21 replies to this topic

[damus]

runawayjim, on Jun 2 2006, 01:14 PM, said:

gas taxes are actually lower in CT than RI.  i've heard the reason prices are lower in RI is that the gas stations don't make any profit so they can afford to compete.

I don't understand that... how is the state average the highest in new england by ten cents most of the time if our taxes are lower? The gas prices are 10 cents higher in North Stonington than in Westerly, so competition is not driving down the prices over here.

[waccamatt]

Carter711, on Jun 1 2006, 11:25 PM, said:

Remember that this "study" covers only two social issues - Abortion rights and gay rights.  New Hampshire is probably one of the most libertarian-esque states that I'm aware of, very conservative on fiscal issues, but pretty liberal on social ones.   In the late 90's Gov. Jeanne Shaheen pushed through legislation that eliminated virtually every abortion restriction on the books, leaving the state with the most liberal abortion laws in the country.  She also signed one of the nation's first anti-discrimation bills into law that included protections covering sexual orientation.  Last year, the republican-dominated state legislature rejected a gay marriage ban amendment by the largest margin of any state that has seriously considered one.  This probably helps explain why the state earns a liberal status on these particular issues.  

That said, NH remains extremely conservative on taxes, claiming the second lowest tax burden in the country behind Alaska.  As for Gov. Shaheen, her political career ended when she made the mistake of supporting a state sales tax.  
This is just silly.  NH lost a higher percentage of men in the civil war than any other union state.  I can hardly think of a less confederate friendly place.  If it's confederate flags you're looking for, try driving through South Carolina.

You really don't see that many here unless you're way out in the country.