[DiogenesLamp]

Saving the Union was more important.

So why wasn't saving the Union of the United Kingdom just as morally valid?

Our founders articulated the principle that people had a right to independence, and so they broke from the United Kingdom. Why isn't this same principle valid for people who wanted to break from the United States?

[BroJoeK]

cowboyusa: "Saving the Union was more important."

DiogenesLamp: "So why wasn't saving the Union of the United Kingdom just as morally valid?"

As you well know, the British claim to legitimacy ended when they:

1. Arbitrarily abrogated colonial charters of self government.
2. Imposed direct rule from Britain.
3. Declared Americans to be in rebellion (effectively a declaration of war).
4. Began waging war on Britain's American colonies.

The full list of grievances against Britain is in the Founders' Declaration of Independence.

Similarly, Confederate claims to legitimacy ended when they:

1. Arbitrarily abrogated the US Constitution.
2. Imposed their own rule over US citizens.
3. Declared war against the United States (May 6, 1861)
4. Began waging war against Americans, even in Union states.

DiogenesLamp: "Our founders articulated the principle that people had a right to independence, and so they broke from the United Kingdom.
Why isn't this same principle valid for people who wanted to break from the United States?"

Rubbish.
Our Founders declared independence from necessity in 1776 and again by mutual consent in 1787.
Neither necessity nor mutual consent existed in 1860, so there is no legitimate comparison.
Instead, Confederates declared secession "at pleasure" which no Founder ever supported.

All of which you well know, but keep saying what you say anyway.