New Hampshire has always been respected as the “Live Free or Die” state. The citizens of NH controlled their State, Counties and Town governments. Most representatives are volunteers from the community. They don’t believe in financing big government. NH citizens are resilient people who know how to survive with very little.
But times are changing. This week may signal more government control and less freedom for its citizens.
The House voted to approve 2 bills:
1. Raising the gas tax by 12 cents, and
2. Repealing self defense laws enacted in 2011 (House Bill 135).
- GAS TAX
Beginning with the gas tax, NH has the cheapest gas rates in New England. Many travel in from neighboring states to take advantage of gas prices and no taxes on shopping.
The supporters argue that the the gas tax is necessary to help widen Route 93 (construction ongoing) and to fix bridges. Opponents argue that NH should use the money already allocated and stop diverting money from the existing funds to pay for other agencies and programs.
Many are asking, why would you start a large road project to widen Route 93 if there wasn’t enough funds to begin with ? Secondly, many NH residents don’t make the same type of income as citizens in neighboring states and can’t afford the gas tax. Many NH residents live simple lives. Maybe it won’t effect those vacationing in NH, but it will effect most NH residents.
Lastly, the State Liquor stores put people to work and raise money for the state. Wouldn’t it make sense to strategically locate state run gambling facilities to do the same ? There are many unemployed workers in NH in certain poorer & remote areas of NH that could use the work. Further, it would raise a ton of cash for the state government to widen Route 93 and repair bridges.
One thing is for sure, once the gas tax is imposed, it will never be repealed. The government will use it like a crutch. Enough on the gas tax.
- SELF DEFENSE LAWS
One of the reasons NH is one of the safest states is because many of its law abiding citizens own rifles and are permitted to carry concealed . . . common knowledge and respect. No need to run away or call the police. Criminals will think twice. Most NH residents are very polite and respectful to each other . . . “Live Free or Die”.
That is why Bill 135 is mind boggling and alarming. Here is what was approved:
•Eliminates the provision that allows a person to use deadly force anywhere he or she has a legal right to be. This limits an individual’s ability to defend themselves or a third party from assault to their own place of residence.
•Amends the definition of non-deadly force by removing the provision that specifies the act of producing or displaying a weapon is considered non-deadly force. Thus, drawing or exhibiting your firearm to intimidate a perpetrator could be considered deadly force.
•Repeals the provision granting civil immunity for the use of force in certain circumstances. The elimination of this provision removes legal protections for law-abiding citizens acting in self-defense.
Just to be clear, when someone breaks into my house, am I required to take my wife and children and retreat to another room ? In NH, residents are permitted to open carry a weapon. Is this now considered “deadly force” by displaying a weapon. Lastly, am I correct to assume that if someone is being raped or subject to imminent deadly force, I should not intervene because the immunity law is repealed ?
Who are they trying to protect by passing this bill ? What a can of worms. Maybe we should pass that gas tax increase so we can afford more investigations and trials on these issues.
All eyes are on the Senate now. Lets see if the common sense state still has common sense.