Ron Paul Defends Secession: "Very Much American" (VIDEO)

Texas Governor Rick Perry may be on the receiving end of some political mockery for his recent endorsement of his home state's right to secede from the country. But he has the backing of one decidedly anti-establishment Republican from the Lone Star State.

Rep. Ron Paul released a video on Sunday offering support for the principles of secession, calling them "very much American." And he described Perry's recent talk about pulling Texas out of the union a discussion worth having.

"We came together voluntarily," said Paul. "A free society means you can resolve it voluntarily."

The decidedly libertarian Texas Republican and former presidential candidate is one of the few elected national figures to offer support for the stance taken by his governor. And it's not unexpected. The tea parties that Paul's candidacy helped galvanize were the same forum where Perry expressed some of his sentiments.

In his video address, Paul framed talk of secession as a uniquely American right, pulled straight from the same thread as the American Revolution.

[Perry] really stirred some of the liberal media, where they started screaming about: 'what is going on here, this is un-American.' I heard one individual say 'this is treasonous to even talk about it.' Well, they don't know their history very well, because when you think about it... it is very American to talk about secession. That's how we came in being. Thirteen colonies seceded from the British and established a new country. So secession is a very much American principle. What about all the strong endorsements we have give the past decade or two to all the republics that seceded from the soviet system? We were delighted about it.

"I think it is worth a discussion," said Paul, later in his four-and-a-half minute long video. "I think people should discuss this. Because right now the American people are sick and tired of it all. And I think the time will come when people will consider it much more seriously, is when the federal government can no longer deliver. That will come when the dollar collapses."

The real obstacle to any such discussion, in the end, is legal as much as political. The Joint Resolution Annexing Texas to the United States of 1845 allows for Texas to be drawn into five separate states but not secede from the union.

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Comments

[ftaco2004]

George Carlin said it best.

The real owners of America... look it up. If you disagree with him, then you need your head examined.

[AndyWright68]

I agree. You look it up here. http://restoreourrights.blogspot.com/ Watch The Big Picture

[Rictracee]

Ron Paul I use to have respect for your and some of your views. Now i see your just a wacked out old kook.. please go away , you'll never be POTUS.... got start your on country take your followers with ya

[nice2blucky]

Harsh words against someone who has simply put an issue into context and suggests that free and open discussion of state rights is a legitimate issue.

He could have called out Goverenor Rick Perry for attempting to engraciate himself to partisan consertavites who are attempting to co-opt and manipulate Independents and Libertarians, who have legitimate concerns over spending and tax issues, for their own political gain.

These tax and spending issues were the elephant in the room during the Bush years, but these phony conservatives said nothing for years. And had McCain won the election, these phonies would have continued to say and do nothing.

However, Libertarians and Independents have been concerned for years.

You could have called Ron Paul out on that, which has some legitimacy. But again, you could have simply brought this up yourself.

Ron Paul talked about what he wanted, without silly attacks on you. And you could have done the same.

[nice2blucky]

I would add that true conservatives, which hardly exist in politics, have also been concerned about spending, as well as Bush's Presidency, for several years.

Unfortunately Democrats have hardly made themselves a viable option for Republican voters who are disillusioned with Republican politicians. They've either been choking down bile while voting or not voting at all. However, some, it seems, simply find ways to raitonalize voting Republican. It must be easier than voting for a Democrat.

That's why Sarah Palin is considered a success. Republican strategists never really expected to win the White House this year, but Sarah Palin did help voter turnout, which likely effected many local elections.

Wake up Republican voters. Not that they are not important, but there are other issues than abortion, immigration, and taxes. You are being used. But I don't blame you for not voting Democratic.

I do have this solution. Never vote Republican. And vote out every Democrat in the Primary Election -- unless he or she is amazing, which I find highly doubtful.

This does require voting Democratic in the General Election, but that's only if it's a non-incumbant. But the secret is NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN.

[ftaco2004]

Posted by RandVictims earlier and it must be repeated because it's the whole truth of this matter:

___________________________________________________________________________

RandVictims See Profile I'm a Fan of RandVictims I'm a fan of this user permalink
photo

When Lincoln trampled states' power, the country began it's path of Empire and the Republic died.

I am in agreement with Dr. Paul, fundamentally, but what he doesn't realize is America is not the America that the Framers established. Americans gave away liberty and sovereignty for the illusion of safety. We're a cross between a Plutocracy and an Oligopoly.

We are neither a free country or a Republic, the central government will not allow Texas independence of any kind (as if the governor was serious anyway.)

[SirReal1]

I've posted to this blog, on and off, all day, and I have found myself shaking my head so much that I now have "shaken old man syndrome"!

