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The "Prosperity of Northern Maine" is not being recognized or utilized, I don't believe it's gone. Yes the days of the Lumber Barons are over but, there are many natural resources here. In my humble opinion, Maine will see more small farms, artisans, telecommuters and an increase in short term wood harvesting. As the country turns more to renewable energies, wood for heating and pellet production will be in higher demand. I'm not trying to sing "kumbayah" but, divisivness and blame won't get us anywhere. I do follow the news regularly (I live with a curmudgeonly news addict), I'm not unaware of the mess this world is in. I try to be a quiet force for positive action (if that makes sense). Normally I avoid controversial threads. I may not always express an opinion because I prefer to hear what others have to say but, this is not the only forum I read and, I do send email and call my local elected officials, and I vote. I'm not a "Granola" though I do see we've beaten the crap out of the Earth.
I've read many threads here about the dreaded "Volvo Line" (which to me is just a teasing thing) that have resulted in hurt to some. The idea that all of "Northern Maine" residents are illiterate, welfare scamming lowlifes living large, has been wafted around a few times and even when disproved with statistics and studies, it continues to come up.
Everyone here has a right to express their views on any subject of interest presented. I understand your frustration, I just tend to think that if I feel that strongly, then it's the official or dept. of The State or organization that I take the time to send a message to.
I'll just ride out into the sunshine, under the rainbow, on my trusty pink pony now. I have a campfire kumbayah singalong to get to. Warmest Regards.
Msina you are one awesome lady! I love your post. Your vision of the prosperity of Northern Maine and people like you are exactly what keeps us looking for our piece of Maine.
I've got to spread it around a little but I owe you one.
I've been thinking about how little change I've seen in Dover over the last 30-40 years. Industry and retail have come, gone and come back in different ways. Always around 4100 residents. More in the summer. Somehow, I'm not disappointed by this. I kind of like to know some things will never change. Overall, Maine had added about 250,000 more residents in that time. Comparing that to California in the same time frame, I've seen about an additional 10 million come to this state. Sacramento has seen a lot of that population growth too.
I remember my great in-laws of Dover talking politics and moaning and groaning about stuff back in the late 50's and 60's. They always had contempt for Augusta and the darned fools who ran it. Conservative minded if I remember. My dad was a super liberal educator. In 1967, they thought my dad was foolish to move our family way down south to Eliot too, way down in the city. Even back then I guess they thought that Portland and below was a different state. Some of my relatives in Dover had never left the three county area, yet alone the state. Others were bi-coastal like me.
Currently, I have 2 brothers and one of my sisters with their families living in Dover. I have too many relatives around town to list including around the Skowhegan and Madison areas. They are all still there. Won't move. No reason to. Stubborn mainers. Some have just recently returned to ME for a simpler lifestyle. Others have never left or known anything else. Living off the land and working hard, paying their taxes and supporting their community are not concepts but a reality.
This is a must see video of what a popular newscast reported about returning to a simpler time just last year.
It depends on your intentions. If you want to create a 51st state (or 52nd if you count Puerto Rico) then there is really nothing to worry about. If you want to break off from the Republic, then yeah, be scared.
Very true. Your point here is right on the money.
I see no point in northern/eastern/western Maine becoming the 51st (or 52nd) state, as most of our REAL problems are associated with being part of the D.C. federalized, "nanny-state" nation. Real secession is not an option either, as I do not believe northern Maine would survive very well as an independent nation, although it IS possible...IF we had a large enough preponderance of self-reliant folks in the seceding areas. However, I see that as unlikely. The poorer areas of the state, after all, have become net recipients of government largesse.
The "Prosperity of Northern Maine" is not being recognized or utilized, I don't believe it's gone. Yes the days of the Lumber Barons are over but, there are many natural resources here. In my humble opinion, Maine will see more small farms, artisans, telecommuters and an increase in short term wood harvesting. As the country turns more to renewable energies, wood for heating and pellet production will be in higher demand. I'm not trying to sing "kumbayah" but, divisivness and blame won't get us anywhere. I do follow the news regularly (I live with a curmudgeonly news addict), I'm not unaware of the mess this world is in. I try to be a quiet force for positive action (if that makes sense). Normally I avoid controversial threads. I may not always express an opinion because I prefer to hear what others have to say but, this is not the only forum I read and, I do send email and call my local elected officials, and I vote. I'm not a "Granola" though I do see we've beaten the crap out of the Earth.
I've read many threads here about the dreaded "Volvo Line" (which to me is just a teasing thing) that have resulted in hurt to some. The idea that all of "Northern Maine" residents are illiterate, welfare scamming lowlifes living large, has been wafted around a few times and even when disproved with statistics and studies, it continues to come up.
Everyone here has a right to express their views on any subject of interest presented. I understand your frustration, I just tend to think that if I feel that strongly, then it's the official or dept. of The State or organization that I take the time to send a message to.
I'll just ride out into the sunshine, under the rainbow, on my trusty pink pony now. I have a campfire kumbayah singalong to get to. Warmest Regards.
Msina, Thank God there are a few of you guys up there. I know that you love it and that is enough for me.....I don't expect to ever get up there but if I did I would want to shake your hand. You are an awesome human being.
I don't know what it is about living up north that makes people act and talk so hateful..... I just know its not for me.
Here's my .02 cents FWIW (or not).
