NH State Representative Steven Smith

Yep, I said Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays… although I do wish those for you as well.  When I was a kid, we wished people Merry Christmas because we genuinely wished them good tidings, and Christmas was what we did.  The Jewish kids would generally reply “Thank you, and Happy Hanukkah”.  Now and then, someone would say “Thanks, but I don’t do Christmas”.  Note that they still said “Thanks”.  We would then say “well then, have a great holiday season!”.

Christmas is a time when we should be a little better person than we are the rest of the year.  We should think of others, and not assume that everyone is out to hurt or offend us.  In the Civil War, and other wars, opposing pickets and sentries would pool their meager supplies and celebrate Christmas together, while a temporary cease-fire was in effect.

My wish is that we all remember those sentries.  During Christmas, let’s all try to remember that most people do usually mean well, and give them credit for it.  Let’s not react first in anger to perceived slights and insults.  The truth is, most of the time, we just didn’t try hard enough to understand an opposing viewpoint.

Merry Christmas

Steve

Thanksgiving is here, turkey, stuffing, corn, mashed things with various types of sugar, and most of all, family. Don’t talk about politics today. Don’t talk about health care. Just take a break from the world, and enjoy the company of those you share this holiday with. I am thankful for my family (dogs included). I am thankful for the opportunities that I’ve received, and I am thankful for the challenges. Happy Thanksgiving.

Losing Ray Burton is one of those things that makes it feel as though the world has changed.  Ray was the epitome of the happy good guy.  Even when you disagreed with him, you liked him.  Ray was able to bring the good fight, without it ever becoming acrimonious or personal.  Sadly, an era has ended with Ray’s passing.  We’ll miss him.

Governor Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Councilor Burton's Honor

CONCORD - Tuesday November 12, 2013 - Governor Maggie Hassan has
directed flags to half-staff in Councilor Burton's Honor