It should go without saying, but not all Nixa residents think alike. Though most are politically conservative, there is a spectrum of opinion. This ideological diversity is apparent on many issues. Here are just a few examples: Census 2010: A letter in the Springfield News-Leader complains, "Knowing that you are a very liberal paper, it does not surprise me that you are pushing the 2010 census." Quoting Article I, Section 2 of the United States Consitution, the author argues the census threatens the freedoms of ordinary Americans. Such charges echo the words of Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-Minnesota), who said she would not answer most of the 2010 questions. They do not represent the views of Nixa's leaders, including Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sharon Whitehill Gray. In an engaging presentation at my son's school, she made a strong case for full participation.  Using trivia questions to introduce the topic, Gray handed out t-shirts and mugs stamped with the Census 2010 and Nixa Chamber logos.  Noting that government dollars and political redistricting hang in the balance, she urged us to fill out the forms. In a strong show of support, the Espy Elementary PTA unanimously endorsed the census. Islam: Recently, talk radio station KSGF featured author Bill Federer. In What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur'an, Federer painted a militaristic portrait of Islam, focusing on Muslim violence against Jews and Christians. Noting that the Marines were "called 'leathernecks' as they tied wide leather straps around their necks to prevent Muslims from beheading them," he highlighted the enmity between Islam and America. Compare this with Nixa Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith's reflections on the anniversary of September 11, 2001.  Writing in the Nixa XPress, he asked, "Does hating an entire region of people broaden our opportunities worldwide or make the world a safer place? I don't think so!" Crediting his wife with broadening his horizons, Kleinsmith charted his journey towards tolerance. Emphasizing tolerance and understanding, Kleinsmith's views are more in line with those of George W. Bush, who repeatedly called Islam a "religion of peace."  Both Bush and Kleinsmith are very popular in Nixa, suggesting that such remarks have been well received. Haiti: Last week Pat Robertson said that the Haitian earthquake was a result of a pact with the devil. On the same day, talk radio host Rush Limbaugh charged that humanitarian efforts would "play into Obama's hands," bolstering his credibility in both the "light-skinned and dark-skinned black community." Later Limbaugh argued that giving money to Haiti was akin to pouring money down a drain. Though Limbaugh and Robertson have fans here, many Ozarks evangelicals have repudiated their statements on Haiti. A sample from the discussion board on ozarks.momslikeme.com: "This makes me sick to my stomach. I visited Haiti on my first overseas mission trip when I was 16. . . . That place has always had a special place in my heart and seeing the devastation there is gut wrenching. Comments like that are totally uncalled for." Rather than turning off the humanitarian spigot, religious non-profits like Convoy of Hope have sprung into action.  Last Sunday morning, Campbell United Methodist Church in Springfield gave $9,300 to UMCOR, the national Methodist relief agency. Scott Brown: Area reactions to the election of Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown offer further evidence of diversity. As a Massachusetts politician, Brown is far less conservative than many Ozarks Republicans. While an opponent of "partial-birth abortion," he is largely pro-choice. Brown also voted for Romneycare, a plan that closely resembles the Senate version of Obamacare.  Most Ozarks Republicans are celebrating Brown's victory, glossing over the fact he may be almost as liberal as New York's Dede Scozzafava (at least according to William Upton of the American Conservative's blog). All this suggests that Ozarks conservatives are far more diverse than the stereotypes would indicate. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this blog mistakenly identified Ozarks blogger Bungalow Bill as a critic of Scott Brown.  That was a result of taking a statement he made about Mark Kirl (R-IL) out of context.  I should have read more entries from the Bungalow Bill blog to get a better picture of his view of Scott Brown.  This doesn't change my overall conclusion that Ozarks Republicans are willing to be pragmatic and support candidates that are somewhat less conservative than many Ozarkers.