Letting Texas Secede

Governor Rick Perry of Texas brought up the specter of Secession recently and upon polling, a fair amount of Texans and other Americans seem to think Texas seceding from the US would be a good idea. TPM reports: Perry appeared with sponsors and supporters of a Texas House resolution affirming the state's claim of sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. "I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state," Gov. Perry said. "That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states' rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union." For the record, the 10th Amendment of our Constitution reads: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Texas has already seceded once back in 1861 but a quick Wikipedia search reveals that formally ended in 1869: After the Civil War, the Supreme Court ruled that Texas had remained a state ever since it first joined the Union, despite its joining the Confederate States of America and its being under military rule at the time of the decision in the case. In deciding the merits of the bond issue, the court further held that the Constitution did not permit states to secede from the United States, and that the ordinances of secession, and all the acts of the legislatures within seceding states intended to give effect to such ordinances, were "absolutely null". So by ending Texas' secession, the Supreme Court actually ended all possible secession by any state. But that didn't stop Gov. Perry from raising it as an issue last week.

A bit of history: Texas was part of the Confederate States of America, which lasted from 1861 until 1865. The United States refused to recognize the Confederacy, which collapsed upon the surrender of General Lee on April 09, 1865. Also keep in mind that the main formally-stated reason for secession in every state that did so was the threat to slaveholders rights. Wiki the 'Cornerstone Speech' where the VP of the Confederacy declared that the "cornerstone" of the new government "rest[ed] upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery--subordination to the superior race--is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth". Wow. To read that in the Obama Age is almost shocking. But it's good to understand the roots of secession buried deep in racism, slavery and fear.

So go for it, Gov. Perry! Free our Country from undue Texan influence and help strengthen the rest of our Union. Versus the disadvantages, the benefits to losing Texas from the Union are overwhelmingly positive. Sure, we'll miss Austin, which we'll hopefully get passports to visit in time for the next SXSW. And there's some U.S. history there- killing American Indians, oil tycoons, Presidential assassinations, etc. But really, Texas already belongs to itself more so than to the USA. Their pride is steeped in the mentality that Texas is better than all other states- Don't Mess with Texas!- so that to the non-Texan, it appears that the average Texan feels superior to all other Americans, like Texas is populated with Super-Citizens that known how to handle things and know the way things should be. And if Texas becomes it's own country, what a country it could be!

Texans can make their own laws as a country regarding the red meat issues that are making them so anxious to secede. Within one generation, none of the citizens need know of Darwin, the Bible will be taught in every "public" school, every one will be heavily armed at all times (big change!) and they can run it all on oil and T. Boone Pickens wind farms. That way, anyone in the US that finds our laws to be too lax when it comes to personal freedoms and racial/cultural tolerance can move to the Country of Texas (Kingdom? Golden Throne of the Gulf? Those Texans would surely choose a more grandiose name for their land) Sure, it'll be a little inconvenient for a few years as we route the 10 highway around them, but think of the boon it will bring to Oklahoma! It'll be like if California dropped off into the sea and Arizona got a whole new coast to develop. Ok, maybe not. But the amount of commerce that runs across the 10 can surely bring economic growth to Oklahoma and New Mexico as we reroute northward and move the 40 around the top of Texas. Maybe that northern part of Texas will break off for independence (Go Amarillo!) and it'll be like our Kashmir, an uncontested territory that each side claims and wants to bring back into the fold. Or think Taiwan or Tibet, whatever scenario floats your boat. However, you're still missing a bigger net gain to losing Texas: Losing half our border with Mexico! Let the vigilante mobs roam from Brownsville to El Paso while the US can just concentrate on border security in New Mexico, Arizona and California. Whew! Thanks for saving us so much money on border patrol. And just think of hurricanes; when Galveston and Houston are hit by a Katrina-sized Cat 5, not our problem! Sure, we'll send some foreign aid but not in the amount we will next time a hurricane hits New Orleans or Florida. Not even close.

