Pessimist, you gotta understand that Louisiana as a state has never been progressive. While there is a significant left lean in some segments of N'Awlins, the bulk of the state is very conservative in a variety of ways. There has long been a state policy of gutting environmental protection to encourage industrialization (witness the 'toxic corridor' of refineries, chemical plants, and paper mills. Then you have a hardcore hunting and fishing contingent (The state motto is 'Sportsmans Paradise.'). You also have old money with a serious, nasty, streak of racism and sexism. Top this off with the large concentration of catholics along with the seriously out-there evangelicals (I recommend the documentary 'Search for the One-Eyed Jesus' for more info on this), and you get some idea of what the state looks like. There is also a really strong tradition of military service across most strata of the population, and they have rallied very strongly in favor of both gulf wars. I remember someone (I'm pretty sure it was Woody Harrelson) getting disinvited by one of the Mardi Gras Krewes after he made anti-war statements back during gulf war I.

The democratic senators from Louisiana have long been some of the most conservative dems in congress on many issues.

Were it not for the more open-minded contingent in N'Awlins this is a state that would be strongly red. Kerry won pretty handily in Orleans parish, and got pretty much stomped everywhere else in the state as far as I know (but I never did find parish-by-parish results).

This is also a state where succesful dems have been associated with some of the nastiest corruption over the last century.

Sorry to say that none of the stories you dug up surprise me in the least.

pessimist,

I think it might be the long url you added that widens everything. Change it to the usual lnk codes (a href etc.) and it'll narrow up.

I'm sorry but I gotta chime in here.

While I don't agree with the politics expressed here, I have no problem with people holding views different than mine. That is democracy at its best.

I don't assume you are stupid, evil, ignorant, etc for voting the way you do, I assume you looked at the facts and reached a different conclusion.

Yet all I see on this (and similar) sites is how only those who think like you are good, or smart, or acceptable. Nobody could possibly disagree with you unless they are dumb, evil, etc.

Pretty narrow minded attitude IMHO.

ILL TELL YOU WHATS WRONG WITH LOUISIANA. ITS A GOOFY STATE

ah, that is the exact point joe. When people establish religion through government (even through what may be consider inconsiquential (sp?) programs like the abstinence website, they are not allowing for freedom of thought or freedom of choice. What if I weren't a Christian, am I suppost to accept an abstinence site because Jesus told me to? Even as a Christian I am offended that government must relie on my religion to push there programs.

As for the whole drivers license thing, I sure there are some violation-of-minors things going on there.

doh, forgot to close that bold, I just meant to highlight not.