Your state matters

It matters which state you live it. In a way the US is almost an association of fifty different countries under a big Federal umbrella. In general, Federal law overrides state law. However, that seems to be less and less the case.

Currently it’s the abortion debate. I’d love to get into that, but I’m not going to. Too many men have already done their bit. Another one is marijuana laws. It’s still illegal under Federal law, but states have their own laws.

Thanks to the opposing laws you have weird things. For example in my state medical marijuana is legal. However, if a doctor is receiving Federal funds to treat you, that doctor can’t recommend pot for your condition. Here’s another weird one. The weed is legal and both Canada and Vermont. However, you can’t bring it across the border -the border is manned by Federal agents.

Gun laws vary tremendously from state to state. For example, New York has a lot of firearm restrictions. It’s extremely difficult to get a concealed carry permit. In my state of New Hampshire, to carry a concealed firearm, all you need a firearm and a way to conceal it. There are no permits required at all.

The list goes on and on. It covers everything from air pollution standards to boating regulations.

If you don’t like the laws in your state you basically have three options. You can become politically involved and try to change the laws. That can be time consuming, difficult, but sometimes satisfyingly successful. Another option is move to another state. While it’s a lot easier than changing countries, it can be an expensive and difficult solution. Then again, often it’s worth it. One new friend of mine is so happy to be in New Hampshire she’s never going back, even though her old friends are almost a thousand miles away now.

The third option is to become an outlaw. That has merits too. I’ve always been more concerned about doing what I consider morally right rather what’s legal. Remember, everything the Nazis did in WWII was legal.

-Sixbears