I celebrated Independence Day by marching in parades, promoting Vermont independence and partying with friends. I consider myself a patriotic American, I love what America stood for in the past: New rules, no more kings and queens, and the freedom to live and let live. But for me, America no longer stands for those ideals. For me, Vermont now comes first and I just can't ignore the destructive behavior of our hopelessly corrupt federal government.

During the Montpelier and Warren parades, I was one of 20+ people carrying "Free Vermont!" banners and handing out the latest Vermont Commons Journal. I also handed out flyers with this question written on them:

"Are you fed up with:

-Never-ending wars and unconscionable "defense" budgets (Vermont's share per year = $1.5 Billion)?

-A broken, corrupt financial system?

-The steady erosion of our civil liberties and constitutional protections?

-The destruction of local, sustainable agriculture by the federally subsidized industrial food system?
For real solutions, please support the Independent Candidates for Vermont Independence this November 2nd."

I was amazed at how many people cheered for us and gladly read my propaganda. (I used this phrase before handing them out "would you like some independence-propaganda?") A few people said "no thanks" but I did not get one dirty look or disparaging remark. I think people know in their hearts that Vermont independence is a good idea, but they are afraid of the unknown. 

We must all admit this: Our national political system is broken, it has been taken over by a few corporate interests. We are being forced to pay for perpetual global war, a war that is not even declared against a particular nation or enemy (this is a global war without an end). This is illegal, immoral and unsustainable. Why are so few people saying "NO MORE!" ?? Our economy is collapsing and the US military machine is bankrupting our nation while the big banks collect interest on our debt, AND pay themselves billions in bonuses with our tax-funded bailout money.

What are we doing about this, people?!! Well I'm not sure how to fix this, but I know it must start with acknowledging the truth. And so far in Vermont's political landscape, the only people I know who are openly acknowledging these truths are the Vermont secessionists associated with the Second Vermont Republic and the Vermont Commons Journal.  

Therefore I am focusing my American patriotism, my love of freedom, and my sense of justice, on Vermont. There is still hope for Vermont. 

Do I really think Vermont should secede? I'm not sure exactly how or when, but I am open to giving this idea full consideration. But I also see many other things we need to do, to create more economic independence for Vermont.  I think it's possible, even likely, that someday we will realize that smaller is actually better. Someday we will acknowledge that the only successful model for "sustainability" will require smaller decentralized government that allows the majority of decisions to be made locally. The federal government has taken way too much power, but we allowed this to happen and now its time for states to take their power back.

I think Vermont should get ready to be an independent nation, in our hearts and minds. We must re-energize the fearless independent spirit that Vermont has always been known for. 

But what does Vermont need in order to be stronger, happier, and sustainable? Instead of seceding, should we exert our 10th amendment rights and nullify unconstitutional federal policies (including our entire monetary system, our entire education system, the war on "terror," the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Patriot-Act, the war on drugs, corporate citizenship, and the recent health-care "reform" bill??)...geesh that's a long list. Where do we begin?

Some other interesting examples: The state of Vermont recently legalized and made provisions for the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp, or cannabis, as a way to stimulate Vermont's agriculture and give farmers a way to diversify...subject to the federal government removing cannabis from the list of controlled substances. Nice try! Vermont also outlawed corporate citizenship, but the federal government trumped us again. You MUST allow corporations to buy elections! What else you got?  And the majority of Vermonters are opposed to the "war on terror" and the "war on drugs" yet there is nothing we can do to change these federal policies. 

This is why many people in Vermont (13% according to a UVM poll) think Vermont's only hope is to actually peacefully secede from the US and form a smaller, more manageable state that continues to do business with the other US states and the rest of the world.

I think we need to start with a focus on Vermont's sovereignty, and work toward a strong future for Vermont. We need to stop bowing to the scripted actors in DC and stand up for ourselves like grownups.

And we need to get independent-thinking people into politics in Montpelier, because the status-quo of Democrats and Republicans will only get us more of the same. This is why I'm running for Senate in Washington County, and why I support other independent candidates such as Dennis Steel (Governor, www.governorsteele.com), Pete Garritano (Lt Gov, www.VtGarritano.com), Robert Wagner (Senate, Addison, www.SenatorWagner.com) and the other 40+ state-office candidates running in November as independents.