NO MORE BS: State Motto’s

Having traveled across the 48 continental United States and having researched Alaska and Hawaii heavily, I have realized several things about the people who live in the various states.  Pick your state, tell me if you agree or disagree in the comments.

• Alabama – “Audemus jura nostra defendere” – “We dare to defend our rights,” also translated as “We Dare to Maintain our Rights.” Both translations are observable in the long-term residents.  Alabama’s state motto’s audacity is one to be proud of, to follow, and the people and the musical group represent this motto perfectly.  While I have many more miles to enjoy in Alabama, keep up the good work in living this motto.
• Alaska – “North to the Future.” – The people of Alaska always seem to possess a fire of hope in their souls, and moving North to the future is a big reason for this hopefulness. Long have I desired to travel your highways and byways.  Keep up the great work!
• Arizona – “Ditat Deus” – Translated to “Enriched by God” or more popularly “God Enriches.” Maybe it’s the sunshine, perhaps it’s the heat, but Arizonans in the major cities seem to have neglected their state motto, and hopelessness is breeding.  I have observed a mixed bag in the smaller towns where the state motto and hope appear to cross.  I tend to think it’s time to return to the roots that made this state great, “Ditat Deus!”
• Arkansas – “Regnat populus” – Translates to “The People Rule!” Traveling through Arkansas, especially the smaller towns and cities, you see this principle in action.  I love watching “The People Rule!”  Keep up the great work.  Your strength is needed right now!
• California – “Eureka” – Translates from Greek, not Latin, into, “I have found it!” The saying traces its origin to the gold mines that started the state.  When I traveled the coastal highway, I thought, “How did the Californians lose what they found?”  Then I traveled a few back roads and visited mountain towns, and found the state’s soul is not found along the coastal highway.  How grateful I was to see this occur.  California, especially those along the coast, needs to correct your behavior, attitudes, and positions.  For California is on the brink of destruction, suicide committed by those who have ruled you.
• Colorado – “Nil sine numine” – Translates to “Nothing without Providence” or “Nothing without the Deity.” To all travelers to Colorado, Colorado is not Denver!  Denver is not a good, true, or even just representation of the state’s inhabitants.  Denver is a cesspool, and the rest of the state is incredible!  Why has this been allowed to occur?  Denver, why are you absent from the rest of the state?  Where is the leadership the rest of the state deserves and requires?  Frankly, Denver, you disgust me!
• Connecticut – “Qui transtulit sustinet” – Translates to “He who transplanted sustains.” Connecticut, what happened?  Where did hope that sustained your forefathers disappear to?  Why?  I visited Connecticut two different times, and both times the population seemed to have shrunk in hope and faith, leaving a bitter people.  No judgment intended, simple observations if I am wrong, please let me know.  I miss the hope that was embedded in your state!
• Delaware – “Liberty and Independence” – What happened? Why did your state sell itself and lose both liberty and independence?  Your state was the rallying call, but where is this rallying call now?  Where are liberty and independence in Delaware?  Doesn’t it seem weird to you that your state was founded upon liberty and independence but has grown into bondage and dependence?
• Florida – “In GOD we Trust” – I know some of the stories for Florida changing. The import of so many different political views as people aged tore the roots out of your state, like the lost orange orchards, and the empty shell is full of bitterness and poison.  I know several of your political figures have been directly responsible for your demise.  Floridians, do you still believe?  Floridians, what are you willing to do to reverse course on the demise of your fair state?
• Georgia – “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation” – Values to live by; values to honor; and for the most part, what I have seen of Georgia lives these principles. May you continue to strive and understand the power of this motto!
• Hawaii – “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono” – Hawaiian Translates to, “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” I fully admit I have not had the opportunity to travel and meet the people of Hawaii.  From what I read in your newspapers, online news, and the politicians who call your state home, I deduce some significant problems and the existence of a disconnect between reality and the state motto.  I have met some great Hawaiians who have left the island for various reasons; again, no judgment, just concern for the loss and wonder about where your state goes from here.
