YOUR COMMENTS

To Ralph in Bedford, Rick in Portsmouth and Melanie in Manchester. You three are among the few who make sense in your comments for this editorial. Except Rick, you forgot to add my state to that list of cesspools you mentioned.

New Hampshire is on the verge of joining Connecticut as a formerly proud conservative state infested by the vermin of liberal stupidity. Only the disease of liberalism infected us long before it did the Granite State.

This election, the majority NH voters did not heed the warnings of common sense. Remember, those who do not learn from their history are doomed to repeat it.

Governer John Lynch did not show his true colors until the Democrats took over the majority in the state legislature two years ago. I have to think that what has been happening the last two years would be a lot more than any reasonable person could take.

The unjust and reckless tax and spend, regulation driven nonsense thrust upon the people of NH over these past two years was only the beginning. The worst is yet to come as long as the liberals are once again the majority in charge.

I find it so hard to fathom how NH has become a blue state in favor of democrats. After all that has happened, the majority of the state's voters still wanted Lynch and the Democrats? Well, be careful what you wish for. Be afraid, be very afraid. Prepare for the absolute worst.

The years 2010 cannot come soon enough for NH. Unfortunately, by that time, it may be too late. The Granite State as we have come to have known it may very easily be dead and gone.

Perhaps I should not care because I do not live in NH. But I have one cousing living in Manchester and numerous friends all over the state. I am also a long term visitor. I had thought of moving to NH because my company could transfer me to an office there if I wanted that. Well, now there is not a snowball's chance in hell of that happening. Also, forget about me paying another visit anytime soon. That is right, Lynch can kiss my tourism dollars goodbye.

Lynch really cares about NH. Yeah, sure he does. He really means to say "The Taxpayers Can All Go To Hell!" Also, cannot forget that he is, and will continue to be about upsetting the business community. Finally, he is creating an "anti-tourist" image for the once proud New Hampshire.

Say goodbye to "Live Free or Die." Yes, that very saying will disappear and Lynch will be sure to create a new, more "PC" to his satisfaction slogan to adorn all of your license plates and road and highway signs. Enjoy the transformation to "North Massachusetts."

Seriously, this is a nauseating, putrid, replulsive and sickening path that New Hampshire is headed down.
- Robert, Danbury, CT

I can't wait to say "I told you so" to all you people who voted for Obama. The only good thing about him is that he is the first black president. A great thing indeed. But i'm afraid his liberal/socialist views will only bring this country down further into the depths of dispair. Tu habla espanol anyone? A shame, I would have loved to welcome a black president, but I could never support a liberal. Soon we will have higher taxes, we will be giving our money to people who don't work (when will you realize that throwing money at people just makes them more lazy and entitled), we will see more violence, this country will be attacked and the pacifist Obama will sit there saying what went wrong. As much as Bush may have screwed up, I'd rather him defending our country than a pansy.
- Barbara, Atkinson, NH

Chip in Wilton--you say that Churchill's "wife and FDR (a great friend of his) were both liberals." This may be true. But would it shock you to learn that Churchill was an imperialist? Or that he detested socialism and Stalin, while FDR befriended Stalin and embraced socialism (before the latter invaded Poland)? Keep in mind, too, that the friendship between Churchill and FDR was forged largely out of necessity--Great Britain needed an ally against Germany.

The point is, there are varying degrees of liberalism; and ideologies DO change over space and time. Take, for example, the Democrat party's "blue dogs." The modern notion of "liberalism" is so foreign to them that many of these blue dogs have actually defected to the Republican party.
- Susie Nickerson, Horseshoe Bay, Texas (NH native)

Chipper, you can call whatever agency you would like.

The tactics I refered to all involved non-violence. I guess I should have spelled that out.
I imagine there are certain people who, if pushed far enough, would take the option you hint at. At this point, I am not one of them. IMO, we are a long way from that course, but, should the worst case scenario befall us, I would not hesitate to take up arms in defense of liberty. Our Founding Fathers didn't, and their writtings inform me that neither should I, or any other American for that matter.
- Mike P., Manchester

Marie G., I work two jobs and have never asked for a handout and I voted for Obama. You make a huge sweeping generalization.
- JT, Manchester

I think this is wonderful. I was initially a Hillary supporter and up until a few days ago was still unsure of who I wanted. I did some research (I do not watch TV Gary and have no idea what those shows are) and decided to go with Obama, because the last eight years have been humiliating for this country. Perhaps with the help of Biden, we can shine in the international arena once again; those relationships are so vital to our success as a nation in the world. There are some people who choose to be ignorant and play the race card, but they pride themselves on that so let it be.

