[LAT] GOP Has Lock on South, and Democrats Can't Find Key

Max, sorry if I was inflammatory--looked at my post and felt a little A-holish....

For your requested response:

Not only was the use of race clearly stated in the article, it is also a fundamental precept of US History. When the passage of the first meaningful Civil Rights legislation was crammed down the throats of our government by big, bad LBJ in 1964, a fundamental shift began in the south. Men like Strom Thurmond, an OLD Dixiecrat even in 1964, led a filibuster in the Senate to keep the bills from reaching the podium. They even went as far as simply reading the dictionary, word for word, page by page to hold up the floor. Strom became an ardent Republican--and that is just one small example.

Across the "solid south", legislators on the national level started jumping ship from the party of Andrew Jackson . They would have NO part in the granting of Civil Rights to African Americans and were more than a little mad at LBJ and the DNC. The Democratic party lingered at the local and state level, but there would not have been a Republican push into the south without the passage of Civil Rights legislation and the complete shift in the direction of the Democratic party.

I certainly don't think that your parents are racists, nor would I think you are.

 

Wasn't Lincoln a Republican? Wasn't the Democratic party known as the "white man's party" a while back? I think it's disingenuous to say that the Replican party created it's base ... on anything other than racism". You've got Republicans who were/are racist but you also have Democrats who were/are racist as well (isn't there a Democratic senator or congressman serving NOW who was a member of the KKK?).

Here is a quote from the PBS Website "After the Civil War, most white Southerners opposed Radical Reconstruction and the Republican Party's support of black civil and political rights." Read the link. It's short and from PBS so you know its got to be accurate.

 

i hear ya. it's just so far out of the realm of my experience with people I know who regularly vote Republican, that it offends me, frankly, to hear it said.

 

I get your gist Chase, but you have strayed into Apples and Oranges land. Most DEFINITELY the Democratic party was that of the good-ole boys and rabid "states-rights" segregationists who still called the Civil War, a hundred years later, the "War of Northern Aggression".

However, one of the most astonishing platform shifts in the history of this country occurred when LBJ powered through the civil-rights agenda that JFK was not able to realize. I used Strom Thurmond as a clear example: He was an ardent segregationist and out-n-out bigot as was much of the Democratic party in the south before 1964. Strom quickly became a Republican after he saw the turning tide.

So yes, there were agitators on both sides and Lincoln certainly signed the Emancipation Proclamation and was a republican, but LBJ and the Democratic party led the charge to make the real change in this country.

 

Not all Southern Republicans are racist by any means. But the south as a voting block moved to the Republican party after LBJ pushed all of his civil rights bills. Many southern democrats left the party. The Republicans only stood a chance in the south after the Democrats adopted a strong civil rights position.

That doesn't mean that all southern Republicans are racist. It does mean that the GOP established a foothold based on racism. That is the history of the two parties. That foothold has grown for a number of reasons, and obviously not all of them are racist.

 

Too true. LBJ, today, is remembered as the President who waded into Vietnam, micro-managed it, with so much "excellent" help from Robert McNamara and his merry band of incompetent generals and pencil pushers, and was way, way too often overlooked for his courageous social legislation, which no one else could have accomplished at that time.

LBJ was told by members of his own party that he was handing the South to the Republican Party. He acted anyway, and moved civil rights in this country forward by light years. I'm sorry, Max, if it sounds offensive to you, to hear that the tree bearing the fruit of the Republican domination of the South was watered by racism, but it's a sad fact. You shouldn't feel bad... as was mentioned, most of the Republicans were Democrats who changed their party affiliation. People your age have missed that watershed era. You see the consequences, not the actions that led to them. I don't think anyone is calling Southern Republicans of later generations a bunch of racists.

Frankly, as a Democrat, I'm glad many of those Southern Democrats have left the Party. I have no use for them, the ones still kicking around... the Old Southern Democratic Racists now writ large as Republicans. It's the aftermath that needs to be dealt with by my party. Clinton made some steps there. Hopefully, with time, more will be made by others. In fact, I think the one thing that, in the long run, is going to lead to a Democratic resurgence in the South and Southwest is George W. Bush. His actions as President, reverberating long after he's out of office, will do more to draw people away from his party than anything else I can think of... especially if we can come up with some good, moderate candidates. In my opinion, of course.




Keep D&D Civil!!