• Idaho – “Esto perpetua” – Translates from Latin into “Let it be perpetual.”  There is lots of good happening in Idaho, lots of change due to Californians’ movement into the smaller towns, and frankly, I worry about Idaho’s future.  So much good, so many good people, but so much change.  Fundamental, foundational, and honestly, some of the towns I have visited are unrecognizable from just a few years ago.  Change is perpetual; change is good; please remember who you are; I would hate to see Idaho lose itself and become Connecticut, or worse.
• Illinois – “State sovereignty, National union” – I know when this motto was lost. I know the historical moment when Illinois lost its soul.  What I do not know is when the residents of Illinois will fight to get their souls back!  Illinois, you have so much potential, but the criminals and politicians, mobsters, and mafia continue to abuse you, which is unfair to you and the nation.  Illinois, I would see you regain your potential that has been stolen and squandered; as citizens of your state, what are you willing to do to fix the problems?
• Indiana – “The crossroads of America” – Indiana, thank you for being the crossroads of America! I love the vibrancy of your state, the constant change, the beauty of your people is extraordinary.  The hope that comes from being at the crossroads infuses every moment of every decision, which is fun to observe.  Keep up the great work!
• Iowa – “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” – Let me tell you a secret; Iowa, I love how your State, cities, towns, and people work together. Honest, forthright, dependable, and outstanding people.  Thank you for the goodness that comes from your people and supports the good throughout America and the world.  Keep your motto firmly planted in your hearts, and your state will continue to be unique and revered across the globe!
• Kansas – “Ad astra per aspera” – Translates from Latin as, “To the stars through difficulties.” From all I have observed, the hope grown through this motto’s realization makes strong people stronger!  I know the jokes and stories about how flat your state is, how pancakes have more geographical change than your highways, but I also know your people and praise them for their goodness.  Keep up the great work, remember your motto, and live your motto, and nothing can harm you!
• Kentucky – Originally, “United we stand, divided we fall.” I have only known your state with this motto.  2002 brought a new motto, and I have not observed your state since.  “Deo gratiam habeamus” a Latin translation of “Let us be grateful to God.”  I wish you and your people the best.  While I like the new motto, the unity I saw in your people under the old motto was something to be respected!
• Louisiana – “Union, justice, confidence” – Feel free to disagree and correct me, but what I have seen, parts of the state live this motto and produce incredible people. Then we have New Orleans, and I have to wonder why the disarticulation?  Please explain why Louisiana always feels disjointed, disconnected, and discombobulated, where the rest of the state is one way, but New Orleans is so different?
• Maine – “Dirigo” – “I Direct.” Maine, I have seen you from coast to coast, from stem to stern, and many places in between.  I know your farmers and your fishers; I am a product of Belfast, graduating in Camden-Rockport, have family across the entire state, and friends where I do not have family.  Please forgive the military axiom, “Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?”  Your state has been bankrupted twice!  You have such incredible potential, so many hardy and good people, but you elect the worst to represent you and destroy your potential.  WHY?  Of all 50-states, your economics are in a worse mess than California, and the only reason is the politicians elected to represent you!  I weep for the loss, the waste, the poverty, and the bloody madness that sees you repeating Einstein’s definition of insanity ad nauseam ad infinitum.
• Maryland – The State with the most mottos and one of the more lost and listless states in America. “Fatti maschi, parole femmine / Scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos / crescite et multiplicamini” – From Italian, the first translates as “Strong deeds, gentle words.” From Latin, the second translates as “By the shield of your goodwill you have crowned us.”  Also, from Latin, the third translates as “Grow and multiply.”  Great motto’s, one and all, but how do you stand to exist so listlessly?  I know, Washington, DC infects your state worse than any other, and this abuse is hard to bear.  I also know the crabbers, farmers, and other people in your state would love to grow and prosper.  You can be so much better; would you please begin to live your state motto’s?
• Massachusetts – “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” – Translated as, “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” Boston used to live this motto and was respectable.  Now, the state’s motto is only lived outside Boston!  Could someone please explain why?  Why did Bostonians sell themselves and their peace through liberty by giving up their swords?  Look, there is a lot to respect about Massachusetts; I love the food, the people, the variety, the whole state has such incredible history and potential for the future.  But, do you understand the motto of your state and why this motto is so precious?  Do you feel the power of your state motto in your daily decisions?  Do you recognize the obligations to peace and liberty through proper and judicious use of the sword?  Please wake Boston back up!  Please open your minds and hearts to this motto and rededicate yourself to this principle; it is important!
