50 Things

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

50 Things ALL the States Have in Common

by Neil Alexander

The purpose of this essay is to dispel some misconceptions, or inferences about the two front-running states. However, the observations here also apply to ALL the states under consideration for the Free State Project.

I would like to say up front, that my family will be moving to the selected state, no matter which is selected. I certainly have my preferences, but we're going!

I worry that some of the people may reject certain remote states out of hand - especially places they have not visited. Most particularly, places on the opposite coast from where they now live.

The two leaders, currently, are Wyoming and New Hampshire. I have been to both states, and they both have:

  1. Reliable Electricity -- Don't laugh, think about it!
  2. Reliable Telephone Service
  3. Internet Service providers
  4. Satellite Television (200+ channels)
  5. Water
  6. Decent roads
  7. Fast Food (local or national)
  8. Grocery Stores
  9. Hardware Stores
  10. Walmarts
  11. Target, Sears, Ace, etc. etc.
  12. Quaint towns with long histories
  13. Medium-sized cities with long histories (pop 50,000)
  14. Fabulous recreation areas
  15. Beautiful Fall Foliage
  16. Snow in the Winter
  17. Churches of All types
  18. Home builders
  19. Manufactured Housing dealers
  20. Car dealers & repair
  21. Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Systems
  22. Buildings more than 3 stories tall
  23. Tourist Attractions
  24. Nearby Metropolitan Areas
  25. Modern Medical Facilities
  26. Colleges
  27. RV Parks
  28. Apartments
  29. Republic form of government.
  30. Sunshine (even Alaska, Jason!)
  31. County Fairs, festivals, and parades
  32. Kids to befriend your children
  33. Taverns and bars
  34. Mail Boxes Etc. (mail forwarding services)
  35. Gas Stations
  36. UPS, FedEx, and Airborne Express - even in VERY remote areas.
  37. English as an official language
  38. UHaul & Ryder Rentals
  39. Regional symphony orchestras
  40. Military bases (for veterans)
  41. Newspapers, bookstores, and music stores
  42. Computer stores
  43. Public Television and NPR
  44. Starbucks
  45. Cell phones
  46. Airports
  47. Truck Stops
  48. Radio Shack
  49. Firewood
  50. Other Porcupines

So, is your lifestyle really going to be diminished?

The point? Don't opt-out of a state because you think it's a "back water". I've lived in a couple of back waters. I live in one right now. I still have internet service, electricity, phone, etc. And it's considerably cheaper than living in a big metropolitan area.

For everybody on the East Coast, check out Wyoming's information. Some of those town centers look like a guidebook for New Hampshire!

Westerners? Check out New Hampshire's smaller towns and cities. Lots of room. You can get used to looking at the news at 11PM instead of 8, I guarantee it. You'll be hard pressed to differentiate between LA & NYC, though.

Everybody will still get Leno & ER; phone calls from Aunt Mildred; 140 Spams a day; and tax forms at the Post Office.

Your kids will have Little League, YMCA, dance and music classes, and public schools (if that's what you want).

If you're in high-tech, or a broker, you might be able to telecommute (I do). If you're a doctor, you'll be greeted with open arms. If you're a lawyer, well, I dunno.

You might have to get a different kind of work, but you're flexible, right? Adapt!

So porcupines, don't relegate a far off state to "back water" status - they actually have more in common than we have with most of the rest of the world.