Vermont Threatens to Secede

After President Obama’s State of the Union address last Wednesday, many Americans wondered about the “Yes We Can” sentiment that Obama based his campaign on. We might be able to, but the real question is have we done it. As of right now very little change can be seen coming from the federal government. The whirlwind that was Obama’s campaign that sparked hope and renewed faith in the government is dwindling. We expected fast action and change, but have yet to see real results. Though this upsets Americans, none have taken it as far as the state of Vermont.

In an article on time.com, there is a campaign for Vermont to no longer be one of the 50 states of the United States of America but the Republic of Vermont. Yes, you read that right. The green mountain state wants to secede from the U.S. This issue has been brought to the forefront with a gubernatorial candidate, Thomas Naylor, the head of the Second Vermont Republic, who wants a peaceful succession. The Vermont Commons: Voices of Independence is a newspaper, and according to their Web site they believe, “that the United States is no longer a republic governed by its citizens, but an empire that is immoral and essentially ungovernable.” This sentiment reflects a part of the population of Vermont. Talking to my friend who is a native of Vermont said that she has heard people talk about secession for years. But now it just isn’t talk among neighbors and friends, politicians running for public office in the state want to pursue this avenue with increased vigor.

I don’t actually think this will ever happen. The state of Vermont relies too heavily on federal funding and would in essence be cutting their feet right out from beneath themselves. According to the state Website, the budget for the 2010 fiscal year breaks down the sources of funding. Their budget is $4.6 billion and they are expecting $1.44 billion from federal funds and $373 million from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The federal funds accounts for 31 percent of the budget and the ARRA funds accounts for 8 percent of the budget. That is 38 percent of the state’s budget coming from the federal government. That is a large amount of money that Vermont would be giving up. On top of that, they would lose all the benefits from the government. Vermont borders New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York, with only a small portion bordering Canada. It is mostly surrounded by other states. It isn’t a wise decision

I think it is interesting that after so many years of being the United States that now in 2010 one would want to break off. I think there is always discord and people might not always agree with government but politicians have never really brought it to the public’s attention in this capacity. There are nine politicians in Vermont who want to run for governor and state legislature with the idea to pursue secession.

People are upset about the current state of affairs in the government but I think this is taking it a bit too far. Maybe this will spark some change in how government is run.

If people are discontent enough to want to separate themselves from the U.S. completely, I think the federal government should take notice and do something to reinvigorate the feeling of “Yes We Can.”