In Defense Of Purple
When people ask me about politics, I say that I’m purple. I’m a social liberal and a fiscal conservative. In all cases, I choose freedom over party. This means that I am loved (and hated) by friends on the left and the right. And I’m OK with that.
During the 2000 Presidential election, the late, great reporter and ‘Meet The Press’ host Tim Russert coined the terms “red states” and “blue states.” Republicans had control of red states. Blue states showed Democratic control. Russert and other political pundits identified several swing states or “purple states,” where the balance of power shifted from election to election. States like Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Carolina, and my beloved Commonwealth of Virginia identified as purple. And if you look at the last twenty years, those purple states have been doing pretty daggone good.
Swing states always rank highly for business, cost-of-living, education, and happiness indexes. North Carolina gets high marks for its high quality of life and a low cost of living. Colorado counts two cities — Denver and Colorado Springs — as “Best Places to live in America.” Minneapolis-St. Paul always appears in those rankings. The not-so-surprising fact is that all of these states have a divided government…they’re purple.
Although we say we hate divided government, we actually like it. And the research proves it works. The major parties keep each other in check and have to compromise when they divide power. As a result, they invest in things they agree on, infrastructure, economic development, education, and in turn, their states prosper. Neither side never gets too extreme, and we as voters, for the most part, like this — although we never admit it.
Virginia has been one of the most successful states over the last 20 years. It was named the best state in the nation to do business by CNBC and Forbes Magazine in 2019. According to U.S. News & World Report, Virginia is the seventh-best place to live in the country and ranks fifth for best public schools. In 2002, I moved back to Virginia from California to take advantage. My kids got a great education. We enjoy a high standard of living and a low cost of living. I got a job here because unemployment was low and the opportunity was high. Later, I started a business here and it succeeded. I’ve invested in real estate and other businesses. Virginia is a GREAT place to live, work, and play.
On November 5, a mighty blue wave washed over Virginia. My Democratic friends are giddy. My Republican friends think it’s the beginning of “the end times.” Is Virginia turning blue? I really hope not. I caution the Blues to be careful and the Reds to be patient. If they work together, we can make progress. I pray Virginia stays purple. If Virginia turns as Blue as California, we’re all screwed. (Caution: The last link is disturbing and NSFW.)
Colors have meaning. The psychology of the color Red can be strength, but it can also warn of danger. Blue can show peace, but it also denotes sadness. My advice is be Purple; purple shows power, wisdom, creativity and magic. In times like these, we could all stand to be a little more purple.
Monday, November 18 – Reaching the Pinnacle
Tuesday, November 19 – Virginia is for Tourism Lovers
Wednesday, November 20 – I Shall Return
Thursday, November 21 – Horsing Around
Friday, November 22 – Make Your Next Event HOT-HOT-HOT
We know a thing or two about throwing successful networking events. We also know a thing or two about the marketing that goes into each. Take a look at this scorching hot scorecard, flyer, and tabletop sign that we designed for our CROCKtoberfest Chili Cook-Off last month. If your company is looking to spice things up a bit, the Madison+Main-iacs would love to sprinkle in their magic. Email us at shout@madisonmain.com!
A Few of Our Favorite Events
Green Top Shooting Range Grand Opening
11547 Lake Ridge Parkway | Ashland, VA
December 7, 2019 | 11 a.m.
To officially celebrate its new outpost, Green Top will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration on Dec. 7 at Green Top Shooting Range. The event will feature free lunch from Zaxby’s from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and a live remote broadcast by K95’s Garret Doll. They are also waiving the initiation fee for new memberships all day — a $50 savings. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend!
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“From the political angle, I’m trying to be apolitical if you will. I mean people say, ‘Are you a red state or blue state?’, I say, ‘I’m purple.’ I think there are great ideas on both sides of the aisle and neither side has cornered the market.”
— Brad Thor, Best-Selling Author