I’m Beth Arnold, and welcome to A Liberal Southern Woman.
At the Palais Royal in Paris
BACK WHEN PRESIDENT Bill Clinton was dealing with his Monica Lewinsky fiasco, I attended a television Town Hall with “Hardball’s” Chris Matthews in Little Rock. The panel was comprised of several journalists, many from national publications. And after some of them—including Matthews—kept repeating how sleazy the politics were in Arkansas, I had had enough and stepped up to comment.
I wagged my finger in Chris Matthews’ face and told him I was sick of hearing from Washington and New York journalists how bad the politics were in Arkansas, when he knew as well as anybody that Washington politics were the epitome of swimming with conniving sharks. No place worse. And Washington insiders and journalists knew that most if not all of the legislators and presidents had girlfriends on the side, including FDR, JFK, and Eisenhower.
Talk about a man’s world.
I was tired of hearing Coastal Commentators act like the rest of the country is Flyover Land. “I think all Washington and New York journalists should be required to spend six months of every year in the middle of the country,” I said to Matthews, as the crowd erupted in applause.
At the break, Matthews told me Ike really wanted Mamie to be in England with him. I rolled my eyes. Then the Hardball crew put powder on my nose and got me ready for the next segment. They later used a clip of that exchange for their Hardball end-of-year teaser.
Real people need to hear from real people and not just talking heads from the insular worlds of New York and Washington. And in this day and time, living in the South as a liberal—and a liberal woman—feels isolating. Contrary to the Radical Right’s narrative about scary liberal Democrats infecting the world with revolutionary ideas, we’re often overlooked, our voices silenced. I’m here to provide a perspective that’s missing from the national conversation—a Southern, female, liberal perspective.
WHICH IS WHY I’m so happy to welcome you to “A Liberal Southern Woman.” You and I both know that just because we live somewhere between the coasts, it doesn’t make us rubes. I grew up in Arkansas, and I currently live in the American South—but I made my home in France for 10 years, and I’ve traveled not only throughout the Western world, but have also spent months—by myself—trekking off the beaten path in India, Croatia, Kenya, Morocco, Greece, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and other places too numerous to name.
Traveling the world has helped me understand myself and my own personal stomping grounds better. Seeing the world, and meeting people from other cultures, expands not just our experience, but also our consciousness. We literally see the world around us in a new, broadened way.
I believe you’ll find that my perspective will give you greater insight into your world as well. You may not come from the very same part of the U.S. that I do, but those of us between the coasts have more in common than not—especially now that some of the traditional hallmarks of The American South have spread throughout the country. We’re all part of “y’all” now. More than that, no matter where we live, one thing is true: We Are One. We’re in this together.
What to Expect:
Thought-provoking analysis of current events
A fearless, honest, and unapologetically liberal perspective
Personal reflections and narratives that connect life, politics, and art
Core values of honesty, curiosity, creativity, a deep appreciation for beauty, and a strong sense of spirituality woven into everything I do
Like a good Southerner, I believe in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore the complexities of life, politics, and culture. My hope is that you’ll feel moments of connection and transcendence, that you’ll feel seen and heard.
Stay Up-To-Date:
So you won’t miss a thing. Every week you’ll get my newsletter, and this will expand to include chats, videos, and live sessions. All are welcome.
Join The Crew:
I encourage you to subscribe to stay informed and to become part of our community. And I’d like to invite you to join the conversation. I want to hear your voices in the comments section.
P.S. I'm an independent writer, and your support helps me continue creating. If you love my newsletter, please consider subscribing to the paid version.
Sign up for A Liberal Southern Woman.
If you’d like more info about the Substack app, click here.
