Ooooo big swing! I think you are right, the solution to resource scarcity and climate change is definitely optimism!

I’m not cynical or misanthropic at all, I live a relaxing, nap-filled, child free existence. It’s really quite pleasant. And I’m very supportive of other peoples decisions, good on you- have 12 of you want 12. How about you take some responsibility for your actions and pay the taxes I pay in order to fund all of the government resources your children can use. I’m just sick of subsidizing other people getting knocked up because society tells me there is some intangible benefit of spitting out more humans.

Preach.

I don’t know how you could take a clear eyed view of the world and come to the conclusion that we need more people. Global population has skyrocketed in the past few generations, im pretty sure we will be ok.

Look- I am very supportive of social programs that help children and families. And I fully accept that I am paying for program which I won’t directly reap the benefits of, because that’s just part of being in a society that has empathy and takes care of those who need it.

But I just can’t get behind the idea that you should be discounted from that social and financial obligation BECAUSE you are having kids and creating the need for it.

Don’t threaten me with a good time, let’s march hand in hand into extinction!

I was mostly joking but I seriously think it’s ridiculous that people get massive tax breaks for reproducing. I’m paying into a system without creating more dependents to pull money out via schools and healthcare.

There should be a tax break for mitigating overpopulation and not forcing anyone to look at dumb pictures of my offspring.

More welfare for breeders!

Well played.

That seems doubtful.

You’d regret it. All those beards and the maple syrup sticking to everyone…. It’s not a great situation.

No, YOU pride and identify us as being a social haven. WE pride ourselves as being self reliant and treating each other with dignity.

You are just making my point so clearly: VT exists outside of our relationship to you. We are not a utopia, we are the real world just like everywhere else.

I think Vermonters treat people very humanely, it just might not look exactly like what you think it should. I don’t “welcome” anyone because I don’t really talk to people I don’t know, I value leaving other people alone.

I have nothing but love in my heart for you, and I really hope you stay.

It’s sometimes hard when we are just going about our daily lives, working and trying to get by, and people are upset we aren’t a greeting card that takes place inside of a farmers market.

Oh you didn’t get a warm vibe from people? I can’t imagine why.

It’s almost as if everyone in the country has made up a cartoonish stereotype about who lives here and then proceeded to show up and tell us how much of a disappointment we are when daily life is not an egalitarian love orgy covered in maple syrup.

There are no gayborhoods, there are barely neighborhoods.

Sand and gravel probably did hit the cars. It’s totally not a big deal. If you have a pristine vintage car, driving around VT in the winter is not a great move.

The math doesn’t really add up on getting a plow. You’re gonna spend 5k on something that’s decent and you’d have to spend a lot on plowing to make that balance out. Our plow bill is like 500 to 600 a year and Ive never thought it was worth it, by the time you break even you are going to need a new plow. Unless you want to do some for profit plowing on the side, that could make it worth it.

I agree wholeheartedly with your second point.

I don’t know why anyone would do that. Kellystan gets progressively worse as you push farther and farther up, plenty of opportunity to see it isn’t going to end well.

Whoa

The whole thing is dumb. The focus on these meaningless, superficial statements is part of what allows structural inequality to continue.

Its not you. I work 2nd shift and drive an hour home on Route 7 every night and id say 40 to 50% of cars i have to flash at, its ridiculous.

Dude wtf is that thing?!

It definitely is worth it, just be prepared to be on hold for a few hours.

Its impressive because Cacti really arent native to the region.

I mean cmon, we have some positive qualities! Its quiet, nice scenery, generally everyone leaves you alone. Theres like zero traffic, pretty minimal murder rates all things considered.

Plus- Did you know we are the first state to enshrine abortion rights in our constitution?!

Now thats uncalled for. Even for the internet, thats a bit brutal.

Hey man youre the one that brought it up, its not my fault youre wrong.

None of those states have amended their constitution to explicitly codify abortion rights. There have been a combination of ballot initiatives, state constitutions supporting “privacy,” and state supreme courts very clearly and emphatically declaring that includes abortion rights. Vermont is the first to explicitly include abortion in an amendment to the state’s constitution.

Its not a literal term, its more a description of yuppy, condescending tourists. You know like the kind of people who fly all over the country to ski and then feel inadequate because the locals dont think they are hella rad.