Kevin D. Hendricks

By Ricky on Nov 21, 2008

Regarding secession of a state, there is a theory about how Texas could “secede” from the United States. In the agreement with the U.S. when it became a state Texas has the right, through a vote, to divide into five separate states. It’s theorized that if this was to happen it would be challenged in the courts by the U. S., making it to the Supreme Court. It’s then theorized that they would not allow Texas to become five states, because it would give them so many seats in the Senate (ten versus two). Therefore the Supreme Court would have to deny this, which would then nullify and void the agreement that brought Texas into the union. This would allow Texas a separate nation.

By kevintheelder on Nov 27, 2008

In line with amusing ourselves, this secession game seems fitting at this time of financial crisis.

Our government is in a great deal more trouble financially than those many businesses that they are bailing out, and the hundreds of thousands of homeowners that took mortgages they couldn’t afford.

It’s pouring thousands… (no, make that hundreds of thousands…no, make that millions…biliions?… say what, TRILLIONS!?!!?!…) into bailing out every business but the corner store, and I don’t think my great grandkids are going to want to pay for that. Come to think of it, neither do I, nor do most Americans.

So we ALL secede, leaving Washington D C to pay for the mess that they created.

Then we turn around and start The New United States of America…I think I’m onto something here…

By love on Nov 27, 2008

hmmmmm

By vwitcher on Dec 9, 2008

My thoughts exactly! Why don’t the red states secede from the blue states? How can they stop us, if there are more of us than of them…I’m dead serious. This economic thing gets worse by the day. The red states, where people still believe in work and free enterprise, can survive nicely without the socialist outposts on both coasts. They, on the other hand, will starve without our input. I happen to live in the state that you could “put a wall around and it would be self-sufficient”.
We could set up an “exchange citizen program”, if conservative people in blue states wanted to come over to our side and
liberals in red states wanted to go to blue
states…sort of like exchange students.
Let California and New York have their illegals and welfare states…let the labor
unions have Michigan and Illinois…let them
commit extinct-icide with their abortion and
homosexuality. We just need to keep the Gulf of Mexico so we can get our new-found
prosperity out to the rest of the world.

By am on Dec 19, 2008

vwitcher//

And you know that, most of the Red States pay less Federal Tax than they receive, right?

Please stop talking about “socialism” until your dirt-poor state stop receiving federal money, idiot.

By Kenny on Dec 30, 2008

You’re the idiot “am”.

Secession is a viable option for any state and, even, any person in the USA. People don’t “need” federal money, they think they do. People don’t need big government, they think they do. People forgot how to be self-sufficient, and people got lazy. Before the 16th ammendment, each state of the Union was prosperous without federal money coming in, and NO federal tax except on imports and exports. People are freaking out about lost jobs and that they must make this green fake fiat money to survive but all you need to do is put a roof over your head with some trees, sow some seeds, and pick a trade. Our country is so full of resources, you could nearly wall off each one and people would do just fine and be in better shape.

By Craig on Feb 19, 2009

I would think everyone would benefit from seceding from the federal government, which has grown bloated, unrestrained, inhumane, and out of control.

Probably the only way we can prevent the impending one world government is by several states seceding from the US after everyone wakes up and realizes how ridiculous the entire system is and how the media has been selling their lies for decades.

There is no excuse for any of this global crisis-human ingenuity has created advanced technology, everyone’s standard of living ought to be higher than it’s ever been. Government is the problem, not the answer, and the only reason it exists is to ensure you have nothing and to keep everyone divided while they all meet in their secret societies and laugh at how stupid the peasantry is.

By brian on Feb 20, 2009

This from the Montana Constitution which overides the US Constitution.

Section 2. Self-government. The people have the exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent state. They may alter or abolish the constitution and form of government whenever they deem it necessary.

By Casey on Feb 27, 2009

When Texas became a state of the Union it had in its charter the right to secede from the Union and the right to fly the Texas state flag at the same level as the American flag!

By S Barringer on Mar 3, 2009

Whichever State or States finally secede, I’m moving there!
The States need to wise-up and refuse to send any more money to the Feds; demand and enforce their sovereignty. If that means official secession, then go for it. The Federal government we have now is run by criminals and needs to be shut down by any means. The best way to do that is to deny them money, which is a synonym for power. Without that, they’re dry up and die.
Of course, it looks to me like the Feds are destroying themselves without our intervention. What will hurt for us, is reclaiming personal independence and the habit of self-sufficiency which has been hammered out of our “citizens” by the public school system and laws, rules, regulations, etc that thwart every attempt at being self-sustaining, both as an individual and a State.