What I imparted upon my students today at school was not that a better man won, but that two people who are deeply devoted to this nation spent 21 months of their lives to run for the highest office in the nation. Neither one is good or bad or worse, but both are very intelligent and only one could be selected. I think we have to wait and see and not expect any overnight miracles. George W. has buried us deep into a pit. Hopefully, we can get out by all working together--red, white, black, green, Democrat and Republican, etc.

It is interesting to note that not all that long ago Booker T. Washington was invited to the White House and when he was people were appalled because it was not too long after slavery was abolished. We have come a long way. Now we have the first ever African American President-Elect.
- JT, Manchester

I am so proud. It will feel good not to be embarrassed any more, as well as, shunned by the rest of the world.
- Eli, North Conwat

Clinton did not 'gut the military', far from it, the only things that he cut from the Pentagon were bloated, useless programs that had already failed miserably. The defense budget could be cut at least 50% and we would still have the largest defense budget in the world. In the world---do you know what that means?
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Gary: "I fear what an Obama administration and a Democrat-controlled House and Senate will do to this once great country over the next 4-8 years... Our country took a very unfortunate turn yesterday."
Especially since it's been so great for the past 8 years... and we've all suffered under Clinton's leadership 1992-2000...

I am so very happy that the beliefs of the few posters here do not reflect what majority in NH feel (as shown yesterday).
God bless America and our President-Elect Barack H. Obama
- KS, Manchester, NH

America has spoken and we have picked our leader for the next 4 years. Those that can't handle it have two choices, move to Canada or move to the deep south to be with your like. Either way...good for the rest of us!
- Jim Norwell, Manchester, NH

You blind fools that voted for the 'O' just doomed this country to the fate of the Balkans.
- John Davis, Manchester, nh

349 to 173, looks like any other dem. would of beat the republicans. Unlike most of you, most American see thru it, negative ads, lies, say one thing and do an other. We American got fed up. So have you find a state to move to yet marie g. lol
- jay, raymond

Hey Jake, great comment...loved it!

I am a product of a mixed marriage...dad is from Massachusetts while mom is from NH. Amazing to think that back in the 50's they might actually have spoken to one another, never mind decide to marry and (OMG) reproduce!!!!

For all you MA bashers...please let me know when you decide you want a better doctor and head to Boston for a 2nd opinion because the doctors there really know what they're talking about (if I had a dime every time I heard that...well...you know the rest). And don't bother trying to send your kid to MIT, Harvard, Smith, Amherst, etc. but if you do, please don't crow about it to the rest of us here in po'dunk NH. And puhleeze, whateva ya do, DON'T go to the Cape for vacation. Oh, and don't be one of those who actually WORKS in MA but lives in oh...Bedford.

Marie, I've got a great idea (actually, it was the husband's)...since NH has gotten so blue, why don't you move on up to Alaska. Maybe you can help Sarah Palin with her plans for 2012. As you know, you will be able to keep a much better eye on those evil Ruskies from there, and if we're lucky, you might drill for oil and bury yourself in the hole.

Seriously, though, I woke up this morning and the news of Obama's election brought tears to my eyes. To paraphrase Michele Obama, "I'm finally proud of my country". Way to go, America! You done good!!!!!
- Jeanne, Chester

Words to live by. "Don't blame me, I voted for Johnny!" Its funny, I heard a quote today on a local radio regarding electing democrats, that the young professional people of southern NH spoke up. Nothing professional, intelligent, or remotely smart about these folks. Hate to break it to you, but you probably should of done your homework or even more importantly listened to the facts before even stepping into the booth to ruin this great country. Good luck and God bless.
- C. Russell, Amherst

Gary Edwards: "Our country took a very unfortunate turn yesterday." I suppose you were one of the 10% of people who liked the direction our country was going.

I'm glad 90% don't agree with.
- Terry, Mont Vernon

New Hampshire's constitution guarantees its citizens the right to rebellion, in Article 10 of the constitution's Bill of Rights:

Whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.
- Bob, Hudson

Gary Edwards - there was an American
Revolution last night and the good guys won.
- Jeff Comeau, Manchester

Personally, I am one to believe that you never truly know how a president did while in office until they have been gone for at least four years. And most of the time it takes much longer to see what they have done. Unfortunately, they never seem to be given the credit for what they have done until much later then that. Reagan was president fron 81-89 and is only now (almost 20 years later) considered as one of the greatest presidents this country ever had. The U.S. was a superpower and one of the most respected country in the world. Then Bush gets voted in and rides on the coattails of Reagan, doesn't do much to stay in office and gets voted out. In comes Clinton. He continues the ride on Reagan's coattails and low and behold, Clinton has a nice happy eight year stay at the White House. The 90's turned out to be a great decade. HE gets all the credit from what Reagan does and comes out smelling like a rose. But he didn't really do much either now did he?. "Stay the course" was his favorite quote if I'm not mistaken. Now the country is in the tank. The dollar is week, etc, etc. G.W. Bush is taking the heat for that. But now I have a question...

