'Twas the big freeze of '77
A group got together, numb 'ring
'bout eleven.
The farmers, the fishermen,
John Alley too,
Compatriots all, to decide what
to do.
A rallying cry was heard the
isle through.
It's time to secede from you
know who!
So begins what some irate residents of Martha's Vineyard (winter population: 8,000), an island off Massachusetts, say could well be their new national anthem. Anthem? A band of rebellious islanders, among them Selectman John Alley, a West Tisbury storekeeper, and Newspaperman George Adams, are preparing for independence: a flag has been designed, proposals for gambling casinos are circulating, and applications have been submitted for...