• Michigan – You have one motto that can be read as two different directives. “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice / Tuebor” – “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you, I will defend.”  A more pleasant peninsula cannot be found in the world than Michigan.  I have been so impressed with your people, your state, and I would gladly defend your peninsula.  But, your current governor has got to go in disgrace!  Many of your politicians need removed and held accountable for their insanity and abuse.  Worse, the infection of your politicians continues to throttle your state’s potential.  I sorely wish more would take up “Tuebor” as a call to action, for then blessed change would come to your great state.  If you ever visit Lansing, just outside the city is a farm that makes the best apple/peach lattice pie, apple caramel pie, and apple/cranberry pie on Earth!  Just saying!
• Minnesota – I love that your territorial motto has never been repealed or replaced, “Quae sursum volo videre” – “I long to see what is beyond” the imagination this motto inspires in me, on a dark night traveling from one point of your state to the other, has always made me smile. The official state motto, not that fond of honestly, “L’étoile du Nord” comes from the French and translates as “The star of the north.” Honestly, your state is a star in the North. Indeed, your state has such amazing people, the food is incredible, and I have met the salt of the Earth in your borders.  Yet, I cannot help but ask some of the same questions of you that I asked of Maine.  Why do you continue to elect rubes and fools to public office to abuse and oppress you?  Please explain this to me; your state has potential, location, power, and resources, but the politicians never direct the state or lead very well.  Why?  Not saying you haven’t had some good politicians worthy of respect and honor, but the majority just embarrass your state.
• Mississippi – “Virtute et armis” – Latin translation, “By valor and Arms.” Never forget the power you hold by standing with your neighbors and not relying upon anyone but yourself.  I have seen your valor through the arms of your people during natural disasters, state emergencies, and in normal times as a means for growth and development.  Please, cling to and live your state motto, for your lives depend upon this motto, and you are worthy of this motto!  Keep up the good work!
• Missouri – The “Show ME” State has a great motto, “Salus populi suprema lex esto” translated as “The Welfare of the People is the Highest Law.” I guess I have to ask, especially since I am a die-hard “Show Me” adherent, where do you live your state motto?  How do you interpret your state motto?  I have traveled your state from border to border many times; the people are amazing, the geography ever-changing and beautiful, but your leadership represents the antithesis of your state motto.  Not always, but too often, your political leadership from the school board to the governor are simply the most useless specimens it has been my displeasure to observe.  Why?  Please explain.
• Montana – The “Big Sky State” has a motto a little more earthy, “Oro y plata,” from Spanish, “Gold and Silver.” Oh, how I love your state!  Your people are incredible examples of strength, diversity, and down-home, old-fashioned goodness.  Helena and Missoula have million-dollar views that are beyond compare 365-days a year.  The small towns have hospitality flowing out of their every action.  Never felt so at home and comfortable.  While the politicians in your state continue to disrupt and dismantle, you continue to thrive, and I respect your people’s will to thrive against all odds.  Keep up the good work.
• Nebraska – Much respect to your state has been earned because of your state motto, “Equality before the law.” I have witnessed this motto in the people, the businesses, and the air you inhale seems to breed this motto into a person’s soul!  Keep up the excellent work, for I know there are problems, but your state is worthy of the potential, and you possess the ability to improve!
• Nevada – “All for our country.” If you travel to Nevada, get off the highways and take the back roads, and you will find some of the best patriots in the world!  The roads might appear lonely, barren, and desperate; the people more than makeup for these road conditions.  Thank you for being such a fantastic place!
• New Hampshire – Of all the states in my travels, New Hampshire lives this motto like no other state, “Live Free or Die.” May I beg a favor to all my New Hampshire friends, family, and neighbors?  Please live this motto more fully, more thoroughly, and let your influence be felt throughout ALL of New England!  Join Vermont and take Maine and New York to the woodshed for some corrective behavioral modification.  You are doing a good job, and it is a pleasure to witness!
