Hmm. Not many. There are two strongly conflicting cultures and sets of values here: loony left and sober realism. The kids, always perceptive and creative, used to label members of these two cultures "preps and rednecks."

We value the land, our neighbors, our democratic rights, and the Green Mountain Boys.

I'm not sure we are homogeneous enough to answer. Values I hope we share are honesty, doing your share, live and let live.

I believe Vermonters share a common value around preserving the quality of life in our state. I believe Vermonters hold "independent spirit" as a common value and take pride in our state's often quirky record in this arena. For the most part, I think Vermonters share a common value around the dignity and worth of all humans, and appreciating the value of diversity.

They value individual liberty and social responsibility for a diverse community. They also value the environment and participatory government and a rich cultural life.

Independence - fine - but not in fragmenting the state's education "system" into far too many tiny school systems with inadequate resources and low teacher salaries.

Years ago I would have said "community" but I think interest in "community" has weakened significantly. We have become much more polarized and and partisan, with the result that we don't get the best and brightest to enage in community and politics.

As people try to control how I use my land, what kind of business I run on my own land, how much water I can use, even what temperature I can store the hot water in my own home, whether I can get cell phone service, whether a road can be straightened, I have come to doubt whether we do share any values whatsoever.

Open mindedness when educated to social issues

independence