New Hampshire, at Least the Best
by Jonathan Finer • Washington Post Staff Writer • 10/02/03
MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct. 1 -- With no income tax or property tax, no
motorcycle helmet laws or seat belt requirements, and a constitutionally
enshrined right to revolution for its citizens, New Hampshire has long been
held up as a model by those who think that governments are best that govern
least.
That notion received a strong endorsement today when the state was declared the
winner of a ballot held by the Free State Project, an Internet-based club
advocating limited government. Thousands of members have pledged to relocate to
whichever state won an election conducted last month and use their clout to
work for less government, more individual freedom, and a national model for
libertarianism.
Among 10 finalists, New Hampshire edged Wyoming to win.
"We are happy with the results and happy for our members," said Elizabeth
McKinstry, vice president of the organization. "Now we have a lot of work ahead
of us."
That work includes persuading 15,000 more like-minded people to sign on. The
approximately 5,000 members already registered have agreed to move to the state
only when total membership reaches 20,000. If enough new members are not
recruited by 2006, the commitments made -- which are not binding -- are
nullified.
McKinstry, 33, who works as a graphic designer in Ann Arbor, Mich., said about
75 percent of members are younger than 50, and almost half are paid $60,000 or
more a year. "It's a young, prosperous group, and now that it's decided, it
should be easier to convince people to come along."
But not all the members are waiting around for that to happen. Jackie Casey,
33, began planning a move to New Hampshire from Portland, Ore., last month,
arriving today at a Merrimack house filled with shipping boxes. She said if New
Hampshire lost, she would move to whatever state was selected, after a few
years. "I'm glad I don't have to pack again for at least a little while."
The idea for a mass emigration emerged from an article posted in 2001 on the
online journal Libertarian Enterprise, by Jason Sorens, a political science
graduate student at Yale. After an enthusiastic response from Internet readers,
the Free State Project was formed that summer.
To be considered, states needed a population of fewer than 1.5 million
residents, a promising job market, a "liberty friendly culture," and a low
reliance on federal aid. Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Maine, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alaska made the cut.
Most states were largely indifferent toward the project, but New Hampshire
Libertarian Party members actively recruited the Free State group, organizing a
visit for 200 members in July. Their pitch stressed that politics in the state
are accessible, because of its population of about 1.2 million, a 400-plus-seat
legislature, and campaigns for state offices that can be run for less than
$1,000. The trip included a meeting with Gov. Craig Benson (R), who told the
group to "come on up."
John Babiarz, head of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, said he expected
the Free State Project's members to push for decreased taxation and curbing of
laws related to prostitution and drug use. "We're very much looking forward to
their infusing the state with activism," he said.
But not everyone in the state is excited about the prospect of the group
arriving en masse in the coming years.
During her shift at the tourist Welcome Center in Manchester, New Hampshire's
largest city, Barbara Constable was not feeling particularly welcoming. She
called the prospect of the arrival of 20,000 libertarians "frightening. This is
a small, small state," she said. "I am not sure we're ready for that."
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Free State Project's N.H. choice confirms state's philosophy
Editorial • 10/02/03
The motto of members of the Free State Project could very well be summed up
in a statement made by Henry David Thoreau over 150 years ago: "That government
is best which governs least."
In many ways, Thoreau could have been speaking about the philosophy of many New
Hampshire citizens when he wrote those words, and now we are set to find out if
that philosophy can be lived in our very complex modern age.
On Wednesday, the Free State Project, which seeks to ultimately move 20,000
people to a state in order to test the efficacy of that philosophy, announced
that New Hampshire has been chosen as that state. In many ways, we feel honored
by that choice.
Obviously, the approximately 5,300 people who have pledged to be part of the
project - 55 percent of whom voted to make New Hampshire the test case for
living their dream - felt that the "Live Free or Die" attitudes - a penchant
for small, lean governments and an accent on local control that we Granite
Staters so often tout - were true. So true, in fact, that they are willing to
pack up their homes and families in order to come here.
It is a tangible endorsement of the way of life we have sought to establish in
this small, but vital, New England state.
There is little doubt the Free Staters who will actually come to New Hampshire
over the next decade or so will be activists seeking to make changes. They may
push for the legalization of marijuana - at least for medicinal purposes - seek
to further loosen restrictions on gun ownership and/or try to lift the yoke of
federal government even more by rejecting funding that comes with "strings,"
such as highway money and social service grants.