• New Jersey – The State of “Liberty and Prosperity” seems to be lacking both! New Jersey, let’s face some harsh facts, you are lost!  You have lost your liberty through public debts and your prosperity through the labor unions who have made the state practically uninhabitable!  I know New York City has been and continues to be a significant influence causing your state’s problems.  But the bi-polar politicians have done just as much damage as the New York Citizens to steal prosperity and destroy liberty.  Do you not know who you are and your proud history of accomplishments?  Did you forget who you are, how your state was made, and the definition of your state motto?
• New Mexico – Never be fooled; New Mexico is not found in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, as much as these two cities try to hide their inadequacies, hellish intentions, and bad manners. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are not representative of New Mexico and New Mexicans! Although the evil they try to hide is representative of the state’s motto, “Crescit eundo,” for “It goes by growing,” is precisely what represents Albuquerque, and her suburbs, and Santa Fe, and her suburbs!  I love New Mexico!  Truly an enchanted land full of people deserving better than the abuse they have received at the hands of her rulers and politicians.  Her current governor is in a race to the bottom and is in a three-way tie between Newsome in California and Whitmer in Michigan!  Want a culinary delight?  Stay out of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, eat at a local mom and pop restaurant, and the food of New Mexico is revealed in all its glory!  Las Cruces is a great area; the pecan trees and other agriculture speak to the people’s hard work and dedication.  Great people of New Mexico, you deserve better; please choose your elected officials and representatives better.  Your potential will only continue to be wasted and abused until your politicians are held to task and corrected!  If you are in Albuquerque and are hungry, Monroe’s is an excellent choice, and you can get some of the best food in New Mexico style.  The Owl Café is an incredible gustatory experience.  If eating at the Owl Café, save room for the Volcano Banana Split or the New Mexico Red Shake, both are excellent!
• New York – The State whose motto is “Excelsior!” could do with a heck of a lot more “Ever upward” movement! Everywhere I look in New York, you see the exact opposite of your moving “Ever Upward.”  From spasmodic politicians to Janus-faced labor unions to vacillating and spineless bureaucrats, the entire State of New York is in desperate straights, committing suicide with a dull knife, one stroke at a time!  Look, California is in trouble, no doubt, but why, oh why is New York competing for the bottom?  Unfunded liabilities and debt are crushing the entire state, and not a single politician wants to speak to the 800-pound gorilla in the room.  Worse, the mayor of your most populated city has murdered citizens by placing infected COVID patients into long-term care facilities.  No mention from Albany, no leadership from Albany is the standard response to every state problem.  Please explain how the state government in Albany can afford to be so disconnected from what occurs in the rest of the state!  Roads are crumbling; Albany does not care.  Crime skyrockets due to criminal injustice reforms; Albany could care less.  Towns failing; Albany wants the tax dollars and refuses common-sense approaches to aid in moving the state from a downward trend back to moving “Ever Upward!”  It is past time for Albany to wake up, put on some work boots, and start leading the State of New York!
• North Carolina – “Esse quam videri” – “To be, rather than to seem!” North Carolina has been through some difficult times, but if your people return to this single motto, you can regain all you have lost.  Cease the fakery and “BE” what you need to become to regain your state!  I weep for the history that nefarious and petty tyrants have imposed upon you recently.  Worse, the terrorists are still among you, some even hold public office, and deep cleaning of fake people is required.  I wish you luck, for liberty and freedom will be lost if your state cannot remember your roots!
• North Dakota – The State where Daniel Webster is quoted on the Great Seal of the State, “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable.” While the state’s coat of arms declares, “Strength from the soil.”  Both are appropriate.  I have barely traveled in your state and regret that I have not met more of your people, traveling your cities and towns and sampling the goodness in your state.  Your state is an example to the entire country, and I thank you for your hard work, dedication, and living the motto of your state.  Keep up the great work; you deserve all the success you can create!
