The South

What comes to mind when you think of the South? For many southerners, the South is not properly defined. There are portions of the Deep South where the people consider you to be a Yankee if you live where it snows. I have tried to compile a short list of what most people would agree to be Southern States and what they are famous for. As you read, feel free to comment and leave your thoughts as to what comes to mind when you think of the South.
Virginia- Many Southerners below North Carolina do not even think of Virginia as a Southern State. Virginia is home to more US Presidents than any other state. Also as the bumper sticker says, Virginia is for Lovers.
North Carolina- For certain, we can almost all agree that North Carolina is a part of the South. The Wright Brothers come to mind as well as barbecue. They also play a little college basketball here.
Tennessee- College football gets the people of this state moving. Also known for Mountain living and Mountain music as well as the Blues.
South Carolina- I call it the buckle of the Bible belt. We are a state that does not like anyone telling us what to do. Known for having churches on every corner and a rebel attitude. Golf is king especially on the coast and people travel from far and wide to take advantage. Also the low country Shrimp and Grits are to die for.
Georgia- Also known for college football. Peaches are big time and the prettiest ladies are also called Georgia Peaches. I also have to mention Jimmy Carter, a very under rated President and Good Man.
Alabama- I know this gets old but also a famous College football state, Bear Bryant, need I say more? Also known as the heart of Dixie and the rocket capital of the world.
Mississippi- The Magnolia State. Home of the Blues and birthplace of Elvis. Old Southern Plantation homes can still be seen here. Catfish farming is a big business as well.
Arkansas- Hogs, both basketball and football are college traditions here. The Natural State. The Arkansas River as well. Sam Walton hailed from this state and we all know where that went. I also have to mention another of my favorite people, Bill Clinton. Although vilified by the right wing and Jerry Fallwell, he endured and history will show that he was a brilliant leader and took the American Economy to wealth and prosperity during his time in office.
Louisiana- Cajun life, Who dat? New Orleans Saints, world champions. The Mississippi river is more famous here than in its namesake. The French Quarter is world renown. Site of perhaps one of America’s biggest natural tragedies. The Government response to the Hurricane will forever be looked at in a horrific light. Craw fish Capital of the World. The first American army to have African American soldiers.
Texas- Everything is big there. Long Horn cattle and football. The Alamo. The Lone Star State. Mexican food famous around the globe. I won’t go into grand detail because there are folks that consider Texas more Western than Southern.
Florida- Although Deep South, is not claimed as such by some because of the large populations of Northerners…I.E. Yankees as well as the Cubans. Known for warm temperatures, golfing, the Gulf of Mexico with great fishing. Beautiful water and white sandy beaches. Everglades and gators both in the water and on the football field. I know, Florida State and Miami and a whole host of other teams. This is the richest talent pool for high school football in the world.

This list is brief and debatable but the point is, the South has much to offer and although it seems at times that I walk as a stranger among friends and relatives based upon my political beliefs, my hope is that we can find common ground above the political fray. We can all have or opinions but not offer judgment upon those that we disagree with. May we not make others into enemies based on radical talk shoes and ideas that are feed into us at church or on the radio? Comment freely and add your thoughts on what the South means to you.