The Breakway Republic Of Vermont?

Small Cadre Of Writers And Academics Plots A Secession Strategy

(AP)  At Riverwalk Records, the all-vinyl record store just down the street from the state Capitol, the black "US Out of Vt.!" T-shirts are among the hottest sellers.

But to some people in Vermont, the idea is bigger than a $20 novelty. They want Vermont to secede from the United States — peacefully, of course.

Disillusioned by what they call an empire about to fall, a small cadre of writers and academics is plotting political strategy and planting the seeds of separatism.

They've published a "Green Mountain Manifesto" subtitled "Why and How Tiny Vermont Might Help Save America From Itself by Seceding from the Union." They hope to put the question before citizens at Town Meeting Day next March, eventually persuading the state Legislature to declare independence, returning Vermont to the status it held from 1777 to 1791.

Whether it's likely is another question.

But the idea has found plenty of sympathetic ears in Vermont, a left-leaning state that said yes to civil unions, no to slavery (before any other) and last year elected a socialist to the U.S. Senate.

About 300 people turned out for a 2005 secession convention in the Statehouse, and plans for a second one are in the works. A poll this year by the University of Vermont's Center for Rural Studies found that 13 percent of those surveyed support secession, up from 8 percent a year before.

"The argument for secession is that the U.S. has become an empire that is essentially ungovernable — it's too big, it's too corrupt and it no longer serves the needs of its citizens," said Rob Williams, editor of Vermont Commons, a quarterly newspaper dedicated to secession.

"Congress and the executive branch are being run by the multinationals. We have electoral fraud, rampant corporate corruption, a culture of militarism and war. If you care about democracy and self-governance and any kind of representative system, the only constitutional way to preserve what's left of the Republic is to peaceably take apart the empire."

Such movements have a long history. Key West, Fla., staged a mock secession from America in the 1980s. The Town of Killington, Vt., tried to break away and join New Hampshire in 2004, and Hawaii, Alaska, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Texas all have some form of secession organizations today.

[randalds]

I have found no mention of dinos being on Noah's Ark during the great deluge.

Posted by Klingon69 at 02:10 PM : Jun 05, 2007

Of course not, but the creationist myth says they were there...and that they were all plant eaters. Go to the website for the creationist Museum and read the insanity yourself.

[toolmangler-2009]

then why did America not stay with England? THAT was our country. Why did we not stay and fix it instead of seceding and forcing change?

Posted by toldyouso21 at 12:30 AM : Jun 05, 2007

Thought you understood that our history is more similar to Australias than any one else. Many of the people sent here were unwanted or paroled prisoners. They had one choice for survival, leave England or die. Once George (how 'bout that name)realized that America was good for more than a Isolation ward for the mainstream of society, He started squeezing us dry. That was the cause of "The Declaration of Independance". Thats just for starters.....

[flash425]

It turns out that Vermont succession would be a positive benefit for those states who pay more money in federal taxes than they receive back from the federal government. In Vermont's case, in 2004 the state's per capita contribution in federal taxes was $5,971 while it's per capita receipt was $5,971.

States such as California and Texas where the contribution to federal governments are significantly greater than they receive will be much relieved to be rid of this dead beat state.

[skwagen]

ha ha ha ha ha ha...only Vermonters! I lived in VT from 1995-2004, even gave birth to my daughter there so, I can say from living there that VT is full of a bunch of nut cases! Um,instead of trying to secede from the country why don't you work on your heroin problem. Bunch of weirdo fake hippies, whine bag liberals and rednecks that's what VT is full of. What a joke, seriously if you don't like this country....GET OUT! Go to Canada since the primary language in VT is Fringlish (French & English). Oh, my gosh this is such a typical VT article and most of the comments...See what happens when you breathe in that "clean air".!

[klingon69]

Again, ignore the real problem (multinationals, corporations, legal bribery - lobby money, fundamentalism, greed) and blame the messenger. IT ONLY GETS WORSE. And this is why the system is breaking and why it will only get worse if nothing is done.
Posted by ttinsly at 08:19 AM : Jun 05, 2007
And welfare, foodstamps, free medical, free dental, ...etc. Illegals that can protest in our streets, that are handled with kid-gloves...etc.

[klingon69]

Yeah, we're the 'nuts' that believe that the world was created in 7 days, about 10,000 years ago despite the basic science of carbon dating.

The Bible tells us that the world was created in less than 7 days, as on the seventh day God rested. However, there is not temporal reference to the length of God's day. However, I do personally believe the world has been here ALOT longer than 10000 years.
Yeah, we're the 'nuts' that are afraid of Tinky Winky
???WHO???

and that have a creationism steven spielberg museum that teaches dinosaurs were in Noah's Ark.

I have found no mention of dinos being on Noah's Ark during the great deluge.
Yeah, that boat must have been a riot! Between T-rex and all the animals and the velacoraptors. If that was the case, then there would only again be dinos on Earth.