Why exactly is it that Clinton is not mentioned as a person at fault for the current state of the country? Why does everything fall on Bush's lap?

When Pres-elect Obama assumes office 1-20-09, the country will have nowhere to go but up. Now I have another question...

Who will get the credit then?
- Bob Watson, Manchester

The unfortunate part is that this election was the GOP's to lose. They've known for a very long time that the Democrats had two very charismatic candidates battling through the primaries to take on the Republicans. Throughout the entire process they offered nothing more than negative attacks on the democrats.

Nobody knows whether Obama's ideas or plans can or will work. Time will tell. But had McCain put more effort into introducing fresh ideas rooted in the GOP philosophy, the results might have had a better chance to be different. The GOP is trying to be too many things to too many people and by doing so they're contradicting themselves. They're attempting to appeal to social and fiscal conservatives, and evangelical christians - philosophies which are often opposing points of view.

Regardless of who was elected yesterday they were poised to inherit an incredible mess which needs to be fixed in order for any of us to prosper. The reality is we are ALL to blame. We have, as a nation, become very self-absorbed, over consumed, run-up incredible debt and lived well beyond our means. Just look at how southern, NH has exploded with development.

I have lived in several other states besides New Hampshire - each with thier own revenue generating formula. Somehow my excrutiatingly high property taxes, auto registration fees, business enterprise taxes, meals tax and federal income tax feel no different than than property taxes, state income tax, state sales tax and federal income tax (Massachusetts and New York), other than that I could actually have personal control over my tax burden based on my fluxuating income.

Change, though uncomfortable, is good. New Hampshire is still the beautiful place it has always been. It teaches us to open our eyes and our minds. Remember, this is America, and if we don't like something, we have the ability to change it, unlike so many other places in the world.
- Mike, Francestown

The unfortunate part is that this election was the GOP's to lose. They've known for a very long time that the Democrats had two very charismatic candidates battling through the primaries to take on the Republicans. Throughout the entire process they offered nothing more than negative attacks on the democrats.

Nobody knows whether Obama's ideas or plans can or will work. Time will tell. But had McCain put more effort into introducing fresh ideas rooted in the GOP philosophy, the results might have had a better chance to be different. The GOP is trying to be too many things to too many people and by doing so they're contradicting themselves. They're attempting to appeal to social and fiscal conservatives, and evangelical christians - philosophies which are often opposing points of view.

Regardless of who was elected yesterday they were poised to inherit an incredible mess which needs to be fixed in order for any of us to prosper. The reality is we are ALL to blame. We have, as a nation, become very self-absorbed, over consumed, run-up incredible debt and lived well beyond our means. Just look at how southern, NH has exploded with development.

I have lived in several other states besides New Hampshire - each with thier own revenue generating formula. Somehow my excrutiatingly high property taxes, auto registration fees, business enterprise taxes, meals tax and federal income tax feel no different than than property taxes, state income tax, state sales tax and federal income tax (Massachusetts and New York), other than that I could actually have personal control over my tax burden based on my fluxuating income.

Change, though uncomfortable, is good. New Hampshire is still the beautiful place it has always been. It teaches us to open our eyes and our minds. Remember, this is America, and if we don't like something, we have the ability to change it, unlike so many other places in the world.
- Mike, Francestown

What is most unfortunate is this is not solely a New Hampshire issue. The same thing is happening to other states that were respectfully red and are now shamefully blue. Look at what's happened to Virginia. Nevada, a staunchly red state, voted Obama 55-43%. Even Texas only voted for McCain at a 55-44 clip. Texas. Which normally votes far more Republican than that. So there's nowhere to run to people. Myopia abounds now.

I fear what an Obama administration and a Democrat-controlled House and Senate will do to this once great country over the next 4-8 years. I fear they will do far too many things that are both harmful and irrevocable. Boy, do we ever need an American Revolution II in this country.

