Moving from a "Red" state to a "Blue" state

Jun 27, 2005
19,216
1
61
In Alaska now... moving to Hawaii.

Alaska is awesome. But after 33 years in the most extreme climate on earth I'm tired. I've seen -72 and +96 within six months. I've played golf at midnight and marveled at a full moon at 3pm.

I want a nice boring tropical island where the record highs and lows are about five degrees off the average tempurature. I want to play golf on a whim in December. The only question I have is... How does a solid conservative deal with life in a very blue state?

I think that Alaska and Hawaii have a lot in common... We both feel a little duped when it comes to the whole statehood thing (Hawaii more so) and we both resent subjecting ourselves to the rule of Washington. Both are very independent. Both have an abundance of natural beauty. Both have boom and bust economies. Both are rich in natural resources (Oil for Alaska and pasty white folks for Hawaii) Both have a love/hate relationship with tourists.

When Alaska was voted into the union it was done under the assumption that it would turn out to be a democrat stronghold. Little did they know... Hawaii did in fact turn out to be a Dem stronghold. For now anyway...

So... how do I adapt? Or should I just shut up and enjoy my tan?

 

Painman

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2000
3,728
29
86
Well, I don't know. What makes Hawaii so "blue"? I've never been there and live almost as far away from there as an American can get, yet I live in another very "blue" state, and can hardly imagine that my state (MA) really has much in common with HI, even though we may vote similarly in nat'l elections.

My take on HI from way over here is that they're very environmentally oriented (their environment is a big draw for tourism, a huge part of their economy, but at the same time, tourism cannot be allowed to destroy the very thing that creates that industry) and also very Libertarian. My state is environmentally oriented (due to sheer population density), and rather NOT Libertarian, by way of the same dynamic. "Your rights end at my nose" takes on another meaning when you move that edict from a sparsely populated space to a densely populated one.

What am I trying to say? All politics is local. Don't jump to conclusions.
 
Jun 27, 2005
19,216
1
61
Originally posted by: Painman
Well, I don't know. What makes Hawaii so "blue"? I've never been there and live almost as far away from there as an American can get, yet I live in another very "blue" state, and can hardly imagine that my state (MA) really has much in common with HI, even though we may vote similarly in nat'l elections.

My take on HI from way over here is that they're very environmentally oriented (their environment is a big draw for tourism, a huge part of their economy, but at the same time, tourism cannot be allowed to destroy the very thing that creates that industry) and also very Libertarian. My state is environmentally oriented (due to sheer population density), and rather NOT Libertarian, by way of the same dynamic. "Your rights end at my nose" takes on another meaning when you move that edict from a sparsely populated space to a densely populated one.

What am I trying to say? All politics is local. Don't jump to conclusions.

I was bragging more than anything. The whole post was mostly rhetorical. :D

Alaska and Hawaii are virtual twins when it comes to most issues reagarding individuality and business. The fact that they tend to be on opposite ends of the spectrum in national elections is a bit odd... But whatever. I'm sure I'll fit in fine. ;)
 

OneOfTheseDays

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2000
7,052
0
0
Dude this is fscking America......you'll be fine.

If you are respectful and mind your own damn business nobody in a "BLUE" state is going to bother you.
 

Painman

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2000
3,728
29
86
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
[I was bragging more than anything. The whole post was mostly rhetorical. :D

Bastage :p

I'd love to try it out in the Far west, but I'm not sure how the hell I'd market myself out there, and my family is important. But I get tired of Nanny proclaiming regulations re: how to wipe my ass 'cos my neighbors might take offense at my technique, or the smell. But I love the cultural cornucopia you get here. Give and take.
 

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
70,794
6,352
126
1) Buy a Volvo
2) hangout at Starbucks drinking a Latte while talking on your Cell
3) wear sandals
4) get a weekly cucumber facial

They'll never suspect a thing.
 

Painman

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2000
3,728
29
86
Originally posted by: sandorski
1) Buy a Volvo
2) hangout at Starbucks drinking a Latte while talking on your Cell
3) wear sandals
4) get a weekly cucumber facial

They'll never suspect a thing.

