Audio By Carbonatix
Is the difference between a liberal and conservative drinking group as wide as the chasm between their political views? You decide.
A group of self-proclaimed liberals met at the Libertine Bar in Lower Greenville on May 13 for the third organized “Drinking Liberally” soiree in as many months. This is a national group with chapters forming organically–of course–by one active citizen at a time-similar to the concept behind Meetup.org.
The bar had a low-key feel and a heavily tattooed and pierced bartender directed me to a back corner table where the Dallas Drinking Liberally group, about 10 people, sat talking calmly over a few Amstel Lights, Ugly Pug black lagers and glasses of water. Julie Abdinoor, 40, the Dallas group organizer, held a glass of Chardonnay and explained the basis for her initiative in forming the group: “It’s hard being a liberal in a conservative town.”
A wide range of subjects came up, from Michelle Obama’s public persona to conspiracy theories about racism affecting public policy. And then Sandy Pofahl, the eighties ecstasy king, showed up and ordered a Blueberry Stolichnaya on the rocks, explaining that he was tired “of being around conservatives.”
Or maybe it was the other way ’round.
Despite the group’s name, the idea behind it was not to throw back
beers to excess. “Drinking liberally, as in drinking with liberal
people,” said Abdinoor.
Geez–a meeting of minds. Way to spoil the fun.
A week later, the Dallas Young Republicans gathered for their
monthly happy hour, at BlackFinn Saloon in Addison. Yup, the ‘burbs.
Just what you’d suspect. Valet parking was encouraged and the place was
packed with high energy patrons–a different feel from the Libertine
back in Lower Greenville. Inside, the Young Republicans were gathered
around two tables, as well as sipping scotch by the bar. Smoke rose
from one man’s cigar at the table. In the back, a tall cowboy in a
traditional hat stood above the loud chatter.
The Young Republican group is an official group organization that
charges individuals $30 for membership. There is a Dallas County chair,
Elizabeth Niles, 27, and then three vice chairs. Nothing like small
government, you know. The conversations going on between the 20 or so
gathered were less about issues and more like a bunch of friends
hanging out and blowing off steam.
And of course there were the young politicians in the making. One
such fellow did not want his picture taken since he was going into
public service and felt it important to remain, at least in
appearances, “impartial.” Wade Emmert, a Cedar Hill council member
running for county judge, also appeared to make his rounds.
The drinking was heavier at the Young Republicans gathering. Matt
Hill, 31, and Brent Depperschmidt, 26, sat in bar stools sipping scotch
and discussing the Rangers. And then somebody said birthday shots and
the response from one vice chair could have been the representative
voice: “I’m always down for birthday shots!” as she made her way over
to the bar.
Didn’t W start out this way? Look out.
