A Stitch in Haste

Some libertarians have a New Hampshire fetish, based on a supposed proto-libertarian history of that state and (mis-?)perceptions of its current citizenry.

Whatever:

[Republican] Rep. [Judson] Dexter is on the [New Hampshire] House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, and he wrote the committee report that recommended the House not pass a bill to put "Live free or die" on the state flag.
...
"The words 'Live free or die' are a politically and emotionally charged phrase that we know has caused the state legal problems in the past," Dexter wrote for the committee. In testimony before the House on Wednesday, Dexter said the motto was "stating a political position."

Now I'm one of those "nothing better to do" types who happens to think that "America the Beautiful" should replace "The Start-Spangled Banner" as our national anthem, for the pesky little reason that it's a much better song (and easier to sing and not inspired by a battle, etc.) -- and no we don't need to expunge "God shed His grace on Thee." And I'm somewhat more receptive of the concerns of Confederate flag opponents than many libertarians.

But come on.

I can't say it any better than the editorial board of this New Hampshire newspaper did:

If "Live free or die" is stating a political position, then so is "E pluribus unum" and "all men are created equal." Any unifying civic declaration is, broadly speaking, political. But to suggest, as Dexter does, that "Live free or die" is divisive and therefore unworthy of placement on the state flag is to begin unraveling the civic fabric. If we have to hide our statement of shared beliefs because a few people don't like it, then we may as well change our motto to "Whatever" and call ourselves the "If You Don't Like Us, We'll Change State."

Indeed. At least in New York City, you know you're in the heart (bowels?) of Blue Country.

If Representative Dexter wants a different motto on the New Hampshire flag, might I suggest "Grow the F-ck Up!"

Hat tip to Tongue Tied.