Live Free Or Die Unless...

“Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.” – General John Stark

I’m New Hampshire born and bred. I had the good fortune to grow up in the 70s when “Live Free Or Die “was at its height. Meldrim Thomson Jr., the anti-tax champion, was governor of our state, which was considered  the most conservative one in the country. William Loeb III was publishing the then ultra conservative Union Leader and the “Old Man” was still on top of the mountain. Back then, everyone wore the “Live Free Or Die” motto like it was a badge of courage. Children were taught that they were special because “Live Free Or Diers” still had the values of America’s founders while other states had let those values fall to the curb.

Well, times change and so has my beloved state. For years I have worried that our motto is becoming more of an empty phrase than a way of life. Thankfully, there may be  a light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the leadership of House Speaker William O’Brien. The House of Representatives has worked hard the past two years to help turn the tide but without a like-minded Senate they will continue to fight an uphill battle. We need a House, Senate and Governor united in ensuring that “Live Free Or Die” is a way of life and not just a slogan on a license plate. I am running for State Senate in District 11 to help ensure  that our state's motto continues to be the way of life in New Hampshire for future generations of Granite Staters. Below are just a few of the many reasons why there needs to be new blood and new leadership in the New Hampshire Senate.

“Live Free Or Die," unless you want to buy health insurance out of state because it is less expensive than buying it in New Hampshire. Unfortunately for the small business owners  of New Hampshire, in 2012 Sen. Peter Bragdon and his Senate colleagues voted to kill (inexpedient to legislate) Senate Bill 150  thus ensuring that small businesses will continue to be forced to buy health insurance at exorbitant rates from within New Hampshire instead of being able to shop for it across state lines.

“Live Free Or Die," unless you are a worker for an organization that has a union and you want the freedom to decide whether or not you want to join the union. Unfortunately, for the workers of New Hampshire, in 2012 Sen. Bragdon chose to table House Bill 1677 “The Right To Work Law,” which would have allow workers to have a choice in whether they wanted to join a union, instead as a result of the tabling which resulted in the death of the bill, workers will continue to be forced to pay dues to unions that they are forced to join.

“Live Free Or Die," unless you use electricity in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, for New Hampshire rate payers, in 2008 Sen. Bragdon co-sponsored and voted for House Bill 1434, the Cap And Trade Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (R.G.G.I.), which has cost New Hampshire rate payers tens of millions of dollars in increased fees due to government bureaucracy and over regulation. In 2012, once the citizens realized how costly the initiative had become, there was a public outcry to repeal it. Sen. Bragdon refused to vote to repeal R.G.G.I. thus ensuring that electricity rates in New Hampshire will continue to soar and individuals and small businesses will continue to suffer.

The intrusion of government into our lives wasn’t part of the plan when our forefathers founded this great country over 200 years ago, it wasn’t tolerated when Gov. Thomson was at our state’s helm in the 70's and it definitely can’t be accepted today in the year 2012.

On Sept. 11 and Nov. 6 vote for candidates who will continue to carry on New Hampshire’s proud "Live Free Or Die" heritage.

“Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.” General John Stark