What is really unfortunate is that people know more about the stats of their favorite sports teams or the contestants on mental midget shows like Dancing With the Stars than they do the candidates they vote for in elections. Americans are foolish and lazy. It will be our downfall. Most citizens don't deserve the United States.

Our country took a very unfortunate turn yesterday. And I can't think of one country out there that's a whole lot better. Prepare for some very terrible times in the years to come and you can look at yesterday's unfortunate outcome as the watershed moment that put us there. That is because America was the glue that held it all together. And now the glue has softened. God help us.
- Gary Edwards, Lincoln

I just can't believe all of the people from Massachusetts that moved to Coos County, allowing Obama to win there. Who saw that mass migration coming?
- Jake, Manchester

Last night, when the election was called for Obama, I felt like a patient who, having been horrifically sick for the past 8 years, was just told by my doctor "it's going to be OK". Thank you so very much my fellow NH voters for doing the right thing. Our country, the world, is in an enormous hole which was dug by the Bush administration and the GOP. We have stopped digging now, thank God, and we can begin to climb out into the sunlight.
- Lee Nicholson, Amherst

Chrissy, has it ever occured to you that the "quality of life" in NH is better than that of MA BECAUSE we have(or did have) a political philosophy that was the polar opposite of the Peoples Republic.

I suppose you also believe that Americas greatness derives from some sort of luck of the draw equation. Wrong again, Chrissy. Americas greatness springs from our Constitution, the same document that is under constant assault from those of your ilk.
Your personal beliefs aside, what evidence do you have that NH will continue to be a great state, as we take the road to bigger and bigger gov't?
Yeah, Chrissy, that sort of logic worked out really well for MA, didn't it?

Well intentioned, historically illiterate voters will be the death of NH and Americas greatness.
Where will you turn for a better quality of life then, Chrissy?
LaLa Land, indeed!
- Mike P., Manchester

Michael Paradis: "There are many ways around an oppressive government and if it comes down to it, many of us will employ them all."

Should somebody call the Secret Service???

Easy boy.
- Chip Sanders, Wilton

Marie G,

Why do you feel you need to live in a state where everyone agrees with and conforms to your beliefs? Are you really that insecure in your convictions?
- jon, hooksett

Susie: Texas (NH native) Please stop regurgitating the quote that Winston Churchill NEVER said. If you don't believe me then google it. The Winston Churchill Library has NO record of him ever saying that. It also notes that his wife and FDR (a great friend of his) were both liberals.
- Chip Sanders, Wilton

We moved to NH from Mass so our Republican views could be represented. Now it is all Democrat. Where can we move to? We actually work for a living, unlike most Democrats who just want a handout.
- Marie G., Hudson, NH

Marie-
We also moved to NH from Mass but not so our view could be represented. We moved to NH because the quality of life is much better here than in Mass. NH is a great state and I believe it will continue to be. If you don't like NH anymore then I guess it's adios to you. Picking a state to live in because of it's republican or even democratic leanings is pretty stupid. What difference does it make? Are you going to find a state where you agree with everything they do and say? No. And if you think yes than you're living in Lala land.

I'm proud that I voted Obama and no one can take that away from me.
- Chrissy, Plaistow,NH

Jeff in Goffstown...
George Bush was given plenty of resepct by the left and the world after 9/11. He squandered that respect and support on his own until he was no longer deserving of either.

Michelle in Derry, yes Obama was endorsed by Hamas but you forgot to metnion that McCain was endorsed by Al Qaeda. You know what, neither endorsement was sought and neither endorsement matters.
- jon, hooksett

It's a beautiful thing! Now let's impeach Bush, just for the fun of it!
- Jolene Terriette, Manchester

To Melanie, Rick, and Ralph, Rick

Thank you so much! You have restored my faith that there are still a few good citizens left in my home state. Seeing NH turn blue has been distressing for me beyond words, other than to say that I am deeply saddened and disappointed. Until now, I had always been proud to say, "I'm a native of New Hampshire."

Of this disturbing trend toward liberalism, I quote Winston Churchill, who famously declared:

"If you're not a liberal at age 20, you have no heart; and if you're not a conservative by age 40, you have no brain."