Out here, we'd out you as a poseur within 15 minutes - the cosmetology would be dead giveaway. You need a ruddy complexion to earn your Card :p
 

umbrella39

Lifer
Jun 11, 2004
13,816
1,126
126
Hint, smoke some of the excellent pot they have and you won't care who is red, blue, or green for that matter. We are planning the same move in a 2 years.
 
Aug 1, 2006
1,308
0
0
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
In Alaska now... moving to Hawaii.

Alaska is awesome. But after 33 years in the most extreme climate on earth I'm tired. I've seen -72 and +96 within six months. I've played golf at midnight and marveled at a full moon at 3pm.

I want a nice boring tropical island where the record highs and lows are about five degrees off the average tempurature. I want to play golf on a whim in December. The only question I have is... How does a solid conservative deal with life in a very blue state?

I think that Alaska and Hawaii have a lot in common... We both feel a little duped when it comes to the whole statehood thing (Hawaii more so) and we both resent subjecting ourselves to the rule of Washington. Both are very independent. Both have an abundance of natural beauty. Both have boom and bust economies. Both are rich in natural resources (Oil for Alaska and pasty white folks for Hawaii) Both have a love/hate relationship with tourists.

When Alaska was voted into the union it was done under the assumption that it would turn out to be a democrat stronghold. Little did they know... Hawaii did in fact turn out to be a Dem stronghold. For now anyway...

So... how do I adapt? Or should I just shut up and enjoy my tan?

You answered your own question.
btw, you've made a wise decision. I've been to Oahu. I don't know about politics there, but I can tell you it's a beautiful place. Wow.
Enjoy that.
 

Bitek

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
10,676
5,239
136
Learn Japanese, there may be more Asians there than any "pasty whites." SAve lots of money bc its expensive as it gets..
 

DealMonkey

Lifer
Nov 25, 2001
13,136
1
0
It surprises me when people complain about the predominant local political views. I had an old friend actually move away from San Francisco because she felt it was just too liberal and couldn't imagine raising her kids under such circumstances. Um, excuse me? WTF? If you can't deal with people possessing different views than yourself, then you have a much bigger problem than anyone might have suspected. Look at me ... I'm fairly well entrenched in the liberal side of the spectrum (at least socially) and I moved directly into the heart of a Republican Stronghold (Orange County, CA) about a year ago. You think I give two craps what my neighbors political views are? Nope. I don't waste one second of my time with it, nor would I ever let it guide my actions in any way. Who cares?
 

Paddington

Senior member
Jun 26, 2006
538
0
0
I've heard that Hawaii is a fairly racist place, i.e. if you are not East-Asian you may have a hard time fitting in.
 

Paddington

Senior member
Jun 26, 2006
538
0
0
Originally posted by: DealMonkey
It surprises me when people complain about the predominant local political views. I had an old friend actually move away from San Francisco because she felt it was just too liberal and couldn't imagine raising her kids under such circumstances. Um, excuse me? WTF? If you can't deal with people possessing different views than yourself, then you have a much bigger problem than anyone might have suspected. Look at me ... I'm fairly well entrenched in the liberal side of the spectrum (at least socially) and I moved directly into the heart of a Republican Stronghold (Orange County, CA) about a year ago. You think I give two craps what my neighbors political views are? Nope. I don't waste one second of my time with it, nor would I ever let it guide my actions in any way. Who cares?

Try moving to Utah.
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
How does a solid conservative deal with life in a very blue state?

When Alaska was voted into the union it was done under the assumption that it would turn out to be a democrat stronghold. Little did they know... Hawaii did in fact turn out to be a Dem stronghold. For now anyway...

So... how do I adapt? Or should I just shut up and enjoy my tan?

Sounds like you ought to find an Island and recruit fellow "solid conservatives" to live on the Island with you since you apparently cannot play well with other freedom loving Americans.
 

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
You will probably notice that in Hawaii bridges actually lead to someplace.
 
