Every
state in America has a state motto. They tend to be inspirational catchwords,
brief yet powerful, no doubt meant to inspire the populace to greatness.
The
mottos are heavy on truth, justice and the American way – much like Superman
without the blue tights, red cape and the need to masquerade as a mild-mannered
reporter.
The
most famous state motto is New Hampshire – “Live free or die.” It leaves little
doubt where the citizens of the Granite State stand on various issues. Being a
wimpy outsider in New Hampshire is a lot like going to a clown convention in
full costume and accidentally showing up at a Sicilian funeral for a guy named
Big Tony the Enforcer – you tend to be noticed.
The
smallest state in the Union, Rhode Island, has the shortest motto –
“Hope." There's nothing wrong with being small or short, however calling
yourself an island when you are surrounded on two sides by land is either a
sign of ignorance or a sign of wishful thinking, also called hope.
Massachusetts,
the state with the most letters in its name, has the longest motto – “By the
sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” It is also a Kickapoo
Indian (Native American) term meaning "Pale Face arrive from across big
pond and teach us to be Pale Face."
At
least one state hasn’t caught up with political correctness yet. Maryland –
“Manly deeds womanly words.” Obviously, the good citizens of Maryland have
gender identity issues. Too many transvestites.
The
most confusing state motto is Connecticut – “He who transplanted still
sustains.” Apparently, the people of Connecticut understood the deeper meaning,
that he who has not transplanted no longer sustains, and adopted it as their
state motto. Backwards it reads “Sustains still transplanted who he” which
pretty much means the same thing. In Latin, it reads, “Qui transtulit
sustinet.” Even though I know nothing about Latin, except that Latin America is
somewhere south of Texas, it somehow makes more sense than the English version.
I’ve
asked several reasonably intelligent people to explain this motto but all I get
is a look of bewilderment and a request to go away. Then again, I often get
that sort of reaction whenever I mingle with real people.
To the
citizens of Connecticut, here are some suggestions on a new state motto.
- The gateway to Rhode Island
- So close to New York, you can smell it
- No loitering
- Live free or move to New Hampshire
- Sustains still transplanted who he
- Size isn’t everything
Some
of the redneck states in the Deep South tend to be high on machismo.
Alabama
– “We dare defend our rights.”
Mississippi
– “By valor and arms.”
They're
still upset by the outcome of the Civil War way down yonder in the land of
cotton, where old times there are not forgotten.
Other
southern states are more reflective,
Georgia
– “Wisdom, justice and moderation.”
I know
a couple of guys from Georgia and the word moderation is not in their
vocabulary. Live hard, drive fast and die young is more their style. I lived in
Georgia for a couple of years when I was in the Army. I never did notice much
wisdom -- but then again, I was in the Army.
Only
two states have the word “people” in their motto.
Missouri
– “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.” It’s not very slick or
thought-provoking, but neither are the folks in Missouri. It is also known as
the "Show Me" state. A word of caution however -- if it is not
raining in Missouri, do not ask a man in a trench coat to "show me."
The
state motto of Arkansas is “The people rule.” This seems like a reasonable
proposition. If we must be ruled, people would be my first choice as opposed to
non-people. I’m not quite sure what the alternatives would be. Perhaps raccoons
or possums. Armadillos would also be a possibility but they tend to be late for
budget meetings.
Some
suggestions for a new state motto for Arkansas.
- Non-people cannot rule
- Rivers, Razorbacks and Rednecks
- No shoes, no shirt, no big deal
- He who transplanted is still transplanted
- Where road-kill is legal tender
- Very few Texans
- Wisdom, justice and moonshine
- Lots of guys named Billy Bob and Bubba
- Free ticks and chiggers
For
better or worse, Arkansas is where the people rule -- the raccoons and possums
find it all very amusing.
___________
Quote for the Day – "Start off
every day with a smile and get it over with." W.C. Fields
___________
Bret Burquest is the author of 12 books. He lives in the Ozark
Mountains with a few dogs and where the people rule.
___________
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