If Ye Rule O’Er Our Land Ye Shall Rule O’Er Our Graves

Speaking of Vermont, Happy Independence Day!

In Convention of the representatives from the several counties and towns of the New Hampshire Grants, holden at Westminster, January 15, 1777, by adjournment.

Whereas the Honorable the Continental Congress did, on the 4th day of July last, declare the United Colonies in America to be free and independent of the crown of Great Britain ; which declaration we most cordially acquiesce in : And whereas by the said declaration the arbitrary acts of the crown are null and void, in America, consequently the jurisdiction by said crown granted to New York government over the people of the New Hampshire Grants is totally dissolved:

We therefore, the inhabitants, on said tract of land, are at present without law or government, and may be truly said to be in a state of nature ; consequently a right remains to the people of said Grants to form a government best suited to secure their property, well being and happiness.

Thus our brave little republic was born.  Back in the day I argued - surprising nobody - with a rando about whether Vermont was, in fact, a republic (it was also a democracy).

Vermonters were independent for 14 years before voluntarily joining a young union as the 14th state.  And now in the 250th year of our larger, tottering republic¹, we are ruled by a capricious fascist who doesn't believe in democracy, and is threatening to escalate violent oppression upon our republican states whose Democratic governors are trying to defend their people.  I guess it was a good run.

<exits, mumbling: Our ruler is law and the law is our own>

1 - Well, 250 years since the United States declared independence, at any rate.  237 from the time government under the Constitution kicked off.  Barely a year since it ceased functioning and became a bust out operation.