Texas Governor Rick Perry Threatens Secession From The Union (Austin, Texas Tea Party)

Buisness Insider.com ^ | Apr. 16, 2009, 10:42 AM | Joe Weisenthal

[lewisglad]

Speaking at an anti-tax protest yesterday, the Texas governor brought up the fact that Texas had the right to secede from the union if thing in Washington got bad enough.

Now before we go further, let's set a little background:

Texans are fiercely prideful. You've probably seen the phrase "Don't Mess with Texas" before. It was originally meant to be an anti-littering slogan, but Texans have turned the phrase into a catch-all statement of the state's independent spirit.

Texans like to talk about independence and the fact that it's been part of six countries in its history.

That being said, it might be fun to daydream about what an independent Texas state would be like.There's a whole host of great country songs that could be its national anthem. Like, perhaps, Waltz Across Texas or All My Exes Live in Texas.

If it did secede, we hope that they can come up with something regarding Texas atheletics, so that the football teams can still participate in the NCAA. It'd be boring for the University of Texas (disclosure: my alma matter) to just beat up on Texas A&M every Saturday.

Here's one thing we do know. An independent nation of Texas would be energy independent.

Specifically, with respect to the supply of Oil and Gas. Would an independent Texas be able to produce enough oil and gas to serve its own population, with some left over for export ? Indeed it would. In fact, Texas produces more oil than any other state and accounts for 19.7% of total US output. Texas also produces more than 30% of US natural gas supply. Texas does consume a goodly portion of its own oil output, about 75% of what it produces. But, it only consumes half of its own natural gas production.

[chrisser]

I don’t have a problem with Texas, or any other state(s) seceeding.

Frankly, I don’t see what the big deal is. If they aren’t happy with this union of states, it is their right to dissolve themselves of the union, or the Declaration of Independence is meaningless. Where the threshold should be set for exercising the right to “dissolve the political bands which bind them to another” ought to be set by the individual(s), and not the collective, just as it was determined by the nascent United States and not the British Parliament.

It doesn’t have to be violent - the only source for a violent secession would be if the federal government refuses to allow the citizens of any state to exercise their rights, just as England did in the 1770s, and the Federal government did in the 1860s.

All that said it should, and likely would, be a deliberative and lengthy process with both sides negotiating in good faith to resolve the multitude of issues it would raise.

Many were alive the last time we had a few states voluntarily join the union. The country did not fundamentally change. I don’t understand why so many seem to be opposed to a few states leaving. Often, when disagreements arise between consenting adults involved in a contract, the best thing for all concerned is to mutually dissolve the contract, and walk away amicably.

[FES0844]

Yeah, makes me wish I lived in Texas instead of NY!

[nbhunt]

come on down, we got plenty of land .....and it would probably be a might cheaper than in NY

[wk4bush2004]

“the might of the American military commanded by the current Comm. in Chief?”

Do you really think that the majority of the military is going to back Obama, considering that over 70% of them voted McCain/Palin in the election? I’d bet a lot of the military is extremely frustrated with Obama, considering all the crap he’s doing.

I think many of them might join Texas!

[McGavin999]

The only problem with Texas seceding is that it would be quickly over populated. The rest of us would move there overnight causing a real population problem.

[nbhunt]

Just wondering....who would you all rather have as Governor of Texas: Rick Perry (who’s got some issues, I know, but still...) or KBH (who’s pro-abortion and said nasty things about Sarah Palin)???

non of the above, neither of them are conservatives....

a Native Texan

[wideminded]

Here's one thing we do know. An independent nation of Texas would be energy independent.

Specifically, with respect to the supply of Oil and Gas.

I looked up the figures on this a while ago. Texas currently uses a lot more coal than it produces.

[wk4bush2004]

“Texas currently uses a lot more coal than it produces.”

Two words: Nuclear power!!!

[central_va]

Petitioning your State’s legislature to secede from the US is protected speech under the Constition, ironic isn’t it. Federal Bootlicking Yankees need to check their facts before starting discussions/wars.

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

If Texas does secede from the union.... can I immigrate to the Republic of Texas??????

[Unlikely Hero]

No, you’re not alone. And I live in Texas. A fun daydream, perhaps, but it would require more sacrifice than I think most would be willing to endure.

[lewisglad]

What sort of military does Texas have that can withstand the might of the American military commanded by the current Comm. in Chief?

Walker, Texas Rangers? My money's on them against Zero! :)

[MrB]

Absolutely -

when a state/country is no longer subject to the restrictions imposed by knownothing politicians,

nuclear power would be used pretty much exclusively.

[Plain Old American]

Sec2 of Article 1 of the Texas Constitution states:

“The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient.”

[PLD]

I read your profile and say yes you are welcome..You see my husband is from NJ and he is a good guy..Not everyone in NJ are mean and rude..I did have to get use to the different language..LOL!I for one love NJ but do not like the politics or the crowed cities..I always said you get back what you put out with attitude so I usually got along with everyone or almost everyone from around the world..

You know you will need a passport for Texas..LOL!

[DFG]

KBH is also chummy with Hillary Clinton. Even with all of Perry’s warts, this Texan will take Perry over KBH.

[ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY]

“...so looks like TEXAS will be the place to go.”

Not so Fast! We have a few questions first.

What state are you emigrating from?
Have you had socialist indoctrination?
Are you now or have you ever been an econut; atheist; muslim; welfare recipient; a member of the democrat party?
Are you conversant on the subjects of the Constitution; the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence?
Our greatest President was ______?
Our inalienable rights are granted by_______?

Finally: What skills/education do you have?

[PLD]

I would vote again for Rick Perry..KBH is not my cup of tea I really think she is a RINO..I wrote a note to her and never got any answer, because of my view of Abortion I would guess..I do not agree at all with her..Until some one comes along that is better than Rick I will stick with him..

[lafroste]

I see from the responses to my post that there is much confusion on this topic (including, likely my own). However, were they to secede the whole point was that they neither want nor need federal dollars, and it is the current sad state of affairs that people think they NEED the fed to survive. That is exactly the mind-set the TEA parties are protesting.

The Fed has become a monster and must be whittled back to its constitutional limits. I suspect that if Texas did secede, and the fed did not invade, they would do just fine.

[ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY]

I'm afraid you're VERY misinformed. Texas provides far more revenue to the federal government than it receives back. The “Republic of Texas” would be the 10th richest country in the world; and quite powerful militarily as well.