I blog from Boston, capital of the bluest state. Although pockets of blue-collar conservatism exist in Massachusetts, it has earned its reputation as a bastion of liberalism. Bay Staters voted for native-son John Kerry in greater proportions than any other state--just as they did for George McGovern in 1972. Massachusetts is deep blue.

Not surprisingly, many of the locals still endure a hangover that's lasted since November 2. This is especially true of Cambridge.

At Harvard University, Kerry-for-President signs still hang from scattered windows almost a month after election day. Throughout the city, pro-Kerry messages adorn bumpers. This is no shock--I still glimpse Mondale-Ferraro bumperstickers on occassion. What is a bit startling is some of the more venomous messages I saw while riding the famous 77 bus to Harvard Square. Someone defaced a statue of the Virgin Mary at a church in North Cambridge by spraypainting a feminist "woman" symbol on it. Past Porter Square, a mural of red and white stripes decorates the exterior wall of one shop. This proved too much for some inhabitant of this supposed bastion of tolerance, who spraypainted the words "End U.S. Imperialism" over the painting of the waving flag. At the Harvard Book Shop, a petition titled--no joke--"Freadom v. the Patriot Act" asks customers to protest Bush administration policies. Grafitti on Mass. Ave. leading to Central Square was more blunt: "Kill Bush."

We are not talking about a bunch of country rubes. This is Cambridge, home of Harvard and MIT, Brattle Street wealth, and countless bookstores. Yet, many locals react to President Bush's election-day triumph in a manner every bit as hysterical as the Montana Militia's reaction to Bill Clinton. High IQs and multiple degrees aren't antidotes to foolishness. Stroll through the People's Republic on the Charles and you'll see what I mean.

Flynny,
My sentiments exactly from two weeks ago. I was back home in the Republic for a wedding and saw much of the same. It seems as though the liberals were never taught how to be gracious in defeat. "Regime Change Begins at Home" and "Bush is the #1 Terrorist" were more common than the basic "Kerry-Edwards" bumper stickers. A relative of mine summed it up best by saying that there's no religion in that state. Though I'd like to move back there someday, I question whether or not I'd like to be around such extremists at every turn...they used to be confined to Harvard Square. Happy Holidays to you and yours. -McGowan

I know what you mean. I live in Wisconsin, a VERY liberal state. I posted a note in a Yahoo chat room about how the republicans should'nt get arrogant now that they're in charge and how both parties should stop the mudslinging. As you would expect, I was accosted not with reasoned disagreements, but with name calling and hate. Here in Wisconsin, in Madison, people had their Bush signs stolen and swastika's burned in their yards. This from the tolerant left? I wonder, if the left ever gets total control, will the send us to "re-education" camps?

I haven't noticed any more Bush hatred than what already existed before the election. As far as I know there haven't been any post-election protests on Boston Common.

Remember Rush's aphorism:

WHEN THE LIBERALS ARE INCHARGE THEY ARE DANGEROUS!

WHEN THEY ARE OUT OF POWER, THEY ARE SILLY!!!!

Mark

You're correct. Boston is NOT full of a bunch of country rubes. It is worse. It is full of city rubes.

Ted Kennedy (obviously a drunk that Fritz Hollings never met) came out very strongly about the video game reinacting the assassination of his brother, JFK in Dallas.

Perhaps the elitists along the Commons will think twice before putting up any more "kill" the president love notes.

Dittos on the Rush comment - they do go wacko.

Hey, Dan:

Good to know there's someone around this town with some sense.

Boston: it's a great place for baseball, but not politics.

Don't feel alone, there's plenty of Kerry/Edwards signs still up on telephone poles all over Philadelphia. And yes, there's plenty of hate-bush bumper stickers seen daily. But I like to remind them, that at least they still have Mayor John Street - and the liberals smile because they know he is possibly the most corrupt politician in the nation and the main reason why Philadelphia is in free-fall decline. John Street is a great example of what the Democrats will do when in power.

I fail to understand why Democrats are under the impression that Republicans need to be "gracious" in winning. I shudder to think of Tayraysa's demeanor had Kerry won..

Hi Dan,

Love your books. I'd like to comment on Mark Hugo's Rush quote.

Remember Rush's aphorism:

WHEN THE LIBERALS ARE INCHARGE THEY ARE DANGEROUS!

WHEN THEY ARE OUT OF POWER, THEY ARE SILLY!!!!

Actually, when liberals are out of power, they are MORE dangerous.

Check out http://www.uhuh.com/nwo/communism/comgoals.htm

Look how many of those goals of the American Communist Party have been accomplished, and you can see what their forcast is in regards to what's next. The liberals are right in their back pocket. Personally, I think it's time for this country to have a good old fashioned Joe McCarthy enema. It's long overdue. Let's start with Michael Moore and the rest of the Hollywood idiots. Do you think that it's possible that we could bring back tarring and feathering?

I too live in the land of Fat Ted, John ‘War Hero’ Kerry and ‘Tank Commando’ Mike Dukakis and I often think that I was planted here by mistake. I’m continuously amazed by the complete lack of common sense with regards to some of the most educated among us.

Educated idiots.

The libs that I am frequently in contact with and observe are like spoiled, arrogant children who can’t take no for an answer.

They are truly obnoxious in defeat.

As Captain Quint said to Hooper in Jaws - “I know one thing Mr. Hooper, you fancy college boys don’t have the education to admit when you’re wrong”.

This seems to apply in spades.

We have the same left wing "intellectuals" in Ohio, too. They need to get a life!

I'm from Boston and am extremely offended y you right wing nut cases from Alabama. Our city is one of the greatest in the world and is 31 politicaly speaking. i'd rather be an elitist CIVILLIZED beacon hill resident that a nutjob moron hick like you people from the deep south. God bless our city, its the only place with some real common sense. And you know what? we will re-elect Kerry and Kennedy by double digits untill the day they drop dead. so eat that, you hicks.