by Paul Schingle

Created on: April 22, 2010   Last Updated: April 23, 2010

So, what?  Now, we're going to need a passport to get into Vermont?  Don't get me wrong.  Vermont is a beautiful state.  It's actually one of the prettiest states I've seen-and I've seen all 48 of the contiguous states.  And, I understand citizens in Vermont (or any of the fifty states) being disillusioned with the way things are going in the U.S. right now.  But, you have to be realistic.  Vermont is teeny-tiny.  They're going to develop their own currency?  They're going to form separate treaties with other nations?  Are they going to act with hostility toward the United States?  The implications of secession are mind-boggling.

Let's take a quick look at why Vermont might want to become a separate and sovereign nation.  Most noticeably, most would agree that the federal government stretches its power too far.  We're taxed very heavily and receive little in services in return.  (Sounds like 1776 all over again). 

The original idea was a federal government that looked after defense and a few other national issues and separate states creating their own constitutions with their own degrees of government interference and control.  On the upside, there would be one currency.  Travel between the states would be unfettered. 

If you didn't like the laws of one state, you could choose to move to another.  You wouldn't need a visa or anything like that.  Sort of the best of both worlds.  However, citizens of Vermont (and I wouldn't disagree) state that the feds have far outreached their original intent.  But, is secession the answer?

People of Vermont have to think of the actual implications of secession.  Are they seriously going to invent their own currency?  If so, they have to offer something to make their currency valuable, globally.  I don't think maple syrup will do the trick. 

If not, are the citizens of Vermont just never going to leave Vermont?  Because if their currency isn't recognized, their money won't be worth the paper it's printed on ouside of Vermont.  Yes, Vermont's a beautiful state, but there's a whole great big world out there.  And isolation in a time of intense globalization isn't realistic.

And then there's the whole defense issue.  I know people from Vermont are among the most independent and rugged minded in the country.  But, will they be able to defend their borders without federal help?  Or, will they form alliances with countries other than the U.S. to fortify their standing in the world?  And, will other countries take them seriously?  These are all things citizens of Vermont must weigh before seceding.

Should Vermont secede from the United States?  Perhaps, in an ideal world this is something they would consider.  A world where everything falls into place.  But, in the real world, it's just not feasible to think that Vermont (or any other state) can secede, successfully.  I understand their disgruntlement.  But, secession is not the answer. 

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