Personal
I do like Rennselaerville
I really should consider buying land and building my off grid homestead out here, despite the obnoxious commute and my reservations about all things New York State besides of course the legal grass I like to smoke. On the other hand, there are many epic places in other states with better gun and fire laws. But I just don’t know, God Damn It.
The 13th Floor Elevators – Your Gonna Miss Me
Sitting at the Hillicoss Family Farm Parcel
I’ve been exploring up in this area since I got a car out of High School. I was always struck by the beauty, long before I could ever know this would become forever preserved at State Forest. I do hope the state does brush hog at least some of it in the coming years so it can remain open and keep the fantastic views of the Catskills.
Where I envision federalism going
I am a believer in federalism. States should have wide latitude in setting policy, while the federal government only gets involved when there is a clear relationship in interstate commerce and to allow the safe passage of citizens and goods through different states. The federal government should educate people on local laws and what is permitted and not allowed in local jurisdictions so people can make informed decisions about where to live.
Right now the system is broken. The federal government regulates too many things that really have a deal minis impact outside of state borders. For example, recreational drugs, firearms, abortion. On the other hand, the federal government does too little to protect citizens who are traveling out of state for non residency purposes from local prosecution under local laws for transporting something locally illegal. There are some fixes to this like the federal commerce in firearms laws but not enough.
Politicians want to believe this will lead to a race to the bottom. After all, the idea is people will travel to a different state to preform an act locally illegal. Good for them. Go to the state that suits your values. Travel to that other state to gamble, smoke, buy a gun or get an abortion. But don’t bring the smiles back to a prohibited state or get an abortion there. Or risk serious punishment.
It’s all too beautiful
There is nothing quite like a trip through the woods just a bit high. Not stoned or baked, just high enough that the colors are ever so slightly enhanced, the woods has a bit more sparkling as you observe the shadows, the chipmunks, the sparkling trees and the hints of autumn all around you.