I've seen some arguments that posited that Dr. Paul wasn't "calling for secession" that he was only saying we should "discuss" it.

I've seen arguments that posited that "only Libertarians know the truth".

I've seen arguments that posited that "this isn't a left/right (Dem/Repub) thing, that ALL Politicians are crooks (often put forth by "Libertarians") and therefore ALL Government is BAD.

I've seen arguments that posited that President Obama was not elected by a majority of "registered voters", "the voting age populace" or the "populace of the Nation".

I've seen arguments that posited that because President Obama did not get some irrelevant majority (I call them irrelevant because the only votes that count are the ones cast), that he therefore DOES NOT have the popular support of the Nation.

I've seen arguments that posited that the "less than 1% of the populace" that attended the recent "Tea Protests" are the beginning of a tidal wave of opposition that will soon overtake the current administration and will restore the Nation to a rational course.

ALL OF THIS in response to a story that quotes (what I consider) a very telling statement from Dr. Paul, that NO ONE has refuted. One significant UNTRUTH that the man wants everyone to accept, that SHOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE to any rational human being.

[ftaco2004]

Ok...

But do you think that this great nation is

a) a republic
b) a democracy
c) an oligarchy
d) a corporatist state
e) a socialist state?

Ron Paul would answer this question with c,d,e. He would explain that we are an empire and no longer administer to the original values of the Republic that believed in states rights. Now that idea has been transformed into one nation above everything.

He believes big government is too big, has lost it's way, and can do a better job with adjustments that point to a much smaller government, meaning more power to the people.

Denying Ron Paul's understanding of economics and our future is also irrational. You may strongly disagree with him on his secession remarks, and I don't blame you there.

However, he now speaks of a massive economic collapse that will most likely be through some kind of hyperinflation. Can you refute this?

[amadorjon]

we definitely live under corporatism!!

most posters on here didn't pay attention in poli sci or Obama didn't tell them what that means yet, so we'll just have to let hem wiki it, then get back to us.........

has anyone noticed the ultra partisan, blind faith to the democratic party that you find on this site.......honestly, if bill clinton bull dozed over an elementry school half the people on here would be defending his actions!!!!!!!

after obamas performance in bailing out big business and their bailouts, yet forsaking union workers, I highly doubt I could vote for him again!!!

vote third party, democrats and republicans are the parties of big business

[SirReal1]

I would reply a,b. I would also note that Ron Paul is WRONG! Ron Paul apparently doesn't know the definitions of the terms he would select, and you apparently don't either. Maybe you should look them up before posting such inanity in public.

Ron Paul is a Medical Doctor. Ron Paul does not have an advanced degree in economics.

Ron Paul read a book, by a noted 19th century economist, that impressed him, and now Ron Paul thinks he can speak "knowledgeably" about economics.

Ron Paul isn't even one of the TOP 100 economic minds in the world.

The debate on the distribution of State/Federal power has been going since the Declaration of Independence was drafted. It was NEVER INTENDED to be an inflexible proportion, and MANY PEOPLE still think that TOO MUCH power was granted to individual states.

Today WE are a BIG NATION! Far bigger than the "Founding Fathers" ever imagined we would become. Big Nations need a LOT OF GOVERNANCE! We have a BIG economy, a BIG ARMY, and BIG RESPONSIBILITIES to the ENTIRE WORLD as the worlds foremost Democratic Republic. I don't personally LIKE EVERY part of the Federal Government, but I see its purpose, understand its function, and recognize how it works as part of the whole. I don't LIKE it, but I CAN NOT say it should be dismantled unless I can propose an alternative that will serve the same function. That is simply reasonable.

[patricksmom]

I don't believe that economists of any persuasion agree with Dr Paul's economics policies.

[SirReal1]

Just so I'm clear.

There is NOTHING that any rational person would consider as "patriotic" about breaking away from your country! The two ideas are simply diametrically opposed. The revolutionaries WERE NOT demonstrating their loyalty to England when they declared independence! South America was not demonstrating its loyalty to Spain when they declared their independence. The SOUTHERN STATES were not engaging in an act of Patriotism, nor a particularly AMERICAN ACT when they withdrew from the Republic. For you who seem to embrace one of these explanations, try to forget who offered it, imagine that HE WON THE ELECTION, and Iowa was threatening to secede in response. Does that feel like a "patriotic" or "American" act now?

