When James P. Merriam became a member of the Second Vermont Republic in 2005 at the age of fifteen, he was its youngest member. He has been actively involved in the Vermont independence movement since that time.
Born in St. Johnsbury and raised in Montpelier , James was a product of the Vermont countryside and the Montpelier Public Schools. His Valedictory speech at Montpelier High School on “Secession” was a reflection of his early political, social, and environmental activism.
Unfortunately his social activity was not appreciated at a private college located near Philadelphia. He was expelled from the college for his failure to follow the school’s rigid code of political correctness.
After reflecting on his out-of-state experiences, James returned to Vermont, entered UVM, and decided to run for the Vermont House in his home town of Montpelier. His goal is simple, to promote and support what Vermont has always done best: blaze the trail of human progress. Merriam believes that, “Vermont can never shy away from the responsibility we hold to others. On the local level for transport, housing, and healthcare. For energy and food for all.”
Most of all James stands for ending the American Empire and its adventures abroad. He believes that wars must end and that the Vermont National Guard troops should be brought home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Vermont may be a lifeboat for the next age, but for now it only needs to be home. Allowing Vermonters to make it home comes before all else.”
Contact information: James Merriam, 610-755-5875 or 7Jacobin@gmail.com.
Thomas H. Naylor
June 30, 2010