Jun 27, 2005
19,216
1
61
Heh... I think some of you missed the part where I said the OP was rhetorical. LOL at some of the responses though. Truth is I'm not worried about anything. I'm psyched as hell to go. I'm in the process of liquidating everything I own. Other than the car payment and my mortgage I'm 100% debt free right now.

Anybody want to buy a house?

In four months (maybe sooner) I'll be in Maui. I vacation there twice a year and I've always toyed with the idea of moving but was put off by the cost of living. Then, when I was there in September, I was kicking back having a beer and when I looked around I noticed the bar tender... and the waitstaff... and it occurred to me... they're kids... they can't make that much money waiting tables (although I'm sure they fairly well with tips)... and they aren't homeless... Hmmm

So I passed out a bunch of resumes and got a few hits. I'd be gone the day after my house sells but I have to finish out my committment to my current employer. After than... gone. :D

umbrella39: Nothing compares to Alaska but Hawaii is better than most. ;)
techs: I think you'd be surprised to learn that the bridges in Alaska lead to someplace too.
Dave: This was as far away as I could get from you without leaving the country. :p
 

her209

No Lifer
Oct 11, 2000
56,336
11
0
Originally posted by: DealMonkey
...I moved directly into the heart of a Republican Stronghold (Orange County, CA) about a year ago.
Something I didn't know. Hey neighbor!
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
Dave: This was as far away as I could get from you without leaving the country. :p

Thank you

Which is all the more proof of the two divisions in America now.

Americans and Un-Americans

Un-Americans have had their way for 6 years now and scared to death of Americans taking their Country back.
 
Jun 27, 2005
19,216
1
61
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
Dave: This was as far away as I could get from you without leaving the country. :p

Thank you

Which is all the more proof of the two divisions in America now.

Americans and Un-Americans

Un-Americans have had their way for 6 years now and scared to death of Americans taking their Country back.
Go crap somone else's thread.
 

ProfJohn

Lifer
Jul 28, 2006
18,161
7
0
Originally posted by: DealMonkey
It surprises me when people complain about the predominant local political views. I had an old friend actually move away from San Francisco because she felt it was just too liberal and couldn't imagine raising her kids under such circumstances. Um, excuse me? WTF? If you can't deal with people possessing different views than yourself, then you have a much bigger problem than anyone might have suspected. Look at me ... I'm fairly well entrenched in the liberal side of the spectrum (at least socially) and I moved directly into the heart of a Republican Stronghold (Orange County, CA) about a year ago. You think I give two craps what my neighbors political views are? Nope. I don't waste one second of my time with it, nor would I ever let it guide my actions in any way. Who cares?
I can see moving away from a place like that in order to raise children.
I went to high school in small town Maine, sucked and was boring as hell.
But in hindsight it was a great 'safe' place with a good education system. (Very liberal, but I escaped)
I'd much rather raise my kids on a small town with a conservative view than a large liberal city.
 
Aug 1, 2006
1,308
0
0
Originally posted by: ProfJohn
Originally posted by: DealMonkey
It surprises me when people complain about the predominant local political views. I had an old friend actually move away from San Francisco because she felt it was just too liberal and couldn't imagine raising her kids under such circumstances. Um, excuse me? WTF? If you can't deal with people possessing different views than yourself, then you have a much bigger problem than anyone might have suspected. Look at me ... I'm fairly well entrenched in the liberal side of the spectrum (at least socially) and I moved directly into the heart of a Republican Stronghold (Orange County, CA) about a year ago. You think I give two craps what my neighbors political views are? Nope. I don't waste one second of my time with it, nor would I ever let it guide my actions in any way. Who cares?
I can see moving away from a place like that in order to raise children.
I went to high school in small town Maine, sucked and was boring as hell.
But in hindsight it was a great 'safe' place with a good education system. (Very liberal, but I escaped)
I'd much rather raise my kids on a small town with a conservative view than a large liberal city.

Ewww, you're from Maine? DAMNIT. Do me a favor and lie. Tell people you're from Tejas or something.