Fuel & Energy – Page 21 – Vermont Independent

Publisher’s note: In the wake of the U.K.’s “Brexit” vote, we are receiving queries from all over the world – is a “Vexit” – Vermont nonviolently seceding from the United States of Empire – next? Good question. We have the blueprints, we have the platform, we have the book, we have the passport, and we have the flag. All that is missing is a clear mandate from a critical mass of Vermonters. Perhaps the Trump/Clinton election debacle will galvanize citizens here in the once-and-future Vermont republic, now that Sanders is all but Bern’ed out.

Free Vermont, and long live the UNtied States!

Polls predicted a close vote. London bookmakers put odds strongly against Brexit. State controlled BBC and other major UK media one-sidedly promoted remaining in the EU, suggesting disaster otherwise.

The final vote, announced early Friday morning, was leave 51.9%, stay 48.1%. Turnout was 71.8%, 30 million Brits voting, the highest electoral participation rate since 1992.

UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage hailed what he called Britain’s “independence day.” The Tory-led remain camp called it a “catastrophe.”

Farage called for Cameron’s immediate replacement, saying “(w)e have to have a Brexit prime minister.” Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty should be invoked straightaway, the legally binding mechanism for permitting the lengthy Brexit process to begin. A previous article explained.

In the cold light of day, nothing so far changed or likely will – despite a hugely negative market reaction, including sterling plunging to a 30-year low.

The Bank of England said it’s working with other central banks to preserve financial stability as markets plunged following the Brexit vote.

ECB president Mario Draghi earlier said he was “ready for all contingencies.” UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he’ll resign in October.

“I will do everything I can…to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” he announced.

“In my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.”

“A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister, and I think it’s right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU.”

Former Tory London mayor Boris Johnson reportedly wants his job. Claims about a historic divorce, Britain in “unchartered territory” are wildly exaggerated.

Thursday’s vote was non-binding. Parliament alone has final say on Brexit or remaining in the EU – the latter extremely likely as things settle down in the weeks and months ahead.

Invoking Article 50 begins the legal process for Brexit, a lengthy procedure lasting up to two years maximum unless extended by unanimous agreement.

Money-controlled special interests will decide what happens ahead, not a popular majority calling for Brexit. Ordinary people have no say over affairs of state. Believing otherwise is foolhardy.

Odds strongly favor Britain remaining in the EU. Rupturing the union is unlikely in the cards.

Stephen Lendman is an independent policy analyst and author based in Chicago, Illinois.

June 24, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at June 24, 2016

Categories

Brexit! Is a “Vexit” Next?

Publisher’s note: In the wake of the U.K.’s “Brexit” vote, we are receiving queries from all over the world – is a “Vexit” – Vermont nonviolently […]

May 4, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at May 4, 2016

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Center for Research on Vermont: Annual Meeting on May 11, 2016!

May 4, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at May 4, 2016

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April 26, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 26, 2016

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I am a feminist. For over 40 years, I have supported feminist ideals. Four years ago, I started learning about the implications of the proposal to base […]

April 21, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 21, 2016

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April 21, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 21, 2016

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Publisher’s note: While the Vermont House of Representatives dickers over cannabis legalization and regulation here in the once and future Vermont republic, ganja’preneurs like Eli Harrington […]

April 20, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 20, 2016

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Publisher’s Note: The saddest element of this scandal-ridden story is that Stenger and his corrupt cronies may have tanked future EB-5 opportunities here in the Green […]

April 18, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 18, 2016

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As a Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) member, I found CEO Christine Hallquist’s recent commentary “Pricing Renewable Energy” as disappointing as it is intentionally misleading. We know […]

April 14, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 14, 2016

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In 2011, Vermont released their goal to receive 90% of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2050. As of 2013, the state’s main energy […]

April 13, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 13, 2016

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Today, not only are more and more individuals focusing their efforts on environmental issues, but whole universities, cities, and businesses are also beginning to work toward […]

April 13, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 13, 2016

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“Shwag Bag Of Doom” – Welcome to “Cluster Fuck Nation.”

Publisher’s note: We’ve channeled JH Kunstler since our first issue of Vermont Commons back in 2005. “The problems facing the U.S. of Empire,” he notes here, […]

April 12, 2016

Published by 2ndvtrepublic at April 12, 2016

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ReSOURCE Burlington: An #Unlearning Business in the Heart of Vermont’s Queen City

Burlington, Vermont undoubtedly hosts a variety of businesses, many of which encourage rapid and thoughtless consumption. But hidden among name brand retailers and developed shopping centers […]