Live Free or Die?

"Such an odd state to have such a meaningful motto on their license plates."

Ah, New Hampshire. The trees, the mountains, the skiing. Now it is back in the news again. Enjoying its 15 minutes of fame. And the irony is this - both Vermont and New Hampshire were so instrumental in our nation's history. Both states were such an inspiration to the other states. For Vermont to have Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in its history; for New Hampshire to have Live Free or Die on their license plates, is stunning when you think of these two states today.

Today, New Hampshire is considered by the pundits as being a "swing state". I would not call it as such. It has gone Democratic in every election since 1992. That is, except for 2000 when then went for George W. Bush. And in 1994, they did not. They are a liberal to moderate state. However, compared to their neighbor to the west (Vermont), they probably look conservative.

Vermont is really a lost cause compared to how it was in the 1700's. It is a blue as a state can get, and during the last election, the voters selected Obama by a huge margin. They have not voted Republican since the 1980's. How wacked out is that for the state who gave us Ethan Allen? Now Vermont is home to Bernie Sanders, an avowed socialist who is running for President. Ethan Allen must be spinning in his grave.

And please don't forget about Love, Peace and Ice Cream. Yes, the socialist ice cream boys, Ben and Jerry. The irony of both Vermont and New Hampshire is this - they are drop dead gorgeous states to visit or live in. I lived in upstate Maine for a couple years in the 1970's. That entire area - Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire are really, really special. But....and that is a big but. There must be something in the water. All three states are now moderate to very liberal. That to me takes a lot of the fun out of visiting there.

So enjoy the New Hampshire primary today. Just know that New Hampshire has a very colorful and important history in the development of our young republic. I loved the story of the Green Mountain Boys so much that when I was in high school, I did a research paper on them. Today, I have zero to little interest in the entire New England area. That is except for the New Hampshire primary once every four years.

So after dinner, I will watch sit by the fire and watch the returns come in. Live free or die? I believe in it - strongly. But do the people of New Hampshire still believe in it? Sometimes I wonder.