Live Free or Die

There should be mountains in Iowa. Today we climbed Mount Monadnock and it was an amazing experience. I am already sore but it was worth it when I reached the summit. The picture features some of the FINS at the top of the mountain. I recommend everyone to add climb a mountain to the things they want to do in their lifetime. New Hampshire has been treating the Iowans very well with a warm welcome. The area is beautifully filled with large trees, hills, and lakes. It is strange that the landscape is not flat land with corn fields.


New Hampshire's state motto "Live Free or Die" is plastered on every single license plate. This evening I researched Iowa's state motto "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." I like New Hampshire's motto better, it is much more to the point. I'd vote for Iowa's motto to be changed to "Is this Heaven, No it's Iowa!" Anyways, I feel the state motto for Iowa relates to the discussion as to whether Iowa should continue to be the first caucus state. In class we have discussed how the entire country looks to Iowa to narrow down or even choose the presidential candidates. Every four years candidates come to Iowa and campaign hard because they know how crucial it is to have a good showing in the caucuses. I think as an Iowan born and raised citizen I often take for granted my opportunities within the state. Only in Iowa do I have the chance to meet several candidates and have neighbors who are informed citizens on the election. As in the words of the motto, Iowans need to 'prize' the caucus tradition and 'maintain' our position as first in the nation.

This being my first blog I would like to state that I am excited to share my experiences through the 2008 Presidential Elections. My classmates and I will be in New Hampshire through the end of the week, so there will soon be more coming from New Hampshire. Until Then...