These questions drive the composition of nations:
What are the limits of size to efficient governing?
Should a country be ethnically homogeneous?
How can new nations be created peacefully?
If there are answers to these questions,
what and where is the available research?
Certainly many learned papers could or should
be devoted to these critical issues.
What should be done about countries
which are ungovernable, like Haiti and Somalia?
Should they continue to be U.N. mandates
or be annexed by other nations?
What about countries that oppress their people,
rob them and starve them, imprison and execute them,
enrich the monsters in charge, yet are allowed
to live on with no substantive improvement.
North Korea, Syria, and Cuba seem to despise
the idea of anyone having a satisfactory life
in their countries, to the point of deliberately
seeking to reduce the number of their citizens.
The Soviet Union was too big to
be effectively governed, now
Russia seeks to emulate the failures
that collapsed its Communist empire.
Iraq is already three nations
masquerading as a single entity
united only by shares in the oil revenues
which they fight vigorously about.
China and India are so huge in population
as to defy efforts to control them,
yet each survives in its own way,
while their smaller neighbors implode.
Israel is a speck no bigger than Rhode Island,
yet it is powerful in technology and innovation
in the middle of a hostile environment and
not a shred of natural resources.
We believe that small is beautiful,
that a nation with a healthy identity
among its citizens, has the best chance
to succeed . . . like Switzerland.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
New France
The Republic of New England
has been exchanging messages with
the Republique de la Louisiane
through the Facebook chat medium.
Their page is ostensibly devoted
to the secession of Louisiana
from the U.S.A. to become a
territory of a New France.
The proprietor of the page
apparently is a French Canadian
who envisions a confederation of
French-speaking areas in North America.
He was upset about our invitation
to the maritime provinces of Canada
to join our republic, if orphaned by
the creation of a sovereign Quebec.
He has led us through an
interesting history lesson on
the fate of francophones
after the British conquest.
His plan requires annexing portions
of Maine and New Brunswick
that were part of French Canada and
are still French-speaking.
We see some objections to that
from the governments concerned.
Nevertheless, it is a bold plan
which deserves some consideration.
Inclusion of Louisiana, however,
is puzzling because there are
so few Cajuns left who spoke
only French in their childhood years.
Not to mention ignoring what
the reaction of Bobby Jindal
and the Louisiana legislature
might be to such a proposal.
Also on Facebook is a proposal
to establish a new state in the U.S.A.
to be called, "Acadia," comprising
northern Maine and New Hampshire.
Complicating the mix is the
island archipelago of Miquelon and
St. Pierre, just south of Labrador, which
is a fully functioning territory of France.
Perhaps that might be a base for
organizing the reestablishment of
a New France, fulfilling DeGaulle's
cry of, "Vive Quebec Libre!"
has been exchanging messages with
the Republique de la Louisiane
through the Facebook chat medium.
Their page is ostensibly devoted
to the secession of Louisiana
from the U.S.A. to become a
territory of a New France.
The proprietor of the page
apparently is a French Canadian
who envisions a confederation of
French-speaking areas in North America.
He was upset about our invitation
to the maritime provinces of Canada
to join our republic, if orphaned by
the creation of a sovereign Quebec.
He has led us through an
interesting history lesson on
the fate of francophones
after the British conquest.
His plan requires annexing portions
of Maine and New Brunswick
that were part of French Canada and
are still French-speaking.
We see some objections to that
from the governments concerned.
Nevertheless, it is a bold plan
which deserves some consideration.
Inclusion of Louisiana, however,
is puzzling because there are
so few Cajuns left who spoke
only French in their childhood years.
Not to mention ignoring what
the reaction of Bobby Jindal
and the Louisiana legislature
might be to such a proposal.
Also on Facebook is a proposal
to establish a new state in the U.S.A.
to be called, "Acadia," comprising
northern Maine and New Hampshire.
Complicating the mix is the
island archipelago of Miquelon and
St. Pierre, just south of Labrador, which
is a fully functioning territory of France.
Perhaps that might be a base for
organizing the reestablishment of
a New France, fulfilling DeGaulle's
cry of, "Vive Quebec Libre!"
Monday, February 3, 2014
2014 Update
2014 Update
The new Facebook page,
Republic of New England,
has engendered quite a bit of
interesting traffic and comments.
We need to make clear that our
proposal is entirely peaceful,
involving no revolt or resistance,
nor any fund raising at this time.
Our separation from the U.S.A.
is predicated on a collapse of
the federal government, which has
already reached a critical stage.
Congress now has ceased to
pass any progressive legislation
out of fear that the executive branch
will fail to execute its provisions.
In the short term, appropriations
may continue to keep the government
functioning, while heightening the
concern over defaulting the debt.
We are in communication with
many separatist and secessionist
movements, ranging from serious
to fanciful recreations of the past.
A premise is developing that big
governments are too big and risk
collapse when they are out of touch
with the people they purport to serve.
