To respond to Michael Neff's question of what did Vermont ever do for the USA other than elect Communists and release child predators?
Answer: Given more lives per capita to all of America's wars combined (including Iraq) than any other state (including Neff's Texas) in the U.S.A.

Bush probably doesn't know Vermont IS a state.

FMANN ~ San Antonio

You wrote,

"I know how much this must hurt. For the past six years I've argued that GW was wrong. Each time I got the same right wing response that somehow tried to compare Clinton's actions with Monica to the reason why we can't find WMD."

- – - – - – -

FMann (Home State of President Bush),

From what you've shared – you're an angry anti-war protestor who thought electing a Democratically controlled congress would yield impeachment and our troops magically returned?

I would be angry too if I bought into the "hype" sold to you by your partisan leaders.

Couple of points:

1) Some of the reason we entered Iraq SEEMS to be based on faulty information (WMDs). We KNEW Saddam had them and was willing to use them (gassing the kurds). We KNEW Saddam was a brutal dictator and middle-eastern thug (invaded Kuwait). And we KNEW he was not fully complying with 11 UN resolutions. The fact is – we had good reasons to remove Saddam.

2) The Administration did not have a good game-plan for AFTER Saddam was removed, I agree. Our generals and soldiers are sincerely making the best effort to secure the country and give the people the chance to create a representative government.

3) We ALL want the soldiers home. The difference is many of us think we need to leave Iraq with a fighting chance of success politically, economically, and a police force able to quell violence.

4) Impeachment. Disagreeing with policy is not a basis for impeaching a President. Anger is not evidence. You must have EVIDENCE of high crimes and misdemeanors (something MORE than baseless accusations).

I do invite you, however, to SPECIFICALLY back your statements:

- "Impeach Bush", explain where Bush has violated US Laws, your evidence, and which court has found him guilty.

- "Put Bush on trial at the UN for war crimes", (aside from the fact it's the HAGUE which prosecutes international criminals) – what international crime did Bush commit? What law did he violate? Would you also be indicting Congress since they voted to give Bush authority to pursue Iraq?

PS – Notice I didn't mention Bill, Monica, or Hillary being an enabler?

Good, hope he stays the hell away. I doubt there is more hate for him anywhere else in the country.

I bet at least 3/4 of the Vermont bashers here have never been and have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. Why don't you come here and see what it's like before you declare it a "communist backwater"?

So Bush hasn't been to Vermont. So what! It is a beautiful state, and I can hardly wait to see it again. Let's not forget that it was the home state of that great and VERY conservative President Calvin Coolidge.

Bush-bashers and Vermont-bashers, you need to grow up.

Really the question is not about Vermont's citizens, their beliefs, or how stereotypically they are perceived by other states…it takes all sorts, right? And with those sorts you've got the good, the bad and the ugly (to toss in a good ol' cliché) the super-liberal and the ultra-conservative. I think that's something this comment board has demonstrated admirably this afternoon. But let's not think about it in terms of states and their representatives and who did or didn't do what to whom. It's simpler than that. Let's look at it this way: say you're a nighttime nurse in the ICU ward of a hospital. At some point during your shift a part of your job is to visit each patient's room to check on their progress, say hello, and ask if there are any problems or things you could do for them. You're able to check up on all the rooms, but leave one behind, not knowing what sort of patient you'll find inside, and are possibly too burned out to even care? Does that mean you're doing your job? Think about it.

Bush is a coward! Vermont is one of the most American states in the union and he avoids it completely. His ignorance of non-recognition just further proves his overall incompetence as a president. We Vermonters believe in our freedom of speech and we take advantage of it to that max and it is not something we ashamed of. We are a small state and that is why we sometimes need the dramatic expressions that are so often looked upon negatively by the rest of the country. If we didn't have our protests and petitions covered by the media would the rest of the country have any idea we even existed? The American way nowadays is to sit on your butt and let the world happen to you… but not in our state. As little as we are, we know that if we don't speak up who will? The "Christian High Society" that the southern states claim to be that make them better and ultimately right in every way? Vermont does not label itself as anything other then American. We are a melting pot of all religions, ethnicity's, beliefs and opinions. Because our population is small, we as a state can look each other in the eye with the respect of each others individuality and know that there may be things we don't agree on eye to eye on all levels but knowing the only way to get results for the things we care about as a whole is to work together. We are a shining example of democracy and freedom. We are the people of the United States of America. So I ask you why is it that we are of the few states that is actually united?

Only Clinton was awful enough to deserve impeachment…and was.

And so why haven't impeachment proceedings started? Are the powers that be that afraid of President Bush.

