I think it is instructive that the people who were working for an independent Scotland did not base their case upon claims that George II was a drunken bum, that Bonnie Prince Charlie was some kind of special hero or that either side back then was right or wrong. They accepted the outcome of the Battle of Culloden and understood that 18th century disputes have nothing to do with whether or not Scotland should be independent today. And, the proponents skillfully succeeded in convincing folks to permit an election to decide the question of independence now.
If there are people here in the USA who think that certain parts of the USA should become independent of the USA, then they should study how the proponents of an independent Scotland succeeded in getting London to permit the people of Scotland to decide the issue by election. Modern day secessionists should learn from that example. It is a mistake for them to try to relitigate the issues that were important in the 1860's. They should refuse to pick at old scabs by arguing about Lincoln or Jefferson Davis. They should decline to discuss tariffs or slavery. They should focus instead upon the reasons that they want some independence somewhere now. How would independence somewhere improve things somewhere today?
Agreed.
There are posters here who say they want to declare secession today, and I advise them: as long as they keep it peaceful and lawful, go right ahead, though I can't imagine any state in the Union with even a small majority to vote for secession.
And seems to me an actual secession would require at least three critical votes: 1) a state's popular vote to begin negotiations with Congress for terms & conditions of secession, 2) a vote by Congress approving negotiated terms and conditions, and 3) a final state popular vote to approve the terms negotiated with Congress.
But I doubt of any of those so passionate for secession would go along with that lengthy procedure.
As some posters here have indicated: it's enough if they want to secede, and declare their secession, they should be considered seceded, even if it's only from their local township!
Well... obviously ridiculous, but apparently the well-spring of such people is inexhaustible, because there's no shortage of them on these threads.