Yeah, we're the nuts that think that guns are more important than Free Speech and in par with a phariseeical god.
Don't know qabout the god part, but I do realize that the 2nd admendment is there to protect the other admendments.
Posted by ttinsly at 07:37 AM : Jun 05, 2007

[randalds]

Yeah, we're the 'nuts' that believe that the world was created in 7 days, about 10,000 years ago despite the basic science of carbon dating. Yeah, we're the 'nuts' that are afraid of Tinky Winky and that have a creationism steven spielberg museum that teaches dinosaurs were in Noah's Ark. Yeah, that boat must have been a riot! Between T-rex and all the animals and the velacoraptors. Yeah, we're the nuts that think that guns are more important than Free Speech and in par with a phariseeical god.

Posted by ttinsly at 07:37 AM : Jun 05, 2007

LOL! That's great! Oh but haven't you heard? the Creation fantasy also teaches that all animals were vegetarians back then (I am NOT kidding on this) and that's why they didn't all just eat each other in the Garden of Eden (which BTW is located in Iraq, no wonder Bush wanted to invade! LOL!)

[randalds]

It would also save FEMA from having to react when the big one causes Cali to sink into the ocean.
Posted by ronin10 at 06:46 AM : Jun 05, 2007

Please! I'm begging you! If the big one ever hits us out here in California, if we are part of the USA or not, whatever you do, do NOT, repeat do NOT send FEMA or the Chimp out here!!! For all that you hold holy do not inflict them on us when we get an earthquake, esp if it's a really bad one!!! Have mercy! Don't you think we'll be having enough to deal with without those morons showing up?!? We'll PAY you to keep them out of here!

[abc92-2009]

HEctor:
Good point. The US is what we know nowadays, after secession from G.Britain in 1776.Or not? Well, in the same way, Vermont has the right to secceed. Of course, they have to be aware that there is a price to be paid.
I consider it is worth trying. I lived and graduated from college in Burlington, and also had the chance to visit N.Y., Washington, NJ, etc. as a tourist. I always concluded that Vermont/NEngland were different from the rest in many ways (I dare to say superior). Their people, their landscape, their manners, their values...aspects that compensate for the cold winter.Quoting "toldyouso21: it is like candidates--target what is most important...then cringe at the rest."
Respectfully.

[klingon69]

I think it's a wonderful idea for us out here in California and apparently I'm not alone (http://www.californiasecession.org/), if for no other reason then we'd finally be done with the dead weight of the Red states. Let them shrink back into the dark ages with their religious based garbage in their schools and government and let us join the rest of the modern intelligent world.

Free the Bear!
Posted by RandalDS at 02:46 AM : Jun 05, 2007

RandalDS(with one L)
California doesn't have to seceed, just wait for that big one and it will just float away, taking many illegals, many fruits, and quite a few nuts too.

[toldyouso21]

Do not believe all the things that you read or hear from the left wing...just as I don't believe all the things from the right wing.
Posted by theUSA1st at 09:37 AM : Jun 05, 2007


I agree, which is probably why I am an Independent. (definitely do NOT believe all I hear from either side). The most important thing is not only to get one's news from a variety of American (and non American) sources for analysis and comparison, but to really sit and think and come to our own conclusions. Unfortunately, in the eyes of many thinking Americans, the conclusion is that neither side really represents the average voter anymore...yet to be effective we must place one or another candidate in office and take what we can get--while cringing at the other baggage that comes with that candidate. Hardly a great choice.


I graduated from college in Indiana--another nice place. (1983) but as a military brat and later as a corporate employee, I have traveled to many countries (born in England) and if I'd my druthers, I'd have the summers of New England and the people and the land, but the winters of Hawaii (not too cold or hot) guess it is like candidates--target what is most important...then cringe at the rest. LOL

[coffeehead-2009]

when does the lotto entry start for residency.

Language

Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language.

An applicant for naturalization must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and of the principles and form of government of the United States. Applicants exempt from this requirement are those who, on the date of filing, have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant9s ability to learn U.S. History and Government.

[Sunny_64]

Does our government really dictate the moral standards of our society? How many people in authority really 'live' by a moral code that models prudent behavior to our younger generations? Actions more than words have much more impact on one's outlook on how to conduct one's life. Walking the walk is key to this foundation.
Corruption didn't start at the federal level. It is rampant at all levels of society. We need to pactice our own moral code in our own homes before we start pointing fingers. If we can't build a firm moral foundation at home, how can we do it in the public sectar?
Politics is not so unlike religion. We have free speech on issues that effect our physical well being. But what about free speech on our moral or spiritual well being? Shouldn't we all be held accountable to each other on how we behave?
Finally, I don't believe that succeeding from the union of our states is the answer. We are more than a country. We are a family. We should be standing up in support of one another. Loving, forgiving and counseling one another to be our best. We all make mistakes. Blame does nothing but inspire hatred and malice. Since most of us are followers of one kind or another we must take care to know who we are following.
Those who love God with all their hearts and trust in Him, also should have no problem loving their neighbors as they do themselves. If we would practice what we preach our country's moral codes would shape up quite nicely.