The way things happen in this (or any other) country is by people "discussing" the potential action. Then they start to see if they can convince others of the "rightness" of the action. Then they start to think about the repercussions of the action, but by then it is TOO LATE. Things that are "discussed" end up with an inertia all their own, and the next thing you know a million people who "didn't really care one way or the other" end up behind a movement that they joined because they thought it sounded like fun. Please don't insult my, or your own, intelligence by suggesting that we only want to "discuss" secession. That is a load of fertilizer, and YOU ALL know it.

[SirReal1]

Libertarians have opinions, just like everyone else, and as the old saying goes, most of them stink.

Libertarians CONSISTENTLY VOTE REPUBLICAN, so spare us the left/right denial.

Obama WON THE ELECTION, GET OVER IT!

It is presumptuous to believe you know the minds of THOSE THAT DID NOT VOTE. Don't be absurd!

Polls indicate (for as much as you can rely on them) that well over 60% of the Nation supports the Presidents efforts. (Polls aren't infallible, but they are often more reliable than "cause I say so", so don't offer "I say so" as your "factual rebuttal".

The "Tea Parties" were a joke, you only make yourself sound desperate if you point to them as your "PROOF" of populist rage!

And finally; The one thing that I haven't really seen from a single Ron Paul supporter is a suggestion of HOW WE SHOULD FIX THE MESS left from the past 8 years. The same rule applies to Libertarians as it does to Republicans:

Keep doing what we've been doing IS NOT ACCEPTABLE (for what should be obvious reasons).

Doing NOTHING is NOT AN OPTION.

Letting the markets and industries FAIL, IS NOT AN OPTION as it would cost TOO MANY GOOD PEOPLE their LIFE SAVINGS AND THEIR LIVELIHOODS!

Now what else do you have?

[amadorjon]

nation states are a modern invention in the long history of humanity, eventually they, like all human inventions will be replaced, patriotism is blind faith, like religion, meant to control populaces easier

[Venicedread]

Oh no you don't!
After what we've had to put up with over the last eight years!?!
I want all of you to have a front row seat to see how things should be done in this country.
Get over the fact that he's black.
I've never heard this kind of talk from the Cons, even when Bill was president.
Now they want to break off from the rest of the country?
Wow, you Cons must have a really low opinion of black people!
Obama has already lowered taxes for 95% of you.
He's trying to figure out how to give you health care.
And he's trying to end a war that should have never been fought.
Go ahead and break off!
We'll call you New Mexico.
Oh darn, already taken.
(no offense NM, you guys are pretty chill)

[MacManLB]

That's mighty white of Ron Paul to talk about seceding from the Union.

[SharpDressedMan]

Did Ron Paul forget that we had to fight a brutal war before Britain let us go?

We can talk about it but taking action to secede is treason. No ifs or buts.

[pittsburghunionguy]

What do you suppose Abraham Lincoln would say about these traitors who have hijacked his party?
Ron Paul says, "It is very American to talk about secession. " No, Ron, it is very Confederate.

Isn't it interesting that the first time Texans seceded, along with the rest of the South, was right after the first anti-slavery president was elected. Now they're talking about secession again, right after the country elects its first black president. Notice a pattern?

For years these wingnuts have screamed that anyone who disagrees with them "hates America." Now we see who really hates America.

[Sloan48]

Excellent post!

[SharpDressedMan]

Last year the governor of Alaska talked about the virtues of rural and small town America during her run for the vice presidency. Wasilla, her small home town of about 8,000 is plagued with drugs, arson, burglaries, bomb threats, shootings, political corruption, and other crimes. So much for small town values.

[PlainBread]

Couldn't agree more. Our civilization hasn't evolved much apparently.

[Sean6399]

I can't believe all the useless commentors in this thread who openly betray their total contempt for individual liberty.

Secession is off the table for discussion? Never allowed in polite conversation? Are you kidding me?

By what right do you claim authority to dictate what is acceptable national structure for perpetuity? The Earth belongs to the living. If the American people decide tomorrow to dissolve the bonds that have held them together, then of course they are free to do that. It's insane that anyone would think it's appropriate to consider using force to stop people from seceding. How very North Korean. Maybe you union fanatics should build a Berlin wall around Texas so you can shoot any potential seceshers from escaping the dominion of Pelosi and Reid.

/facepalm

[patricksmom]

Sean,
You must not be a dittohead constitutional scholar. Our constitution has no provision for secession. It has provisions for amendments, structures of government. I don't think the majority of reasonable Americans would vote to secede or to go into another armed conflict with one another. Maybe you and like minded sorts should find a compound on a island someplace to plant your flag.

[Sean6399]

The second amendment is our Constitutional provision for secession.

I'm not even saying that secession of any state today is a good idea. I'm just pointing out the obvious fact that it is absurd for anyone today to try and assert that their political view is the only acceptable course for all eternity. That argument is a pathetic appeal to authority and fallacious.