• Ohio – As the only state whose motto is taken directly from the Bible, “With God, all things are possible,” one might think the state would be less inclined to self-destruction. However, the state also has the following motto, “Imperium in imperio” or “An empire in an empire,” which explains a lot.  Ohioans, I have lived and traveled your state extensively, meeting you in small towns, big cities, restaurants, and other civic events, and frankly, I think your state is stable and in good condition.  Except for the labor unions and the politicians and bureaucrats!  Holy… “Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot” Ohio, why did you sell yourself for a bowl of pottage to borrow another incident from the Bible.  I have had the most incredible privilege of sweating beside the Amish, the Mennonites, and so many more of your people working and building.  The people are fantastic in Ohio, the second friendliest state in the Union.  But you have gotten sick on the political hay fed to you, and that sickness is ruining your state!  Would someone please explain why this is acceptable to a state with such a rich history of industry, commerce, resources, and the people to put these tools into action?
• Oklahoma – “Labor omnia vincit” translates to – “Hard work conquers all things.” A truth and a representation of a people.  Oklahoma, you have some problems, you have some issues, but after what I have observed of your people, and through living your state motto, you can conquer, and I will cheer like mad!  I wish to take your people and transplant some into Pennsylvania or New Jersey for some woodshed corrective behavior modification.  Keep up the great work!
• Oregon – “The Union,” and “Alis volat propriis” – translated as, “The Union, she flies with her own wings.” A state motto where the leaders are wholly disconnected from their state motto and couldn’t recognize the problems if Lady Justice was beating them with her sword!  Look, when one gets out of Portland, the entire State of Oregon is 180-degrees different.  Portland did not use to be the example of supreme idiocy, asininities, and deranged behavior.  These were inflicted upon her citizens by her rulers and government representatives until Portland was lost!  What boggles my mind is why the rest of the state has allowed Portland to fester and the rest of the state decay.  I know the environmental movement in the 1980s did a number on Oregon that has never been fixed, crimes committed where justice was denied the individuals, and Mount St. Helen’s didn’t help the state at all.  Please believe me; Portland is not representative of Oregon on or off the I-5 corridor; the rest of Oregon is full of good, honest, great people.  Outside of Portland, Oregon is the third friendliest state I have had the pleasure to travel through.  I pray that Oregon’s citizens can recover Portland, even if it means woodshed corrective behavior modification for the entire city!
• Pennsylvania – “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence,” I repeat, only for emphasis, “Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?” The historic land of independence depends entirely on all the wrong things, government answers, and labor union hypocrisy included!  Why did the land of virtue choose to lose virtue as a watchword for moderation and intelligent thinking supporting distinctive action?  Why is liberty so scarce in the land of liberty?  Of all the states that have thrown off their motto, refused the answer to their problems, and denied their heritage, I would never have expected Pennsylvania to make this list, but not only are you on the list, but you also lead the list!  I look at your state budget and the captivity of debt and shudder to think of the consequences coming your way.  Worse, I can find no excuses for the loss of virtue, liberty, and independence.  Sure, your politicians and labor unions helped.  Sure, the people were sold a lie and fed voraciously upon the lie.  But, there is not a single incident I can point to that would explain this destruction.  Why and how did you fall?  Please help me understand, Katrina and New Orleans are a historical point that ripped the scab off the rot in Louisiana and New Orleans.  What happened in Pennsylvania?  Why have you agreed to sleep in the filth left from the lie sold you?
• Rhode Island – “Hope,” yes; I am an adherent, acolyte, postulant, etc., to the “Show Me” State, I live by “[Living] Free or Die,” but at the end of the day, “Hope” is my watchword. Rhode Island, why did “Hope” die in your state?  My last trip through your state was during a good economy, and things were happening, lots of good taking place, but your people were the most hopeless I had ever witnessed inside the borders of America.  Why?  Please explain to me why “Hope” is so scarce in the State of “Hope!”
• South Carolina – “Dum spiro spero / animis opibusque parati” – Translates into, “While I breathe, I hope; prepared in minds and resources.” South Carolina, as a kid, I traveled extensively through your state.  As an adult, I have traveled not as extensively, but I can still not help but think the changes made in your state have not upheld your state’s motto.  I respect your state’s preparation for natural disasters and consider your efforts to be good.  But, the people’s minds have been forgotten, as witnessed by the terrorism of thought experienced during the summer of 2020.  Resources help in being prepared, but the minds must also be supported, instructed, and built!  Why were the minds of the people summarily discharged from the state efforts?  Of all the states in the Union, I expected South Carolina never to forget this lesson learned in the fires of the American Revolution.  Would someone please explain to me why mind preparation has been strangled, defied, and left behind?  In a case of limited resources, it is better to invest in the mind than in resources, for the mind can be stretched, and imagination can make resources.  Please, return to preparing the minds of your people.  Everyone else, understand this: South Carolinians are not stupid, ignorant, or mentally deficient; the state has simply stopped aiming for literacy, which has hurt the state’s resources and denied the heritage left them!