Particularly now, as our first-in-the-nation presidential primary nears and
special interests send tons of money to the state, it is refreshing and
heartening to see a group of people willing to, quite literally, walk the walk
in an effort to create the political environment they see as most in keeping
with the principles on which this country is based.
However, we would be remiss if we did not remind those coming here of several
important facts.
The first is that we don't cotton to Free Staters who are planning to come here
as freeloaders. We expect you not only to participate in our political process,
but add to our economic well-being as well.
Secondly, we are all for political change, but not dissolution of our
government. Of all the states in the Union, as you have already noted, ours is
one where government at all levels is closest to the people. We are looking
forward to seeing your reactions at our town meetings or polling places when
issues such as whether your adopted town needs a new firetruck or garbage
packer come up.
In New Hampshire we have met the government, and here, perhaps more than any
other place, it is us.
Finally, we believe in engaging in civil dialogue that allows for the
expression of the views of all those interested in making them known and
letting the majority rule. No individual or group should think that their
numbers or the use of intimidation tactics or economic boycotts will be
effective in subverting that dialogue.
So, we applaud your resolve and what you will and have sacrificed in attempting
to increase liberty in our state for all of us. We believe we can be good
neighbors and allies in working for the benefit of all the citizens of New
Hampshire.
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Getting ready for new neighbors
Local libertarians prepare for Free Staters
by Kate McCann • Associated Press • 10/06/03
BOW - In a small, brick room lit by a few bare bulbs, 20 New Hampshire
members of the Free State Project talked strategy over pizza and introductions
last night, still feeling their way through the unusual plan.
"It's going to be a learning curve," state Libertarian Party Chairman John
Babiarz told the group. "I've never worked for a welcome wagon, and this is
probably going to be the biggest welcome wagon in the history of the world."
Last week, the project announced New Hampshire was voted the choice for an
experiment to bring 20,000 liberty-minded people to one state and work for a
libertarian utopia. New Hampshire beat out nine other finalist states targeted
for factors such as small populations and limited government.
Project members stressed they are separate from the Libertarian Party, although
there is a lot of cross-membership.
The most attention should be given to members moving immediately, or at least
during the next month, leaders said.
But a lot of responsibility falls on members who already live in New Hampshire
and are getting peppered with questions project members about the best places
to live, work and go to school, they said.
During the coming weeks, state libertarians will write essays explaining the
best places to invest in real estate, the most solid employment opportunities
and what New Hampshire's home-school laws are. They also will detail the
state's political climate. Last night, they even discussed breaking down
political atmosphere per district so project members know where they can have
the most effect.
Several new members volunteered to be regional representatives for New
Hampshire's 10 counties. Grafton and Coos likely will be given multiple
representatives because of their large space and popularity among Free State
Project members.
Claremont is one town that will be highly recommended to incoming project
members. Claremont is "poised for an industrial revolution" and could be
fertile ground for project members looking for work, Babiarz said.
Don Gorman, a former Libertarian lawmaker, said one Republican caucus from the
State House has asked a Free State Project member to speak at a legislative
retreat in late October.
Babiarz urged others to nurture that relationship with the Republican Party.
But right now, it is the Democrats who worry him.
State Democratic Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan has accused the project of a
"radical, antifamily agenda" that supports legalization of drugs and
elimination of everything from fire departments to public schools.
"She's throwing out all this crap about us being wild-eyed, pot smoking gun
nuts," Babiarz said. "The point is she's going unanswered."
The most sensational predictions are that the Free State Project would
overthrow the government and bring chaos to the streets.
The answer is no, project members said. Instead, police will be able to do a
better job because they won't be wasting resources going after small-time drug
criminals. One goal of the project is to get rid of "victimless crimes," such
as prostitution, gambling restrictions and drug use.
Members still have no estimate on how many new members they have recruited
since last week's announcement.
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Campaign 2004 - State by State
10/07/03
New Hampshire. Thousands of limited-government activists from the
Free State Project are aiming to transform the Granite State – long a
bedrock of libertarianism – into the first "free state" in the union.
The group's strategy is to move as many libertarians as possible into the state
to increase its strength. Once settled, the libertarians say they will work
within the political system to roll back the scope of government. Members have
pledged to move to the state within a five years of attracting 20,000 to their
project.
The Free State Project announcement came after the group's 5,000 plus members
named New Hampshire as their first target. The state's small population and
"culture of liberty" helped it edge out competitors such as Vermont, North
Dakota, Arkansas and Delaware, the group reported.
