It’s the economy, even in the South

In response Mr. Peterson’s March 15 letter opining that the South is ready to turn “democratic,” Bill Maher has a greater likelihood of telling a tasteful joke. Headline: Santorum takes Mississippi and Alabama while Gingrich takes Georgia and South Carolina. The problem most Southern voters have is that none of the existing candidates is conservative enough. They are, however, united by one bond, an anathema of the present administration.

What most Yankees never quite “get” is that for all our manners we squabble with each other all the time. Politely mind you, but the Chevy vs. Ford, Memphis vs. Carolina barbecue, SEC vs. ACC, nanny state vs. leave me the heck alone are never ending. But, attack from the outside and you literally have a war on your hands. And “leave me the heck alone” could easily be the unofficial motto of the entire region.

Economically, from idle wells in the Gulf, to attacks on coal, to spiraling costs of health care, gas and food, they understand the unconstitutional assault by a government who wants the people to serve the state. They will hold their nose and vote for Mitt Romney in numbers that will shock the pundits. You see, hiding behind those innocent accents are calculating pragmatists who understood what the Democrats have clearly forgotten: It really is about the economy, stupid!

Steve Quick

Arlington Heights