A state that harbors more respect for a child molester than our President is a sad state indeed. When will the people of Vermont pick judges who care about children?

Geeze… I moved here 4 years ago, wished it was ten!. Despite jerks like Sanders and some other liberals and such, I feel safe here. No not happy with President Bush and the war, but he is our president and real americans would show respect for him. Here in VT most of us have decent morals and respect. People I do admire? Our State police for not backing down and allowing illegals to come here, pollute our beautiful land and schools with their language, criminals,drugs and gangs. I wish an order of shoot to kill would be enforced to anyone who illegaly crosses our borders! They are a threat to our nation and the future of our children. English as a "second" labguage? Enough is enough. Wake up America and stand up for your rights. The problem is there aren't many TRUE Americans left. The ones that try to speak up and defend our laws are called predjudice and rediculed. What happen to the men and woman that founded this country? (Black and white that stood side by side) (Oh Al Sharpton and Jessee Jackson SHUT UP!.. talk about racists that stir up trouble!!)
America all around Vermont has gone from the Melting pot to the illegal immigrant cesspool! As an American who legally pays my taxes, works legally for a living and respects our laws… I'm trying hard not to be disgusted with this Nation and the idiots who are ruining it for personal gain!
In God We Trust and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Vermont would openly welcome a visit from President Bush.

Vermont is proof that a multi-party system works. We have a Democrat and a Socialist/Democrat for our Senators, a Republican Governor and our Legislature has a strong mix of members from the Democratic, Independent, Republican and Progressive parties.

President Bush believes in his ideals as much as Vermonters believe in theirs. To be able to share our thoughts and concerns with our democratically elected President is an opportunity that many countries are not afforded. But…will President Bush give us that opportunity?

So Bush has come under attack from a self described socialist…and this is a knock on Bush? Think what you like about Bush. Socialism is not worth the argument. And Vermont's history on protecting its children? Please. I'd love for Vermont to actually secede from the union and take their colored leaves somewhere else. Socialists? Haha. Right.

I think Vermonters are wise to keep "Shrub" out, as I doubt the moron can even spell Vermont…….

This must be the most incompetant President we've ever (almost) elected.

I hope both parties give us wise choices for 2008, and I hope the voters REALLY THINK about it, before pulling the lever.

Our Country is now ridiculed throuout the world, but could someday stand proud again….

Pres. bush sounds like he forgets a lot of things. he forgot to tell the truth yesterday about the SPP meeting with Harper and Calderon in Canada. it's funny how they act like any talk on a North American Union is nothing but a conspiracy theory by people with tin foil hats on when there are documents that the public can read for themselves (thanks Freedom of Information act) that is contrary to what they want you to hear (liars). of course, most of the country will believe them since the media is in on it, too, and doesn't tell you anything.

I think that regardless of approval ratings in Vermont, the President should make at least a token visit before he leaves office. While Bush's presidency hasn't been much of a unifying force in the last few years, he is the President of the United States of America, not merely the United Red States of America.

That said, I can also see many reasons why it would make sense to only visit near the end of his last term.

This isn't really what I wanted to comment on, however. My degrees are in political science/international relations, and it is really sickening to me to see how people throw about the 'respect for the Constitution' card. The TRUTH is that only a SUPER-MINORITY of voters have ANY idea what the Constitution says to begin with! Even if they know a bit of what it says, they don't understand what it really means. And even if they understand what a part of it means… they don't understand it as a whole. People quote the Constitution just like they quote the Bible: to suit their purposes.

We love to blame politicians, corporations, people of other political parties, the media for our problems, but in THIS country, with THIS system, WE are to blame. That's right, it's ALL our fault. Neither Republicans NOR Democrats have any right to self-righteously blame the other. We're all at fault. Since we are all fat and happy, and have everything we need to lead oblivious cattle lives, we are going to sit around, complain a bit from time to time, and wait for a truly enormous disaster before we wake up and take control of our country again.

What's it going to take? I shudder to think.

I do have one suggestion, though. It will never be enacted because educated voters are much more difficult to manipulate, but a free class on the Constitution, other founding documents, and our current political system should be offered to all Americans of voting age. ONLY Americans who have taken the class and passed a comprehension test should be allowed to vote. Please note that nothing will be required in the way of agreeing with certain positions on current issues. Perhaps passing the test would grant 10 years of voting ability.

Regardless, we need to realize it is our own lack of awareness and education, it is our own apathy and bovine contentedness that has allowed the government to get so corrupt and out-of-touch with the people.