So it's encouraging to know that there are intelligent people like yourselves who steadfastly embrace the time-honored principles and values that have long characterized New Hampshire. Obama can have his "hope." My hope is that NH, and our nation, will get back on the right track the next time around. Godspeed, New Hampshire!
- Susie Nickerson, Horseshoe Bay, Texas (NH native)

Bob, re-read history regarding the 1990s. The only big fix that came out of the 90's was welfare reform which was due mostly to republican majority that was swept into power in 1994. You also leave out the part on how Clinton gutted the military and had no response to terrorist attacks on American soil and interests abroad.
- Don Rubby, Exeter, NH

New Hampshie residents As a Mass. resident who had dreams of retiring to your baetutiful indepenent state. And has spent tens of thousands of dollars vacationing and skiing there the past 22 years I must say I do sympathize with you. Being blue liberal Mass. is not fun. You get to work harder an harder for less and less and expected to pay for anyone moving in from other states. Good Luck to you and I do hope you can gain back your state some day. This is a sad day for me to see N.H. and Ohio (roots) turn blue.
- Janice McDonal, Westport, Massachusetts

Bob from Manchester, very well said. I feel as though we are moving in a positive direction, and after 8 years it's about time.
- Dave, Concord

Sorry folks, this isn't about "liberal Massachusetts transplants." That kind of demeaning rhetoric is what the majority of Americans have just overwhelmingly rejected. If you look at the voting pattern of NH, the highest percentages for Obama were up North. It's the economy, stupid.

And, why is it that when the state rejects the GOP message they are not being independent? Those of you lamenting that somehow NH is no longer independent or lacks common sense because they soundly rejected the policies of the GOP just shows your own ignorance, not that of your fellow New Hampshire citizens.
- Michael, Hopkinton

Well Marie in Hudson is a real brain trust. I am a democrat and I have never been without a job since I began working 20yrs ago.
- Jen, Manchester, NH

After this election I have found myself chanting "Four more beers...four more beers".
- Justin, Manchester

All those who say that Obama is not their president should just leave the country. They won't be missed.
- LJC, Manchester

Wow, 36 comments and not one about why McCain was the better choice. Thats the GOPs problem, no ideas.

And apparently 63 million people in this country are lazy and looking for a handout (according to Marie G). Who would have known.
- Ramel, Hudson

As a disappointed McCain supporter, I will respcet President elect Obama, and try to treat his presidency with more respect than the left ever showed to President Bush. I will oppose what I must, but I will not, as the left routinely did, lie about him or his reasons. I will be part of the loyal opposition. He is my president, and I will respect that.
- jeff, goffstown

The Republicans had their 8 year run. Now it is time for the Democrats to fix things...again...(see the 1990s.) It's no big deal, that's what we always do.

For those who say that America voted with its heart, not its head, how ironic you are. Obama's campaign appealed to people's intelligence. McCain/Palin appealed to the thug in all of us. Guess what? Intellect won.

Guess what else? NH is now a blue state. If you're looking for a nice, safe red state there is a nice list available for you if you just look at the bottom of the list of best states for education, crime, quality of life, and health care. Have fun in Mississippi or Arkansas or Alabama or Oklahoma.

Or...you could stay here and realize that the sky isn't falling, that you neighbors are NOT the enemy. You see them at the supermarket, at school, at the town dump. Do they really look un-American? The last time we had a Democrat for 8 years things were pretty good. We had a budget surplus, we were at peace, crime was lower, and so were abortions.

Rail all you want against the man who preached unity at every stop. It doesn't matter. You lost. He won. And he isn't going to hold your ignorance against you. He'll unite this country. That is his mandate.
- Bob, Manchester

A president-elect with training wheels?
C'mon folks. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Looks like the old state boundaries whereby once Mass. wrapped up the coastline is back in force.

Shaheenover Sununu? please.

Good bye to your money, new taxes and don't forget "it's for the children".

Im blue that NH is now blue.
- RG, manchester

Well said Dave Allen in Manchester.

Hate and bigotry doesn't build a nation it destroys it and what we need now is to rebuild our economy, our country and work together to get back on track and focus on a better future.
- James, Derry NH

To Dave Allen,
Ignorance is not demostrated by people who critisize Obama. Their critisizm is logical because the actually took the time to find out who Obama is and what he stands for. He stand for wealth redistribution, higher taxation, he believes that he can talk our enemies out of attacking us. His long term association with the Rev Wright, Bill Ayers and his beliefs as spelled out in his own 3 books give a pretty good and accurate depiction of just who's been elected. He is without experience, has never ran a town, city or state and is bereft of knowledge in foreign affairs. No wonder Hamas endorsed him. America's ship has sailed and is sunk!
- Roger, Manchester

Ms. Dionne, you may want to limit your use of quotes that come from the Obama camp. Afterall, "G*d Damn America" doesn't have a very unifying ring to it. Does it?

Be carefull Obama supporters. The only thing less appealing than a sore loser is a sore winner.
You would like us to unite behind Obama, simply because he conned....err convinced enough dupes....umm...voters to back him?

