out the comments on the electoral college poll on www.swnebr.net.

I think many of them have given up on voting, unless there is some major local election, because they feel their votes don't count. We need to develop a network of political/social gatherings that create a safe place for open discussion. We don't even know if there is a state organization to join/participate in.

We need a counter-balance to the Rush Limbaugh crap that plays on the same radio stations that broadcasts our kids' basketball games. We need to get these stations to carry a left-leaning balance, or better yet, find out what it would take to make Air America available across the state. I know you can get it via satellite radio, but the people who need to be exposed to it most, can't afford to pay for radio. If George Soros wants to help build up for the next election, a good use of his money would be to get Air America broadcasting across the public airwaves of Middle America.

[LiberalAndProud]

10. Good thoughts. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Meritaten1]

14. The right-wing hate radio propaganda

seems especially detrimental in rural areas. During the recent primaries and general election, the inaccurate and hate-filled material on some broadcasts presented a distorted view of liberals and Democratic positions.

Perhaps some of the possible reasons for the effectiveness of the radio broadcasts might be:

1. Many rural residents have few alternative listening options;
2. A lot of older rural residents grew up listening to radio broadcasts, and they view radio commentators as legitimate "news" sources. Hence, some listeners may be inclined to accept the right wing material they hear on the radio uncritically;
3. Many rural residents do not use the Internet, even when the connection is available-- the only news they get they obtain from TV, radio, newspaper sources and word-of-mouth.

[prairie populist]

17. You hit the nail on the head

We need to get serious about re-instating the Fairness Doctrine.

[Osiricity]

19. let's make a difference

I agree, we need to go out and fix it. Even if we can't go entirely blue, let's work to at least make ourselves into a swing state so a talented leader would visit and win.

It sounds like we don't have much organization and much grooming. But more than that, it sounds like we almost expect to lose. So why bother trying? We need to get our voice out there so people know that Dems are in Nebraska, and aren't afraid to admit they're more blue than red.

I'm sorta new to Nebraska, but I don't want to sit here and do nothing if I'm going to be living here for a while. I can't even find the state Democratic site, anyone have the link?

I think the key to Nebraska is appealing to the farmers and hunters on issues important to them. Leave equality issues out of it. But more than that, we need some visible charismatic leaders. Look at how Obama won by a landslide against the incumbent Republicans. Around here, it's more about character than policy.

[LiberalAndProud]

20. The Nebraska Democrats web site.

http://www.nebraskademocrats.org/

Take a look at the number of empty county chairs.

[Osiricity]

21. thanks for the link

Ouch, that's bad.

[DeaconBlues]

5. Moving back east as soon as my lease expires

There are many reasons why I'm moving out - including the fact that I am tired of the bad food, mind-numbingly boring scenery, and ever present obsession with football. But mainly I'm tired of living in a state where every time I vote I feel like I'm just spitting in the wind. Adios, Nebraska!

[acmavm]

13. Yeah, it no doubt is for the best. Don't ever expect anything from a

state that was solidly democratic until the issues of civil rights and equal rights drove it straight into the republican party camp.

Nebraska is really big on shooting itself in the foot. Family farmers settled this state, family farmers made this state. But now corporate farming is becoming firmly entrenched and driving them out. And my God, the stench from corporate hog lots is enough to kill you outright. Pollutes the water table as well. But these frigging idiots will vote for republicans everytime. At least for the last 30 years. Because rather than see that life is fair for everyone, the state went republican.

You think the south is full of red neck bigots? Welcome to Nebraska.

[Justathought]

15. I am also tired of a do nothing state

like we have here in Nebraska. The only thing they know how to do is add taxes and more taxes. I am planning to move to Maine if all goes well which is a blue state. Originally from New York so will feel like I am going back home. One of the frustrations I have is that this state is a given and we never get a Democratic candidate for president to come to this state because they feel "we the supporters" are wast of their monies. Pretty sad when you can't make even one visit to get democratic supporters rallying around them.

[LiberalAndProud]

16. You said it! It is so disheartening to be ignored.

No national candidate has ever directly asked a Nebraskan for his/her vote. Is it any wonder that they don't get it?

[prairie populist]

18. Many, many years ago, Bobby Kennedy

traveled across the state when he was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. He made a stump speech in McCook and people went nuts for him, Dems and Repugs alike, some traveling for hours to see him.

I was just a kid at the time, but I remember my aunts going on and on for days about seeing him in person.