Seceding Seldom Succeeds, but Vermonters Try

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | 11-8-05

[Seizure]

"If we had a right to join the Union, we certainly have a right to disband from it."

[GrandEagle]

We were established as a Representative Republic.
We are so far from a Constitutionally Functioning government that it would be impossible to return. I'm just trying to figure out the best position to be in when it all washes out.

Cordially
GE

[Protagoras]

Sorry, y'all. Only Texas can legally do that.

600,000 Americans were slaughtered to set that precedent.

But don't get too smug, even though the other states' rights were usurped, they would happily kill any Texans who tried the same thing. In fact Texas already lost that war once.

[liberateUS]

As we say in South Carolina, "If at first you don't secede, try, try again!"

Oh, did I forget to mention that Sherman march to the sea thing!

[Seizure]

"Don't let the door hit you in the (profanity) on the way out!"

I hope your referring to the separatists in Vermont. I did not say that I support separatism. I am merely conjecturing for the sake of debate.

If your are referring to me personally, extract that jarhead out of yours. lol

[Freedom4US]

As a practical matter you're right - the Civil War saw to that, but it's a given that the Federal government was created and exists by consent of the various states, not the other way around.

[Paleo Conservative]

What legally allows Texas while prohibiting the rest of us?

The articles of annexation.

[Seizure]

"Does this mean Bernie Sanders and Jumpin Jim' would be kicked out of the Senate as well."

Well, if seceding were a way to clean sweep Congress, I say we check out and get back together at a later date.

By the way, don't forget Howard Dean wouldn't be an American anymore...if he ever was.

[Protagoras]

If they had any balls they would actually secede, not declare it or talk about it.

It could be simply done by people with courage.

Just ignore the Feds on every issue. Non-violently. No sending tax in. No receiving federal funds. No enforcement of federal regulations. No cooperation with the feds.

If they want the stuff done, let 'em do it. If they tell you you must do something as an elected official, resign.

Simply go your own way and let them put the manpower in there to do all their own bidding.

[GrandEagle]

OK, Thanks. I was unaware of that.
I could make the case that there is nothing in our Constitution that would prevent a state from leaving, except the raw brute force of those who stayed. As we found out down here a while back.

I was unaware that Texas left that option documented when they joined.

Cordially,
GE

[AmericaUnited]

As we say in South Carolina, "If at first you don't secede, try, try again!"

Yup, that worked out real good last time...

[r9etb]

Interesting. What legally allows Texas while prohibiting the rest of us?

Texas was its own country for a while. It gave up its sovereignty when it joined the Union, but reserved the right to leave. I don't believe that has changed, the Civil War notwithstanding. As such, Texas has considerably different circumstances than the rest of the states.

[r9etb]

Oops, let me revise.

Texas does not have the right to secede; however, it does retain the right to split itself up into as many as five different states if it so chooses. (see, e.g., this site.)

[Seizure]

"It gave up its sovereignty when it joined the Union, but reserved the right to leave..."

If Texas made the attempt, I don't think it would be allowed to leave. It contributes too much to the economy...not to mention all of the military bases located in the state.

Now if Rhode Island, Delaware, or some other insignificant state wanted to secede, I don't think anyone would be bothered by it. lol

[GrandEagle]

Thanks for the information.

Cordially,
GE

[Seizure]

"I'm just trying to figure out the best poition to be in when it all washes out."

I think the position would be that of grabbing your ankles or getting on all fours.

I do agree with the fact that America will not return to that of a constitutionally functioning Representative Republic. Most Americans are too lazy and weak...not to far removed from Romans in the fading days of the empire.

[AMHN]

Maybe we ought to try it for a grace period, say, 2008. We take all the NE liberal states, Illinois, California (or at least parts like San Francisco) and tell them that they can succeed for a trail grace period in 2008. During this time they cannot receive any Federal money (but they must continue to pay taxes), they cannot vote, cannot send reps or Senators to Congress...etc... Then after 2008, we revoke the grace period and deny the succession. Republicans win by a landslide in 2008.

Works for me!

[leoncaruthers]

You might try Montana, at least as per this novel: The Third revolution

[ConorMacNessa]

Sorry - I was indeed referring to the separatists.

[ops33]

So long as both the Congress and the State Legislature approves, any state can do that.

[GrandEagle]

Very few topics evoke intense emotions like this one. Most people immediately posture themselves into the position where they are defending the government that we currently have, and anyone who doesn't support them is the enemy. Those who are dismantling our beloved nation count on this response because it provides good people, (who normally would stop them) with a different enemy.
I love my country. My family (like many others) has sacrificed many family members from the Revolution to Vietnam, with many serving in both Gulf wars (fortunately we haven't lost any in the Gulf yet). I myself have served my time. By causing this "rally the wagons" mentality, our enemies have essentially free reign to do as they want. I long for our Republic where we enjoyed liberty not because the central government allows it, but because they were powerless to prevent it. Now we still enjoy relative freedom but it is much like living under a good king - times may be good, but you are still a subject. Back in the late 60's and early 70's when I grew up, the trap had been set already, but the electorate still could have regained control. It is too late now. I'm not sure what form our government will take after the metamorphosis is finished. I suspect it will be a mixture, sort of a democratic, socialist something, with the "electorate" given a choice between socialists so the illusion of liberty still exists.

Cordially,
GE