The old phrase used to be that the Southerner would say “You may come closer but you may not rise higher”, and the Northerner would say “You may rise higher but you may not come closer”. Ugly, but with some truth to it.
The author’s snide comment in passing though reminds me of why I am happier living next to Southern blacks than smug Yankees.
“smug Yankees”. I assume you are referring to liberal Yankees.
Also, just what does the term “Yankee” mean now? Living in Minnesota, some folks call whites who live here “Yankees”. It is meant to be derisive. The majority of white folks here are descendants of 19th century immigrant from Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, etc.
It is a shame that the term has taken on a negative connotation. Yankees used to be honorable folks who died for freedom and abolishment of slavery. I do not think any of today’s modern liberals qualify to assume the title.