2013 Update

Speaking of The Republic of New England, our board of conveners has
tackled (and solved, we hope) the problem of the national debt in our
negotiation with the U.S.A.  Our stated policy is to repudiate any share
of their debt.  We consulted international lawyers and got some support
from the example of the Baltic republics in reestablishing their independence
after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Inasmuch as Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania were formerly established
nations, they were under no obligation to share the financial burdens of
a reconstituted Russia.  If the U.S.A. ceases to exist after the separation
of a number of its states, it may be simply an aggregation with no joint
financial obligation.  The so-called European Union is an example of that.

Our precedent will be the short-lived Republic of Vermont, which existed
until ratification of the U.S. constitution.  It has now a secession movement
which can be the legal nucleus of a larger republic.  We eagerly await
developments in Texas, which has an even stronger case for separation.
There is also some talk of booting California out of the U.S., but that seems
to come more from outside the state.

Of course, we might manfully step up and assume some responsibility for
the U.S. national debt, provided we get to keep all the military installations
and equipment.  We would write a no-interest, balloon payment note, payable
in 30 years.  By that time, we figure the value of the dollar will be such that
we can pay off the note by subscription from patriotic citizens.  We don't
plan to incur any provincial or federal debt, period.  We pay cash.

The board has twice postponed our constitutional convention, pending
possible improvement in the governance of the U.S.  Alas, it has gone from
bad to worse.  No need to detail the woes.  Interestingly, this week sees the
assembly of the Global Anglican Future Conference in Nairobi, which
will feature the de facto separation of most of the Anglican churches
from the Anglican Communion.  The creation of a rival Anglican entity
in the U.S. provides another example of tragic schism.

We keep a sharp watch on newly established nations, whose success
varies according to the parsimony of their founders.  We like Slovenia
for its mountainous landscape, first-class skiers, and beautiful prime
minister; but it has run up severe banking problems.  We like Lithuania
for its sturdy fiscal management.  As New Englanders, we subscribe to
our ancient mantra:  "Use it up, wear it out; make it do, or do without!"

Providence and The Nutter

In my opinion, this president
Is not simply a nutter,
Serving out the second term
Of a predecessor from Georgia.

Instead, Providence has rewarded
His messianic ego, leading to
Accomplishments that may assure
Him of an honored place in history.

Remember that his predecessor
From Arkansas was dragged,
Kicking and screaming, to sign a
Law requiring welfare recipients to work.

That turned into a resounding success,
Whereas the efforts of a predecessor
From Texas to spread national freedom
To benighted Arabs has failed.

Our present maximum leader,
Who simply pronounces, "Let it be so!"
Has a good chance of seeing his wishes
Turn into worthy achievements.

That is, in the eyes of the populace,
Who cheer the withdrawal from the Middle East,
And resolve never to support another
Adventure in foreign nation-building.

He was the president who
"Got us out of the wars in the desert!"
He may be the president who
"Brought health care to all citizens."

If the new program establishes a foothold,
And then is tweaked to solve problems
Caused by unintended consequences,
Public opinion may support its continuance.

Then we will finally have what has been
Sought by many for years, health care
For all, administered entirely by
A department of the federal government.

Those of us who have been required
To use Medicare for primary treatment
Can testify that it is simple to use,
And covers all our needs, up to now.

Expand that to all citizens, and reduce
The costs by triage and rationing,
And you have a system previously
Employed by the Soviet Union.