How to shift Red to Blue-please read this and let me know what you think

[JohnnyBoots]

As I was driving through the backwoods of WV today on the way to work I had an epiphany. Because of a book I am reading on poverty and because I have lived in a red state for the past two years I had an epiphany. The evangelical church is so successful in red America because it is basically form of cheap entertainment, which is a staple in the poverty culture. The piety of the person really doesn't matter it is more of a community social club. If the Dem's, grass roots or not, were to sponsor such things( in a not so visible way ie., "Blue Bull Rodeo", "Blue Steel Tool and Gun Show") as: four wheeler/dirt bike racing, rodeo, fishing/hunting contests, gun and tools shows, concerts, swap meets, democrat evangelical retreats, beer tents at college football games, etc. It would give us a platform to speak to the red staters. It is not as pushy or as much of a turn off as liberal radio or angry protesters. We have to stop pushing against red America and pull it toward us. Only then can we begin to change the minds of the brainwashed. A lot of ex Dem red staters say that they didn't leave the party, the party left them-it will help us to lose the "blue state elitist wall" between us - so let's go back to them on their terms and show them that "liberal" is not a dirty word and democrat liberals come in all shapes and forms. That we are the party of workers rights and health care for all, that we truly care about out fellow man and that the wing nuts are corporate whores who use distraction and manipulation to get people to vote against their own interests. Also, I am sure that there are plenty of devout Christian Dem's out there, we could have them at these events to show people that there is an alternative to repub corporate/political gain religion, let's actually care for the poor and the sick. It will give us a chance to get past the Blue state elitist liberal " sticker shock" and explain ourselves and what we stand for, it will give us a chance to get back voters who have turned to the dark side. At least it will give us a puncher's chance in the states that we lost in 2004. Also, we need to start ASAP with this or in '06 and '08 meeting them on their terms will again be a picture of Kerry or whoever duck hunting in $1000 camo. Which pushed more away than it brought in, it was so obviously political. The Dem's need to "keep it real" in the red states or we will never have any credibility again. It will be too little, too late! Let me know what you think.

[MominTN]

1. Good ideas

The democratic party relies too much on activists which often get their liberal causes on tv which is even more of a turn off to the average citizen. Need some get-togethers that foster real party awareness and inclusiveness. You can still be a Christian and a Democrat.
"Give me that ol' time religion, it's good enough for me!" and get out the seniors too. Have a tent revival throughout our nation with blue tents. Everyone is welcome.

[JohnnyBoots]

2. how do we

get it started, any ideas. Think it would catch on or get exposure? I got an old roomate who works for Teddy, but other than that I got nothin'. Seniors are a good idea to because they actually get out and vote. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[electropop]

13. On the topic of religion,

We really need a simple treatise that we can hand out to religious people, pointing out how so much of what the right is pushing, is absolutely opposite to real christian teachings, while what we support is in line with a strong genuine christian moral system. Hate is not a family value.

[DaDeacon]

3. Good question

The truth is you can't change things. That is to say you must not try to change people but rather give them the truth. The greatest issue I have with the political powers that be is the brotherhood they have made with each other. They have no real wish to fight each other are call there hypocrisies. So those who steal, lie , and mislead are never held accountable for the actions they take. So, what does this have to do with change? We must get people in office and running for office that will speak to truth. That will fight for the things we believe. We can't fight this brotherhood of law makes with other law makers. We must get other to see the truth in this idea. To stop fighting for party and start fighting for America, then and only then will you see change. The right learned to wrap themselves in the flag and CLAIM to be for America and are not. We must claim to be for America and more importantly be for a better America, and the people will follow!

[JohnnyBoots]

5. Deacon

You're preching to the choir my friend. Our whole government needs a political enema. Think that non-connected cndidates who speak the truth stand a chance? Maybe we could use this format as a way to get the truth out?

[electropop]

14. The right loves America...

the way a bank robber loves a bank.

