Opinion

Vermont's vision isn't for everyone

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

So Vermont wants to secede from the United States and form their own separate republic. That's what's in the plans if a group of liberal writers have their way. They want Vermont to officially separate from the federal government, have their own currency and passports and send a signal that the federal government no longer serves the needs of Vermont.

First, remember that Vermont just elected the only Socialist in Congress. State voters there clearly believe the government could best provide the needs of the citizens by removing much of the capitalism structure. They say they're tired of the fraud and corruption of the federal government and they believe they are better served by separating from the United States.

I think Vermont is onto something. Don't misunderstand. I don't support secession for everyone - just Vermont. And perhaps Massachusetts.

The truth is Vermont doesn't live in the real world. It's a quirky little state with just over a half million total residents. Basically, they want to be left alone. They want to become the Switzerland of North America.

Liberals always believe government can do a better job of taking care of the people than the people can take care of themselves. Vermont residents look at their state and say "we don't have the problems of the rest of the country so we must be doing something right".

Vermont is also a lily white state with less than one percent minority population.

Like an ostrich with its head in the sand, Vermont wants to ignore the big, bad outside world and live quietly in their tidy little Utopia. They want tourism dollars but not tourists. They want the security of our strong national military but they are anti-military. They want to end poverty, but then again, they have no social issues and no poverty.

If you can pick and choose who lives in your state, then maybe separatism works. But give Vermont the social and cultural issues that face other areas and see just how fast they look to Washington for a solution.

I couldn't care less what the fine folk in Vermont choose to do. I wish them well. They can take their Socialist mindset and create their own world. They would most certainly not be the first to chase this illusive vision. But give Vermont a dose of Detroit or Gary, Ind., or some other locale and see just how fast their vision evaporates.

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