Most progressive areas in Missouri? (Springfield, Mexico: home, neighborhood, schools)

[artichoke63]

Originally Posted by Liev

Hi,

My husband and I are into environmentalism, self-sufficiency (like going off the grid), health foods, animal rights, nonviolence, and other progressive things. We also like being in a community with others who enjoy both learning and sharing their knowledge on such topics. Where would we find the most welcoming community in Missouri for this kind of mindset? Are there any small-to-mid-sized towns in Missouri where we would fit in pretty well? What's the status of St. Louis?

Thanks!

Some of the responses on this board are pretty scary. You may want to keep to places like CA, MA, OR, NH, or VT... I think I'll do the same.

Artie

[firebll31]

I would love to live off the grid, but I don't think SW MO has the infrastructure that would allow it. I would really like to put in a few windmills, but the initial expense is just too high. I have no intention of living without some of life's comforts, like AC, I would just like to produce enough power for myself and a few others, or sell it back to the electric companies. I would like to go solar, but there are too many trees and too much hail to cause damage.

[allmuxedup]

Please tell me there are no liberals in MO!!!! I'm moving from Calif to get away from that particular wasting disease!
Animal Rights??? I have a rental house in MO, a tenant moved in... well, he moved his stuff in & put a dog in the house. He didn't live there for the 8 mos that he had the house. That poor dog was in there alone, locked in the house w/ no other living creature. She could not get outside, so you can imagine what the house smelled like! The neighbors complained about the night long howling & the smell. The police tried to get the dog, as did the Humane Society. They finally did get her, but she was so emaciated that she had to be carried, she wss too weak to walk. She's a Weimeriener, they are extremely emotionally dependant on their owners & do not do well alone for a single day, much less for months on end!
The only way he will pay for what he did to this poor dog is my effort in bringing vandalism charges against him. The repairs to the house were over $3,500 (the rent was $285.) I made such a fuss that there are now felony charges pending. Trial is June 25th... I'll be there sitting in the front row. I want him in jail. This is the 4th house he's done this too & the last dog died & was left to rot inside the house before mine.
BUT.... they said they couldn't get a conviction on animal abuse because the prevaling attitude is, "It's just a dog!"

BTW - I adopted the dog (Lexie) & she is now the picture of health & happyness.

[da jammer]

Originally Posted by allmuxedup

Please tell me there are no liberals in MO!!!! I'm moving from Calif to get away from that particular wasting disease!

LOL!! Sorry to say there are small pockets of them running around a few areas in this state Forty years of living in Cali and I couldn't take what the liberal agenda has done to that state anymore.

[Northwoods Voyager]

Having spent the last six decades living in the great state of Missouri, I am proud to state that there are very few liberals to go around. I was born in St. Louis and attended school there. Moved out of state a few times and happily returned to Missouri. The state has so much going for it: all four seasons can be experienced, flat land, hills, rivers, home to a variety of plant life as well as wild life. And yes, my husband and I have done our share of deer, squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting in the past. Our sons that live in other states do come 'home' to enjoy what Missouri has to offer. St. Louis has it's share of different lifestyles as does K.C. Springfield and Columbia are interesting college towns. Small towns in Missouri are not even dots on some maps. 2500 is the average population of many 'small' towns. Not many liberals residing in these areas. Oh, BTW, not everyone living in or near these small towns are gun toting rednecks. Sure there are a few of these individuals but not enough to classify every town as red-neck territory. Most small towns are close enough to metropolitan areas to satisfy cravings for concerts, shopping, museums, and the other 'finer' things in life. Having stated all of this, I believe that Missouri is blessed with it all except the ocean front properties. However, we do have our share of lakes and rivers.

[J1ndo]

To the OP, you might want to set your sights a bit westward and look up Lawrence, KS. It's a mid-sized city and is quite liberal. You will be able to find all that you listed.

