Comment by deanCommie

> When attacked from outside, they’ll close ranks.

"The Left got a little too PC so I changed all of my opinions about the economy, social issues, systemic racism, health care, and history."

If someone criticizing you for being racist makes you act out in a racist way, then you're not really proving to anyone how not racist you are.

You're instead proving that the criticisms were valid.

Replace racist with gun-obsessed, conspiracy-minded, uneducated, psychotic, or whatever other associations you want to build with "deplorable".

Also.

> Folks were nicer to me there than in NYC or DC.

Rural areas are more friendly and cordial than urban areas. They have more time to do so. This isn't news.

The real question is not whether they'll be nice to you at a checkout register, or let you borrow their car.

The real question is how would they feel if you were actually Muslim and started discussing your respective religions - or lack thereof if you were atheist.

Ask them how they would feel about you marrying their daughter, then tell me if they are still nice.