They probably think they are joining Mexico.
As a Texan, here’s a couple of points to make about all this Secession business:
1. Everyone is dismissing the petition for secession with “it must come from the state, and not the citizens”...Well, who compels the state, and the legislators? That would be the citizens...in the next state election cycle, I bet we have some politicians that go on the record in support of secession.
2. “When Texas joined the union, it became bound forever and that agreement cannot be dissolved.” I’m sure it wasn’t legal in the eyes of the British when the colonies revolted and declared independence. A Declaration of Independence dissolves all previous relationships and contracts.
3. Today Rick Perry said “Texas will not secede”. Since when is Texas independence up to Rick Perry? I don’t think he grasps the idea that with secession, all current political leaders will be relieved of their current duties and new elections will be held. No Rick, you don’t get to be President of Texas. Not yours.
4. President Obama is in a pickle with this one...If he doesn’t respond, he remove’s all legitimacy from his “We the People” petition site. The mainstream media has picked it up, and people WILL notice. If he does respond with a resounding “No”, he risks it being interpreted as a challenge to Texas, and arrogant dismissal of the peoples wishes.
5. “The US Military can be deployed to Texas to quell civil unrest.” Bad idea. The entire US military consists of roughly 2 million people. ALL of it. Every service, combined. The population of Texas is about 20 million people, with a gun ownership rate of about 40%....That’s over 7 million armed Texans, who probably aren’t going to be very happy with being “occupying force”. Good luck with that.
The most important part about the petitions are the symbolism and the message. Everyone here in Texas is a little bitter right now, and I expect the signature count on that one to top 200K in the next few days. Not something that can easily be dismissed or ignored.