By elaine cullen on Mar 26, 2009

I find this a disturbing question as it appears that what passes for “secession” from nations worldwide, eg Bosnia, Darfur, Kosovo, East Timor, to name just a few is a process that is being set up worldwide as a means of attacking and destroying nations worldwide, often accompanied by militia wars. What IS notable is that after these regions have “seceded” they are militarily occupied and the economic benefit and resource control is gained by Japan and Germany. This pattern is also being seen in Iraq, which is splintering into three states, Shia, Sunni and Kurd “seceding from” (and destroying) Iraq. Japan and Germany have both recently signed major economic agreements with Iraq for their oil resources. This is a pattern being seen worldwide and the US is no exception as Japan and Germany increase their economic control and domination in the US.

By NeoConsAreLiars on Apr 15, 2009

I fully support having the “Red States” secede. They are the biggest welfare leeches in the country, the least educated, and the most eager to go to war.

Most of the new wealth & innovation is created in the Blue States. California – which you ignorantly deride as too liberal, or whatever new epithet is being spoonfed to you via FoxNews or your subscription to Wingnut Weekly – California, alone, has probably created more new technology, new jobs, and advancements in knowledge in general than every Red State combined.

Good riddance, you inbred 19th century anti-science, anti-intellect, ‘intelligent design’ promoting, war-mongering moochers!

The only thing that worries me is that once “yall” realize how crappy your 3rd rate race-to-the-bottom experiment is, and how quickly your uneducated masses get plowed over when they have to attempt to hold their own in the global economy without *ANY* cash from the civilized half of America – not even for military bases or military hardware factories – “yall” will probably do the only thing your dimwitted little minds can think of to find meaning in your lives as well as release your anger & frustration over your sorry left-behind lives, and find some excuse to make war against the Blue States. Which means I’d probably die with my 12 gauge in hand pumping some 00 buckshot in your inbred @sses trying to keep you thieves at bay.

By Vic on Apr 16, 2009

Where has the “United” in United States of America gone?
Are some people upset because a “N” is in the white house? Shouldn’t we suport our president that was democratically elected? He has been in the job for just a few months. Give him time! Bush was there for eight (8) years…and he and his administration were major contributors to all this mess. Let President Obama try to help us…Bush and his cronies never wanted to help us.
P.S. Those who think Fox News is “Fair and Balanced” need serious mental help!

By Cheri on Apr 17, 2009

You poor misguided Liberals. Btw, “Neo,” you talk about CA as if it’s the most progressive and prosperous state there is. Hello! The state has gone bankrupt and everybody’s moving to Texas which actually is prosperous. If there’s progress and prosperity in that, it’s for Texas.

And Vic, just because Obama was elected democratically (by a bunch of idiots), does that mean we should obey and support his every ridiculous move? Oh, and of course you’d turn this into a racial thing (rolling eyes) – the Liberals’ great excuse. Never mind that Obama’s throwing all our money down the drain and he keeps borrowing and borrowing money that we don’t have. Or that he makes up his own rules as he goes along and completely ignores the Constitution. If he’s not a fascist dictator, he’s pretty d-mn close! Our country’s going bankrupt, and it’s going to hell. I hope some of the Conservative States do secede. I’ll be right there with ‘em. You Liberals can have your immorality and your taxes and your socialism. Good luck with that!

Btw, if Fox News isn’t “fair and balanced” they at least give us equal time, since the Left-wing Media machine is completely biased, out of touch and out of control, just like the President they got voted into the White House.

By weasel on Apr 17, 2009

Whether secession is legal or not should not be the question. I don’t think anyone has considered the long term disadvantages are. All federal support would be gone. Those federal military installations would be moved to other states. Any federal agenecies :ATF, FBI, etc. would not be around to help with new country over run with criminals and militia who would fight over control of a new country. If banks and companies start to fail due to rising prices because they are now the only game in town, people could start to lose their money, that would no longer be insured by the FDIC (FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION). If you hate big government now, inside of six months Texas would be reduced to some form of martial law.

By Charles Of Ca on Apr 17, 2009

Wow has someone got the wrong idea of California as some great blue savior of liberlism.
We are taxed to death our rights are being eroded at an estounding pace, we are ruled by the most assinine multigenerational dynastic F*^%ups that ever ran for office.
Yes we have a large budget that year after year is in the red our schools are at the bottom of the list, our crime is through the roof.
And don’t even try to blame it on conservatives this state has been a blue state since reagan left office.
There’s plenty of money going into the coffers it’s being wasted on projects that have zero ROI (return on investment) the uber liberal teachers union complain because they must make due with a 60k yr job and you can’t blow your nose without a environmental study and who knows how many special interest groups agreeing it’s ok.
California is one of the states where our Government is argueably worst the the fedral government.
And before you lable me a republican backlashing on Obama, I’m a libertarian and voted for him.