Gov. Craig Benson (R) has pledged to support the Free Staters, and several
members of the legislature have pledged their support as well, according to the
group's website.
[FSP: This article was part of a compendium of several short articles.]
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Free Staters, meet the Granite State
by D. Allan Kerr • 10/04/03
Just as the British redcoats once marched on Lexington and Concord, a bunch
of outside invaders are getting ready to march on the Granite State to impose
their will. If they're not careful, they may wind up getting the same sort of
reception.
If you missed it, an organization called the Free State Project has selected
New Hampshire as the new home for 20,000 professed freedom-lovers expected to
move in over the next few years. Their goal is to settle in, repeal our taxes
and wasteful spending (presumably on things like public education), and free us
from the shackles of big government by loosening gun, drug and perhaps
prostitution laws. In short, they propose to grant us the gift of liberty.
How thoughtful.
Problem is, they propose to bestow this great offering by relocating here in a
big enough bloc to be able to influence - if not take over - our state and
local elections, then implement their own policies. It shouldn't be too hard
considering less than 450,000 people in the entire state voted in the last
general election. But check out some of the statements posted on their Web
site, extolling their reasons for coming here. It reads like a blueprint for a
democratic coup:
"New Hampshire offers the FSP (Free State Project) the most current political
advantages to facilitate our ability to work within the political system to
reduce the size and scope of government. ... Unlike any other state, in NH the
FSP can win and win quickly!"
And elsewhere:
"In NH we have the critical ability to run fusion candidates - a guaranteed
technique to put dozens of FSPers in office almost immediately - yet banned in
Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and Arkansas."
And furthermore (referring to our thriving economy and low taxes):
"By choosing NH we ensure the success of FSP by minimizing dropouts and
enabling immediate ability to concentrate on political activism rather than
economic concerns." And lastly:
"With both a coastal and international border, diverse terrain, a geographic
size optimal for FSP purposes, abundant water resources, and ability to draw
small government activists from the more populous states, NH is the perfect
choice for the FSP state."
What is this, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers?"
I don't know much about these people, but I've seen pictures of their leaders
and they're kind of creepy looking. The group is headed by some clean-cut
over-earnest dweeby 26-year-old Ivy League grad who launched the movement with
a paper he wrote as a student. Most of them are Libertarians.
If we want to take this scenario to its diabolical extreme, they also see this
move as an opportunity to impact New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation
presidential primary. What if they decide to put up one of their own in 2008,
give this puppet instant credibility with a surprise primary win, and then take
over the entire free world? Don't forget, Pat Buchanan won the 1996 Republican
primary over eventual nominee Bob Dole by a vote of only 56,800-plus to a
little more than 54,700. Imagine what 20,000 voters with a specific agenda
could accomplish.
New Hampshire beat out nine other Free State finalists for the great honor of
welcoming these folks, with Wyoming coming in second by about 10 percentage
points. The good news is, the Free State Project currently consists of just
about 5,000 people. They plan to start trickling in from all across the country
- Alabama, New York, Michigan - but hope another 15,000 will follow over the
next few years. Their goal is reportedly to relocate in the more sparsely
populated areas of the state where they can swiftly make their power grab. As
they note on their Web site, "Some NH districts have been won with only 720
votes and less than a few hundred dollars ...We can elect FSP members easily in
NH!"
They even underline that last statement for emphasis.
But you have to wonder if these folks really know what they're in for.
Bottom line, FSPers, is you might not like it here anyway. We New Hampshirites
are an ornery lot. We don't like people who aren't from these parts. We're not
even too crazy about tourists, and they're willing to give us money for the
privilege of visiting our mountains, lakes, shores and flea markets. Neighbors
from Maine, Vermont and, yes, Massachusetts are tolerated, but they too can be
irksome at times. If the ACLU would let us, we'd implement a law preventing
transplants from voting in New Hampshire until they've resided here for at
least 10 years. OK, maybe five.
You are apparently charmed by our state motto of "Live Free or Die." Perhaps
you haven't realized the significance of this wording. In other words, if you
think you're going to move here and dictate our destiny, you need to reevaluate
how badly you want to cross these borders. Based on your Web site you're
attracted to New Hampshire for our independent spirit, but don't seem to
realize this spirit precludes us from passively letting freakish plant people
take over our state.
If you want to move here for the state's scenic beauty, job opportunities and
tranquil way of life you're more than welcome. (Well, eventually.) And some of
your objectives will likely be embraced by Granite Staters. But if you're
coming here with some sort of manipulative Machiavellian agenda, you might get
a rock-hard lesson in what Yankee independence is all about.
