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political asylum from the socialist cesspool
In my travels I have found that folks up North generally like a bit more Government than we do down here. I'll have to admit though that they do seem to get quite a bit of "bang for their buck". up there.
I was just out of Albany, NY when the big snow storm hit last year. WOW - three to four FEET of snow in just a day and a half!
In no time, they had the roads clear and in only about another day and a half I could travel anywhere I wanted to.
They also have people who travel around the interstate system looking for stranded/broke down motorist.
I wouldn't want the trade off, but it did impress me a bit.
On a small note of humor, I had pulled over in a parking lot waiting for some of my colleagues. It was dark (around 8 pm or so), and I had backed in to a parking spot. Noticing that I had no front tag, inspection sticker, and other assorted paperwork attached to the front of my truck, an officer stopped to question why I was sitting there.
He asked "Well do they at least require registration in Alabama?". I chuckled and produced the paperwork for him. He asked if I have any firearms and I explained that normally I would but having left the Republic I decided that it was best to leave my weapon behind. (We were having a good natured discussion). He seemed intrigued that I could just "strap on" (his words) my pistol and go to town.
We chatted briefly and he went on his way. All in all a pleasant and professional encounter. In relating this story to some of the local guys at work, they were very surprised that he talked with me for a few minutes. It seems that sort of thing is unusual up north.
They were also surprised that he asked about weapons but did not seem to want to search my truck.
Just a small example of how different the Southern culture is. It didn't seem unusual at all to me to be having a cordial chat with an officer of the law.