Federalcheese takes issue

I know that "federalcheese takes issue" is already a "regular" feature of this website, but I believe this particular issue deserves special attention; the backlash I suffer as a result of being a native Californian. Now, I don't know how many Californians out there have had to deal with this, but it's getting old. I'm sorry that I am from a place that is at the forefront of creating a better society, but that doesn't mean you don't have to let me merge in traffic. Years ago, I worked for a stone supply company in Seattle that catered to both professional and retail clientele. I routinely served customers that had come down from Alaska to do business in the civilized world. One such couple from Alaska, who happened to be ugly, extremly overweight, and smelled of stale cigarettes, once asked me where a particular stone they were interested in came from. I answered that it was mined in Colorado. They replied that Colorado was okay, as long as it wasn't California. Now, had I not needed the employment, my answer would have been something akin to telling said couple that California was a wondeful place and would stay wonderful if you two fat-ass hillbillies never graced it with your presence. I know, I know, I'm trying to assimilate to Washington state and, by in large, Washingtonians are a welcoming and free-thinking people. But there are some Washingtonians who believe that I am the anti-christ. And maybe I am. But trust me, we'll all be bettter off in the long run for my being here.