It was noted recently while home (the VT one, not the AK one), that talk of secession in Vermont has been spreading. This is no wildfire, stop the presses news. Vermont has one of the longest-lived and locally strongest separatist movements in the country. Currently under the banner of ‘Second Vermont Republic’ (SVR), the push for independence has been going on since the founding of this nation, as evidenced by several movements organized around the secession of New England under the Hartford Convention. A note of small pride, this movement was founded nearly three quarters of a century before the notion of southern secession ever took hold. Additionally, perhaps the most powerful and viable separatist community on the continent resides within the bounds of our francophone neighbor the north, the Quebecois.

Flag of the First Republic of VT

Recently there was an interesting interview on VPR’s Switchboard with Rob Williams, a Champlain College teacher & publisher of VT Commons. Williams had a number of interesting things to say. Addressing the ‘why bother?’ question, Williams provides several examples of how the U.S. has simply become too large, and argues that the current ‘empire’ is unsustainable. Citing the, well, numerous problems with the current government including illegal detentions, electoral fraud, lack of attention to environmental issues, and the Patriot Act as evidence of what he calls ‘imperial hubris’. Perhaps the most convincing part of the interview involves Williams noting that the government, originally designed to be controlled by the people, has now turned the tables. Additionally the financial equation regarding state and federal support, Vermont is apparently losing tax money in the current scheme of things. Also notable is the fact that secession is a guaranteed right under the U.S. Constitution.

Yes, this all does seem rather far fetched, but with such group forums as oh-so-worldly facebook’s Advocates for the Immediate Secession of New York City and Alaska can come too…, the official site of 2nd Vermont Republic, and the always humorous Texassecession.com site (who opt for a break with the union under the argument that the US has ‘sealed its doom due to its continued rebellion against god(caps???)), these ideas are seem to be spreading at a rapid clip. In 1999 there was even a Texan movement founded called Texas Constitution 2000, which is gathering signatories by country (they have one so far). I’m sorry, but anyone that needs quotations around the words “assault weapons” and “arsenal” has -in their grasp- the power to frighten me just a little bit. Through all the trolling I did, Texas seems to have the greatest number of secession movements. Now all they need is someone to take the whole thing seriously…

On the all-and-all though, there are numerous movements throughout the country. Organized, they might have a decent chance of accomplishing something, however, most of these groups hold (purposefully) divisive views, often seemingly their main reason for a seperatation of nations.

Despite all of this hubub, I am heartened by a quote from Speaker of the House Pelosi’s first speech upon, “We have made history, now let us make progress.” The question is progress for whom? The select oligarchy? Out of control corporate interests? The common good? I’m with the last one, and hold plainly sympathetic views towards this end. Perhaps the secession conversation, as Williams calls it, is one worth having. At the very least, he’s got a great radio voice.

-P to the F

Texas of yore…

ps, if Texas ever does secede, you really don’t want to break the law there. Some proposed punishments for illegal actions or border crossings: a minimum of five lashes, $3,000 fine & deportation. If the fine is not paid immediately, involuntary servitude will be required. While prison sentences in the current nation carry slave-like labor as a penalty, but I doubt the label of servitude has ever been applied. However, all taxes will be voluntarily given, and there will be no regulation or tracking permitted regarding travel. Land of the free indeed.

I humbly apologize for my lack of restraint regarding Texas, the Free Republic of Texas, and the Soveigrn Nation of New Texas; this is a weak and vain attempt to make up for a creeping lack of post-spiration (ew). Please thank yourself for letting me waste your time with this unorganized feckless drivel.

There are currently 25 states in the Union with active secession movements.

Sophomoric it may be, but one Texan secessionist website may found at http://www.anus.com/etc/texas/. Coincidence? Probably.

A comprehensive list of secession movements in the nation and globally. Of note is the recent action in Scotland to separate from the UK. Lists are maintained by the Middlebury Institute.