OK, sure. In the spirit of bi-partisanship and unity, I will accept your out-stretched hand of reconcilliation.
So tell me, Linda and Catrina(et. al.), what core principles will you be sacrificing in the name of unity?
Or is your 'unity highway' a one way street?

Obama and his minions had better tread lightly. There are many ways around an oppressive government and if it comes down to it, many of us will employ them all. Hell, we may even have to invent new ones.

I sincerely hope I am wrong about Obama. I guess only time will tell.
- Michael Paradis, Manchester

As a life long NH resident and Republican I have to say that members of my own party as as responsible as anyone for this. This is the party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, one of reform and social responsibility. To those that call us RINO's I say that I resent those of the Libertarian stripe who have hi-jacked my party for their own reactionary and extreme single issue agendas.
- Paul, Derry

I am sorry to say that Obama is the president elect and that the democrats have gained even more power. The people will get the kind of government they've asked and voted for and unfortunately the outcome will not be good. They are riding the euphoria now but the dissappointment and realization of what's been done will come later. Obama may have been elected president, but he will never be my president.
- Rob, Manchester

OK, explain this. Dixville Notch, about as traditionally New Hampshire as you can get, voted for Obama 15-6. Obama also won in Hart's Location, another bastion of NH values. I don't think either hamlet has been recently overrun by out of state transplants...
- Richard, Manchester

No, Catrina. I will not unite behind an unabashed socialist.

This has cemented the divide more strongly than anything could. It is now a line of flame between right and leftist, more pronounced than any time since opposing American factions wore blue and grey.

I will not support a communist ruler. I uphold the Constitution that he will do his best to destroy.

I do not recognize Barack Hussein Obama as my President.

(And don't even bother with the race card, liberals. It's broken. I care about whether someone is an American in spirit, race doesn't matter.)
- Jason Entres, Hollis

Sad day, indeed. There is just a feeling of unbelievable disappointment not only in Americans who are naive and want to take from others something they did not earn, but in the way the media has portrayed someone with no experiance to lead a great nation . Yes, it does warrant drama and anger-- if it didn't feel this way, we would be unAmerican. Pity there is so many who hate America so much. OBAMA is worse than BUSH-- you all will learn very quickly you made a grave error is judgement. Obama is not my President any more than Carl Marx was.
- Mark Harris, Exeter, NH

I guess that not enough bitter gun owners voted. Thanks to the non-bitter ones who did. For those complaining about people from somewhere else moving in and changing things, say thanks to your Republican neighbors who didn't want zoning laws, who cut up their property into as many pieces as they could and sold it off to people with money (from away), and realize that you cannot have your cake and eat it too. If some reasonable zoning had been enacted, perhaps population growth would have been checked. But then there would be a hue and cry about property rights, and taking of land by preventing it from being developed.

The increase in the population of New Hampshire didn't happen overnight. It was aided by your friends selling off their land to the highest bidder in the capitalist marketplace.

Marie G. I'm undeclared, but lean Democratic, and I work for a living, and I wager I make more than the average Republican, but I voted for Obama.

Melanie, I've lived in NH all my life, and have watched while less educated people swallowed the Republican Kool-Aid all their lives and didn't realize what they were drinking. So, it isn't all people from somewhere else.
- Texter, Newfields

for lisa in manchester:

write ins are counted at the same time as the rest of the ballots.

having worked a great number of elections over the years, unless someone is waging a write-in campaign for an empty slot on a ballot, the write in votes NEVER influence the overall outcome of a particular race.

the names of the persons who were written in on a ballot must be filed with the secretary of state's office as part of the city or town's final election report. they never make the paper or the news.
- ML, Manchester

i'm numb and shaking my head in disbelief...but i'll steal a line that the liberals have been using for 8 years.

"he's not my president"
- fpc, manchester

I am proud of NH's overall decision to vote for Obama, and I am so excited he is our next president. I have been one to try and look at both parties and policies throughout their campaigns and make an educated decision. I am one who voted for McCain in the primaries when he was running against Bush Jr. I believe that was the republican who should have been president in office these past four. This time McCain's plans and policies were not reaching me.

Now reflecting on all that's happened, I have to say that I am disappointed in those who can't manage to see past the 'terrorist' rumors. I also have to chuckle when there is so much difficulty understanding that anyone earning under 250,000 dollars will not see their taxes increase. (Even though he's said it a thousand times.)

