I realize that Joseph Smith is a venerated figure among Mormons, having found those

[cali]

20. My argument here isn't a religious based one. Why not respond to the long post I wrote in response

to you upthread.

I have no idea what you're referring to here- beyond interpreting what I wrote, very oddly. I didn't mention religion as a reason for objecting Mr. Hall's plans. I mentioned it as a historical reference to Amana. (yes, I was snarky in my title and about Joseph Smith, and as I said, I regret that) but in the post you're responding to, religion wasn't mentioned as a reason to object. There are religious communes

You are responding without knowing the facts that I elaborated on extensively. There are religious communes in Vermont, Twelve Tribes being the most notable, and it's had it's problems over the years, with both the state and the community but it's been settled for many years now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Tribes_communities

They're all over the world now. It started in Tennessee but soon moved to Island Pond, VT , where I lived during its most tumultuous times, back in the early 80s.

http://www.twelvetribes.com/locations