Last note: There are certainly a few aspects of Vermont that would make a Jefferson smile (lots of guns and farmers), but nothing in the Constitution calls for an entitlement state. The founding fathers envisioned a system where independent people came together to form independent states, and independent states came together to form the United States of America. Instead we find ourselves moving in the direction where people routinely (by right in their minds) depend on the state, and the states necessarily depend on the federal government.

This country was meant to be about independence, personal responsibility, and respect for the individual. It has instead become a country of dependence, profound self-interest, and complete disregard for how one's actions affect others.

As negative as all that sounds, I hold great hope for our country and the American people. We have certainly been stuck in a rut for decades now… but I think we are tiring of it. As we ultimately, thanks to the Constitution, have the power to change things… they will change when we've finally had enough.

So many nasty comments, so many angry people. If the citizens of Vermont happen to be liberals, so be it. They are entitled to their beliefs. If they don't wish for the president to come to their state, so be it. The venom evident in so many of the comments is a shame – why must you label, insult and lash out at each other? Get along – grow up.

Filbert from (again) California,

So Red staters are anti-gay? Wht not use the term pro-marriage instead?

Marriage is one man and one women, period. Pro-marriage.

Over 45 states have voted on this and using your logic all were red states and people just filled with intolerant hate.

Not true, as many of the same "haters" champion civil unions with all attached rights (it is about rights?) and that includes most of your beloved Democratic candidates for President.

Strike 1.

Propaganda about the war, lets see, again most Democrats when it was popular, authorized it, paid for it and ONLY when it became bad politically, are now against it.

Strike 2.

Nationalism and racism on immigration, again ALL across the country regular folks from BOTH PARTIES, are not for granting amnesty to criminals and strengthening our borders so we know who is here and why.

Also part of that is easing the methods one would use to become my neighbor and friend, the legal, right, American way.

Strike 3.

I believe that ANYONE who is against stem cell research is wrong, BUT it should be monitored closely.

Inntelligent design, nah, not buying that either.

When we all did sing Christmas carols in school and holy bleep, had a Christmas tree in town square (not a freakin' Holiday tree)life was a lot better back then, but politically correct morons took all that away.

Jon from Sacremento is one of the better posters on this site and his brilliance is only exceeded by his facts and knowledge. So there is hope for CA.

Generalizing is a tough sell to begin with, but generalization with only half truths, nobody buys, except the ones blinded by ignorance.

Congressman Sanders might consider that the reason for the President's seeming lack of interest is that Vermont just doesn't count.

Kudos for Vermont!! I have friends in Newbury and visit the state regularly. It's a beautiful place, as is all of New England, keep it that way. Why invite Bush???

On the other hand, Texas has a lot of "esplainin" to do (as Ricky would say to Lucy), for having sent us their village idiot!!

Just tell him that the Green Mountains are large sums of cash…

Dear Vermonters,
I have lived in upstate N.Y. most of my life and now live in (ugh) New Jersey. I always liked taking trips to new england and always liked the people there, until now.
However, after reading the prior comments and hearing how Vermonters have made there views known. I have but one thing to say to all you Bush bashers.
I love you guys, thank GOD for VERMONT!
In one of the last polls that was taking concerning whether or not people feel the war in Iraq is going well. 27% believed its was. Who are these people? I don't know, but it doesn't look like they live in Vermont. Its time for me to move.

Bush? He'd go there and tell them all with withering scorn that Rush Limbaugh says they're all a buncha commies. He'd learn nothing from sitting down with people he doesn't listen to, and he'd see the changing leaves as a good place to build a stadium. Worst President Ever.

I don't think he knows Vermont is a State.

So much ignorance and hate.

Sigh.

When will we all put this bipartisan bullcrap aside and just be Americans? So many of these comments are coming from one-track, narrow-minded individuals that refuse to see/acknowledge anything that doesn't fit into the mold of their own ideology. The President did not start this war. Congress did. Not all conservatives are intolerant, hate- and fear-mongering, uneducated bigots. Liberals are not always right (if you'll excuse the pun, hehe). The Democratic party is not perfect, it is just as corrupt at the Republican party.

Shame, shame, shame.

I've never been to Vermont either and never will. It is a "state" which is un-American, un-Christian, and should be a seperate country (like they always have wanted). They have never supported the U.S.

This administration has done a good job of spinning information, belittling or ignoring those that disagree, and dividing our beautiful County into the simple factions of 'Those that Support' and 'The Rest of Us'.

But I bet that President Obama will be a regular visitor to the Newfane Inn!

