Genealogy of a Southern Democrat's Daughter: Part 1

Note: This blog is part of the “History” or "Genealogy" of a Southern Democrat’s Daughter. Through the study of my family’s political opinions, this series of blogs is an attempt for me to understand my political views...Oh, I can faintly hear a collective "good luck with that" from the readers of SouthernDD. Hey, you can't blame a girl for tryin' to uncover her political roots. No matter how deep in the "mudslinging" they may be.

Part 1: A chrome bumper, and an oxymoron.

I am not a card carrying member of the NRA. I am not a pro-choice feminist. I do, however, come from a long line of Democrats. My paternal grandfather puts such high esteem in one's political party that I would be afraid to bring a Republican suitor to meet him! Things would get nasty, really nasty. Did I mention that he also takes full advantage of his right to bear arms? Like I said…nasty!

My grandfather is also not one to deface his property with adhesives. But, the bumper of his Chevrolet Silverado (not your typical run-of-the-mill left-wing hybrid, eh?) proudly displays a bright red bumper sticker, and his affection for his chosen political party. “I’m a Democrat, not a fat cat” his shiny, chrome bumper proclaims for the world to see! His world, rural West Tennessee, does not always find favor in his political viewpoints. Still, that does not stop him from sharing the good news (or not-so-good news) to anyone that will listen.

Really, this man is the most conservative man that I know! How can this man with all of the ear-marks of a conservative Republican be a Democrat? From my limited experience in the political analysis of people, I think it is because he realizes that if the working men and women of this country are a major part of this country’s economy. As inflation rises, the people that have average wages, and who live on fixed incomes are the ones that hurt the most. He appreciates the Democratic policies that have enabled him to provide for his family. Deep down he feels that everyone should have this chance. Maybe, He feels ignored, and shut out with the way that the current President’s administration ignores American citizens with an opinion that differs from their own. But, through it all, he refuses to be silent because his opinion is his to express, and the US Constitution enables him to shout it from the rooftops! Well, that is, until he violates a noise ordinance! Come to think of it, I don't think that the rooftop is his forum of choice. I would think that maybe he prefers an old country store, or a bench at the Wal-Mart. But, who knows? He may venture to climb a rooftop now and again.

Writing this article, I have realized that about one-half of my knowledge pertaining to my grandfather is correlated with political conversations during Christmas, and infrequent semi-annual visits. The knowledge will make for some intrestin' bloggin'...that's for sure!

Part two of this "genealogy" series will most defiantly be about my Daddy. Trust me, you will not want to miss that one!


-SouthernDD