A good way to respond to attacks

[Dave Ridley]

Last week there was a thread on SeacoastConnects.com called "Free Staters:  Asset or Menace?"

And it generated the usual split reaction from locals,  3 hostile folks, 3 on the fence or with mixed reactions, 3 supporters.

I put this message on the thread and, for good or ill, it seemed to have a soothing effect on our detractors.


<< Since I'm a free stater, I can't give an objective answer to the question at the top of this thread.

But to those of you who have done me the honor of attacking me, or who have lashed out against this desperate but hopeful endeavor:

If any of you find yourselves at some point persecuted by authorities, without having harmed or endangered anyone against their will, contact me. Or contact the folks on the NHfree.com forums. In all likelihood one or more of us will, in some form or fashion, come to your defense, if you wish us to.  >>

Maybe some of you will find this general line of response useful.  Of course, you've gotta be ready to deliver on the promise, if any

[d_goddard]

Thanks for sticking up for us in your always-diplomatic, eminently reasonable fashion, Dave.
Yet another reasno why I want you to be my representative one of these days!!

[aries]

All of NH will constantly see the FSP as a thorn in its side because they hate newcomers. Especially tourists but also the massholes that buy up all the new condos, which ruin the small-town feel and local hospitality.

[Russell Kanning]

All of NH? I have not seen that. Is that what you think or the people in your area?

[Marcy]

I agree with aries.  I support the FSP but as a long time NH resident, I have to admit that there is a "native" NH bias against outsiders...they're great for tourist dollars, but not so great when they decide to move in and (invariably) change the traditional character of a town.  Witness the NH bumper sticker:  Welcome to NH   Now go home.

NH IS a great place to live, for dozens of reasons and just about anybody, but almost everyone I've seen moving into NH wants to change it ... to either be more like the home they left (mostly folks from Massachusetts) or to turn it into something it isn't, but that they think it could become (the FSP).  Long time residents -- those whose families have been here generations and who generally end an argument they're losing with "...and how long have you been here?" -- rightly resent people coming in to change the essential character of their communities, especially if the newcomers announce that they are making it more free.  Native Granite Staters are justly proud of the freedoms here, which you have to admit they guarded pretty well without any help from "outsiders" or the place wouldn't be so attractive in the first place.  It is a wise thing for any newcomers to first immerse themselves in the local culture before taking any other steps...it avoids a lot of friction.

[Fluff and Stuff]

All of NH will constantly see the FSP as a thorn in its side because they hate newcomers. Especially tourists but also the massholes that buy up all the new condos, which ruin the small-town feel and local hospitality.

All I noticed was positive or non reactions everytime I have been to NH.  Of course, these people may not have known I was a FSP member but they did know I was an outsider (tourist).

[Dreepa]

I moved into a rural town and have not experienced anything negative.
Between my wife and I we probably have met most of the town people.  Never have we heard a negative word that we moved from CA.

[FTL_Ian]

I moved into a rural town and have not experienced anything negative.
Between my wife and I we probably have met most of the town people.  Never have we heard a negative word that we moved from CA.

Not that I know anything about small town life, but if people are talking trash, it's usually done when you aren't around.

[Dreepa]

I moved into a rural town and have not experienced anything negative.
Between my wife and I we probably have met most of the town people.  Never have we heard a negative word that we moved from CA.

Not that I know anything about small town life, but if people are talking trash, it's usually done when you aren't around.

But in small town.... it usually gets back to you. Esp since I am the only spectator at the Selectman's meeting.
If people are talking shit it isn't getting back to us.  And we hear all the rest of the town gossip.

[d_goddard]

Marcy hit the nail on the head, and Dreepa is doing excatly the right thing.
Job #1 for any newcomer is: volunteer.
Observing the Selectmen or any other civic function, just by being a warm and atentive body in the room, eventually somebody will ask you to lend a hand with something. DO IT.
Volunteer to read to children, walk dogs at the animal shelter, spend time with seniors, ladel out soup at the soup kitchem, or (like Irena does) help out the Library with their semi-annual book sale.

Do all of these things wihout trumpeting your politics or personal opinions. Just be a good neighbor lending a hand to help make the community work.

After a few months, you'll be just another one of the Good Folks. Then when it comes up in conversation, by all means, let people know your political opinions and that you're a Porc. They'll know you're not scary, you don't want to kill children or deface property. They'll know that you honestly want to make things better -- because that's what you've been doing, together, for months already.

VOLUNTEER.
It's the most effective, first thing you can do to make NH Free.
Everything else flows from the goodwill you build up as a good neighbor.

[earthhaven]

I've seen and heard a lot from people who hate people moving to NH for the cheap taxes but brining in their socialist Mass. ideas. When I talk to people about the FSP I almost always get a negative first response, but when I question these people why they don't like the FSP it is usually because they have no idea what the movement is about. People simply need a little education.

My boss hates the FSP, but I've found that she agrees with the idea of freedom. I need to work on her slowly. It can be hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

[Pat McCotter]

When I talk to people about the FSP I almost always get a negative first response, but when I question these people why they don't like the FSP it is usually because they have no idea what the movement is about. People simply need a little education.

Libertarians have been trying to educate people for 30 years. Become part of your community. Actions speak louder than words.

[earthhaven]

When I talk to people about the FSP I almost always get a negative first response, but when I question these people why they don't like the FSP it is usually because they have no idea what the movement is about. People simply need a little education.

Libertarians have been trying to educate people for 30 years. Become part of your community. Actions speak louder than words.

Agreed, but I really want my boss to understand so she can give me time off  on short notice to go to the IRS and such.

[BillyC]

I have never had an issue with anyone who knows I am part of the FSP.
When people find out I am a member of the Constitution Party and not a Libertarian it makes them feel allot better knowing its not just a Libertarian organization trying to invade their state.

Most people I have talked to out side of our little group do not really care for the Libertarian Platform as a whole.

The ones who know about the Libertarian message like about half of it, but resist the other half in an all most hostile fashion.

[ravelkinbow]

Marcy hit the nail on the head, and Dreepa is doing excatly the right thing.
Job #1 for any newcomer is: volunteer.
Observing the Selectmen or any other civic function, just by being a warm and atentive body in the room, eventually somebody will ask you to lend a hand with something. DO IT.
Volunteer to read to children, walk dogs at the animal shelter, spend time with seniors, ladel out soup at the soup kitchem, or (like Irena does) help out the Library with their semi-annual book sale.

Do all of these things wihout trumpeting your politics or personal opinions. Just be a good neighbor lending a hand to help make the community work.

After a few months, you'll be just another one of the Good Folks. Then when it comes up in conversation, by all means, let people know your political opinions and that you're a Porc. They'll know you're not scary, you don't want to kill children or deface property. They'll know that you honestly want to make things better -- because that's what you've been doing, together, for months already.

VOLUNTEER.
It's the most effective, first thing you can do to make NH Free.
Everything else flows from the goodwill you build up as a good neighbor.

That is so so true, showing that you are out to do good for the community speaks volumes, and when you do have something to say about the politics of your community, people will care more about what you have to say after seeing you make a difference.