By bfree on Apr 18, 2009

If they did seceed I would move to Texas. Our federal and local governments have failed us one too many times.

It’s time for us to seriously think about breaking up the union, in an amicable way, of courese. Let’s quit fighting and let’s quit denying half of the country to be led by people that do NOT represent their views.

Everything the Obama admin is doing these days is contrary to half the country…that’s not government by the people, for the people, that’s government for half the people.

Just a matter of time before this all happens.

By bfree on Apr 18, 2009

bTW..NEO…I’m a business owner who use to be based in SoCAl for many years.

We moved our entire business out of California because of the outrageous taxes and dysfuntional local and state governmnet. 90% of my employees elected to relocate in a totally new state. What does that say for California?

If it weren’t for the sunshine and beaches, no one would EVER live there,

By bonnetteblj on Apr 18, 2009

In all of this talk of secession, where is your national pride and patriotism? Our United States of America have survived all of these years, because we are one nation and we all love our country. The secessionists who claim to love America are talking treason and
anarchy. This truly ridiculous!!!

By Gojo on Apr 18, 2009

I think any state that can have a vote with a result of at least 80% of the people in favor of seceding then they should be allowed to secede. I think it’s a little harsh but the way we are going it may very well happen. Look what too much diversity did to the Roman Empire.

What bothers me the most about these left wing nuts and most of the other people that voted Obama into office is the following:
Obama told us that he wasn’t going to raise taxes and he also told us that he wasn’t going to raise the National debt. He promised this in order to get elected. So far he has raised taxes for the rich (which doesn’t bother most of us but it should because we will be next) and he has spent more money in his first six weeks than any other president has spent in their entire terms.
Basically the man lied to the American people but yet everyone that helped vote his butt in there is still standing behind him! Why? I usually vote Republican myself and if John MaCain would have won and had done the same thing that Obama has done I certainly wouldn’t be standing behind the liar! I don’t care how many times he used the word “change”.

By Jerry on Apr 18, 2009

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
What just one President can do for America

By Krush on Apr 25, 2009

to NeoConsAreLiars: you assume the capitlistic BUSINESSES would remain in the union? thats pretty naive…since most of our manufacting is sent over seas for cheaper labor to come back under free trade..Not to mention the reduced operating tax rates and less FEDERAL INTERFERENCE. Hypothetically…if Texas seceded…80% of whats left of manufacturing in the U.S. would relocate there…and quickly…so where did those great jobs and innovation go? Surely a “new” texas would have more incentives to attract them than just the 2 examples previously stated…but..you’ll still have your Starbucks.

By Mary on Apr 28, 2009

There are several states that could secede. They have all the resources to function independently.

By Matt Martin on Apr 28, 2009

States should be allowed to secede! Leave them alone.

By Deeluna on May 25, 2009

The basic requirements for a state to secede and be able to continue on they’re own are the following:

natural resource (oil farmland, wood, etc.)
deep-water ports (oceanic trade)
a border shared with another nation. (over land trade)

So basically any state that is in the middle of the United States would be pretty much screwed because they wouldn’t be able to properly trade since the US would seal them off from the outside world and basically muscle them into rejoining.

In the end, the only state that could get away with it and succeed would be Texas. They have oil fields, they have farm land, they even have deep-water ports in the Gulf of Mexico. After that other states that share a border with Texas could do the same but not before due to how much difficulty that would be encountered with get goods and services to where they would be needed.

One thing is for sure though, If this were to happen, the industry would jump there because of the changes to the taxing rules. (this was stated earlier.) So would I be there if/when Texas starts the chain reaction? guaranteed. I’d be there now if I could.

By Chris on May 28, 2009

Neo,
Cali is basically bankrupt. That has to be the worst off state in the Union. Scary thing is Obama wants to use their business model for the rest of the country. Us”inbred 19th century anti-science, anti-intellect, ‘intelligent design’ promoting, war-mongering moochers” as you so eloquently put it will survive centuries longer than your “advanced society”. If we were self governed those non-tax paying losers would certainly shape up or ship out. We don’t condone that behavior, we unfortunatly have to deal with it because of your liberal government policies.
BTW. Don’t think about protecting yourself with that shotgun. Your government will be making sure you don’t have one.

By Paul M. Laperruque - San Diego, CA on Jul 29, 2009

Very interesting line of discussion. I will have to do more contitutional research, but it seems to me there is another answer. If a movement of libertarian-types were to lead the Republicans back to power in the House and Senate, could they not simply de-fund all of the areas of the Federal government deemed to be a waste? Such as most of the departments (Education, Commerce, Energy etc.); such as any program that is deemed to be extra-constitutional? Such as…good grief, there are too many to list, but you all know what I mean.