Do you like to rip off everything Michael Savage says or do you have your own thoughts on this matter? I guess when OReilly brought this subject up on his program, it's okay then. Have your own thoughts on the matter and don't let the right wing hacks tell you what to think.

[...] Vermont is a picture perfect place — its rivers and mountains and covered bridges are a draw to some 10 million visitors a year. Yet, the Green Mountain State is the forgotten place in the crowded travelogue of President Bush — the only state he has failed to visit in his presidency. President Bush's forgotten state? [...]

I have to say some of the comments about blaming the 'flat landers' for Vermont being so liberal is quite funny. A quick look at some poll results ( including the 04 election) shows that native Vermonters were actually more liberal than those who recently moved to Vermont.

Also the comment from Texas complaining about Vermont's liberal policies especially regarding economic policies. You do realize that those in Vermont as well as the northeast as a whole get other region of the country? Who gets back the most from the federal govt despite paying the least?? Well outside of Alaska its the south including your beloved Texas. Oh and vermont also has the highest per capita death rate of U.S soldiers in Iraq

I don't know what is more depressing, the Texans on here who don't seem to care that Vermont exists or the "true" Vermonters who feel a need to validate their worth by some unproven measure of their generational stature.

Fact of the matter is that Vermont is the epicenter of a positive modern world view that is defined by freedom and independence, and casually wrapped in a blanket of reverence for the natural world. Because of that combination of ideals and an exquisite appreciation for American History, I strongly feel that Vermont is the most uniquely American of all 50 states in the union.

All you cranky wanky people who complain about Vermont or choose to avoid it (like our lame Faux Noise President) are vastly vastly out-weighed by the great people and great things happening in the Green Mtn State.

RE:
But Sanders all but dares Bush to visit, saying he would benefit from sitting down with his critics. His Senate Web site even displays a banner with the headline "Bush stays away from Vermont."

I logged on to Senator Bernie Sanders Web page and was totally disappointed that there is no such comment!

I'm not a Bush fan but I am also not a fan of false reports! Come on CNN do your research and give us the impartial, unbiased news we deserve. We are all smart enough to decide whether or not we agree with our Public Representatives views and actions!

our preisdent has made mistakes name one who hasnt, i would like to see our troups home , i also would like those terrorists completely eliminated. they started this war we need to finish it.

""Red States – intolerance, hate and fear mongering, patriotism used as cover for right wing nationalism and racism, Christians-only religious ideology, regression in public education and science, etc" ~ Bob, San Francisco

Gee Bob, you labeled and bashed more than half the country (red states) that hold a different view than you.

Are YOU the bright & shining example of the tolerant and educated in our country?"

~Jon, Sac CA

Sorry Jonboy. The truth hurts, I know.

I've got some mistakes to point out:

1. Jim Douglas is the governor of Vermont, not Jim Jeffords like someone said.

2. Patrick Leahy was born in Vermont (Montpelier to be exact), and he's not a "liberal flatlander".

Anyway, I'm disgusted by all the hateful conservatives responding to this article. So what if most of us happen to be liberal? Get over it. Shouldn't your "Christian family values" tell you that you should respect others' opinions? Stop the hate and smear campaign already, and especially stop calling us unpatriotic.

I think Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson were more unpopular than Bush. Who cares at all about current popularity. The American people are generally fickle. If the next president has 3 or more large terrorists attacks on their watch (9/11 size attacks), people will look back on these days and say, "Remember the Bush days? Those were our peaceful times."

The title of this should be "President Bush's Forgotten Country."

The picture would be him playing the guitar at that state fair with that second rate country star as Katrina was devastating the South.

He forgot to pay attention then too.

As a resident of conservative rural California, I get tired of people who’ve never been to my state making assumptions about it based on a few media stereotypes.

I’ve never been to Vermont, but I hope to visit someday. One valid generalization about California is that the seasons don’t really change here much.

"Vermont was named the nation's smartest state in 2005 and 2006." and in 2006, the state's testing score surpassed national standards by 30% (see "Vermont" Wikipedia for citations ) The rest of rural America should take note and see that just b/c you're live dairy farmer and own a gun (like many VTers do) doesn't mean need be a Kool-aid drinking, Fox News watching simpleton.

Bob from SF is obviously over generalizing a bit far, but to me his sentiment seems to have a lot of truth to it. All he's saying is that red states, by voting republican and therefore supporting the republican agenda, are: intolerant (true based on all the anti-gay stuff), hate and fear mongering (true based on their foreign policy and propaganda about the war), patriotism used as cover for right wing nationalism and racism (true based on all the anti immigration stuff), Christians-only religious ideology (true based on the push for Christian based religious teaching in public schools and support for Christian symbols in public buildings), regression in public education and science, (true based on support of intelligent design and against stem cell research and global warming) etc. So really I think he's kind of got a point. It goes without saying that not everyone in those states supports all of those agenda items – but the majority apparently does since "red states" consistently vote republican time and time again. Is it really all that surprising, or newsworthy, that Bush, someone who many republicans have even grown to despise, doesn't want to visit one of the most liberal states in the country?