[anibalhector]

Los pueblos son dueqos de su destino. Cada contribuyente aporta el dinero para sostener el estado, sus empleados, su ejircito, sus jueces, sus maestros, su policma, sus embajadores, sus diputados y sus contribuciones a los organismos supranacionales, FMI, Banco Mundial, Naciones Unidas y todas sus dependencias.- Es algo mas que una alcaldma. Pero si estan dispuestos a pagarlo, ?porqui no hacerlo?. De esa manera nacis USA separandose de Gran Bretaqa, nacis Argentina separandose de Espaqa. Esa es la historia de los pueblos. quiza la Repzblica de Vermont nazca al mismo tiempo que la nueva Bolivia, o la nueva Italia al norte. Al unirse los pueblos en grandes bloques, como el ALBA, el MERCOSUR, la COMUNIDAD EUROPEA, unen banderas y moneda, pero mantienen gobiernos y nacionalidad.- Vermont quiere, junto con otros grupos secesionistas del mundo ser independientes de gobiernos lejanos. Si estan dispuestos a pagar el precio, pueden hacerlo. Eso es libertad. Pero los precios deben ser propios, no ajenos. Esta mal decir animimonos y vayan. Si queris divisisn, paga por verlo. Cordialmente, Anmbal desde Bahma Blanca, Argentina, [e-mail]

[theusa1st]

toldyouso21,
Do not believe all the things that you read or hear from the left wing...just as I don't believe all the things from the right wing. I try to get my information from many outlets and then try and come to a rational decision...not a decision based on emotions...a decision based on facts...which is usually somewhere in the middle.
I went to college with a girl from Presque Isle, ME...nice girl...down to earth. Graduated in 1982. It is nice country...but to far north...I am getting very tired of New England winters....

[toldyouso21]

Also, a lame shout out to UNH, Plymouth, Burlington and Ascutney... you were the foundation of my youth!
Posted by sfoxxday at 09:03 AM : Jun 05, 2007


I used to live in Presque Isle, ME in the early 1970s. Some of the best times in my life were had up North. I'd move there in a hot second if the winters weren't so cold. Beautiful country and really down to earth, wonderful people. Worst place I have lived: Overland Park, Kansas. Don't believe the hype. If Stepford wives and studied racism is not your thing and you actually THINK--then this is not the best place to live.

This IS the home of the nouveau riche--up and coming neo cons, more money than manners, class or intellect, yet still retaining the suspscions, attitudes and prejudices of a backwoods, good ol' boy upbringing.

[toldyouso21]

Correction: I do hope Bush and Co or their mindsets --- are not still around in 2204...LOL

"this was shot down in 2004 and 2005 when he continued to bring it to Congress. Can we at least blame him for issuing a signing statement giving himself that power on May 09, 2007 even though it is unconstitutional?"

[sfoxxday]

I would just like to say that reading things like this makes me proud to be from New England. I lived in New Hampshire my whole life and have been living in military town in Colorado for the past two years. I have not seen such spunk from any one here, even though we are the ones who see what Bush does up close. I say rock on Vermont. And I would encourage all of the states in New England to separate. I mean, the rest of the country thinks New England is one state anyways, why don't they just get it over with so I can move home!

Also, a lame shout out to UNH, Plymouth, Burlington and Ascutney... you were the foundation of my youth!

[toldyouso21]

...just don't put all the blame on our current President. The filth in the cesspool started long before him.
Posted by theUSA1st at 08:52 AM : Jun 05, 2007

Can we at least blame this President for starting a pre emptive war on a 2nd world country? Can we blame him for sanctioning torture? How about for jettisoning the Geneva Conventions (may 2005)? Can we blame Bush for attempting to commandeer the states right to a militia by asking for control over the National guards in each state--first by proposing limited nuclear strikes, then stating that bird flu or another emergency might require him to have a personal, domestic army. this was shot down in 2204 and 2005 when he continued to bring it to Congress. Can we at least blame him for issuing a signing statement giving himself that power on May 09, 2007 even though it is unconstitutional?

Can we blame him for lying about the progress in Iraq? Can we blame Bush for helping to increase the idealogical and political divisions in this country? CAn we hold Bush accountable for stating he would use fighter jets to free any American in the Hague in violation of the 11th Amendment? Can we hold him responsible for lying to us about wiretapping us in 2004? Can we hold him responsible for witholding intel and claiming the Niger yellowcake and Curve ball were true, even though he had data from the CIA and others telling him it was not?

[theusa1st]

USA1st, You have to be purposefully naive to believe that left-wing special interest groups are running the show in the US of A. Posted by ttinsly at 08:19 AM : Jun 05, 2007

ttinsly,
I was not talking about the U.S.A. . I was talking about Vermont. In my 46 years of living here it has transformed as I had stated. Now, if you want to talk about the federal government, I can't argue with what you stated...just don't put all the blame on our current President. The filth in the cesspool started long before him. What we have now is definately NOT what our founding fathers invisioned. The people of this nation need to flush hard next election.