Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Upstate Independent newsletter. We intend for these newsletters to be a weekly roundup of the latest developments in Upstate Independence. The tentative structure of the newsletter will be:
- A brief introduction and some commentary.
- A compilation of noteworthy news stories related to Upstate Independence and the Upstate region.
- An update on the progress of Upstate Independence, including our achievements in the past week and upcoming tasks or events.
- Something interesting.
Over the past week, we successfully launched our website, upstateindependence.com. I’m very proud of this initial version and have received a wealth of positive feedback. I also introduced this project to many people for the first time, and receiving initial reactions has been a great experience.
Broadly speaking, these reactions can be grouped into four categories:
- Full Support and Immediate Engagement: Many individuals expressed strong support and a desire to engage actively.
- Favorable, Yet Skeptical: Some individuals are in favor of independence in principle but harbor doubts about its feasibility or the likelihood of success.
- Positive, but Reserved: Certain individuals view the idea favorably but would only show their support if directly asked.
- No Response: There was a group that provided no response.
Overall, I would say half of the people I shared the project with fell in categories 1, 2, or 3, with the other half in category 4.
For those in Category 1, I extend my sincere gratitude for your support, which means a great deal to us.
While we are currently in the process of laying the groundwork for a functional and sustainable organization, please be patient as there will be ample opportunities for in-person events and operations. In the interim, spreading the word within your network and making even a modest donation can have a substantial impact. You can click on this link to donate.
To those in Category 2, I’d like to address the question of practicality, as it represents the most common objection to an ambitious endeavor like this.
This objection tends to center around the idea that while independence would be beneficial in theory, it’s unlikely due to New York State’s resistance, a historical absence of precedent, or the complexity of unwinding current governmental systems.
One of the first intellectual challenges that Upstate Independence must surmount to be successful is demonstrating the viability of creating a new state in Upstate. This obstacle will be extensively addressed as the organization matures. However, I thought it valuable to briefly summarize my responses to the objection because some of you may have such concerns:
1. Widespread Support: The level of support for independence within Upstate, even without a serious case previously being presented, is under appreciated.
A 2019 poll by the Siena College Research Institute found that 38% of Upstaters supported a new state in Upstate, while 56% were opposed and 6% were unsure.
I was heartened by this relatively robust support despite a complete lack of previous determined advocacy on behalf of the idea of a new state.
This advocacy is precisely what Upstate Independence will do, and this current level of support (which has likely grown since 2019) provides a robust base with much room for growth.
I strongly believe that once we are at a place where support for independence becomes the majority stance in Upstate, New York State would find it increasingly untenable to disregard the will of the majority.
2. Historical Analogies: While historical precedents aren’t exact matches, instances like the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War, the establishment of North and South Dakota, or the admission of Alaska and Hawaii as states offer some parallels. Embracing the opportunity to make history is a privilege.
Additionally, there is an increasing likelihood that a new state or states will be admitted to the Union, with D.C. being the most likely candidate. Historically, new states tend to be admitted in pairs or groups. So while we may not know the precise hour when opportunity may arise, we should be prepared to seize it.
3. Unpredictability of Political Events: Countless improbable political events have transpired throughout history, often defying predictions. Absolutely no one predicted the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, yet once this occurred, it was written off as inevitable.
I suspect independence for Upstate will follow a similar pattern: it will seem impossible until it happens, and then it will have seemed inevitable. People will then wonder how it could have taken so long to create a new state. Such is life.
4. The Only Thing We Have to Fear…: The very ingrained belief that positive change cannot occur within Upstate and New York State is itself an argument in favor of a free and independent Upstate.
By founding Upstate Independence, we seek to challenge this passive defeatism and provide a platform for those who seek to break free from the political, economic, and cultural malaise.
These are just some preliminary thoughts, and future introductions will aim for greater conciseness.