I went to high school with Kyle Gilbert who died in Iraq. It was his mother that traveled to visit President Bush. I'd hate to believe that Bush is saying that his death meant nothing.

I Love You Vermont !!!

I wonder how much people actually know about Vermont as they quickly write off some of these comments. Yes, Vermont is still a part of the United States. People want to know what Vermont's done for the US and the impact its had, just look back at Jim Jeffords. He changed from a Republican to an Independent, and changed the whole balance of power in the Senate. I'd say that had a impact.

As for it being full of hippies and rednecks and whatever else are claiming, people may want to relook into that. Many well to do families, including old politicians, movie stars and lawyers are retiring and settling in Vermont. I wouldn't call them hippies.

Bush shouldn't ignore Vermont just because the majority of the people don't agree with his politics. At the end of the day, it's still part of the United States and he has an obligation to the people just like he does in every other state. If he continues to ignore Vermont like he has been, it's just another way he is failing the country.

To Mr. Flowers of Texas, What more do you want? You made the statement, that Vermont has never contributed anything to this country. Man oh man…you need to leave Rush Limberger alone and get a reality check? The article stated that Vermont has the highest deaths per capita in the U.S. of soldiers killed in Iraq. What in the world were you thinking, when you made your comment. Perhaps you can explain your logic, to the poor mother who went to North Carolina to talk to Bush about her sons death.

Are the right wing nut cases that callous and unseeing, that they can't say, enough is enough. Please, no more killings.

Maybe since it is such a small state, your logic is, that a death of someone from there, does not equal a death from somewhere with a larger population like Texas.

And to the guy from Nebraska, living in yesterday, talking about Clinton visiting Nebraska twice in his presidency, what in the world does that have to do with anything that is going on now? Were there any bodies coming home to Nebraska from Iraq during Clinton's term?

Who cares it's Vermont……so what…..It is not just our President that I am unhappy with but it is also our Congress and Senate. The Democrates in control now are terrible. They are just sitting up there trying to make a name for themselves. GOD help us if Hillary is elected.

Sorry, Roger from Brattleboro, but it takes seven generations born and buried to be a native woodchuck.

I am shocked at the poster who suggested Vermonters would boo a soldier? That's surprising, given that Vermont has more serving guardsmen (and resulting losses) per capita than any other state. Bush is just afraid that if he comes here, he'll be implicitly endorsing civil unions and his masculinity will be threatened.

President Bush is right in not visiting Vermont. When you have Senators like Sanders and Leahy and an ex-Gov like Howard Dean, who in their right mind would want to visit Vermont? They have good maple syrup and honey, but that's about it.

He probably won't go because he thinks he'll need a passport.

Presidents do not visit Vermont. We are the red headed step-child of the United States and that is the way we like it. It is unfair to call W out on this. But I accept all mudslingings.

W could have went to Vermont yesterday instead of my state, Minnesoata. He flew in for a private fundraiser for senator Coleman. He had our two major E and W arteries shut down for his motorcade during rush hour in a metro that lost our N and S due to the bridge collapse . Traffic had nowhere to go. Nice.

Good. Go clear some more brush in your polluted dump of a state.

I BLACKLISTED Vermont years ago….hippy haven that has forgotten it's part of the United States…now they want to suceeed…might be a good idea. I doubt they would last long more bovines than people…talk about greenhouse gas.
The President is better off staying away from communist and socialist and I'll take my travel dollars and spend them in Florida!

I lived in Vermont for 2 years. Even after moving there from NYC, I found it radical, unreasonable, confrontational and anti-establishment. I don't blame him. He probably knows that there's nothing he can say that would touch Vermonters.

Man, the bar keeps getting lower and lower at CNN.

Are YOU the bright & shining example of the tolerant and educated in our country? — Posted By Jon, Sacramento

Jon from Sacramento and loosing Kings, did Bob from San Francisco press a few buttons with his sarcasm?

I know how much this must hurt. For the past six years I've argued that GW was wrong. Each time I got the same right wing response that somehow tried to compare Clinton's actions with Monica to the reason why we can't find WMD.

Keep tossing Clinton into the mix here folks I'm sure you will find a reason to pin the war on him or his wife.