 

Since we are looking into the history of Southern Democrats, this Demo site might be of use (YellowDogDemocrat.com):

History of the Yellow Dog Democrat

A Yellow Dog Democrat is a staunch loyalist to the Democratic Party. These days, the term is widely recognized as an expression of regard and, as such, it is only used in a manner of praise. Yellow Dog Democrats embody loyalty. This is a trait that should never ever be taken for granted by any Party nor by any individual for that matter. The Democrat Party recognizes this, thus correctly acknowledges the Yellow Dog Democrat as some of their "Best Friends".

The term, Yellow Dog Democrat, blossomed during all of the Hoopla which surrounded the 1928 elections, when Al Smith ran for President against Herbert Hoover. During that campaign, Senator Tom Heflin, of Alabama, declined to back his fellow Democrat, Al Smith the Governor of NY. In fact it was much worse than that, Senator Heflin decided to back Herbert Hoover, who would then go on to become President- a Republican President no less. Heflin's controversial actions were considered heresy, especially in the South. As you can imagine, quite a large number of Alabamans vehemently disagreed with Senator Heflin's decision to cross his "Party Lines". Hence, the popular saying, "I'd vote for a yellow dog if he ran on the Democratic ticket" was born! It was adopted as the proud slogan of the staunch party loyalist. At the time, this phrase certainly did not reflect well on Senator Heflin.

Adapted from William Safire's Safire's New Political Dictionary.
© 1993 by the Cobbett Corporation.

Blue Dog Democrats

On the other hand, Blue Dog Democrats are a relatively new group. The Blue Dogs are made up of approximately thirty conservative-leaning House Democrats who came together in 1995 to contest the liberal inclinations of the Democratic party. The Blue Dogs have now become the balance of power in the closely divided House.

The term, Blue Dog Democrat, is playfully derived from the original term "Yellow Dog Democrat". It was Former Democrat Rep. Pete Geren, of Texas, who said that the members have been "choked blue" by those extreme Democrats, from the left. Thus, he is credited for coining the term Blue Dog Democrat.

Blue Dogs are descendants of a 1950s defunct Southern Democratic group once known as the 'Boll Weevils', who played a critical role, in the early 1980s, by supporting President Ronald Reagan's tax cut plan. Well anyway, Boll Weevil is out and Blue Dog is in. Today, the Senate has its very own version of the Blue Dogs, a.k.a. the New Democrat Coalition, which took shape in 1999.

In our research we have also come across other terms such as: "Rabid Yeller Dawg"( this is a Great Tag!), "Yellow Pups", and "Blue Pups". Due to the lack of information on these groups, we took creative license and filled in the blanks, developing our own characters.

Rabid Yeller Dawg

This breed of Democrat Dog is the Staunchest of all! Although their numbers are relatively small, the Rabid Yeller Dawg continues to thrive, Their stronghold originated and remains in the deeper southern regions of The United States. Rabids rarely socialize with Blue Dogs/Dawgs as Rabids deem them as having a diluted and blurred committment to their Democratic heritage. Rabids metamorphose when they debate Politics. They will often foam at the mouth, bare their teeth and fight tooth and nail when they confront opposing points of view.

Yeller Dawg

The Yeller Dawg is the oldest of the American Democrat Dog breed. Yeller Dawgs are vigorous, keen Democrats with hardy constitutions and absolutely no interest in any other party or viewpoints that sway from the traditional Democratic platform. The Yeller Dawg's reputation as a coarse, unswerving, loyalist has not helped this breed to win any popularity contests. A remarkable feature of this pure bred is its ability to shed any and all Dem Bashing simply with a good wag of the tail. The Yeller Dawg's stronghold continues to remain in the deep south. Ole Yeller shines as one of the finest of examples of this proud breed.

Yellow Dawg

This variation continues to evolve due to our society's ever changing culture and political points of view. The coloring of the Yellow Dawg is traditional for this breed and it is barely distinguishable from the original, Yeller Dawg. Yellow Dawgs are just as loyal, yet they seem to be some what more receptive to those other variations of the Dem Dog that maintain other points of view. This breed flourishes along the outskirts of Our Country's southern regions with some packs spreading upwards to the North, East and West. This breed would certainly vote for a Yellow Dog for President, if one were nominated by the Party, to oppose any and all Republicans.

Yellow Dog

The Yellow Dog is the present-day version and direct descendant of the Yellow Dawg. Although early documents suggest that Yellow Dogs may have been known to exist as early as the late 19th century, the term Yellow Dog did not come into popular use until 1928. (see the History of the Yellow Dog). The Yellow Dog can be any shade from yellow to the richest tawney, although the palest cream is also acceptable. These handsome and popular dogs have established themselves by helping to maintain the heritage of the Democratic Party. They are dignified, stylish workers with a gift for recruiting new Yellow Dog blood in a gently persuasive manner. At the same time, they are the principal breed trained to reel moderate Blue Dogs back toward the traditional values of the Democrat Party. Their good-tempered and kindly nature made them ideal as the Friend and Guardian of The Democratic Party.