[napi21]

4. I agree on the social/community idea and that it's a cheap form

of entertainment. When I lived in Pgh, we attended a Catholic Church that was very active with social events. We had bazzars, dinners (Turkey dinners, sauerkraut & pork dinners, Ham dinner around Easter, etc.) a big picnic in the summer, a St. Patrick's day party, a New Year's Eve party, bingo night, even a Turkey Shoot...well, you get the idea. It helped members of the community to get to know each other, and although there was a little fund raising in most of these events, they mostly served to help local people have fun together for very little cost. I think this is a great idea to try some community entertainment get togethers sponsored by the Dems. I do think, at least initially, they would have to be non-partisan so people could get to know each other and that most of their neighbors really are nice people.

[JohnnyBoots]

6. I agree with

the non partisan idea at first, we have to establish numbers and a base I guess- that way too it would hopefully spread by word of mouth. I am moving to Pitt in a month or two any advice?

[napi21]

7. Well, where are you going to be working?

Rush hour traffic is nasty, but some routes are much worse than others.

I lived in the Nort Hills and worked downtown. Distance was 12 mi. and took about 1/2 hr.

My husband worked for 3 years at a company that was near the Pgh Airport, and had to travel the Parkway (US22/30) He traveled about 28 mi. but during rush hour, it took about 1 1/2 hrs! The joke was "they didn't call it the parkway for nothing!"

There are a lot of great areas in the PGH area, from new to very old and established. Home prices are all over the board, and you can find homes from new to very old and beautifully maintained.

I would suggest finding a realtor and explain your needs and wants. They will be a great help in finding a nice place to rent or buy, and know the areas well, so they can make informed recommendations to you.

Good luck. Let me know where you end up.

[JohnnyBoots]

8. got a place

on beechview ave in beechview. I want to work at the Academy, an alternative juvenile hall. What do you do?

[napi21]

10. I'm a retired accountant.

I think you'll lke the Beechview area. I'm not familiar with the Academy though. When you say you want to work there, does that mean you are a councelor, teacher???

[JohnnyBoots]

12. I am

An Americorps Teacher/tutor right now, so i want to work in private schools in Pitt beacause I can't afford to get certified right now. The area is perfect, by the way.

[OHdem10]

9. Excellent post and

coincidental with some comments made recntly by the Leader of largestEvangelical Group of Churches in US. Keep in mind Evangelicals
are not Fundeamentalist.. This leader whose name escapes me
made the comment this past week on ORelly.

Liberals (Democratic Party) used to speak for the poor and protect
their interests. The Dems turned away rom this responsiblity and
focused on Middle and Upper Class. Evangelicals are most concerned
about Global Warming. We as churches had to move in because
Democrats abandoned their responsiblity.

If this is the perception, it does not speak well of our party.

I traced back the growth of size of Evangelical Movement and there
is a parallel between the signing of Nafta and expansion of Evangelial
Movement. An argument can be made that millions were told by Nafta
the goverment will always take the side of Corporations--Democrats
included. They began to believe Our only hope is God. The Republicans were able to jump in and convice them of Morality as an issue. and the rest is history.

Your post is right on. The Party has to get back to its roots
and be able to offer them something that is real. Example:
Taking away some lame tax loophole for Companies who export
jobs overseas means nothing to this group if you are still
going to blindly support free trade. People are smart. This
is not going to change that much in their lives and makes Politicians
appear to be pandering rather than make a real difference.

Hope more people will give serious thought to the material contained
in your post.

[JohnnyBoots]

11. Well the good news

is that I just forwarded it to my old college room-mate who is an aide for Teddy Kennedy, maybe it will go somewhere from there. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[JohnnyBoots]

15. I guess at

least about fifteen people total or so looked at in all the forums I posted in. So much for out of the box thinking. I guess I'll stick the pope and bitching about Tom DeLay, that seems to be popular.

[renate]

16. Well, I think it's a truly excellent idea!

:thumbsup:

[Clark Bayh 2008]

17. Sounds like the right way to go - Good Ideas !

[Name removed]

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