The biggest drawback to Texas seceding is most likely the amount of oil Texas produces and receives through their ports. To offset this fact, let us remember that the US- not Texas- owns all its oil in the Gulf of Mexico, which it can gladly reroute through our remaining Gulf states. As the US weans itself off of fossil fuels altogether and uses more renewable energy, we'll stop missing the fuel we get from and through Texas. Sure they have a lot of oil and a few major ports but we have two coasts and a border with Canada and Mexico (two of our largest oil suppliers) so I'm sure we can manage. We also won't have to spend millions protecting those ports from terrorism, saving us tons of money to spend protecting the rest of our country's ports. We'll also lose a ton of prisons and prisoners, as Texas' rate of crime and incarceration are substantially higher than the rest of the country. The savings could climb into the billions as we rid ourselves of Texan-sized expenses and problems. And don't forget: no more Texan-bred US Presidents! No offense Ike and LBJ, but the brand has been ruined by a Connecticut fratboy.

And will you really miss Tom Delay? Phil Gramm? Oliver North? Ross Perot? Alberto Gonzales? Karl Rove? The entire Bush family? I didn't think so. Aside from Willie Nelson, it would seem that most of the cool Texans are dead: Bill Hicks, Elliot Smith, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Tex Ritter, Gene Roddenberry, Molly Ivins, Roy Orbison, Scott Joplin, Cyd Charisse, Tex Avery, Roger Miller, Barry White, Freddy Fender, Lightnin' Hopkins, Freddie King, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Ornette Coleman, David "Fathead" Newman, Billy Preston, Red Garland, Howard Hughes, Leadbelly, Dimebag Darrell, Waylon Jennings, Karen Silkwood, even Irene Ryan- Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies! And yes, some of the infamous ones such as Bonnie & Clyde, David Koresh, John Hinckley Jr., Mark David Chapman and Richard Ramirez. Well, Texan-born news anchors Dan Rather, Sam Donaldson and Walter Cronkite are technically alive, but not so much their careers. And Randall "Tex" Cobb is what I'd call an "obvious" Texan (see "Tex" Ritter, "Tex" Avery) without whom we'd have a lesser Raising Arizona. ZZ Top is still out there rocking around, which must count for something. But to really understand Texas' contributions to the USA, we need to look at a more complete list of those who were born there. Let's see who else hails from Texas....

Kris Kristofferson, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce & Solange Knowles, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Stephen Stills, Joe Sample, Boz Skaggs, Steve Miller, Tift Merritt, Johnny Mathis, George Forman, Carol Burnett, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Farah Fawcett & Jaclyn Smith (two Angels!), Woody Harrelson, Don Henley, Tanya Tucker, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vinnie Paul (Pantera), Tommy Lee Jones, Bill Engvall, George Jones, Jim Lehrer, Lyle Lovett, Steve Martin, Larry McMurtry, Barbara & Louise Mandrill, George Strait, Robin Wright Penn, Bill Paxton, Valerie Perrine, Robert Rodriguez, Renee Zellweger, Jerry Hall, Ethan Hawke, Tobe Hooper, F. Murray Abraham, Wes Anderson, Powers Boothe, Steve Austin, Dennis & Randy Quaid, Phylicia Rashad, Kate Capshaw, Thomas Haden Church, Haylie and Hilary Duff, Sandy Duncan, Shelley Duvall, Shannon Elizabeth, Eva Longoria, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Nanci Griffith, Dan & Jim Seals, Michelle Shocked, Gibby Haynes, Jennifer Holiday, Lisa Hartman, Morgan Fairchild, Sean Patrick Flanery, Lisa Whelchel, Peter Weller, Alex Jones, Natalie Maines, Sissy Spacek, Aaron Spelling, Charley Pride, LeAnn Rimes, Brent Spiner, Nick Stahl, Patrick Swayze, Henry Thomas, Lisa Loeb, Rip Torn, Mike Judge, Jennifer Garner, Dabney Coleman, Kenny Rogers, Mark Seliger, Joan Severance, Debbie Reynolds, Angie Harmon, Yolanda Adams, Terrence Malick, Matthew McConaughey, JoBeth Williams, Michelle Rodriguez, BJ Thomas, Isaiah Washington, Forest Whitaker, Larry Hagman, Richard Linklater, Julian Schnabel, Kinky Friedman, George Foreman, Erykah Badu, Marcia Ball, Archie Bell, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Cedric Bixler-Zavala (Mars Volta), Meatloaf, David Garza, Larry Gatlin, T-Bone Burnett, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Norah Jones, Ciara, Nelly, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Nesmith, KT Oslin, Edgar & Johnny Winter, Lee Ann Womack, Van Cliburn, Albert Collins, Larry Coryell, Christopher Cross, Rodney Crowell, Mac Davis, Steve Earle, Joe Ely, Edie Brickell, Luke & Owen Wilson... and of course, Nick Jonas, Jessica & Ashley Simpson, Vanilla Ice and Boxcar Willie. I'm sure I'm missing a few but that's quite a list. So Texas has given America some truly great music, art and acting and enriched our country's heritage thusly. There is no discounting some of the amazing artists that were born on Texas soil. But just how many of them still actually live in Texas? Yea, I thought so....

