My last diary on Vermont, which touched upon issues such as sprawl and urbanization in Vermont, apparently left a bad taste in the mouths of some people on here.
I totally understand though. I've had time to think about my positions and to try and get over my obsession with labeling out-of-staters as "flatlanders" or "carpetbaggers" (I am guilty of doing this sometimes).
I would however like to try and present a fair view of Vermont as I see it now.
I must add that my cat ran away yesterday. I'm hoping writing this diary will help me cheer up a little bit about things.
I must admit, I'm really proud of what Vermont has become over the years. Though I have some issues with the way things are going, I'm more than willing to concede that if Vermont did not have a lot of outside influences, that it would not be the great place that it is today.
Think of it, if Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield had never come to Vermont, would we have Ben and Jerrys? If John Sortino had never moved to Vermont, do you think Vermont Teddy Bear would exist? Hell, if a whole host of other enterpreneurs had never set foot in Vermont, would we have all the wonderful artisanal businesses we have today?
What if Bernie Sanders had never set foot in Vermont? Would we have Senator Bernie Sanders, proudly representing us? What about Howard Dean?
My point is that Vermont has become a much better place, thanks to people who represent common sense and have what's often known as the "Vermont spirit." To me, the Vermont spirit is one of independence, common sense and a respect for neighbors and friends.
As I have pointed out in the past, there can also be a darker side to people moving to Vermont, such as sprawl and crime. However, the positives far outweight the negatives.
I am proud to be a resident of this state. I get giddy when I hear of Pat Leahy giving 'em hell on Capitol Hill.
I love fall in Vermont, which includes watching the leaves change color and picking fresh Macs.
I wish there were more better paying jobs but other than that, there's no other place I'd call home.