Yellow Pup

The Yellow Pup Democrat is, simply, the offspring of a Yellow Dog Democrat couple or one who is newly recruited into the Democratic Party as a Yellow Dog or one of its many variations. As their name suggests they are quite youthful and very energetic. As political novices, they are eager to please their party, but they are still relatively inexperienced in matters of how politics are to be played.

Double Dawg

The Double Dawg Democrat is a recent phenomenon. They are classified by who they partner with in life, work and political cause. For example: today, it is not uncommon for a Yellow Dog Democrat to couple with a Blue Dog Democrat or vice-versa.

Blue Dog

The Blue Dog, with its medium build and distinctive blue coloration, is becoming more and more popular. Its role as a moderate is almost overlooked. The Blue Dog's kindly nature makes it invaluable for retrieving Democratic support from the general population. Because the Blue Dog is a relatively new breed, it has taken some time to become established on a national level. The Blue Dog's versatility is such that it works as a fund raising dog, a liaison dog, and the breed of choice of countless Democrats across the country. Blue Dogs are evenly tempered, always exuding a great sense of fun! Although Blue Dogs seemingly swerve in their loyalty to their Party- they are still Democrats at heart. It has been said that the extreme views of the Yeller Dawg has choked these Dem Dogs Blue. See History of the Yellow Dog Democrat.

Blue Dawg

The Blue Dawg is the sibling to the Blue Dog. They share all of the primary characteristics. The only true differentiator is their preference of where their pack resides. Blue Dawg packs gravitate toward the southern region of the country. Like their Blue Dog siblings- these Dawgs are noted for their fun loving personality.

Blue Pup

Blue Pups are the offspring of Blue Dawg/Dog couples. Blue Pups are highly energetic and eager to get involved in Politics. They are eager to serve their Party and community by encouraging open forums on the issues that affect our nation. Blue Pups have no difficulty exchanging ideas with those of other breeds or parties (something unheard of in the case of the Yeller Dawgs). Our ever changing society seems responsible for the evolution of the Blue Pup breed.

If you are a Democrat, what breed of dog are you?

 

Woof!
Woof! Woof!




Beats me! One of Dem dawgs. Woof!





Keep D&D Safe for Dawgs!!

 

Out of curiosity, why is there so much media attention on Republican's hold on the south, and not the Democrats stronghold of the NE and the pacific coast(specifically California)?That's a pretty damn big voting bloc too.

 

That is a good question.

 

Aha! A mongrel!

 

the old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. a liberal writing an article about the south, broken in his opinion. the ne and cali vote democrat, so it's not broken.... maybe???

 

I have no clue as to how (or even why) Dem's can reach out to the south when such ignorance and hate are so ingrained into their society...Ten Commandments in courthouse, on robes, and now this..

http://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/12/22/confederate.prom.dress.ap/index.html


Teen sues over Confederate flag prom dress

Wednesday, December 22, 2004 Posted: 3:14 PM EST (2014 GMT)



LEXINGTON, Kentucky (AP) -- A teenager is suing her school district for barring her from the prom last spring because she was wearing a dress styled as a large Confederate battle flag.

The lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court claims the Greenup County district and administrators violated Jacqueline Duty's First Amendment right to free speech and her right to celebrate her heritage at predominantly white Russell High School's prom May 1. She also is suing for defamation, false imprisonment and assault.

"Her only dance for her senior prom was on the sidewalk to a song playing on the radio," said her lawyer, Earl-Ray Neal.

Duty, 19, is seeking actual and punitive damages in excess of $50,000.

She said she worked on the design for the dress for four years, though she acknowledged that some might find the Confederate flag offensive.

"Everyone has their own opinion. But that's not mine," she told reporters outside the courthouse. "I'm proud of where I came from and my background."

Duty, now a college student, said school officials told her before the prom not to wear the dress, but she didn't have another one and decided to see if administrators would change their minds.

According to her lawsuit, she was met outside by two police officers and principal Sean Howard. She said the principal intimidated her by striking the vehicle she was in.

School offices were closed Wednesday. Superintendent Ronnie Back did not immediately respond to a call to his home seeking comment.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans has promised to help pay some of her legal expenses.

 

I hope she keeps the dress on as I have no particular desire to see her not in it.