Mary Ann was referring to her particular area of PA when she used that term. Apparently there is a lot of racism in her community.

Mary Ann was the first person to respond to me when I posted the first time at MSNBC Space. On any subject, I found her to be wonderfully intelligent and appealing. Either I wasn't paying attention or there were few political opinions at that time. I had no clue as to her politics for at least a year.

She is no cookie cutter liberal as I am not a cookie cutter conservative. We found common ground on several subjects, capital punishment and local politics, where I am far more "liberal" and family values where she is "conservative". I really don't like the labels but whatayagonnado.

I will miss her but I understand. I like net conversation but I do not care for debate when positions are so polarized there is no chance to change anyone's opinion. I get enough of that with my wife.

I hope she will continue to look in on us and return if the world cools off and when she feels comfortable doing so. She will always be welcome. Same goes for E'.