I pay a way too much in Federal, State, and local taxes, sales taxes, use fees, and on and on and on (pity me-I live in California). What do I get in return? Not much. My ROI (Return On “Investment”) is in the negative. I cannot think of one service provided to me by any level of government that is a benefit to my life.

By Jarrod Headley on Jul 30, 2009

It is no coincedence that the subject of secession is attracting more and more people. For years the conservative majority has allowed liberal courts and lawmakers (supported by a relatively small minority in the most populous urban areas) to slowly push the US toward a liberal (socialist) society. It all began in the courts when judges began to legislate from the bench. Because of the sheer audacity of the current president in his campaign to bankrupt the country in order for everyone to become dependent on the government, people are becoming alarmed. The country is waking up and realizing we have been quiet for too long. Watch closely as cries for secession become louder and louder. While I do not know how realistic secession would be, the argument would at least raise public awareness for the millions who are sick and tired of big government and socialist views. The time to act is now. We have been quiet for too long.

By Christy on Aug 24, 2009

Hi as it is such a good topic; A state would never be allowed to secede coz if one goes – they will all go cept the ones that are poor you would be left with a demographically balkanised continent & a much diminished USA. Secondly the bosses want more control over humanity & our individual lives not less (Marxism). Freedom was always something that had to be fought over. Why do we think things are otherwise ok right now? We do the work & they take & use our money to further their grip & hegemony over the world. They call it foreign aid.

By DA on Sep 2, 2009

No state can secede without its own people’s majority approval and the majority approval of the US congress. Neither one is ever going to happen because all parties realize the dire economic, judicial and other consequences. No state can survive as an independent nation in the modern global reality, coining its own currency, growing its own food (such that it could) unless you want to live in chaos and a barter economy. The exiting state would somehow have to “settle up” with the USA regarding federal properties, assets, judicial facilities, security facilities, etc. If for instance Texas “leaves”, I’d want everything paid for by my federal taxes to be refunded/credited back to the federal government — and you all know that that list is practically endless. Some wingnut Texans “hate” the “marxist socialist elitist homo” USA but they love US dollars from US taxpayers for their roads, bridges, universities, ports, security, parks, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and every other form of milk from the USA TEAT. Let’s see what free-market value would be placed on a Republic of Texas Dollar (or peso?) currency printed in, say, Houston. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a big fence around Texas, with strict USA Customs and immigration crossing points into the USA. In the end, independent Texans would beg for US foreign aid. But the biggest reason they would never secede is that they’d have to set up their own Texas Football League and they’d only play one game — between the Cowboys and the Texans – the Texas Superbowl, and the Rockets and the Mavs would be on their own.

By BillD on Oct 11, 2009

Secession is an interesting topic, but mostly a waste of time. Things that can be done: establish term limits in House and Senate; require everyone to pay taxes and therefore take ownership of federal and state budgets and initiatives; require minimum competancy test in order to vote; establish a formal job description for the Office of President with minimal equirements to reflect the seriousness of the position.

By Kearnj on Oct 18, 2009

The real threat of Secession may be the only way to get things changed in this country.
term limits and the weakening of the US gov’t by eliminating worthless organizations like the FCC which truly is communism at work.
The US derides leaders like Chavez and Putin for controlling the media but we’ve been doing it for years letting big biz control what we see and hear.

How many hospitals and schools could we build and run with the billions that we spend on truly worthless agency. I’d love to hear an argument for the FCC

By Cajun on Jan 13, 2010

It is not a matter of seceding that is required. What needs to be done is to take away the vote of people who have no stake in the matters at hand. Example, if you ask your 3 children what they want to eat, and put it to a family vote, healthy food or junk food, yourself and your spouse will always be out voted and you’ll always eat junk food. The same goes for what is going on in america today. Too many people who pay no taxes are voting for free handouts and higher taxes. Until this problem is solved our problems will continue to grow. I often hear that the only way to get us back on track is through gun powder. Another false answer because there is no one to fight but our own. A melting pot indeed… But if you do not have a stake – you should not vote.

By AXWZ on Jan 15, 2010

If you will spread like pellets of a shotgun, how could/would you resist the BRIC expansion?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRIC
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bric.asp
http://www.idiomsite.com/ahousedivided.htm

By Chris on Feb 1, 2010

The states ability to secede from the union is one of the fundamental freedoms we have to be willing to die for. The states are duty bound to stand between the federal government and its citizens, if it deems that the Feds are passing unconstitutional laws. It is the last line of defense of liberty. Do your homework people, freedom isnt free.