• South Dakota – “Under GOD the people rule,” a sentiment worthy of such incredible people. How true this lesson remains for the rest of the country to learn.  I regret not having had the privilege of traveling more in your state, for I love what I have seen and experienced.  Your people are fantastic, and I encourage more people to participate in both North and South Dakota at your earliest opportunity.  When you see the metal T-Rex being walked by a metal man, I hope you laugh as hard as I did!  Keep up the great work, for I am very impressed!
• Tennessee – “Agriculture and Commerce” remains a beautiful sentiment worthy of the people in Tennessee. I know Kentucky is the “Blue-Grass” state, but I find Tennessee’s agriculture to be much prettier.  Tennesseans, I implore you to return to your roots of agriculture and commerce.  Please correct your politicians and regain your competitiveness.  Your people are some of the world’s best people where ingenuity and imagination combine to create commerce.  Use this skill and develop your people.  But first, get new politicians at the city/town, county, state, and federal levels of government; these people do not represent who you truly are as a people!
• Texas – “Friendship.” Another state motto that has been replicated perfectly upon the citizenry.  All my time in Texas has been defined by friendly people, helpful people, and people who care about their neighbors to the point of showing their care and concern as a daily part of regular action.  I regret the changes that have come, through unfriendly people to the city of Austin.  I implore the rest of Texas to rise and bring some woodshed corrective behavioral modification to Austin before the cancer of unfriendliness ruins your state!  Keep up the great work Texans, I know of no friendlier people on Earth!  Don’t forget to get your politicians back in order; they are killing your state.
• Utah – “Industry” the perfect motto for the people of the state! Everywhere one turns in Utah, “Industry” is the watchword and the directive.  I met a man traveling through Utah, he wanted to be lazy, but when he saw how industrious all the people were, he was ashamed of himself and went back to work.  Sure, some homeless people needing to learn to be industrious, but I always had work sufficient for my needs in Utah as a person of action.  A willingness to work, and no skills, was not an affliction that kept one from working; I found trainers everywhere, provided I wanted to learn.  I know some of this is engrained from the founding of the state through the religious beliefs of the members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints.  Still, the heritage of industry surpasses religion’s influence, and frankly, I am always amazed to see just how much industry can accomplish in 24-hours!  Not saying there are no problems, but through living an industrious life, the troubles melt.  Keep up the great work, Utahans!
• Vermont – Holding two state mottos, “Freedom and Unity” and “Stella quarta decima fulgeat,” the second translates from Latin as, “May the 14^th star shine bright.” Ever want to know the history of something cool, look up the history behind the 14^th star and Vermont.  The lesson is well worth the time.  Vermont, you are definitely worthy of both your state mottos; better still, I am anxiously awaiting the day you and New Hampshire become the central players in New England; your people and your states have waited a long time to rise.  Keep up the innovative work you do; hold your politicians more accountable, and keep the faith; your time is coming, and success is yours!
• Virginia – With all your potential, your resources, and your people, I cannot help but claim, your state motto leaves me madder than a soaked chicken with a raging case of hemorrhoids! I know you are the only “Commonwealth” in the American Republic; I know your state has hated Texas since Texas came along.  I know your political class exemplifies perfectly the state motto, and this is flat-out disgusting!  “Sic semper tyrannis” – “Thus always to tyrants.”  Virginia, you have bullied and abused your neighbors as a tyrant, you continue to be a thorn in the side of this great Republic, and frankly, I look forward to the day your state is finally humbled.  For from the ashes of humility, I hope to see a better state rise!  I have met extraordinary people in Virginia, I have worked beside some great individuals, but all of these people were transplants, not “true Virginians.”  Honestly, General Robert E. Lee would be ashamed of the tyranny in Virginia!
