Free Keene

I have enjoyed living in Keene my entire life, but it wasn’t until recently that I began really appreciating the freedoms and liberties I still posses that other places, even in America, no longer do. Seat belt laws and restaurant smoking bans are sadly becoming the accepted norm almost everywhere, but so far New Hampshire residents have stood up for their freedoms and fended off both. New Hampshire residents have largely understood the need for small government, and it is up to all New Hampshire residents to keep standing up for our rights, and to take back those we have lost.
Although Keene is a great town to live in, property taxes are outrageously high, and growing higher. This effects not only property owners, but also renters. Higher property taxes mean higher rent costs must be passed down from landlords to tenants. Because renters must pay hundreds more a month towards the property tax, saving up enough money to buy property of their own becomes very hard for low income families and individuals. The high property taxes also fall heavily on all businesses in Keene. High property taxes mean employers have higher overhead costs. This leaves less money for investment in the business in all areas, including advertising, growth, employees, and employee pay.
The first step in bringing property taxes down is by cutting the size of government. This is where things can become difficult for some people. Once people become accustomed to a government program it can be hard to take that program away. This is why we must educate people about the true nature of government. Government is overpaid. Yes, of course each government bureaucracy will scream that they are not only vital, but underpaid. This is untrue. For the better part of American history government played a much smaller role in the lives of everyone. Private industry can easily accomplish what government workers do, often with half the resources in half the time. Yes people will have to take on a little bit of personal responsibility, but responsibility is what freedom is all about. Today we are pouring more money into our schools than we ever have before, but are we getting better results? Are tax payers getting their money’s worth? I would have to say no. Why do private schools out-pace more costly government schools? Because private industry has incentive to do well. Government bureaucracies often receive larger budgets when they fail to get the job done, while private industry must satisfy the customer and create a valuable product or service if they want to survive.
I think Keene is a great place to revitalize liberty and create greater prosperity for all. I hope this web site will serve as useful venue for inspirational thoughts and ideas. Holding the large government at bay is easier than pushing the great tides back, but with unity and hard work I think both are possible.

Toby