Switzerland and Maine are our two favorite places and August 1 is the day Switzerland chose in the 1880s as its national holiday. It commemorates a legendary meeting of 4 cantonal leaders who entered a mutual defense pact against the Hapsburgs.
The two places actually do have something in common… democracy. Switzerland was the first democracy in Europe, dating back to 1848. It espouses the values of:
- Separation of powers
- Two chambers of parliament
- Canton (state’s) rights
- Free elections
- Human rights
Sound familiar? While American democracy is under threat, Maine remains one of the purest democracies in the country with accessible, transparent government, a unique electoral system, and respect of human rights.
We are proud to be associated with both.