Anonymous wrote:I am an old school liberal. I think the extremist wing of the democratic party has become the opposite of liberal. I believe in funding schools, programs for the less fortunate, and supporting labor. But I don't want to mask mandates, vaccine passports, telling restaurant owners what they have to sell, and banning leaf blowers. I think some in the democratic party today are far too trusting of government and actually wanting to restrict ideas and speech. My parents are also old school vietnam war era liberals, and i think there is something to be learned from them.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

This moderate Democrat supports most DEI measures, supports reasonable programs for those less fortunate, and probably supports some police reforms, but is not supportive of defunding the police. Crime is an issue. If the foregoing makes me a scum, then I am okay with that. But you, my friend, need a reality check. Our MAGA citizens are interested in taking away or limiting voting and other civil rights, deleting African American history for textbooks, and expanding gun rights (leading no doubt to more gun violence in African American and other communities). You also must understand that govt social programs are, in reality, funded by the rich. More govt programs means more taxes, and more taxes simply drives away those citizens who actually pay the vast majority of the taxes.

Your beliefs about MAGA Republicans come from a MSNBC caricature. I would address each point above, but somehow I doubt that you are interested. - MoCo MAGA supporter

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

This moderate Democrat supports most DEI measures, supports reasonable programs for those less fortunate, and probably supports some police reforms, but is not supportive of defunding the police. Crime is an issue. If the foregoing makes me a scum, then I am okay with that. But you, my friend, need a reality check. Our MAGA citizens are interested in taking away or limiting voting and other civil rights, deleting African American history for textbooks, and expanding gun rights (leading no doubt to more gun violence in African American and other communities). You also must understand that govt social programs are, in reality, funded by the rich. More govt programs means more taxes, and more taxes simply drives away those citizens who actually pay the vast majority of the taxes.

Your beliefs about MAGA Republicans come from a MSNBC caricature. I would address each point above, but somehow I doubt that you are interested. - MoCo MAGA supporter

DP. I am old enough to remember the years 2015 through 2023, and I never watch MSNBC. Most people in Montgomery County - not including some of my neighbors - don't want what you're selling.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

This moderate Democrat supports most DEI measures, supports reasonable programs for those less fortunate, and probably supports some police reforms, but is not supportive of defunding the police. Crime is an issue. If the foregoing makes me a scum, then I am okay with that. But you, my friend, need a reality check. Our MAGA citizens are interested in taking away or limiting voting and other civil rights, deleting African American history for textbooks, and expanding gun rights (leading no doubt to more gun violence in African American and other communities). You also must understand that govt social programs are, in reality, funded by the rich. More govt programs means more taxes, and more taxes simply drives away those citizens who actually pay the vast majority of the taxes.

Your beliefs about MAGA Republicans come from a MSNBC caricature. I would address each point above, but somehow I doubt that you are interested. - MoCo MAGA supporter

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

This moderate Democrat supports most DEI measures, supports reasonable programs for those less fortunate, and probably supports some police reforms, but is not supportive of defunding the police. Crime is an issue. If the foregoing makes me a scum, then I am okay with that. But you, my friend, need a reality check. Our MAGA citizens are interested in taking away or limiting voting and other civil rights, deleting African American history for textbooks, and expanding gun rights (leading no doubt to more gun violence in African American and other communities). You also must understand that govt social programs are, in reality, funded by the rich. More govt programs means more taxes, and more taxes simply drives away those citizens who actually pay the vast majority of the taxes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

And it was a brilliant move.

You’re welcome.

And yet, it was not. It was part of the decades of gerrymandering (from both parties depending on strength in any particular state) that have rendered moderate candidates extinct. It is a significant contributor to the extremism you see on both sides of the aisle and the constant gridlock we suffer now.

Van Hollen, the extremist

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

And it was a brilliant move.

You’re welcome.

And yet, it was not. It was part of the decades of gerrymandering (from both parties depending on strength in any particular state) that have rendered moderate candidates extinct. It is a significant contributor to the extremism you see on both sides of the aisle and the constant gridlock we suffer now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

And it was a brilliant move.

You’re welcome.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

This Democrat certainly would consider such a candidate. Absolutely. But it would also depend on who the Demcrats nominated. Extreme moderate here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?