LIVE FREE OR DIE
Hasn’t New Hampshire lost enough face? The old man crumbled and it seems the state’s citizens are losing their backbone as well - someone had the not-so-clever idea to use a tourist slogan “You're Going To Love It Here” on road signs, instead of the old “Scenic New Hampshire” or “Welcome to the Granite State,” or better still the venerable, independent, kick-ass, don’t-mess-with-me-state motto, “LIVE FREE OR DIE.”State representative Tim Robertson claims the traditional motto is “in your face” and doesn’t fairly represent the good people of New Hampshire. He’s concerned the motto might be taken out of context.
Hell then! But some context to it! The words were uttered by General John Stark – who fought in the Revolutionary War. He said: “Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.” The man had some spunk – unlike Rep. Robertson, who is perhaps better suited to leading songs around the campfire (Kumbaya).
And how ‘bout this little piece of information to put more “context” to the motto – the great State of New Hampshire has a right to revolution written into its constitution! Article 10 of New Hampshire’s constitution audaciously asserts that
“Whenever the ends of government are perverted and public liberty
manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and ought to, reform the old or establish a new
government.”
So buck-up my Northern Friends! Hold on to your heritage and LIVE FREE OR DIE!
posted by Bird | 7:49 AM
13 Comments:
and I always took that license plate message as a threat! of course, I also think the Show Me State are a bunch of exhibitionists...
speaking of, there's an interesting news bit on erotica:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060406/ap_en_ot/books_erotica
Now, THAT's what I call a visionary constitution, bird! Wouldn't that make an interesting lawsuit: proving the ends of governments perverted.
Then again, if you utter such a claim in front of a crowd these days, someone might find it convenient to shut you up by arresting you for encouraging terrorism.
/bark bark bark
i've always been envious of that state slogan! unlike our state slogan: proud home of Cynthia McKinney or: enjoy your delayed flight in our shakedown airport.
/grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ben - Yup, I think implementing the right to revolt might well be taken as treason these days.
K9,Your beautiful peach state has a wonderful motto: Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation. Of course, the question is - how is it applied?
By the way, I think I saw you on some other blog referring to your "work abatement program" - hahaha! I am in favor of such a program!
Bogs, as part of MY work abatement program today, i'm off to check out that link. thanks!
flap/flap/swoosh!
We visited New England in 2004 and were looking forward to seeing the "Old Man". Unfortunatley it slid down the mountain before we got there. We did have a fantastic vacation in New England.
Now to the more interesting part of your posting. I always loved the Chutzpah of that state slogan; LIVE FREE OR DIE. What a great statement. It is inspirational. You bet it is in your face! Get a life and a backbone Mr. Robertson! We need to pay more attention to how we have allowed our federal and state representatives to take away more of our freedom every year.
Btw, is it possible that there is some collusion between the neocons and Rep. McKinney to take the heat of the Great Leaker Bush?
Just a thought.
Bogs, thanks for the link. It's good to know that Ms. Engler is living free and leading the way to success. Huzzah!!
/bark bark bark
boyed! i am pleasantly surprised to learn of our lovely state motto! you are a good teacher! i had no idea - who knew? nobody on the roads is aware of this guideline i am certain!
/grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Bird Beauty,
I done seen that Old MAn onct or twice before it crumbled into pebbles, and I am wif ya!! My White Moutnain friends tell ne that LIVE FREE OR DIE ain't goin' nowhere since folks will continue to use em' as vanity paltes if need be. Amen.
Drat! That's PLATES, folks. I can spell, I jes' cain't type.
Hey Aunty Belle,
Happy to see you here. I know we clash sometimes, but I nonetheless enjoy you!
I am envious - I have never seen the Old Man of the Mountain, and of course, now I never will.
No worries about typos or even mis-spellings here - everyone knows i am notorious for both when i'm commenting (and sometimes even in my post). sometimes it's a bit embarrassing - after all I teach reading and composition for crying-out-loud. But i am impeccable in my professional and academic writing and prefer not to worry about that stuff here.
Oh, and hey Jack- that's a thought you've got there. did you catch mcclellan's press briefing today? i only caught a snippet - man, the back pedaling and double-speak is impressive!
How wonderful that each of the states in the States has a constitution. We could learn from that... well at least one of our Territories is giving it a bash.
There is a law here that is getting a grip that allows companies to now sue people who may (MAY) give them a bad name. A biologist was asked to check the lower layers of wood chip piles to see if they contained fungus or bacteria that could cause illness or allergy. He was put on a list to be sued just for asking could he come and test the pile. Now this is not known in Australia, we thought this only happened in America. As I have said before, I keep an eye on what is happening over there because our PM is eager to please Georgie-porgie in whatever way he can.
If I had just read the slogan I would have felt threatened as well... sign of the times??
/bark bark bark
McClellan is the worst press secretary ever. i wish that were my job:
"Helen? it's time for you to STFU and crawl back into your crypt you freaking marionette of decay! and if you interrupt me one more time? I'll drop a daisy cutter on that rather large target known as "your body"
/howl
im speechless. I didn't know educated people could think like that!
k9, bark on old friend. I may not always agree with you, but when I do, I do, and I do with your comments about Mr. McClellan. That's a press secretary? I think he may make a better canine comfort station than a fire hydrant or tree would. Just a thought.
aunty b, I know all about the affliction of dyslexic fingers when it come to typing.
bird, rock on girl. You've got me on your wave length. I read you loud and clear. Rock on!
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