How liberal is Seattle? (Republic: neighborhood, private school, college)

[eskercurve]

Seattle has a reputation for being liberal, but it also has a reputation for being a great place to live from those who live in it. Yeah there are squabbles (OMG THE ROADS!!!! bump bump bumpity bump EVERYWHERE), but in general, the people and the city itself are what make the place great to live. I also see it like this ... if the government was really corrupt and inept at fostering business and human capital, then people wouldn't be moving to this area in droves, still.

[Bill Loney]

Originally Posted by richard222

Inventing new tax revenue sources, paid for by the public!

Ummmm not exactly. The taxes that paid for the stadium were predominantly paid by tourists.

[Waianaegirl]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

Define "fit in"

If you decide to make a point of strutting your political and financial philosophy on others, you will be scorned and make very few friends.

If you decide that stuff is best left alone to yourself, small and polite discussion groups, and the ballot box, then you'll do fine.

Seattle is quite liberal. But so long as you do not try to foist your ideals on others, you will be cool.

I myself am a conservative, and I find that the liberals do push their views on others. They are quite loud about it. I am surprised, however at the amount of other conservatives that we have found here.
How many times have we been to a resturant and had a liberal evesdrop on our conversation. One woman actually stood up and pointed her finger in my FIL's face and was yelling at him. Another time we had to leave because we were seated next to these people that were discussing how much hate they had for republicans, all the cussing they were using. My goodness. Seems like you can't go anywhere without someone stopping you to tell you what you should do, or how you should play with you kid, or your dog, or that your clothing color is out of season. I do not need the help of a village, I do just fine on my own, thank you very much!

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by Waianaegirl

I myself am a conservative, and I find that the liberals do push their views on others. They are quite loud about it. I am surprised, however at the amount of other conservatives that we have found here.
How many times have we been to a resturant and had a liberal evesdrop on our conversation. One woman actually stood up and pointed her finger in my FIL's face and was yelling at him. Another time we had to leave because we were seated next to these people that were discussing how much hate they had for republicans, all the cussing they were using. My goodness. Seems like you can't go anywhere without someone stopping you to tell you what you should do, or how you should play with you kid, or your dog, or that your clothing color is out of season. I do not need the help of a village, I do just fine on my own, thank you very much!

Sorry, didn't know you were sitting next to me

[JesseJB]

It depends on what youre talking about at the restaurant! Seattle lib's vary from the laissez-faire do-as-you-please types to the very surly aging-hippies and the "Im young, ugly and angry at my parents" libs. And if you were talking like a 1950's republican its one thing. But if youre getting all intolerant-tea-party style you won't make many friends within earshot. The second type of lib will use that as their golden opportunity to "make a difference" and brag to their friends about it. They read, go to discussions and watch documentaries waiting for that moment to happen! The rest of us normal liberals kinda hide our heads in our beers.

[SwingVote08]

thanks all for the input so far - kinda puts things into persepective better. seems like politics in the area is manageable. i've had to put up extreme conservatism all my life so i'd proabably survive against the extreme liberals.

any traditionally moderate-liberal or moderate-conservative areas of seattle? downtown i'm sure is a mixed bag/super liberal but it's probably easier to get around politics with the density. just concerned about the neighborhoods/burbs

[Ira500]

It's true that there isn't one type of Seattle liberal. Some of that might depend on the neighborhood. Yes, there are some self righteous, holier than thou types who might organize a protest outside your home because they saw you throw a recyclable in the trash, and they'll report you to the authorities.
But I see most of the Seattle liberals as similar to myself: live and let live.
Of course, if I'm in a restaurant and overhear loud talking at the next table full of intolerant, racist talk, praising Neo-Nazis or bashing the poor, labeling Obama a socialist, I'd be tempted to say something. But I'm more likely to mutter under my breath as I leave. That's the Seattle way.

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by SwingVote08

thanks all for the input so far - kinda puts things into persepective better. seems like politics in the area is manageable. i've had to put up extreme conservatism all my life so i'd proabably survive against the extreme liberals.

any traditionally moderate-liberal or moderate-conservative areas of seattle? downtown i'm sure is a mixed bag/super liberal but it's probably easier to get around politics with the density. just concerned about the neighborhoods/burbs

Washington Park, near Madison Park, has Republicans, and extremely expensive property.
Magnolia has a reputation of being a bit more conservative...Capitol Hill, Wallingford, Columbia City, Phinney, Fremont, Etc would be the most liberal, I think?

[lovingthegreen]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Capitol Hill, Wallingford, Columbia City, Phinney, Fremont, Etc would be the most liberal, I think?

I would definitely include the U District in that list. Might be the most liberal neighborhood in the city, but I'll defer to Seattleites who have lived here longer than I have as to how liberal this neighborhood is compared to others.

[Ira500]

Absolutely the U District! That one brain cell of mine is on strike for better working conditions.