Caveat: I have many great friends and even family in Texas, have spent ample time there and know that all Texans don't feel this way. (But their belt buckles sure do!) The old Texas mentality that Gov. Perry has displayed is already being erased by not just the large influx of Hispanics, but also a truly generational change that pits a historical Texas-first attitude against a new American ideal, where every citizen of this country is equal in rights, in liberty and in justice (no, not Socialism- Freedomism!). Actually, the aim of the new generation is beyond even American ideals; it imagines a world where all citizens of the planet live in a tolerant and just society, able to achieve their goals, dreams and aspirations as they'd like, free from tyranny and oppression. Something tells me even Boxcar Willie would like that!

One last note: The latest Rasmussen Poll in Texas found that thirty-one percent (31%) of Texas voters say that their state has the right to secede from the United States and form an independent country. (How are those history classes treating you, Texas!) However, the Texan poll also finds that if the matter was put to a vote, it wouldn't even be close. Three-fourths (75%) of Lone Star State voters would opt to remain in the United States. However, 18% would vote to secede, and seven percent (7%) are not sure what they'd choose. So a good quarter of all Texans think the US is bad enough that they would vote to leave it? Let's call them for what they really are: ANTI-AMERICAN. Good riddance.

Comments

[Amy Wilshire]

The likelihood that Texas will secede is very slim. I'm not for it, nor would I support it. I have lived in the state my entire life, and I'm happy here. Once you get past all the bullshit, you see what Texas really has to offer. Sure, our Governor may not be the brightest, but whose is? We have our problems just like every other state. You cope with it and go on. If Texas were to secede, I would surely leave the state and settle somewhere else.

[JRsNana]

Free Texas from the tyranny of having to play by the rules of the United State! Free Texas from having to be civilized! I say Free Texas! Gov. Perry says secede! Secede! Go! Now! Oh, and NO, you can't have any extra money from the Federal Government for the swine flu epidemic.

[MaryKathO]

I was born in Texas, grew up in Texas, spent the first 32 years of my life there, and left! NO REGRETS that I 'hooked-it­'...came to hate the 'Texas mentality' with a passion. All my family still lives in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area which requires me to visit from time to time. CAN"T WAIT TO LEAVE. I do miss my Tex-Mex quisine, BBQ brisket and beef short-ribs but I've learned to adapt as I no longer have to put up with the mental condition known as the 'I'm a Texan' syndrome (as though that were the holy grail!) from the locals. As for that list of Texas celebritie­s...severa­l on the list were not BORN there but did spend some of their life there. As anyone who is a 'Native Texan' knows (and believe me...they keep score cause there are even license plates to proclaim it!), unless you were BORN there, you are a fraud (i.e. see George 'W' Bush) and are worthy of scorn for "taking on airs!" I would be quite content to have Texas secede. Where can I sign the petition and are donations being accepted?

[Manx]

I was born and reared in Texas but had the good sense to get the hell out of there at a young age. I've never regretted it. Now, when I go back to Texas, it's like going back in time.

Although I don't take this talk about secession seriously, think of the economic consequences: Older Texans would have no social security payments nor medicare. Texas would have to provide it's own mail delivery system. The removal of NASA and all those air-force and army bases. Texas would have to pay for the formation and maintenance of an army.

That would make Texas weak and vulnerable. A war with Mexico could ensue and, if Mexico won, Texas would become part of Mexico. Santa Ana's revenge.

[Keith Oudal]

Molly Ivins described the ethos of Texas as religiosity, machismo, and anti-intellectual. A friend of mine spent part of his youth in Texas because his father worked at NASA. This friend was quite emphatic about that fact that his sister was able to attend Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, as his opinion of Texas schools was so negative.