Lastly, I am appalled at the immense amount of hatred I am seeing, hearing, and reading. As a young adult I can tell you MY decision was not one made out of 'emotion'. You need to give the younger generation more credit and more respect and be happy that so many young people are passionate about their country's future.
- Sara, Deerfield

How could Americans have rejected McCain's "mouth watering" promise of a hundred year war in Iraq? Or the inimitable Sarah Palin's threat (uttered to to ABC's Charles Gibson) to start throwing "noo-ku-lar" footballs at Russia in defense of Greater Georgia? Or the Republicans' heroic blank-check bail-out of Wall Street and the provision of all those patriotic golden parachutes, altruistically handed out by the very people who whine that there is no money for health care for the working poor? The "selling points" the Republicans dangled before the voting public, as if their desirability was self-evident, remind one of the come-on's that Jeffrey Dahmer must have uttered to woo his potential "dates."
- Jack Flaherty, Newport

Marie G,

Sorry lady I’m a Democrat and I’m married to my job 24/7... I pay my taxes and don't ask for any kind of handout from anyone. I'm a middle class American who is struggling under GOP control. It is time for a change and we spoke loud and clear last night in NH and all over the US. Sorry you have stooped to such an all time low that you are calling many Americans like me lazy and mooching because of a political vote. You all shot off your mouths about how McCain was going to take NH and the presidency and he lost. Suck it up and move on you were all wrong.

President Barack H. Obama!
- James, Derry

What an exceptional day for President-Elect Barack Obama (Can You Believe It!!!)...congratulations also to Governor John Lynch, US Sen. elect Jeanne Shaheen, US Representatives Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter. What a victory parade! Congratulations to them all. Can you believe it!!!
- Gene J. Murray, Amherst, NY

The country has voted, and now we must all stand behind the victor. Whether you voted for him, aganist him, or didn't vote at all, we must respect that the president elect will be the man in charge Jan 20th.
We are the UNITED States of America. Lets UNITE! Not divide ourselves on who was right and who wasn't.
- Catrina, Manchester

Congratulations all the liberals who moved here from other states because they were tired of the taxes, etc. You have just changed the state that I was born in, raised in and have lived in all my life. If you didn't like how it was, and you weren't born here but moved here recently, go back to your state!! Thank you also to all the college students who don't live here, but attend college and voted here. I don't appreciate you picking my senate or congress members. When you live here, work here and pay property taxes, then maybe that will be a different story. I hope everyone is ready for what is coming.......
- melanie, manchester

NH and America are emphatically sick of a party that stays in a war over 2,000 days after mission accomplished, gives tax breaks to every corporation while increasing pressure on the middle class, that by deregulating has created a country with the most billionaires and the highest rate of childhood poverty and over 50 million without health insurance and over 400,000 bankruptcies filed over medical bills from people with insurance all while doing it in the name of fear.

It's over.

God Bless America
God Bless Barack Hussein Obama
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Well, Democrats after 1/20/2009 you own it all: Afghanistan, Iraq, recession, debt, terrorism. You won’t have President Bush to blame for it all anymore. 2012 won’t come soon enough!

Celebrate? What is there to celebrate? This isn’t like winning the Super Bowl. Obama was elected by 52% of voters to be president. Now he’ll have to actually do the job he was elected to do, rather than embarking on a new campaign for his next office.

Good Lord, a man with no experience in running anything, no achievements at all will now be running the US military. No wonder our brave heroes wanted McCain over Obama 3-1. And no wonder Obama said his supporters are going to have to start bearing the burden: his election will mean big recruiting problems for the military. Will Obama and the Dems institute a draft?

I expect Obama will get from conservatives the same support George W. Bush received from liberals: none.

You wanted it, you got it liberals. Good Luck!
- Tom Boucher, Campton

I have lived my entire life in NH and it is wonderful to see it changing. On January 20 let's all get behind President Obama and work with him to put our country back on track.
For the second time in my adult life, I am REALLY proud of my state.
Thank you NH.
- Linda Dionne, Raymond