• Washington – Of all the states I have visited and lived in, Washington is the most bipolar and schizophrenic! With the motto of “Al-ki,” translated from the jargon of the Chinook Indians, it means “By and By.”  Seriously bipolar and schizophrenia are the watchwords in Washington.  If a person travels the entire length of Interstate 90, upon leaving Idaho, the homes of Boston become familiar, and then the rest of the whole United States becomes replicated in the architecture until you hit the mountains.  Drop down the mountains, and an entirely new world arrives where moss grows so thick on the roofs of houses that homeowners have to mow their roof!  SeaTac is not a good representation of the people of Washington, but schizophrenia is apparent everywhere along the I-5 Corridor from Canada to Oregon!  Some blame coffee for this psychological disease, but I assure you, you cannot blame the people on the coffee!  Great people, fantastic food, and incredible resources are throughout the entire state.  Still, the politicians, aided by Marxist labor union types, and too bloody much money, all crammed into too little space, has created a lifestyle that makes no sense and has seen people earning a million dollars a year living out of their cars, showering at the club or work, and driving home on the weekends!  Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, you especially, and desperately need to change who you elect to public office!
• West Virginia – “Montani semper liberi” – Latin for “Mountaineers are always free.” Damned straight and from that freedom, West Virginia threw off their chains of captivity to Virginia, and the world changed forever.  Having lived with the mountaineers, climbed the back trails of the mountains, and witnessed the mountaineers’ strength and stubbornness, I know why Virginia lost that fight!  West Virginia has been the victim of government and Virginian abuses since its inception, but always the mountaineers remain steadfast, loyal, and fierce!  Do not underestimate the women or the mountaineers’ children, for they will kick your butt like nobody else!  Keep up the efforts, West Virginia; you are truly worthy of respect and honor, and shortly your day will come.
• Wisconsin – If ever a state could exemplify both their motto and the need for living that motto more succinctly, Wisconsin wins hands down! The official motto, “Forward!”  I have traveled and experienced Wisconsin in good times and bad, from shore to border, and from Canada to Illinois, and all I can say, keep moving Forward!  Wisconsin, you can improve, you have the tools, resources, and some of the best people fed on the most incredible foods; keep moving Forward!
• Wyoming – “Equal Rights and Cedant arma togae.” Two distinct thoughts that merge into a single motto, that “Equal rights ‘Let weapons yield to the toga.’”  The import of this idea is that with equal rights, the weapons of the past yield improvements in society to bring out the academic, the professional, and the better human.  Keep this motto in mind, for the truth is absolute that this can occur, and Wyoming is a unique example of how the state motto is leading the mind to change.  I was so intrigued to witness this motto in action in the people who still love rodeos, western living, and rugged individualists!  Wyoming keep up the great work you are living; I loved visiting and living in your state; thank you!

As an industrial and organizational psychologist, I study and observe people.  I look at how people interact as a social group, a society, and an organization to understand the good and ill of human relationships.  I am not perfect, and I admit I am biased to hope, even when intelligence tells me hope is gone and to give up.  I also freely admit I live by “Show ME.”  My political beliefs live in New Hampshire’s motto, “Live free or die!”  I realize that living free involves following laws.  I support the US Constitution and US Bill of Rights as the only laws we need for the Federal Government to operate smoothly where the most freedom and liberty reside in the hands of the states and the people.

I love America!  Having seen the slums of Bahrain, the poverty of people in South Korea, the incredible beauty and wonder, the problems of countries in between, and the issues in America, I would live nowhere else on Earth.  Why; because of all of the problems witnessed in my travels across America, I know that when Americans wake up, put on their work boots, and go to work with a purpose, the world changes for the better again and again.  Each state’s motto is specifically designed to describe the culture of the people living in that state.  More, each state’s motto represents America’s ideals as a patchwork quilt that is American greatness.

Hence, I urge you to learn, discover, define, describe, and live the state motto that makes you the American you desire to represent!  American, [A(h)-Me-I-Can], adapt and adopt, gather, and be defined by any state motto that inspires.  How great is that!

© 2021 M. Dave Salisbury
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