[Badger84]

Although he is not a native, Ted Nugent has proudly become a member of the Texas (Crawford) intelligentsia.

[MrKnuckles]

Hey, I don't mind if Texans want to secede, but what I do mind is the secessionist's asinine assumption that such a desire on their part should be considered as an act of Patriotism by the rest of us.

Sniveling whiners who threaten to pick up their toys and go home because they aren't getting things exactly their way are not being civic minded. They are simply indulging in the conduct of a bunch of yowling babies.

[Mikeeee]

"Sniveling whiners who threaten to pick up their toys and go home because they aren't getting things exactly their way are not being civic minded. They are simply indulging in the conduct of a bunch of yowling babies."
This is an article about Texas not gw, try to stay on topic ok.

Wait! never mind I got it.

[Helzapoppin]

I grew up in Texas, and due to that formative experience, refuse to set foot within it's borders again. I might, however, be convinced to enter it's airspace if only en route to Cabo.

Let Texas leave. It'll be a hoot.

[Boboday555]

Good!
Who needs ya'?
And texASS, befroe you Secede again, is there any chance you can take the other filthy confederate states with Y'ALL?
We'll even throw in primitive Alaska for free!
Come on, you hate America and America has no need for lazy, primitive, leeches like you.
It sounds like a win-win to us!
So, what do Y'ALL say?

The Confederate States of America has a nice traitorous ring to it doesn't it Cletus?

[RhetoricalHippo]

Texas refines 85% of the gasolene used in the U.S.

[Ginger5]

we can build other refineries

[SurrealPumpkin]

Stimulus! This is sounding better and better :)

Not to mention we're going green anyway.

[tomjones44]

yea...and it'll create jobs

[FearlessFreep]

Or we can learn to take the bus.

[mommadona]

3/4 of the refineries that weren't destroyed by the hurricanes are decrepit - absolutely NO preventive maintenance & running at capacity.

They need to be shut down.

Have you ever breathed the air around these monstrocities, built in the 60s & 70s with NO care about the crap spewed in the air?

[Absintheforall]

The best part of our national history and pride is ensconced in Texas. If it seceded, we would be the poorer for it.

[Ginger5]

nothing of historical significance occured in texas.

[Helzapoppin]

some people, apparently, don't realize our national history pre-dates 1836.

[SurrealPumpkin]

The Alamo? Texas has some fascinating history, but to call it the best part of the national history is stretching it.

[mommadona]

You have GOT to be kidding me.

"The Civil War history of Galveston is one of the last untold stories from America's bloodiest war, despite the fact that Galveston was a focal point of hostilities throughout the conflict.

As other Southern ports fell to the Union, Galveston emerged as one of the Confederacy's only lifelines to the outside world.

When the war ended in 1865, Galveston was the only major port still in Confederate hands."

http://www.americancivilwar.com/civilwar/spproduct/c001/0292712057.htm

[FormerReaganite]

Texas red state

Better dead than red.

[MsLuscious]

some of the things they do in tx makes no sense to me........­.. www.Shop-Luscious.com

[leonel]

P.S. It will still be illegal to torture animals, especially horses.

[leonel]

If Texas secedes, the new constitution will make torture legal so that Bush cannot be extradited to Washington.

[JoeCoffee2]

I hope that the writer's comments were merely meant to be provocative, although they served to incite a groundswell of anti-Lone Star sentiment. The writer's nearly exhaustive (to me, anyway) research led to a logical detour, the path obscured perhaps by detail. He did, however, omit both Bob Wills and the late Doug Sahm. Both omissions are truly unforgivable. Also missing were mention of Texas political figures Barbara Jordan, LBJ (whose domestic policies raised the standard of living for most Americans), and Lloyd Benson, the man who single-handedly derailed the political aspirations of Dan Quayle with a solitary quip. The writer needs to dig a little deeper past the stereotypes (maybe the next time he's visiting family?) and, in the words of Mr. Sahm, Be Real.

[SurrealPumpkin]

Ann Richards

[JoeSchmuk]

'No offense Ike and LBJ...'

Do you actually read the material you criticize, or do you consider that too to be 'exhaustive research?'