First, just my opinion, but I think the idea of Maine seceding from the U.S. altogether is going a bit far. I have a lot of respect and admiration for the folks who preceeded us in history and what they gave up or died for to get us to this point, as much as we like or do not like our current areas of abode. My feeling is, if you don't like it here, well, Canada's close by and pretty decent; Mexico (the country, not the town ) isn't too far and while it's not my cup of tea, go for it if you like it, says I. There's other continents and like a zillion other countries if you prefer those. My allegiance to this country is geographic, not political. I've lived overseas and there's a lot to like over there, but my heart and soul are in the New World, specifically the U.S., and more specifically Maine. I happen to like and respect most of the folks I've met in our little northeastern corner, and feel it's a way of life that should be continually preserved and improved.
Now, if you want to create a separate state, my feeling is, if you can pull it off successfully, more power to you and I wish you all the best. I may even want to move there someday! Call it what - North Maine? I'll even buy a t-shirt if I go there But logically, I don't think it'll get everyone what they want. Launch a new state with new constitution and new laws, and I'm willing to bet my last dollar that eventually, encroachment of civilization and people moving to North Maine that want whatever they couldn't get elsewhere would eventually erode the new state and bring you right back to where we are now - unhappy with the status quo and wanting change. P.S. I am not saying that a separate state would be my preference. It's definitely not. I just wouldn't hold it against anybody living up north who would prefer that. Live and let live.
So my poor little advice would be this: if you don't like the way things are, organize, create an intelligent and non-aggressive platform, and go after what you want. If you could get even 100 people from every town to carpool to Augusta on a certain date (pre-released to the media of course) and bring your concerns to the press, that's achievement. Keep it up, keep the pressure on, fight for what you want in a progressive yet not antagonistic way, and who knows how far you might go. A hundred people grousing on a forum that things aren't right won't do a darn bit of good. Organizing, brainstorming, thoughtful approaches, researching your subjects, presenting your case persistently, persusively, yet non-confrontationally, will get you what you want eventually.
Just my opinion.
Last edited by Boomerang; 07-19-2008 at 07:40 PM..
Ok after doing a little research I came across a book called DOWN EAST MAINE A WORLD APART written by one Frank Van Ripen in 1998 a resident of Lubec (and yes he is a transplant from New York City) If anyone cares you can find used copies of this book at Barnes & Noble dot com in the used book section real cheap. In his book he quotes one Kenneth Roberts a writer from Maine who some 50 years earlier and I quote here" The southern portion of Maine with its billboards, overnight camps, hot dog stands, and fried clam emporia looks less like Maine than it does Massachusetts. Its axiomatic among those who have traveled widely in the state that you really arent in Maine and dont know what it ought to look like until you cross the Kennebeck." This also holds true for other northern parts of Maine as well. So maybe those of us in these parts seem cold or abrupt to some but this is Maine and yes we do help our neighbors when they are in need but among any thing else about North and East Maine we also hold our ground when it comes to our communities and the possible take over by outsiders. So in a way we are like that old grumpy uncle or grandfather you hear tales about but we are also very welcoming if you try to work with us and not change us or our way of life. Also Stephen King once said "Until you have crossed the last bridge you are not in Maine."
Unlike Southern Maine we do not survive on tourists or the seasonal residents We SURVIVE.
As for paying for our State Police to work in our counties let me ask the southern Maine folks when was the last time you called for the police and had to wait over an hour for one to arrive to help you? Here in Washington County we have 2 State troopers on patrol 24 hours a day and in one case when we called for help the officer was in Bangor and the other officer was in Calais so the wait time for help was over an hour...thank GOD nobody was dying.
It is most certainly shameful that Washington County is alloted only 2 State troopers.
Anyone ever organize a petition or rally to object to this?
When I wanted to speak with an officer earlier this summer I called the Sheriff's Dept. "It's not our night. Would you like me to connect you to the State Police?" If I'd needed her she'd have been here in 30 minutes. When she called me she was on the opposite side of Calais. If I'd needed police quickly Indian Township would have covered and a deputy would have eventually shown up. There's usually one on this side of Penobscot county who will come to Washington if we need him.
It's comforting to know we seldom ever need police but a little problematic when we do.
Quote:
" The southern portion of Maine with its billboards, overnight camps, hot dog stands, and fried clam emporia looks less like Maine than it does Massachusetts.
When did southern Maine start having billboards? The state has a long-standing billboard law.
This whole northern vs southern Maine thing is crap. Yes, the two parts of the state are different. Western Maine isn't like eastern, northern and southern Maine. Southern isn't like northern, western and eastern. The state is very large and diverse. We need to get over it and move on.
"This whole northern vs southern Maine thing is crap. Yes, the two parts of the state are different. Western Maine isn't like eastern, northern and southern Maine. Southern isn't like northern, western and eastern. The state is very large and diverse. We need to get over it and move on.[/quote]
Thank you MW, well said! I think I can speak for most of us regular posters from southern Maine, we appreciate your response.
We are ALL Mainers. We stand together UNITED. We are ONE Maine.
We are not at all like the socialist mindset that pervades southern Maine. If Augusta wouldn't take so much from the rural areas to redistribute wealth to those who won't work, the rest of us wouldn't be "just surviving."
You all need to read "Atlas Shrugged" and figure out how the world really works.
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Warmest Regards. 
Should Mainers Return To A Simpler Lifestyle?
Conservative minded if I remember. My dad was a super liberal educator. In 1967, they thought my dad was foolish to move our family way down south to Eliot too, way down in the city. Even back then I guess they thought that Portland and below was a different state.
Some of my relatives in Dover had never left the three county area, yet alone the state. Others were bi-coastal like me.
