Aroostook County seceding from the rest of Maine is an idea that’s been around for decades, but it recently arose again thanks to a Facebook page launched early this month with a declaration to form the “Free and Sovereign State of North Maine.”
Creating a new state out of Aroostook is unlikely to succeed anytime soon, but the latest talks illustrate the deep-seated differences between Maine’s more urban, liberal southern half and its more conservative, rural northern half.
Our story on the idea generated strong reactions. Below are some of the most popular comments from our audience. Read the story and share your thoughts in the comment section.
I love Aroostook County – It is a refreshing change from many other parts of the state. (Including mine) I don’t see the logic here. It benefits economically from the more populous areas, but does not have to identify with them. Seems a win to me. Why mess that up? – MDIRes
A pointless endeavor.
The country would not let you become an independant nation, or join Canada.
You wouldn’t be given State status, with Senators.
A seat in Congress would also likely be off the table.
You’d be less respected than Puerto Rico.
You’d have to finance, and manage, a huge number of services and functions you now rely on others to provide.
That’s just scratching the surface. – trws
Without the financial assistance from the rest of Maine (which Aroostook County relies on to survive) The County would become Maine’s Appalachia. – JFKassidy
Unless oil, rare earth minerals or another endless financial contributor is discovered in Northern Maine, it would be economically unfeasible to separate from the rest of Maine. Those who earn vs those who take would be overwhelmed financially by the bills left to pay. – Wensdayschild
The numbers don’t lie, Aroostook County can’t support itself. Without the state paying for infrastructure, schools, nursing homes those systems will collapse. Where do they think the money will come from? The federal govt is shutting down the programs that support states so that the billionaires can get their tax cuts, so only the taxes from residents of Aroostook will be available. There’s wealth in Aroostook, but those people and their businesses won’t ever pay according to their wealth, they will arrange the 51st state in order to not pay taxes at all, just like the federal govt is now being rearranged as a slush fund for oligarchs. – Historian