D. Allan Kerr is himself a transplant to New Hampshire, but both his boys were
born here. Kerr may be contacted at the_culling@hotmail.com. The Free State Web
site is www.freestateproject.com.
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So long, libertarians, and lots of luck in NH
by Al Mascitti • OPINION • 10/05/03
For the second time this year, Delaware lost out to New Hampshire.
First, state Democrats knuckled under to pressure and delayed Delaware's
presidential primary a few days, so it follows New Hampshire's by a full week.
Then last week the 5,000 people who have signed up for the Free State Project -
a plan to move 20,000 libertarian-leaning activists to one small state - chose
New Hampshire as their destination over nine other finalists, including
Delaware.
The project isn't officially linked to the Libertarian Party, but shares many
of its goals, including ideas for reducing government. Project members intend
to use their combined voting power to put their philosophy into action.
It's tempting to dismiss the project as a crackpot scheme for delusional naifs
and single-issue wingnuts - a view its Web site (www.freestateproject.org) bolsters
as much as dispels. But even the project's most modest aims would require big
changes in paternalistic Delaware.
That, apparently, was part of the problem. Though several activists in the
two-year-old movement wrote essays citing Delaware's strong points - including
low taxes, low dependence on the federal government and a strong pro-business
climate - the First State finished a pathetic eighth in the voting, ahead of
only the Dakotas.
According to Keith Murphy, a project organizer from Maryland, infringements of
personal liberty such as Delaware's indoor smoking ban and gun control efforts
by the city of Wilmington gave members pause.
If that's all it took to make them turn elsewhere, it's probably just as well.
Some of the pie-in-the-sky aims espoused by supporters will never come to pass,
but you don't need to puff your cigarette outdoors to see Delaware lawmakers
are antagonistic toward many basic libertarian goals.
For example, libertarians think it's foolish to prosecute crimes with willing
"victims," like gambling and prostitution. Delaware, of course, allows gambling
only when run by the state or the handful of racetrack owners who qualified by
running their initial gambling operations into the ground. Sex businesses are
even more tightly regulated - strip clubs, for instance, are subject to onerous
laws aimed at making them economically unfeasible.
The "war on drugs" particularly vexes libertarians because it consumes vast
resources and infringes on civil liberties. They wouldn't find much support for
their views among Delaware lawmakers, whose love of mandatory sentences for
drug offenses has helped swell state prisons to the bursting point.
Libertarians who rail against government infringement of property rights would
have a field day in New Castle County. Not only did the Unified Development
Code summarily change zoning for hundreds of properties, zealous officials now
are going after that scourge of society, cars with "for sale" signs in their
windows.
In the end, what seems to have most influenced many project members was the
warm welcome extended by many New Hampshire lawmakers, including the state's
Republican governor, Craig Benson, who told project organizers, "Come on up,
we'd love to have you."
If members are naﶥ enough to change their lives over some encouraging words
from a politician, they have a lot to learn before they change New Hampshire,
let alone the world.
Al Mascitti's opinion column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Reach Al at
324-2866 or
amascitti@delawareonline.com.
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New Hampshire named Free State
by Kate Mccann • Associated Press • 10/01/03
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) A group of libertarians planning to bring 20,000
liberty-minded Americans to a "free state" announced the winner Wednesday: New
Hampshire.
New Hampshire, whose motto is "Live Free or Die," beat out nine other finalists
as the battleground for what members of the Free State Project call the biggest
experiment in democracy since the Revolutionary War.
At a news conference in New York City, project founder Jason Sorens unfurled
the New Hampshire flag as he broke the news to dozens of project members.
"I hope to live and hopefully die in New Hampshire," said Sorens, 26, who
inspired the project with an essay he wrote as a Yale graduate student.
"We won. That's fantastic," said state Libertarian Party Chairman John Babiarz.
"It's like New Hampshire has won a nationwide popularity contest based on its
fundamentals."
Retired school principal Ken Perry disagreed.
"I'm ballistic. We have enough trouble passing school budgets as it is. These
people will come in and try to eliminate services," said Perry, 58, a Realtor
in Wolfeboro.
"I was hoping they'd go to Wyoming," Perry added.
Though some project members belong to the Libertarian Party, many simply
believe in minimal government and maximum freedom.