New Hampshire is dead. Its common-sense politics, its respect for and belief in the individual, its healthy skepticism of government have all disappeared. We are simply an extension of Massachusetts now, an appendage to Vermont, on the same downward slope as every other liberal Northeast basket-case state. Generational change has decimated what was unique and inspiring about the NH electorate. We are sending nincompoops to Washington who mesh well with the likes of Patrick Kennedy, Bernie Sanders, Barney Frank and assorted other members of the embarrassing New England delegation. Our state government is now the bottomless piggybank of the public employee unions and their enablers in the “activist” and legal community. The tax-grabbers have gained primacy over the taxpayers; the takers over the producers; the collectivists over the individualists; the irresponsible over the responsible; those who won’t work over those who do. A spineless governor, an emboldened liberal legislature and a classic activist Supreme Court are driving the final nails into the coffin of a once-proud state. We may be a decade or so behind the miserable cesspools of NY, NJ and MA, but we’re headed in that direction full-speed. To those who celebrate what NH has become: more and higher taxes, government excess and corruption, fewer liberties, disappearing jobs and a lower standard of living will surely smother this state, so get your excuses ready. New Hampshire is gone, vanished before our eyes.
- Rick M., Portsmouth

I went to bed in New Hampshire and woke up in North Massachusetts. I guess this is what happens when people vote with their feelings instead of their brain.
- Tom H, Manchester

Michelle in Derry: you would have preferred that we voted in Al Qaeda's candidate of choice?
- Nemi Jones, Keene, NH

It amuses me that the Obama bashers clearly show their ignorance, while making their wild outlandish claims. When in all actuality they are hiding behind their blatant racist ideas. Their hatred flows so strong that once normal functioning people fall to the unacceptable untolerable behaviors manifested by racism, and bigotry. Their were people of all colors, creeds, faiths that fought for equality of all types in this great nation. This is not a black white issue. Your racism has manifested fear, and loathing instead of pride for your nation. Stop confusing the two. I am full blooded native american, I dont get handouts, never have, never will. Today is a great historical day for our nation and the world. Stop seething with hate, open your eyes, look at the big picture, and show some pride. Maybe if you offered your help, instead of vowing to hate and smear this country would get back on track faster. The vote was a mandate by our country for our country. You should be basking in pride that you were alive to witness history of this magnitude. Be grateful and stop hating anything you dont understand. If he were the firefighter that saved you in the night, or the heart surgeon that saved your life you would have no problem with his race! Wake up, be proud Be a true american. This election shows that the founding fathers ideals are alive and well.
- Dave Allen, Manchester

Romney in 2012.
- John Franzen, Manchester, NH

What about the Write Ins? When will NH tally those? MA reported Write Ins last night. I personally wrote someone in and I know of quite of few people who also did that so I'd like to see those numbers. It will really aggravate me if those do not get counted at all.
- Lisa, Manchester

NH a blue state. Gone is the independent spirit that once made us proud to represent common sense in New England. I'm convinced, now more than ever, that the Old Man of the Mountain did not perish due to the effects of errosion and gravity. He committed suicide.
- Ralph, Bedford

Change overruled common sense. The old saying "be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it" applies. Let's hope the rookie listens.
- Chris Niemir, Delray Beach, Fl.

"A republic if you can keep it" responded Franklin.

We just lost it. The American people did not want a President. They wanted Santa Claus.

The Mass invaders replaced Sununu with Jean "the tax machine" Shaheen.

God help us all. New Hampshire is going to founder.
- Mike R., Bedford

Move out if you dont like it! New England is all BLUE!! I am so happy for NH and being in NE. People get it. Not your place to be then might look into moving to the south or the midwet Michael. Go Obama!!!!!!
- Charles, Manchester

Now it is their turn. The Republicans can demonize Obama and the democrats for all their mistakes. Hopefully we will have the righteous media at our backs-but unlikely.
Truly NH has been stolen by the left. We moved here because it was one of the last great states with family and moral values and fiscal smarts. Now MASS has moved up (or at least driven across to vote) and we are a state almost unrecognizable. Mass voted to KEEP their income tax! They re-elected Barney Frank! This is what is coming our way! Close those southern borders!
- Heather Landry, Raymond

I'm not one to criticize the reporting of the UL, but I am really sick and tired of reading Ray Buckley's drivel and rhetoric. Why do you continue to interview him? All he does is down Republicans every single chance he gets. There must be a more intelligent person in the Democratic party you can interview going forward.
- Bryan Lemire, Nashua

We moved to NH from Mass so our Republican views could be represented. Now it is all Democrat. Where can we move to? We actually work for a living, unlike most Democrats who just want a handout.
- Marie G., Hudson, NH

Welcome to the United Socialists of America. You have all just voted in the most liberal senator in America as our 44th President. How could you possibly vote for a guy who was endorsed by Hamas as their candidate of choice?
- Michelle, Derry

"...New Hampshire is a blue state."

Some of it certainly is. Depressed might be a more accurate description.

Any word on Obamas free drug hand-outs?
Please, make mine Prozac.
- Michael Paradis, Manchester