Vogler was right
Independence could be great for Alaska
By Dexter Clark
Published December 3, 2006
When your son or daughter, niece or nephew, friend, neighbor or other loved one goes off to war, there is more to supporting them than just flying the flag. We owe them an honorable country to come home to.
This thought occurs to me as the troops are trickling into Fort Wainwright, returning from Iraq at last.
Now, how will America finish the job? One possible avenue on the road to peace includes subdividing Iraq into smaller, like-minded states.
In the last 50 years, this has proven to be an acceptable solution as, worldwide, nearly 100 newly independent nations have challenged students and kept the mapmakers busy.
Alaskan Independence Party founder Joe Vogler called the domino effect of the first country to withdraw from the Soviet Union (even without American support) the “Lithuanian Flu.”
Eventually, the USSR broke up because the people of the separate countries disagreed with Moscow’s foreign and domestic policies. At great risk, they took control of their own destinies.
So what are the options for American citizens who support the troops but are opposed to this war and other U.S. interventions into the affairs of foreign countries?
I recently attended the first “North American Secession Convention” in Burlington, Vt. Representatives from a dozen other states were there. When someone asked me where I’m from, “Alaska” was always well received. Everybody likes Alaska, but mention “America” especially overseas, and you’re less likely to see a smile.
The focus of this meeting was that bigger is not always better. The delegates were seeking real alternatives to supporting an American “Empire.” The convention concluded that reform hasn’t worked; revolution is not an option, which leaves secession.
I know that the word secession scares people. But it simply means: “To withdraw formally from membership in a … union.” Now, that doesn’t sound so bad, does it? If a Teamster or Laborer wants out of their union, doesn’t the law allow it?
When I first heard Joe Vogler talking about what a better place Alaska could be without the federal government, I thought he was crazy. Now, I see that Joe was right.
The Alaskan Independence Party was formed because a lot of other Alaskans agree.
Perhaps Gov. Hickel’s comment in his inaugural address about “taking our star off that flag” deserves another look.
Right now, if you don’t consider the strings attached, Alaska has it good as far as money coming from the feds in revenue sharing. However, as more money is shifted to the U.S.’s government’s attempts to control everything about everyone, everywhere in the world, less will be available for Alaska.
It’s not just the money either. Some federal programs, such as Daylight Savings Time, make little sense in Alaska. The Fairbanks North Star Borough attains EPA air-quality standards, the standard is made more stringent. And ask our teachers about the classroom benefits of the No Child Left Behind Act.
As discontent increases, independentminded and forward-thinking people should be ready. We need to increase our efforts to become less dependent before it gets worse. Keep in mind that independence is the opposite of dependence. Try looking up these two words in your dictionary to see which you really prefer.
I admit that Alaskans have a long way to go to be ready for independence. But it is doable.
What form of government would the nation of Alaska follow? The AIP believes that the United States Constitution could be preserved in the independent nation of Alaska as an example to the rest of the world.
Maybe Alaska can one day help the United States return to the original intent of this divinely inspired document, much like the U.S. helped out its former colonial master, Great Britain, in two world wars. History teaches us that today’s enemies are tomorrow’s allies.
I believe it is the natural destiny of Alaska to one day be at least a major part of an independent nation, perhaps parts of Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories will join us.
Whether the AIP has a role in this future is not a question. Joe planted the seeds. Some have fallen on fertile ground. Think of it as the “Freedom Flu.” Let’s hope it’s contagious.
While most people can’t visualize what their life would be like without the federal government’s control, some of us can’t wait to find out.
Dexter Clark is a vice chairman of the Alaskan Independence Party.