[northbayeric]

Originally Posted by allmuxedup

Please tell me there are no liberals in MO!!!! I'm moving from Calif to get away from that particular wasting disease!
Animal Rights??? I have a rental house in MO, a tenant moved in... well, he moved his stuff in & put a dog in the house. He didn't live there for the 8 mos that he had the house. That poor dog was in there alone, locked in the house w/ no other living creature. She could not get outside, so you can imagine what the house smelled like! The neighbors complained about the night long howling & the smell. The police tried to get the dog, as did the Humane Society. They finally did get her, but she was so emaciated that she had to be carried, she wss too weak to walk. She's a Weimeriener, they are extremely emotionally dependant on their owners & do not do well alone for a single day, much less for months on end!
The only way he will pay for what he did to this poor dog is my effort in bringing vandalism charges against him. The repairs to the house were over $3,500 (the rent was $285.) I made such a fuss that there are now felony charges pending. Trial is June 25th... I'll be there sitting in the front row. I want him in jail. This is the 4th house he's done this too & the last dog died & was left to rot inside the house before mine.
BUT.... they said they couldn't get a conviction on animal abuse because the prevaling attitude is, "It's just a dog!"

BTW - I adopted the dog (Lexie) & she is now the picture of health & happyness.

This isn't an issue of liberal vs. conservative. It's about what's right and what's wrong. Please let all of us know what happens with the trial. I certainly want this sick, subhuman POS behind bars as well, and made to pay full restitution to you. I'm sure if there isn't already a state law on the books proscribing serious penalties for this kind of animal abuse, a campaign could be waged to add one once the MO Legislature resumes its session early next year.

Missouri is a pro-life state. It should maintain its commitment to protecting pregnant women and their unborn, and protect our four-legged best friends from this kind of abuse as well. Anyway, I hope you give this guy hell during the trial.

[gripster2]

I totally agree, that is unbelievable, what he did was unreal. The fact that he did it before means he will keep doing it. I hope you get your justice for you and that poor dog! Thank god for kindhearted people like you, now let's see what kind of justice there is, let us know and good luck, you certainly deserve it!

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by Liev

Hi,

My husband and I are into environmentalism, self-sufficiency (like going off the grid), health foods, animal rights, nonviolence, and other progressive things. We also like being in a community with others who enjoy both learning and sharing their knowledge on such topics. Where would we find the most welcoming community in Missouri for this kind of mindset? Are there any small-to-mid-sized towns in Missouri where we would fit in pretty well? What's the status of St. Louis?

Thanks!

As others have mentioned, West End of StL or Columbia would be quick/dirty first thought choices. However, keep in mind that there are other areas where those of similar interests/tastes can be found - within any region of any state. Just depends upon how 'visible' and/or known that may be by those outside of that cliche. And of course, also depends as to your particular definition of such, along with where in the balance you fall. For example, some may consider me an environmentalist, as I try to speak out for wildlife, nature, water/air/soil, organics, etc issues - yet, I hunt, am an engineer dealing w/ the mining and processing of metals. Point is that you can find that what you seek, even if it is in the midst of the other side of the fence. Besides, with the internet, the world is your community. Lastly, recall the saying 'build it and they will come' - start your own little niche of an area of like minded peoples, or go into an area that you like for other reasons, and then start a club/group/organization there.


ps; interesting that the OP makes their first and only post on the topic of being progressive, yet,,, hasn't returned since 5/26?
maybe out picking some grape nuts, or the backyard wind turbined solar powered hydroelectric generator failed? j/k!!!

[kmflan]

Wow, what a variety of responses! That's why I love this place. I live in the KC area and I'd say you'd find pockets of everything you listed if you look hard enough. Even off the grid stuff. I am very into that myself, but hubby hasn't quite bought into it yet. Every farmer's market I know of around here has quite an organic/whole foods offering. The only thing you would really have to seek out intently is the animal rights part. This is a hunting mecca and steak as well. All be it, grass fed cows organically raised is growing in popularity.

Good Luck.