Column can be found in: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/05/arts/05rich.html?
In his column, Mr. Rich seems to think that when the network news shows some attention to the voters in red states, it is simply pandering. Funny, a few weeks ago when John Kerry was doing the same thing, the media elites didn't indicate that was pandering. Even when he dressed up in that ridiculous camouflaged gear, got himself a huntin' license and followed a dead goose around for the cameras, they said he was just being himself. Wonder how many times he's been goose huntin' since the election? But on the other hand, who cares.
It is noteworthy, that in Mr. Rich's world, we simple red-state folks are disparaged because we are too Christian, too openly patriotic, too much into "moral values", too homophobic, and perhaps most frustrating to him, no longer silent. He, no doubt, remembers the good old days when we "hicks" were all too silent and hence did not realize the power of our numbers.
But get used to it, Mr. Rich, we red-staters are no longer silent and passive. We now know our power, by George. Just look at the trends of the past several national elections. When was the last time liberals even held their own? You whiners need to realize it's only going to get worse for you until the liberal leaders and writers make some REAL changes in their attitudes and strategies: And I personally think they cannot do that. Your column, Mr. Rich, is just a very small example of why.
Hate alone won't win elections.
Damn, I can't wait 'til the 2006 elections get here!
Oh, and by the way, I don't think it is demeaning for someone to like Billy Graham, Minnie Pearl and Li'l Abner. I also like Al Sharpton, Whoopie Goldberg and Doonesbury. After all, they do generate a lot of conservative votes!
