First Couple Months In Austin

[scm53]

Originally Posted by Weatherguy

Based on demographics, Texas is headed for becoming a blue state within a decade. There's been a lot in the news regarding that.

Wishful thinking from political consultants who intend to be gainfully employed for the next ten years seelling that line of snake oil.

It presumes that XYZ growing group is monolithic. Nothing could be further from the truth. But they will be happy to take your money.

[Weatherguy]

Keep up with Battleground Texas. There's a lot going on in the background, just like there was with the recent election, and unless you're watching and reading multiple media sources, you'll miss it (for example, many people who only watched Fox News were very naïve).

I think Battleground Texas is optimistic, though. I say give it 10 years and this state will be a totally different place. It's pretty well known that if everyone eligible to vote actually voted in this state, we would already be blue. The challenge is to get strategic groups to vote, and that's what Battleground Texas is working on.

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by zakas80

NPR = Communist Radio

And you've never listened to it, have you?

Typical wingnut remark.

[zakas80]

Originally Posted by Weatherguy

And you've never listened to it, have you?

Typical wingnut remark.

I have listened before, it's not bad.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by Weatherguy

I think Battleground Texas is optimistic, though. I say give it 10 years and this state will be a totally different place. It's pretty well known that if everyone eligible to vote actually voted in this state, we would already be blue. The challenge is to get strategic groups to vote, and that's what Battleground Texas is working on.

You are optimistic by a factor of at least two, according an un-biased source. 2036 at the earliest. Problem isn't just turn out - it is the non-monolithic behavior of Texas Hispanic voters - like my brother-in-law. Texas Republicans get about 40% of the Hispanic vote. To say "if everyone eligible to vote actually voted in this state, we would already be blue" ignores that reality. It also ignores that Texas Republicans have governed much more moderately regarding issues important to Hispanics than Republicans in other states. We haven't had a Pete Wilson in Texas, and you have to look at the heat Rick Perry took on the national stage over several of those issues. Finally - one of the three highest ranking state wide office holders is Hispanic, and Republican.

Also, when you use pejorative labels like "typical wingnut", it casts doubts on your ability to look at things from anything other than a bitter partisan view. One has to wonder if that lack of objectivity carries over into this issue as well?

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by unihills

Maybe you wake up a lot earlier than I do or drive at different times, but Morning Edition and All Things Considered haven't changed their time slots. New stuff instead of music comes on at 9 or 10 am, no? At which point a button push will take you back to music, right?

Personally I am happy having more choices.

I agree. I like the two station format. I keep both programed into my car radio, along with KMFA classical. Between the three, there is always something I can be happy listening to.

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by scm53

Also, when you use pejorative labels like "typical wingnut", it casts doubts on your ability to look at things from anything other than a bitter partisan view. One has to wonder if that lack of objectivity carries over into this issue as well?

I don't agree with name calling either, but really, to say that NPR is "communist" is both inaccurate and provocative, not to mention "bitter partisan."

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by scm53

You are optimistic by a factor of at least two, according an un-biased source. 2036 at the earliest. Problem isn't just turn out - it is the non-monolithic behavior of Texas Hispanic voters - like my brother-in-law. Texas Republicans get about 40% of the Hispanic vote. To say "if everyone eligible to vote actually voted in this state, we would already be blue" ignores that reality. It also ignores that Texas Republicans have governed much more moderately regarding issues important to Hispanics than Republicans in other states. We haven't had a Pete Wilson in Texas, and you have to look at the heat Rick Perry took on the national stage over several of those issues. Finally - one of the three highest ranking state wide office holders is Hispanic, and Republican.

Also, when you use pejorative labels like "typical wingnut", it casts doubts on your ability to look at things from anything other than a bitter partisan view. One has to wonder if that lack of objectivity carries over into this issue as well?

Apparently I must spread some rep around before giving you any. So here it is.