History is full of examples of empires
that reached their expiration date.
We fear that the land of the free and
the home of the brave no longer exists.
More of the important events
of our lives are tightly regulated
while dependence on taxpayer
largesse becomes the norm.
The new Facebook page,
Republic of New England,
has engendered quite a bit of
interesting traffic and comments.
We need to make clear that our
proposal is entirely peaceful,
involving no revolt or resistance,
nor any fund raising at this time.
Our separation from the U.S.A.
is predicated on a collapse of
the federal government, which has
already reached a critical stage.
Congress now has ceased to
pass any progressive legislation
out of fear that the executive branch
will fail to execute its provisions.
In the short term, appropriations
may continue to keep the government
functioning, while heightening the
concern over defaulting the debt.
We are in communication with
many separatist and secessionist
movements, ranging from serious
to fanciful recreations of the past.
A premise is developing that big
governments are too big and risk
collapse when they are out of touch
with the people they purport to serve.
History is full of examples of empires
that reached their expiration date.
We fear that the land of the free and
the home of the brave no longer exists.
More of the important events
of our lives are tightly regulated
while dependence on taxpayer
largesse becomes the norm.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Reasons for Separation
The New England States have the following
reasons for proposing separation from the
United States of America: (The maritime
provinces will list their own from Canada.)
I. The government of the U.S.A. in its
executive, legislative, and judicial branches
has ceased to function.
II. The mission of the armed forces of
the U.S.A. is unclear.
III. The agencies of the U.S. government
have increased their control of the lives
and actions of citizens.
IV. The national debt of the U.S.A. is
forecast to expand forever.
V. An increasing number of citizens
are entirely dependent on taxpayers for
their subsistence.
VI. The federal department of Labor,
Education, Energy, Health and Human
Services, Housing and Urban Development
are unconstitutional creations.
VII. The provisions of the first ten
amendments to the constitution of the U.S.A.
are no longer supported.
VIII. The executive branch of the federal
government has usurped the law-enacting
function of Congress.
IX. The constitution of the U.S.A. does
not permit a "no confidence" removal
of elected officials.
X. Federal judges and Supreme Court
Justices unlawfully direct executive actions.
reasons for proposing separation from the
United States of America: (The maritime
provinces will list their own from Canada.)
I. The government of the U.S.A. in its
executive, legislative, and judicial branches
has ceased to function.
II. The mission of the armed forces of
the U.S.A. is unclear.
III. The agencies of the U.S. government
have increased their control of the lives
and actions of citizens.
IV. The national debt of the U.S.A. is
forecast to expand forever.
V. An increasing number of citizens
are entirely dependent on taxpayers for
their subsistence.
VI. The federal department of Labor,
Education, Energy, Health and Human
Services, Housing and Urban Development
are unconstitutional creations.
VII. The provisions of the first ten
amendments to the constitution of the U.S.A.
are no longer supported.
VIII. The executive branch of the federal
government has usurped the law-enacting
function of Congress.
IX. The constitution of the U.S.A. does
not permit a "no confidence" removal
of elected officials.
X. Federal judges and Supreme Court
Justices unlawfully direct executive actions.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Collapse of the U.S.A.
As we near the end of 2020,
It may be instructive to review
The events of five years ago
That led to collapse of the U.S.A.
In 2014, the nation continued
To struggle with the enrollment
Of individuals in the federal and
State health insurance exchanges.
Large numbers of very sick people
Sought insurance heretofore unattainable.
Young people stayed away in droves,
Thus running up the potential costs.
With the mandate of 2015 looming,
Corporations and other organizations
Threatened to throw their employees
Into the individual coverage pools.
The net result was a sharp rise
To the expected national debt.
Panicking, Congress decided to tax
Employer sponsored health care.
That led to a taxpayer revolt,
Wherein the rebels refused to file
Tax returns for the year, overwhelming
The enforcement mechanisms of the IRS.
Meanwhile, college students took that cue
To refuse to pay their loans, quickly
Followed by support from those
Who still owed substantial sums.
Within a year, the national debt
Was forecast to increase by two trillion.
Congress refused to approve it,
And the U.S.A. fell into default.
The rest is history.
Texas led the way out of the union,
Followed by Cascadia, California,
And The Republic of New England.
The latter is getting along very nicely.
They solved much of the health care issue
By encouraging the drug store chains to
Set up primary care clinics in their stores.
It may be instructive to review
The events of five years ago
That led to collapse of the U.S.A.
In 2014, the nation continued
To struggle with the enrollment
Of individuals in the federal and
State health insurance exchanges.
Large numbers of very sick people
Sought insurance heretofore unattainable.
Young people stayed away in droves,
Thus running up the potential costs.
With the mandate of 2015 looming,
Corporations and other organizations
Threatened to throw their employees
Into the individual coverage pools.
