Born and bred in the east, educated in the Midwest, visited the NW, and having lived in the South -- that's my opinion. To say that the politicians in the South are usually far more reactionary than the rest of the country is not opinion, but fact. To say that the South is historically more racist than other parts of the country is not opinion, but fact.
So could you define "rad" for me?
Food
History
Scenery
Friendliness
Culture of respect
I say this by having lived on the west coast, mountain west and south. (CA, UT, WA, CO and MS specifically) I have also spent significant time in AZ, NV, ID, TN, AR and FL.
As for your racism and politicians comment it is your opinion. Which is fine but if it is a fact then prove it please.