As I recently toured the State of Maine's midcoast region between
Portland (my home) and Camden/Rockport, a moment of clarity happened
to me. I realized that any person from any other state can find a
town very similar to his previous home state. Farmers, fishermen,
bankers, craftsmen, computer programmers, wood workers, skiers,
boaters, campers, writers, athletes, and retirees will all find a
niche among people who love company and welcome all to experience
the treasures of Maine known by all too few. Next weekend, I'll be
camping in Bar Harbor and venturing even farther into "DownEast"
Maine. For those who've not been to Maine or only for an occasional
vacation, beware of discounting the potential of this state as our
First Free State. I encourage you to look beyond the statistics,
lists, polls, articles, and other people's opinions. Read the AAA
book about Maine, and study it on a map. Read about the places and
you will discover a whole lifetime of weekend excursions within 4
hours from the center of the state.
It only seems fitting to me that the FSP chooses a place with a deep
and long history, previously inhabited by similar Patriots 200 years
ago. I will reserve my reasons for being against New Hampshire for
another venue, however I strongly urge voters to consider where they
would rather live. New Hampshire offers a stronger political
climate today than does Maine, however where will they be in 5 or 10
years when we establish our population? One can speculate, but not
be certain, therefore some consideration of where one would prefer
to live must be included in a well-thoughtout vote. New Hampshire
offers several advantages, but to exist, we must not only move
there, but also stay there. I could not begin to count the numbers
of NH license plates this weekend in Maine, but I could begin to
speculate as to how few Maine residents spent their long weekend in
New Hampshire.
In conclusion, I want to wish a Happy (belated) 4th of July to one
and all among these fora, and to share my sincere passion for the
State of Maine.