The net result was a sharp rise
To the expected national debt.
Panicking, Congress decided to tax
Employer sponsored health care.
That led to a taxpayer revolt,
Wherein the rebels refused to file
Tax returns for the year, overwhelming
The enforcement mechanisms of the IRS.
Meanwhile, college students took that cue
To refuse to pay their loans, quickly
Followed by support from those
Who still owed substantial sums.
Within a year, the national debt
Was forecast to increase by two trillion.
Congress refused to approve it,
And the U.S.A. fell into default.
The rest is history.
Texas led the way out of the union,
Followed by Cascadia, California,
And The Republic of New England.
The latter is getting along very nicely.
They solved much of the health care issue
By encouraging the drug store chains to
Set up primary care clinics in their stores.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Observations on Obamacare
George, you just caught me listening to Susan Boyle singing "The Winner Takes It All", an ABBA
song -- very apropos to the ACA situation. Now that some probably very ill people have been able
to sign up for health insurance, it can never be taken away from them without triggering political
repercussions. The health insurance companies are now administrators of a federal scheme.
Entitlements have proven to be irreversible. Universal health care is the goal. Wouldn't Teddy be
proud! Step by step, a single payer system has crept in to full enactment. Sometime soon everyone
will be issued a card like my Medicare one, now twenty years old. The problem arises -- where and
how can they be honored?. That's where the U.S.A. is in danger of sharply reduced medical care,
as new practitioners fail to enter the health professions. The low-cost ride of our generation is soon
to end.
It is almost too late for reasonable alternatives. The best of them proposes taxpayer support for
local clinics to replace ordinary care in the emergency rooms for people without insurance. My
local guy is the only one left of four in private practice. The others retired early. And he will
get whacked by the reduction of Medicare reimbursements. They I will have to rely on a
walk-in clinic that I used to frequent. Just like good old Army medicine. Not bad, not too good.
You may remember my recent piece, "Providence and the Nutter." The president deserves
neither credit nor blame for his eponymous health law. History will reward him.
The rector of my church just returned from a three week holiday in England, meeting with old friends
from his early stay in the UK. He reports that the National Health Service is in such disrepute that
the government has permitted private practice to return. Harley Street is doing a brisk business.
We call that option "concierge practice."
Canadians are enthusiastic about their quick and satisfactory primary care. Their complaints
are the delay and rationing of surgery. The premier of Ontario is insisting on further cost
reductions. So is our governor of Massachusetts. Here there is some cost control voluntarily
by our MDs who refuse to open their practices to any more Medicare and Medicaid patients.
I have primary care from my new wife's doctor. She got into a closed dermatology practice by
marrying me. Otherwise: "I'm sorry, Doctor XXX is not accepting new patients." MassCare
is seeing an increasing number of individuals paying the penalty rather than buying one size
fits all insurance. That includes insuring men for pregnancy care, whether they like it or not!
song -- very apropos to the ACA situation. Now that some probably very ill people have been able
to sign up for health insurance, it can never be taken away from them without triggering political
repercussions. The health insurance companies are now administrators of a federal scheme.
Entitlements have proven to be irreversible. Universal health care is the goal. Wouldn't Teddy be
proud! Step by step, a single payer system has crept in to full enactment. Sometime soon everyone
will be issued a card like my Medicare one, now twenty years old. The problem arises -- where and
how can they be honored?. That's where the U.S.A. is in danger of sharply reduced medical care,
as new practitioners fail to enter the health professions. The low-cost ride of our generation is soon
to end.
It is almost too late for reasonable alternatives. The best of them proposes taxpayer support for
local clinics to replace ordinary care in the emergency rooms for people without insurance. My
local guy is the only one left of four in private practice. The others retired early. And he will
get whacked by the reduction of Medicare reimbursements. They I will have to rely on a
walk-in clinic that I used to frequent. Just like good old Army medicine. Not bad, not too good.
You may remember my recent piece, "Providence and the Nutter." The president deserves
neither credit nor blame for his eponymous health law. History will reward him.
The rector of my church just returned from a three week holiday in England, meeting with old friends
from his early stay in the UK. He reports that the National Health Service is in such disrepute that
the government has permitted private practice to return. Harley Street is doing a brisk business.
We call that option "concierge practice."
Canadians are enthusiastic about their quick and satisfactory primary care. Their complaints
are the delay and rationing of surgery. The premier of Ontario is insisting on further cost
reductions. So is our governor of Massachusetts. Here there is some cost control voluntarily
by our MDs who refuse to open their practices to any more Medicare and Medicaid patients.
I have primary care from my new wife's doctor. She got into a closed dermatology practice by
marrying me. Otherwise: "I'm sorry, Doctor XXX is not accepting new patients." MassCare
is seeing an increasing number of individuals paying the penalty rather than buying one size
fits all insurance. That includes insuring men for pregnancy care, whether they like it or not!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
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!"
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!"
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