Local Analysis

Scott’s ‘Symbolic Bipartisanship’ Helps No One

BRATTLEBORO REFORMER 07/12/22 By Michael Shank Over the July 4th weekend, a resident of a town in Vermont posted a picture on social media of Governor Phil Scott walking in a parade and said that Vermont has a great governor, and that Scott is one of the good Republicans and […]

Bipartisanship in Name Only Helps No One

VTDIGGER 07/13/22 By Michael Shank This commentary is by Michael Shank, a resident of Montpelier who is an adjunct professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Over the July 4 weekend, a resident of a town in […]

Phil Scott, Dems and Bipartisanship

Rutland Herald 07/09/2022 Times Argus 07/09/2022 By Michael Shank Over the Fourth of July weekend, a resident of a town in Vermont posted a picture on social media of Gov. Phil Scott walking in a parade and said Vermont has a great governor, Scott is one of the good Republicans […]

Would Vermont Be a Good Place to Ride Out an Apocalypse?

VERMONT PUBLIC RADIO 03/30/22 By Brave Little State It’s a scary thought, to be sure. Brave Little State considers a few apocalyptic scenarios, including some that have already begun. And: Just how neighborly would we be, really, if the world were ending? Note: Our show is made for the ear. […]

We Need an Urgent Response to Vermont’s Armed White Supremacists

BENNINGTON BANNER 09/14/21 BRATTLEBORO REFORMER 09/14/21 By Michael Shank This summer, in an online report of “America’s Best Places to Live in 2021,” which ranked 10 U.S. states as “America’s most welcoming,” Vermont ranked first. The state’s impressive COVID-19 response, and strong public health spending, boosted its spot. But what’s […]

Facing White Supremacy

RUTLAND HERALD 08/28/2021 TIMES ARGUS 08/28/2021 By Michael Shank Last month, in an online report of “America’s Best Places to Live in 2021,” which ranked 10 U.S. states as “America’s most welcoming,” Vermont ranked first. The state’s impressive COVID-19 response and strong public health spending boosted its spot. But what’s […]

Vermont Condones Bullies

RUTLAND HERALD 08/11/2021 TIMES ARGUS 08/11/2021 By Michael Shank There’s a movement metastasizing across America. It’s well armed, it’s extreme, and it’s led largely by white men. They’re enraged, they’re feeling entitled, and they’re taking ground wherever it’s given. And while the movement clearly got new wind in its sails […]

Next Vermont Senator

RUTLAND HERALD 07/03/21 TIMES ARGUS 07/03/21 By Michael Shank To all the older white men potentially queuing for the 2022 election for U.S. Senate to represent Vermont, please step aside. Speaking as a white man to the handful of you who might run, I urge you to make space. As […]

It’s Long Past Time Vermont Sent a Woman to Congress

VTDIGGER 07/01/21 By Michael Shank This commentary is by Michael Shank of Brandon, an adjunct faculty member at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs. To all the older white men potentially queuing for the 2022 election for U.S. Senate to represent Vermont, please step aside. Speaking as a white […]