Some favor repealing laws against so-called victimless crimes such as
prostitution and drug use. But there is no official platform on the project's
Web site (www.freestateproject.com), which focuses on mainstream goals such as
lowering taxes and eliminating government waste.
In a statement, Republican Gov. Craig Benson said the project fits with a
tradition dating back to the Colonial era of people coming to New Hampshire
seeking small government and personal liberty.
"I am excited they are for the rule of law, against prejudice and eager to be
engaged in the political process," he said.
Benson's support prompted criticism from Democrats.
"Why is Governor Craig Benson supporting a group that wants to legalize
prostitution, legalize drugs and eliminate public schools?" said Democratic
Party Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan. "Craig Benson should explain to the voters why
he is supporting such a radical, antifamily agenda."
Residents also were divided.
"Libertarians are brutal here. We don't need any more," said John Cannistraro,
43, a Democrat who works at a Hannaford grocery store in Concord. "But
legalizing marijuana, that's cool with me."
Concord lawyer Dennis Pizzimenti, 56, said he is an independent with
libertarian sympathies. But he said there are limits.
"I like to be left alone by the government. But I need my trash picked up. I
need police protection," he said.
New Hampshire was ranked first in votes from every region in the country except
the West. Wyoming was runner-up, but still 10 percentage points behind New
Hampshire.
Following Wyoming, in order, were Montana, Idaho, Alaska, Maine, Vermont,
Delaware, South Dakota and North Dakota.
The project hopes to boost membership from 5,400 now to 20,000 by 2005.
But even 20,000 concentrated votes would do little at the state level. Babiarz
got 13,028 votes for governor last November compared with Benson's 259,663. The
state has 1.3 million residents.
Project Vice President Elizabeth McKinstry of Ann Arbor, Mich., said New
Hampshire's strengths included low taxes, a lean state government and a citizen
legislature.
The New Hampshire Constitution also protects the right to revolution: "Whenever
the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered,
and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right
ought to reform the old, or establish a new government."
Half of project members have college degrees. Seventy-five percent are under
age 50 and nearly half earn $60,000 or more annually.
The state already has more than 100 project members, who plan to ease the
transition for the others with an "Explore New Hampshire" tour and by pointing
free-staters to real estate offices.
The planned migration is supposed to begin in earnest by 2005. Two sparsely
populated northern counties, Grafton and Coos, appear to be the favorites.
"Those counties are ideal because I think the people are strikingly
independent," said Babiarz, who lives in the town of Grafton.
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Free Staters pick N.H. over Vermont
by Cadence Mertz • Free Press Staff Writer • 10/02/03
An upstart political movement opted Wednesday to bypass Vermont in favor of
neighboring New Hampshire where its members plan to slowly infiltrate state
government.
The Free State Project, a group of libertarian-minded thinkers founded by a
Yale University graduate student, voted on which of 10 states to use as a
testing ground for its political experiment. New Hampshire won. Wyoming came in
second. Vermont finished seventh, ahead of Delaware, South Dakota and North
Dakota.
The outcome disappointed Vermont Free Staters who had hoped to avoid uprooting.
Still, some put New Hampshire second on their ballots and said when the time
comes they'll consider relocating.
"I'm going to move, but not right away," said Free Stater and Libertarian Party
member Hardy Macia.
Macia, who lives in Grand Isle and was born in Vermont, said he figures he'll
move in about three years.
Free Staters believe in individual liberty and less government regulation.
Members would work their way into New Hampshire's political structure, then
work within the system to make the state a model of the group's ideals,
according to the plan.
New Hampshire has some advantages over Vermont, Macia said Wednesday.
"No sales tax, no income tax, then personal freedom: They don't have helmet
laws, seat belt laws," he said. Vermont politicians were less than welcoming
when Free State president Jason Sorens visited earlier this year, Macia said.
New Hampshire's governor, on the other hand, invited them in.
The Free State Project has more than 5,400 members, but plans to have 20,000
before the full move to New Hampshire. Member Scott Berkey, who lives in
Randolph, said having a state selected could help build momentum. It is easier
to recruit new members with a solid destination, he said.
"They'll know exactly what they're getting into," Berkey said.
New Hampshire libertarians did a good job of marketing the state to Free
Staters, said member Sheldon Katz of South Burlington. A weeklong Free
State/Libertarian jamboree in the Granite State this summer attracted crowds. A
Free State meeting at the Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington this summer drew
three people.
Katz never committed to go to New Hampshire; members were allowed to opt out of
certain states. His family will make a joint decision about whether to move, he
said.
