12 Reasons Why Anyone Who Hates Maine Can Just Shut Up

To live in Maine is to love Maine. But, there are some people out there who just don't understand why Maine is wonderful. Some people think it's too cold, there's not enough to do and just too far away from the rest of the world. To those people, we say: you can just shut up. Here are just a few of the reasons we think those people are nuts.

1. This state taught me how to work hard.

My family has worked hard and all my friends know what it means to work hard. Maine taught us that, which means we'll always have pride for what's possible here.

2. We've perfected the art of the sunrise.

And I'd like to meet the person who hates a sunrise. Not only can you see the absolute first sunrise in the US in Maine, but you also have three options for viewing depending on the season. You'll want to head to either Mars Hill, Cadillac Mountain or Lubec. From late March to mid-September, you'll want to head to Mars Hill for first light. But, from mid-September through the first week of October you should head to Quoddy Head. If you want to work for your view and see it from Cadillac Mountain you have some more time. Be there between mid-October and early March and you'll be greeted by America's first light.

3. Maine's air is as clear and pure as it gets.

From the inland lakes and forests...

4. ...to that salty sea air.

You can't hate a state that gives you all this nature.

5. We basically provide oxygen for everyone.

With about 85% of our land covered in forest, we have more forest than any other state in the country. Forests mean oxygen!

6. We lay claim to Paul Bunyan.

Whether or not we actually CAN, is still up for debate. But, it doesn't get much more American than that. Also, this statue is huge and if it ever came to life, you'd regret saying you hated Maine.

7. When we want to see change, we make it happen.

We try our best to make positive changes in the world. Maine had the highest voter turnout of any state in the 2014 general election.

8. You love lobster and we have lobster.

If you've had lobster at a restaurant in the US, it was probably from Maine. Over 90% of the nation's lobsters are caught all along the Maine coast, which makes it an important part of our economy.

9. Maine is the only state with both a "state dessert" AND a "state treat."

If given the choice, I will always pick a state with more delicious sweets.

10. If you love American writing, you have Maine's beauty to thank.

We've inspired some of the best writers...

11...and the best artists.

Winslow Homer spent time in Prouts Neck painting the wonderful beauty of people and the natural landscape. His studio is now owned by the Portland Museum of Art and can be visited in Scarborough.

12. Maine is where our family heritage is.

And I'll stand up for my family forever.

Some people think Maine has changed. While that's true, it's not impossible to get back to who we once were before the world of technology took over our lives. To help you with that, here's a reminder of a few of the things we did before the internet took over our lives.