“I hope no one secedes, but I also hope that Americans figure out creative ways to resist injustice and create communities where everybody counts.  We’ve got a long history of resistance in Vermont and this book is testimony to that fact.”
–Bernie Sanders

A book that’s also the beginning of a movement, Bill McKibben’s debut novel Radio Free Vermont follows a band of Vermont patriots who decide that their state might be better off as its own republic.

Read the Penguin Books blurb here. 

As the host of Radio Free Vermont–“underground, underpowered, and underfoot”–seventy-two-year-old Vern Barclay is currently broadcasting from an “undisclosed and double-secret location.” With the help of a young computer prodigy named Perry Alterson, Vern uses his radio show to advocate for a simple yet radical idea: an independent Vermont, one where the state secedes from the United States and operates under a free local economy. But for now, he and his radio show must remain untraceable, because in addition to being a lifelong Vermonter and concerned citizen, Vern Barclay is also a fugitive from the law.

In Radio Free Vermont, Bill McKibben entertains and expands upon an idea that’s become more popular than ever–seceding from the United States. Along with Vern and Perry, McKibben imagines an eccentric group of activists who carry out their own version of guerilla warfare, which includes dismissing local middle school children early in honor of ‘Ethan Allen Day’ and hijacking a Coors Light truck and replacing the stock with local brew. Witty, biting, and terrifyingly timely, Radio Free Vermont is Bill McKibben’s fictional response to the

September 14, 2017

RADIO FREE VERMONT: Bill McKibben’s “Fictional Fable” of Vermont “Resistance”

 “I hope no one secedes, but I also hope that Americans figure out creative ways to resist injustice and create communities where everybody counts.  We’ve got […]
August 29, 2017

2017 Vermont Hempfest (Free Mary Jane)

VI readers know we’ve been actively involved in efforts to legalize, tax, and regulate both hemp and cannabis here in our once-and-future Vermont republic for agri-preneurial, […]
August 23, 2017

What would it look like if Vermont could actually secede from the Union?” (BRAVE LITTLE STATE)

Have you listened to “Brave Little State,” VPR’s newest monthly podcast? If not, you should. Hosted with understated and insightful aplomb by audio curator Angela Evancie, […]
August 23, 2017

Republic of Vermont (GOSHEN, 2VR)

In case you haven’t discovered Republic of Vermont – sugar makers, silviculturalists, and cultural creatives based in the town of Goshen – now is your chance. […]
August 14, 2017

#BlackLivesMatter in Vermont-“Raise A Flag Of Revolution” (UVM DOC)

In the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, our VI-supported LA-based comedic news man Jimmy Dore and his progressive colleague Tim Black break down “What People Are […]
August 11, 2017

New! MEDIA POWER TOOLS resources for our Digital Age!

Exciting news, media, communications, and journalism fans! For two decades, we’ve taught critical media literacy education, and sought to marry this CMLE approach with journalistic practices […]
July 30, 2017

Ethan Allen – In His Own Words (CCTV + Jim Hogue)

Thanks to the indefatigable Jim Hogue and our friends at CCTV for presenting this Ethan Allen Homestead presentation “Ethan Allen – In His Own Words.” Enjoy. […]
July 19, 2017

The Future of Vermont Agriculture (LIVE on WGDR)

WGDR radio host, Ethan Allen impersonator, and 2VR champion Jim Hogue talks with former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Roger Albee about the future of Vermont agriculture […]
July 17, 2017

Spiderman Homecoming (FILM REVIEW)

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”  – Joseph Campbell I go to the movies for entertainment. Sometimes, […]
June 10, 2017

The Retro Future, by John Michael Greer (BOOK REVIEW)

“’Progress’ is just a label for whatever choices happen to have been made by governments and corporations, with or without input from the rest of us.” […]
June 6, 2017

Designing a 2nd Vermont Republic: Our New Plan “V” Pamphlet!

Plan “V” – Designing a 2nd Vermont Republic (2VR) The case for an UNtied States and a 2nd Vermont Republic (2VR), in 5,000 words. The perfect […]
May 13, 2017

Secede – From What? US of Empire and Plan ‘V” for a 2VR (INDY RADIO)

Always a pleasure yakking with Jim Hogue about Vermont independence on WGDR. Listen here. Free Vermont, and long live the UNtied States!