The Secessionist Campaign for the Republic of Vermont

[biermeister]

From Time Magazine

The President on Wednesday may have reassured Americans that the state of the Union is "strong," but, just the week before, a group of Vermont secessionists declared their intention to seek political power in a quest to get their state to quit the Union altogether. On Jan. 15, in the state capital of Montpelier, nine candidates for statewide office gathered in a tiny room at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, to announce they wanted a divorce from the United States of America. "For the first time in over 150 years, secession and political independence from the U.S. will be front and center in a statewide New England political campaign," said Thomas Naylor, 73, one of the leaders of the campaign. (Comment on this story)

A former Duke University economics professor, Naylor heads up the Second Vermont Republic, which he describes as "left-libertarian, anti-big government, anti-empire, antiwar, with small is beautiful as our guiding philosophy." The group not only advocates the peaceful secession of Vermont but has minted its own silver "token" — valued at $25 — and, as part of a publishing venture with another secessionist group, runs a monthly newspaper called Vermont Commons, with a circulation of 10,000. According to a 2007 poll, they have support from at least 13% of state voters. The campaign slogan, Naylor told me, is "Imagine Free Vermont." In his fondest imaginings, Naylor said, Vermonters would not be "forced to participate in killing women and children in the Middle East." (See how the Beans of Egypt, Maine sprouted a militia.)

Read more: www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1957743,00.html

We just bought a house in Southern Vermont and are soaking in the wonders of this unique place. I am not sure secession is the answer (or even a choice) but I am interested in the discussion

[NYLiberalStateofMind]

1. In depth look at Vermont secessionist

You might enjoy reading this:

http://nyliberalstateofmind.blogspot.com/2010/01/showboat-comes-to-vermont.html

[DianeK]

2. it would not be very practical..

I remember a few years ago when Killington voted to secede from Vermont. Where did they think they were going to go?

Unless we decide to become part of Canada ..which would be ok with me I guess but truth is I really love this country and would rather work on what we have. Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence..as they say

[whathehell]

3. Interesting....

Maybe they could hook up with the other blue states and be the "United States of Sanity" or something.

Not too long ago some group in New Hampshire was pushing for a new Continental Congress.