If you are protesting Viet Nam, Iraq invasion or say anything critical about our country, the republicans whip this out. I don't get the "Love it Or Love it." thought, I think the only way we get better is to look at ourselves with a critical eye. But being an art student you learn when you are critiqued it may hurt your feelings but it does make you better.

C'mon Jodi, villifying the otherside is a hallmark of all politics.  You're right that the Bushies played the bullshit patriotism card too often and too irresponsibly but this is not new in politics.  For example, in the 1960's many conservatives opposed the Civil Rights Act because of its impact on individual states rights.  And they were accused of being racists by liberals.  Quite simply, its easier to accuse than to debate.  Bruce is defending his region and all the people who live there -- he's asking that the South and Southerns not to be judged by a minority of stupid people.  Its no different than the reaction many of us had to Sarah Palin refering to North Carolina as a "Pro-American" State, rather than my home state of New Jersey. (Course, based on the election, ol' Sarah may have to recant that and throw NC into the Anit-American ledger).

Geoff I am sorry but the "Love it or Leave it" statement is crap.

When I wrote letters to the editors about invading Iraq was wrong, it wasn't the Bushies that wrote that on the newspapers forums, it was republicans. My and they had such lovely things to say. Now did they express what all republicans felt, no. But come on Geoff I'll agree we have some crazy PETA people in my party, wanting to use breast milk instead of cow's milk, that's just crazy talk.

I agree there are racists everywhere, but you can't change the fact that the south has a long history of being racist.

has any one ever noticed that the anti-defamation league's main goal is to defame the defamers?

By wanting to expose groups like the KKK , sign me up. With your line of thinking you could also say the Police Force is a gang.

Just to be clear I do not think all southerns are racists, the majority of you all are great people. And South Carolina is one of my favorite states.

Jodi Moisan wrote: but you can't change the fact that the south has a long history of being racist.

Is anyone denying that, Jodi?  I'm also struck by this notion that the South has always been a hotbed of racism while the North is a bastion of civility and racial tolerance.  I call bullshit on that.  The North just does a better job of covering up their bias and racism.

Look, when we talk about racism we've got to remember that it's not only about blacks.  The North has a loooooooooong history of racism toward Native Americans.  The West has a looooooooong history of racism toward Hispanics and Asians.  Yes, the South is the most recognized because of the Civil War and slavery, but that in no way makes the North, West, or East better because of it.  Racism exists everywhere, in every city, small town, and farm across America.  To point out one region as "the worst" is patently false.

I agree with some of what you are saying Matt. One of my favorite verses in the bible is " let he who is without sin, cast the first stone"  all over the globe you will find hateful feelings. 

Edited to Add:

The North has a loooooooooong history of racism toward Native Americans. 

I don't agree with this though, not sure what you are talking about here.