Personally none of these people running are worth the time it takes to vote for them. Like Jack Nickelson said in Batman, "This town needs and enema!" You can replace town for country in our case.

But the problem is that Americans probably won't vote for someone new who isn't an insider for at least the next 20 years. But by then it will be too late.

Impeach the GW bunch and allow the UN to put them on trial for war crimes against humanity! Do it now to wait for his term to end will be too late!

Well- I guess I consider it an honor that he has not visited here. He is likely well aware of the reception he would receive. Of course I'd love to see him at a "Bread & Puppet" performance-I bet they could be persuaded to put on a special one just for him

Bush is so ignorant and dumn that he probably thinks Vermont is part of Canada. Maybe that's what the Vermonters should do allien with the Canadians,

I lived in Vermont for many years, and I'm so happy to get out. You have high taxes, no jobs to offer college grads (that's why everybody leaves after they graduate UVM), and a terrible liberal/politcal system.

Because of this, Vermont is left with 3 types of people:
1) young liberals who preach tolerance, but they only tolerate their own views

2)old Vermonters who don't want the state to change,

3)a slew of people in between that can never make real progress because of both sides screwing it up for them.

I'm glad Vermont spends so much time on trying to get rid of Bush, when you can't even fix your own state. How's IBM doing? How about Act 60? I would be surprised if Vermont is still a state in 30 years.

This is for Anne who commented that our country was once beautiful. Well, it is still beautiful so if you don't like it, hurry up and leave. This country doesn't need any more idiots than we already have. In fact, if all the libs left it would be such a wonderous place.

Oh, is Vermont still apart of the United States. I thought it became a province in Candada, with all the libs and all. I'm glad Bush doesn't visit, in fact I wouldn't ever visit there.

I see a great many comments here by "real" Vermonters. Are we not all "Real" Americans? I am disgusted with the constant bickering of "Liberal" vs "Conservative." We are all a part of this country, and as such are honored to live in a land protected by our freedoms as guaranteed in the Constitution. I do not care whether the President visits or not. If he does, I will welcome him to dinner. If he does not, I will go on with my life, working to pay the bills and building a better life for myself and my family.
The whining must end. Are we an alliance of free individuals, or an opposed group of whining hypocrites?
The President is no American's enemy. He is ruled by corporate leaders, just as we all are. Wake up people!

I really feel bad for Vermont as they have good family values overtaken by aging Hippies and borderline criminals who want to use the state as a political experiment.

Bush should not show in Vermont, because it really would be pointless to do so. "Hey, we hate you, come on by for dinner" just rings as wrong in anyones ears.

All said though, I will trade Sanders for Clinton, maybe we can make a deal.

Vermont has been run by flatlanders for the past 20 years there are no Real
Vermonters left so who care if Bush comes to Vermont or not

As reported by WPTZ in Plattsburgh, the temporary ban on public nudity has been lifted in Brattleboro. Perhaps Mr. Bush is afraid to go to Vermont, because then everyone would see the emperor has no clothes.

Vermonters should consider themselves lucky. He's been to New Jersey, where I live, and just knowing that he was in my state creeped me out.

Vermont?? Who cares??

I would personally like to thank "Bob" from San Francisco for his putting his so enlightened two cents in.

After reading the hate filled diatribe, two cents is all it is worth.

People in Vermont have brains, and common sense, there would be nothing in common between the people of Vermont and Bush, so I agree it was very wise by his handlers to not go there…they still haven't destroyed Vermont's forests, so Cheney might be tempted to go hunting, watch out!!!
Then again, Bush hasn't mastered English yet, so I can't believe he would be in the South working on his Spanglish…what a role model, I bet parents everywhere are so delighted, look son, you can't even spell nukuler but you can still be President….

Vermont's values are so true to what this country was founded on?

Wow, I knew Vermont was liberal, but you've got to be smoking the good stuff. This nation was built upon hard work and doing for yourself, not asking for hard working americans to pay the way for the lazy or inept.

I find it amusing that a majority of the comments complimentary to Vermont, are from non-residents. Let me extend an invitation to move to our fine state. Yep, a grand place to try and make a living with the highest per capita tax rate in the country. The largest number of social programs designed to take care of you from cradle to grave. And, a government that will govern your every move. Please.. come .. enjoy…. relish in the pleasures of working 2 jobs to make ends meet..a vertiable wonderland we live in here.

Mr. Neff–You ought to try getting your news from additional sources rather than just FOX NEWS.

Senator Bernie Sanders would do a helluva lot better job running this country than the current nut who hails from your state.

