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You don't cling to religion! What are you talking about!?

"And it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations," Obama said.

Well I had an experience recently that was very relevant to me....

Our power was off for 9 days after the hurricane.
We had people roaming the neighborhood stealing generators
and looting the houses of those who had left.

I clung to my faith (NOT MY RELIGION)
and my weapons of choice and we made it just fine.

When the $hi# hits the fan you find out very quickly what is REALLY important to you....

Bottom line, bigtom...

We know what he said, jeff.

You miss the point, Beamer...which is surprising, since we share the same forum.

I know Appalachia pretty well, my ancestors owned much land in the Pennsylvania/Ohio area before they became states. The residents have many contrasting and conflicting qualities. And the migration OUT and little IN has results that many do not want to acknowledge. You can visit places there that you could swear are caricatures but in reality they exist. A large part of responsibility for the economic,cultural, educational stagnation is the excessive territorial attachment many do "cling" to. One industry may be the only job source for many small towns and villages and when that goes there is little to do except carp about everything and do little to change their opportunities, whether it be turning over every stone, even if it means relocation.


For a sense of false security they do indeed substitute the Bible and their beloved guns. I could tell some stories you wouldn't find believable......the conditions are very ripe for paranoia.




lenal

I know you pretty well, and you're no Bible thumper!

you're still missing the point. Why was Obama taken to task on this comment?

Because he said something to liberal San Franciscans that people doubted he would say to the people he was referring to.

Yes!...And it was taken a elitist and snobbish....And I agree.

You know, there can be such a thing as reverse snobbery. Why do you think Palin keeps talking about how much better people are who live in small towns? I guess us city folk don't measure up to her standards.

Not a Palin fan either. You started out as a country girl, if I'm not mistaken!

That's because your interpretation of Obama's words are influenced by your mental landscape just as I interpreted what he said because of how my mind filters info. I don't believe in any way that he meant to offend anyone or that his words are an indication of "elitism" or "snobbishness". But I understand why some are offended and I knew he would get a lot of heat from his statement.

Exactly, Beamer...excellent point! The reverse snobbery of the "anti-intellectuals".

You can't be a small town redneck and be intellectual? A little snobbish, don't you think?

Well, yes you can be both but I have yet to meet one. And I live in an area that has many gun owning, bible thumping residents. Certainly though, intellectuals can and do live in small, rural towns. They might also own guns and be people of faith.

Frenchy, I will add, that when I say "intellectual" I don't mean only those who are highly educated. To me an "intellectual" can also be a person who uses his intellect, who seeks out info, examines various viewpoints...one who is able to analyze info and imagine that which is beyond his personal realm of experience. I know many non college educated people who fit this description and some college educated ones who are so dense they should have their diplomas confiscated.

Agreed...We get in trouble when we paint with a broad brush. Obama made a thoughtless comment in front of the wrong audience. Both candidates are guilty of this.

We're in agreement!

Kool...

All these nested quotes are making me crazy.

Clinging to religion during times of turbulence is a central part of American History. Read about the Great Awakenings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Awakening

In essence, people feel threatened when big changes confront them, and if they don't know what else to do there is always religion. Hell, if it makes you feel good, go for it. Just don't condemn me if I don't go along with you.

Remember George Carlin's 11th Commandment -- "Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself."

I don't believe I did.

Argh! Don't mess with my stereotypes! You'll make my head explode!

Well Peg...I live in a trailer, drive a pick-up and the dog sleeps under the porch, However...you might be surprised at my bookcase and CD's.

You have got to be kidding, right? I have no doubt that your collections are much deeper than mine.

About my collection or my homestead?

Jeez! Neither one! About the fact that I'd be surprised at either your homestead or your collection.

It ain't fancy Peg, but it's mine and it's paid off.