Also, the assumption that any talk of secession is equal to civil war is equally fallacious. Just a few years ago the world's other "superpower" peacefully dissolved. Are Russians and Lithuanians are more civilized and peace-loving than Texans and New Yorkers? Somehow all those eastern nations have managed to seek more local autonomy without causing the world to end.

Finally, which part of the following do you fail to understand:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

[Sloan48]

The reason secession is off the table is because we have a thing called elections. You're unhappy with the direction of this country, vote. Oh wait, you're in the vast minority and you want to take your ball and go home? Fine, then if voting isn't enough for you then you're free to move to another country that shares your principals. I've disagreed adamantly with the direction our country has taken over the past few years... and that's why I VOTE!

[WowJones]

When you get through talking it's still called treason as defined by the same Constitution Texas has been living by since it entered the Union. You don't get a do over because you're dissatisfied with an election.

[Haditup2here]

I wonder what his views are pertaining to the Civil War.

[ftaco2004]

Actually, it's very easy to find how he feels about it if you simply google it or go to youtube. Takes about 20 seconds to find it.

He discusses in great detail about how the civil war should have NEVER been fought in the first place. I won't spoil the fun because it's actually a good commentary with Bill Maher.

[AndyWright68]

That's true. The civil war should have never been fought. It wasn't necessary and Bill Maher agreed on his next interview with Ron Paul.

[maxfax]

Any credibility Paul had, is now completely gone! He's done.

[patricksmom]

So true....he is advocating civil war.

[Sean6399]

No he isn't. It's the tyrannical authoritarians like you who are threatening violence at the mere suggestion by some people that the federal government has overstepped it's bounds and that states might eventually react by withdrawing their consent to be governed by the feds.

Is maintaining the bankrupt empire worth more to you than human lives? It's sick that you would even consider using violence to force people to stay in an abusive relationship.

Rather than threatening violence, why don't you try using reason to convince people of the value of keeping the status quo? Oh that's right, you and the buffoons in Washington don't understand persuasion or liberty. Violence, intimidation, and coercive state power is all you understand.

[Birdman]

Rep. Ron Paul released a video on Sunday offering support for the principles of secession, calling them "very much American."

Ya that is what the south thought during Lincoln's time and we all know how that turned out. BTW Ron I at one time thought about voting for you but now you have gone a bit too far. You are starting to sound kind of like that crazed congresswoman from Minnesota, revolution is not the answer Ron. Working together and trying the best we can to reestablish some sense of fair play in this country. Maybe being on top of the heap it is hard to see the struggles of the little guy at the bottom holding your fat backside up.

[MajorKong]

So what was it the conservatives kept telling me after the 2000 and 2004 elections?

Hmmmmmmm.........

Wait, it'll come to me.........

Oh yeah, that's it................

GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sean6399]

Anybody NOT wanting to secede from Washington D.C. at this point is either strung out on crack, or on a short list to get a big handout of government cheese.

[Birdman]

Hey your moms calling you to supper...

[Tommygun264]

Does it hurt being so ignorant?

[patricksmom]

Why are you so filled with ignorance and hatred?

[Sean6399]

I'm guessing you are strung out on crack AND on a short list to get a bunch of Government cheese.

That probably means you're an executive at Goldman Sachs.

[larry278]

OK, Ron, while you say that it's very American to talk secession, it's very much illegal to secede. The matter was settled in April, 1865 when Robert E Lee, Gen, CSA surrendered the CSA's Army of Northern Virgina to Hiram Ulysses, aka US, Grant, Gen, USA. Other CSA forces surrenderd to US forces after Lee surrendered to Grant. The Confederate States of America was formed from states which had seecded from the USA after Lincoln was elected POTUS in Nov of 1860. Secession from the union is now expressly forbidden by laws passed since 1861.
To be crude: Billy Sherman tore the hell out of Ga, SC, NC & was aiming for Va when Lee surrendered to Grant. A state which secedes from the union must expect to have US forces to tear the hell out of it Billy Sherman style.The CSA no longer exists in a de facto & a de jure sense.
Secession from the Union is not tolerated. Talking of secession could lead to your arrest pursuant to USC, etc. Don't go too far Ron. Lawyer up, now. Talk to your lawyer. You could be arrested, tried, convicted & jailed. US Courts have the right, the power & the duty to sentence you to a term in a federal prison if you advocate secession. That, too, is an American tradition.

[patricksmom]

Good post larry278. These constitutional scholars don't seem to get the intent of the constituiton or laws and amendments passed since then.