I'm from Washington State, GWB is actually visiting our state today for a fundraiser, but no one will actually see him except the few Republican faithful, with their hands out and some rich computer tycoons, with very deep pockets. Georgie is well beyond being able to learn anything, and it is too dangerous to let him off his leash, out of earshot he may say something Chaney would find troublesome, so he will not meet any but a hand picked groupie with muzzle intact.

the communist news network covering such important issues as usual. you libs need to get a life. liberalism is a disease

Another comment (from a San Franciso poster) says VT is the "wonderful opposite to the red states" and calls it "enlightened" and "tolerant."

Well, I live here and as an open-minded, well-educated conservative, find it to be neither. The only ones who are "tolerated" are the super-liberals. My military family is in the super-minority. The only place in the country that will actually boo a soldier. I was raised in VT, but not in THIS Bernie Sanders' Vermont.

It just makes me sad. I love the idea that VT is the rebellious, Constitutionally-minded upstart of a state…but it isn't. That was hijacked long ago by a bunch of hypocrites with white plates. I miss it. I am sure Bush does too.

Don't you dare come to my beautiful and progressive state, President Bush. Don't sully our land with your evil ways. Oh and btw, I am not a flatlander and I support Bernie Sanders wholeheartedly.

I'm a Texan but need to move to Vermont.

Gotta love the but but but what about Clinton posts….especially since they point out that Clinton DID finally visit Nebraska. The point of this article is that W HAS NOT (and apparently won't) visit Vermont.

And Bill Clinton is a convicted felon?

Good lord, W supporters are dumb.

Jim Jeffords, our governor, is the perfect example of a "true vermonter", that is, pragmatic and independent, as opposed to the dogmatic, partisan politician (and citizen) so sadly prevalent today…and yes, I am a native Vermonter (fifth generation)

Kuddos for this story. It is an important one which shows that once again President Bush is fleeing hard times. He has a hard road ahead of him in his last bit a President, and the fact he is unwilling to visit a state that bands so strongly against what he stands for shows exactly how much he will accomplish at this point in his term: namely nothing. Although, at this point in his less than stunning run as President it seems that a trip to Vermont would be nothing more than a harsh dose of reality for him. I stand beside Vermont.

Being hated by socialists is a feather in Bush's cap. Once socialists applaud our President, then we will have a serious problem in this country. Bush seems to infuriate his radical critics not by attacking them back, but simply by ignoring them.

As a part time resident of VT it is good to know that Bush hasn't at least soiled one state in the Union with his presence. Although he has soiled the whole country with his policies. I just don't understand how 500 million voters could have been so stupid twice!

President Bush,
Please, go to Vermont. Please. I hear it is wonderful, filled with fine people and beautiful scenery.

Just stay out of Arizona.

"Red States – intolerance, hate and fear mongering, patriotism used as cover for right wing nationalism and racism, Christians-only religious ideology, regression in public education and science, etc" ~ Bob, San Francisco

Gee Bob, you labeled and bashed more than half the country (red states) that hold a different view than you.

Are YOU the bright & shining example of the tolerant and educated in our country?

Is Vermont part of the U.S.? I thought it was some sort of communist/socialist backwater

Bush is extremely unpopular in Vermont, Vermont has a high rate of gun ownership, Vermonters can carry guns anywhere.

Perhaps he's afraid a rebellion will start?

Sanders is a socialist.

Nuff said.

The people who like Sanders and Leahy are not Vermonters, they are "flatlanders" "Johnny come Lately" Recent imports. Not natives. They all had previous addresses in the Liberal states of Mass. CT, NJ, NY and Maryland. Real Vermonters have more back bone than our elected officials.

Sure, come on up, yer' sure to have a great time here W. Promise. Really.

Being originally from Upstate New York and having all of my relatives in Vermont, I'm so glad that my parents moved out of there to Upstate when I was little. Every time I hear something from their politicians, it's a SOCIALIST ideology. I'd HATE it there! People there should be relating to President Bush (farming, animals, etc.) instead of what most liberals stand for! How bizarre! And the guy who is trying to get him to come to Vermont is just plain stupid.

Vermont serves as the wonderful opposite to red-states.
Vermont – tolerance, compassion, enlightenment, intelligence, education, environmentalism, etc.

Red States – intolerance, hate and fear mongering, patriotism used as cover for right wing nationalism and racism, Christians-only religious ideology, regression in public education and science, etc.

Which America will prevail?

Maybe he's afraid that he'll be called out publicly as exactly what he is – an arrogant, silver spoon-fed, war-mongering imperialist produced by America's own twisted brand of political oligarchy.