Berkey, too, was unsure when he would pack up for New Hampshire, because he and
his wife are building a home in Randolph. He said he is so focused on that
project it is difficult to think about moving.
Will he move when the time comes?
"I expect to," Berkey said.
Contact Cadence Mertz at 660-1847 or
cmertz@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com
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Libertarian heaven: Welcome to the Free State
Editorial • 10/02/03
LIBERTARIANS – with a small "l" – recently formed a group called
the Free State Project in which all members agreed to move to the same state.
The goal was to move to a place where government was strictly limited and
individual liberty was highly prized – and make sure the place stayed that
way. The group held a vote this summer to choose the state. To the surprise of
few, New Hampshire won. Our prize: 20,000 politically active libertarians.
Some suspicious Granite Staters already have begun to ask whether the state
can?t return this prize for something else – a toaster, perhaps. We do not
share this sentiment. We think the prize will change little, if anything, about
this wonderful state.
New Hampshire already has won an unofficial popularity contest among
libertarian-minded people. Americans who value limited government and personal
freedom have voted with their feet by relocating to New Hampshire for decades.
It?s one of the reasons that fewer than half of New Hampshire residents are
natives. The only substantial difference between members of the Free State
Project and your average New Hampshire immigrant is that the Free Staters are
organized.
There are those who fear that the Free State Project could forever change the
political landscape in New Hampshire. Yet, were the Free State Project to
succeed in transplanting 20,000 people into the state, its main achievement
would be an influx of thousands of individuals who think more or less like most
other Granite Staters think. Far from being worrisome, this is welcome.
Because organizing libertarians is like herding cats, we doubt the Free State
Project will be able to round up 20,000 people for the move to New Hampshire.
The group will be lucky to get a few thousand. But even if the movement meets
its goal, that?s fine with us. The more Granite State voters who cherish
liberty, the better.
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A word of caution for state's 'invaders'
Editorial • 10/03/03
The libertarians are coming - invited or not. New Hampshire by a vote of
libertarians nationwide is their first choice for their "Free State Project."
They aim to attract up to 20,000 of like-minded individuals to move to New
Hampshire over the next three years to eventually "revolutionize" its
government. By that, they mean to shrink government by privatizing many of its
services and by expanding personal liberties. They are also highly tax-averse.
|
KEY POINTS
BACKGROUND: New Hampshire is the state that libertarians have adopted for their
project to "revolutionize" government.
CONCLUSION: This is an open country and libertarians may move to the Granite
State at will, but they shouldn't be surprised if their far-out ideas don't go
over with the rest of the population.
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Does anyone remember being asked if we wanted our state government to be taken
over in this fashion? Who is asking for this invasion?
How nice of the libertarians to attempt a takeover, even when they cooked up
the idea without consultation with the non-libertarian inhabitants.
Many of us think our state government is already lean and we differ with the
libertarians on what an essential service is.
Take schools. Some libertarians believe parents should pay tuition for their
children's schooling or home school them. They propose raising scholarships for
those who can't afford to pay tuitions by collecting private donations.
Most New Hampshire residents, we believe, think that a public school education
open to all up through grade 12 is one of the mainstays of a democracy. Nobody
has to go without or beg for financial support because the schooling is paid
through tax dollars.
Some libertarians also advocate decriminalizing marijuana use, prostitution and
other "victimless" crimes. And they're big on gun rights.
The Libertarians, many of whom can afford to be self-sufficient because of
their upscale incomes, are part of a fringe political group.
The few libertarians who have run for high public office in New Hampshire in
recent years have reaped slim support. So plumping up their numbers should, in
theory, give them greater leverage at the ballot box.
America is an open country and the libertarians have a right to move to New
Hampshire as well as any other group. Yet New Hampshire residents aren't
required to welcome them with open arms or to embrace their ideological form of
escapism.
Whether 20,000 of them will actually pull up stakes and move to New Hampshire
remains to be seen. The state's motto, "Live Free or Die," is a stirring one,
but most of us who endure the daily grind to make do know it shouldn't be taken
literally.
So while Gov. Craig Benson, who is working hard to pile up conservative
credentials, may encourage the libertarians to relocate to New Hampshire, these
newcomers should be aware that other residents of the state will view their
many proposed changes with a broad streak of old-fashioned Yankee skepticism.
It's nothing personal - just a difference of opinion over the role of
government and individuals in an increasingly complex society.
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