[Texaggie79]

The first few years I lived here, I was miserable. But I am now content with the state, and actually would rather raise a family here than back in Houston, where I'm from.

I just see some things that need improvement. Am I not free to criticize my own state? Can I not say something when the audience of a high school basketball game in Cullman hurl racial insults at it's opponents, which were all black?

[GrandEagle]

Am I not free to criticize my own state?
Absolutely. My intent was not to suggest that I wanted you to leave, just that there may be places where you would be happier.
You seem to have experienced much more of that sort of stuff than I have. I graduated HS in 1973 and I would have thought that I would have seen more.
I would suggest that before you condemn Alabama so much for racism, that you see how it is in other places.
I have traveled I suppose around 30 or so of the states, and have seen much worse on the Eastern Seaboard, and in the New England area.

I would agree with you wholeheartedly that racism is ignorant. I also distinguish between racism and a dislike of another's culture. There are several cultures that I do not like, but since we all (If one believes the Bible's account of Creation) came from Adam and Eve, then we are all related. Therefore one particular race can not possibly have more value than another.
To equate being Southern with being a Racist also shows a very severe lack of understanding of what being Southern - or being from Dixie, is. (IMHO)

Cordually,
GE