Quite Franly, I can't see why Vermont is so against Bush. As a Vermonter myself, I think that while he hasn't done a bang-up job, he has gotten stuck with a lot of crap that should be laid at the feet of congress; people hate Bush for starting a war. Fact is, Congress voted to start it. Anyhow, I believe that Sanders should get over himself; If he visit's Vermont, people will see him as a private citizen- they will see the man, not the office.

Was there ever any other President in U.S. history beside Bill Clinton who became a Convicted Felon while still in office? Remember he Pleaded Guilty and Paid a Fine.

Vermont? What state is that in?

Bush wouldn't benefit from sitting down with his critics. He'd sit like a petulant child, utter some platitudes (badly), then leave Vermont trying to figure out a legal way to declare it an enemy combatant. Bush is a 100% lost cause. We need to just survive his remianing time in office and hope for a better tomorrow.

Could it be because Vermont is big on a certain document Bush has no respect for? Vermont is known for being strongly Constitutionalist and freedom-loving. Both are virtues which run contrary to our freedom and Constitution-erasing president.

I wish he would come to Burlington to give a speech or something so we could boo the hell out of him!

Perhaps Bush is sensitive to the fact that Vermont was a Republic from 1777 to 1791 – much longer than much ballyhooed Texas Republic.

It's obvious that the good people of Vermont know what freedom and liberty is about. Bush would simply not fit in over there.

At the same time the Republican party was moving "south and west" I can tell you Vermont was moving dramatically left, inundated by radical liberals and aging hippies from the urban areas to our south. Have a look at the sources of campaign funds for Vermont elections and ask yourself why so much of the money electing (buying?) our political leaders comes from New York City.

Not even Ben and Jerry's can entice him to visit?

When I travel out of state, I already have to explain the laughing stock we sent to Washington to represent the state. Having to make additional excuses for G.W. visiting would be painful indeed..

another great reason to move to vermont!

President Bush has also not visited Puerto Rico. No sitting U.S. President has in a generation. I believe there are many more Puerto Ricans — about 20 TIMES the number of people — living in the United States and Puerto Rico than there are living in Vermont. It's a president's OBLIGATION to personally visit with people from everyplace that makes up the UNITED States of America.

This is nothing new. I don't believe Pres. Clinton visited Nebraska until winter 2000, months before he was out of office.

Hopefully he won't visit. I already have to make excuses for the laughing stock of a natioal delegation that is supposed to be representing us. Making any more excuses would cause me physical anguish and promote a mental breakdown.

Bernie Sanders is a dope from Brooklyn and Vermont would be better off if he just disappeared. He bought his way through the political system with outside "Hollywood" money. He's a Socialist bum who never had a real job in his life. Real Vermonters, native Vermonters like myself have seen his kind continue to ruin the state from the once proud hard working Yankee tradition to a bunch of misfits and liberal beggers. If there's ever another revolution it may just start here. I've gone from being a supporter of Bush to disgusted with the way he's handled the mideast but if we had more decent people in Congress instead of losers like Sanders we'd have less of a problem.

Maybe the president isn't aware Vermont is actually in the USA!?

Vermont's values are so true to what this country was founded on, and so very distant from the values that the current administration reveals through its actions. Bush & Cheney, Inc. are far too arrogant, self-important and power-hungry to ever learn anything from Vermont. So why should they bother going somewhere where they are not welcome anyway. They're too busy destroying not only Iraq, but, especially, our once beautiful Nation as well.

What, you hadn't heard? Bush only appears for "friendly" audiences.

This is nothing new. President Clinton only visited the state of Nebraska once during his entire two terms in office and that was in the last years (nothing big was made of this – why is it for Bush?) – I'd like to see your reporter do some research and point this out in the article. Clinton avoided Nebraska because it is only 5 electoral votes, mainly conservative rural and a low population state. Vermont has even less population and has made it quite clear that their politics for the entire state do not jive with Bush's. I don't blame him for staying away. I certainly don't want to go there!

I see the good people of Vermont are the only one with common sense. It is to bad the rest of the country is so disillusioned.

A North Carolina voter. (that did not vote for Bush either time.

Let US repeat ourselves; calling for President Gorge W. Bush’s impeachment prior to his ending term as President will prevent his administration in starting some upset with countries like Pakistan/Iran and their governments leaving another mess for others to clean up. If there will be anything left to clean up!

What did Vermont ever do for the USA other than elect Communists and release child predators?

I like the repetition at the end of the post. The slight word changes are interesting. especially when apparently CNN believes "recently" is 2005.

I'm jealous!