If it isn't handled with a lot of skill, the newcomers may discover that the pre-existing residents will oppose them out of sheer spite. ESPECIALLY in a place like Cow Hampshire. More than a few stone-faced Yankees up there. But one of the factors that's really, REALLY attracted me to NH has been the hospitality and offers of assistance in resettling I received from FSPers already resident in NH. Their graciousness and helpfulness was one of the particular things I noted in the place's favour, not limited to the FSPers there alone; I've got pals in NH from a couple of other interests, and I've visited there enough to know it's a beautiful place, and the hospitality there is the equal of that I've enjoyed in the South for the last half-dozen years.
The place has its warts, too. And there are those there who want to do something about that, and have so far been unable to do so on their own. I reckon they're about to get a few helping hands, and we'll soon see just how many. As of mid-September of this year: 5,454
If the rate of growth continues on the climbing curve it has- and neither a dropoff nor an increase would surprise me now that the state's been announced- the goal of 20,000 members in approximately 113.7 weeks. But I do not expect it to stop at that point, either.
And one thing we have not well prepared for is the possibility that the numbers could go WAY beyond what we've imagined and expected. Should that happen, we'll be pleased, of course, but it will bring some problems.
I've always been intrigued by the idea of political colonization. But I don't think NH would be a good state to do this in because its constitutional structure is quite difficult to amend, etc. There would already be enough opposition from the natives, too.
Wyoming would have been better, or Alaska.
I'm glad you love NH---so do I. My entire family's there now . . . I'm the only one who stayed in MA.
I found this essay kind of funny:
I wake up with the sun, not suddenly, but quickly. Within 60 seconds I am wide awake. I take a moment to enjoy the stillness of the house and to look over at my wife and thank God for her, my children, and the blessings of liberty.
[H's. G.: Oh brother, is that corny.]
Ten minutes later I head out for my morning workout. I pass my Ruger Security 6, 357 Magnum hanging in its holster by the door as I head out. I jog down the mostly typical suburban street, but I notice again some of the distinctions that make this place home. The lots are larger and more spread out than most, and the houses vary in style and size, with yardwork and other accoutrements proclaiming the personality of the occupants. Within minutes I have reached my destination.
[H's. G.: In other words, not a scrap of a zoning law! This person's obviously not seen the hideous results of locales without zoning laws---as any jaunt down the main drag of Plaistow, Salem, or just about any other fair-sized town in New Hampshire would demonstrate. Want to put a funeral parlor next to a Wendy's? No problem! Your neighbor wants to start a used tire lot next to your 3-bedroom colonial? Live free or die, buddy.]
The community fitness center is the result of a collaborative effort among 22 of the neighborhood's families. We bought a centrally located lot and proceded to build a small gym to house fitness equipment, everything from free weights to aerobic machines. The cost was extremely affordable and we were able to get it built in under one month thanks to the fact that there are no property taxes, and no city permits or building inspections are required, although we did hire Solomon's Builders to inspect it, just to be safe. The building received their Gold Seal, which is only given to about 2% of all the buildings they inspect! We now have over 50 families participating and we have been able to add a racquetball court, two tennis courts, and we are planning for future expansion.
[H's. G.: Sounds like a bit of communism and a healthy dose of unrealistic expectations.]
. . .
In any event, the essay went on and on and was so saccharine I think I need to go to the state-sponsored dentist right now. I like the gist of this project, but based on this featured essay, man, it must be filled with some bright-eyed, bushy-tailed dreamers.