Every state in the US is actually more or less purple, though some tend to the blue side and most to the red. Still, that means that in eastern Massachusetts, as in SF, there will be great patriotic Americans and there will even be some red-staters with a familiarity with common civility.
I'm sorry if my flip comment suggested otherwise, because I do recall the respectful reception given many good conservative thinkers out in the West (when I was still living there).
I agree. Too often people think of the red/blue map as if it was 100%/0%, but it really is all purple - most of which is in a narrow band hovering around 50%. My 'hood though, is an exception. In 2000, Nader got more votes than Bush.
Didn't take offense at your comment. I've seen quite a few less than respectful street protests here also.