Facing a tough challenge in his primary for reelection, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has taken up a curious new campaign slogan: Secession. In the audio tape below, Perry threatened that Texas reserved the right to secede from the Union in when it became a state in 1845. While Perry’s call for secession is likely to be echoed by many liberals across the country who have long criticized the state’s politics and politicians like George W. Bush, it may be a bit early to buy those Republic of Texas license plates and exchange your currency.
Crowds appear to have reacted well to Perry’s call, shouting “secede, secede.” Putting aside the obvious pandering and demagoguery, it is fascinating that Perry and the anti-tax demonstrators have rallied in opposition of what they see as a massive expansion of government and the denial of states rights. I happen to oppose many parts of the stimulus program and I have equal concerns over the tax increases being planned by the Democrats. However, it is a bit curious that these Texans were not demonstrating when the Bush Administration attacked the rights of states to determine for themselves how to handle such things as medical marijuana, assisted suicide, or same sex marriage. They were not in the streets when Bush massively increased the use of the military in domestic law enforcement and operations. There were no demonstrations when Bush asserted the right to detain U.S. citizens and strip them of their constitutional rights with access to courts or lawyers. It is taxes that appear to have pushed Texans to call for secession.
It appears that the great love for nation in this very patriotic state evaporates the minute that taxes are increased. For some love-it-or-leave-it Americans, they have little love and a great desire to leave. I do not support the proposed tax increases, but I would consider a call to leave the United States to be distinctly unpatriotic and unAmerican. To do so over taxes shows how shallow the patriotism of some of these demonstrators truly is.
I particularly loved the conflicting image of many of these people waving American flags while shouting “secede.” Perry is not generally viewed as the sharpest tool in the shed of Republican governors, but he may want to inform people that we will keep the flag if they secede. It will also be interesting how Perry is going to pursue his national ambitions when he first response to higher taxes was to suggest the possibility of dissolving the Union.
Perry told reporters, “[t]here’s a lot of different scenarios. We’ve got a great union. There’s absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we’re a pretty independent lot to boot.” “We’ve got a great union”? Sounds like the line you get when your boyfriend or girlfriend is about to dump with you. “Honey, we have a great relationship, but . . . .”. Perry did indicate that Texas wants to stay the best of friends after the breakup.
Of course, Texas did secede once — not that long after joining the Union. It ended with Union troops crushing the confederacy and imposing martial law. They then faced increased taxed with occupation. The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. White, 74 U.S. 700 (1869) that no state may unilaterally secede. Writing for the Court, Chief Justice Salmon Chase noted that a state could be removed from the Union by consent of the states, but not unilaterally as Perry suggests: “The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual, and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. There was no place for reconsideration, or revocation, except through revolution, or through consent of the States.”
Putting aside Perry’s interpretation of the Constitution, no one less than Madison rejects the idea of secession at will. In a March 15, 1833 letter to Daniel Webster. Madison noted:
I return my thanks for the copy of your late very powerful Speech in the Senate of the United S. It crushes “nullification” and must hasten the abandonment of “Secession.” But this dodges the blow by confounding the claim to secede at will, with the right of seceding from intolerable oppression. The former answers itself, being a violation, without cause, of a faith solemnly pledged. The latter is another name only for revolution, about which there is no theoretic controversy.
In point of fact, secession is not a handy option preserved to Texas despite a website for a Texas nation and secession. There are also websites supporting the right of all states to secede. even Vermont has secessionists, which could then embargo the nation in denying use readily available Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. In 1845, Texas preserved the right to divide into four additional states. For people in Austin, this option has always been enticing to form a separate state rather than live as a political island in the state.
Texas, however, does not have an express authority to secede — a common myth. While some argue that any state may secede from a voluntary union, the Civil War was fought over such claims. The right to form four other states (for a total of five) can be found in the 1845 joint resolution that admitted Texas to the Union. The resolution includes the following language:
“And be it further resolved, That the foregoing consent of Congress is given upon the following conditions, to wit: . . . Third — New States of convenient size not exceeding four in number, in addition to said State of Texas and having sufficient population, may, hereafter by the consent of said State, be formed out of the territory thereof, which shall be entitled to admission under the provisions of the Federal Constitution; and such states as may be formed out of the territory lying south of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes north latitude, commonly known as the Missouri Compromise Line, shall be admitted into the Union, with or without slavery, as the people of each State, asking admission shall desire; and in such State or States as shall be formed out of said territory, north of said Missouri Compromise Line, slavery, or involuntary servitude (except for crime) shall be prohibited.
Perry’s suggestion of a new state brings a certain quote from Sam Houston to mind: “All new states are invested, more or less, by a class of noisy, second-rate men who are always in favor of rash and extreme measures, but Texas was absolutely overrun by such men.”
That is indeed unique and was a byproduct of the raging debate over free and slave states. Thus, Texans may want to pay their taxes, stay in the Union, but form four more perfect state unions. The State of Austin awaits recognition.
For the audio recording, click here.
For the full story, click here.
“Texas, Our Texas”
Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev’ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
(chorus)
Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.
(chorus)
Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.
Chorus
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
Yeah it would be a bad idea for Texas to seceed from the Union, I’m sure that there would be a lot other right wing, capatalistic thinkers to go with it. Then there wouldn’t be anybody to spread the wealth from. All of you liberals would then have to step up and actually work, instead of figuring out ways to steal from hardworking people. I’m sick of all of you trying to steal, sue and piont fingers. Just like when Katrina hit, we warned everybody days in advance, “get out this is the worst storm in our generation.” That was another opportunity for you to steal, so you stayed and now you are trying to sue the Army Core of Engineers, because of the flood damage. A Somali Pirate tries to kill American Citizens and you say we shouldn’t do anything to him. We should kill them all. You say we shouldn’t profile at airports. If you look middle eastern you should be checked. You liberals, you have made us the weakest country in the world. Obama shakes hands with Chaves a sworn enemy of the states and tries to make peace. We should have had a sniper to take him out right there. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and all of the others who fought, worked and slaved for long hours for our country to gain its Independence, and this is how we have paid them back. This is a slap in the face to our forefathers that came over here and up rooted stumps with mules and oxens to clear a place so that we could build a great nation. Our nation was built on the blood and sweat of our forefathers and will be destroyed on the laziness and greed of their descendents (us). We have been the most innovative nation in the world, until we thought we were to good. Now we depend on China, Mexico, Taiwan, India, Brazil and many other countries to build us. We can not depend on them, we have to depend on ourselves.
Guv Perry is facing an uphill battle to keep the Republican nomination against challenger U. S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. While Hutchison is somewhat more of a moderate, Perry has no choice but to energize the neo-con element of the Texas GOP in order to even have a prayer against Hutchison in the Republican Primary. Hutchison could very well prevail here!
What scares the hell out of me is that if this scenario does play out, Guv. Perry could end up being the GOP Senatorial nominee for Kay Bailey’s seat. The only thing standing in his way might be Democratic Mayor of Houston Bill White.
But in this truly red state, I fear that Perry and Hutchison could end up ultimately flip-flopping jobs!
Warren Burger
1, April 16, 2009 at 12:40 pm
“You liberals all suck. And of course you are just jealous of the real Texan spirit.”
Suck on this, Warren-
The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN — House members virtually wiped out Gov. Rick Perry’s office budget today, to help veterans and the mentally ill.
With very little debate, the House on a voice vote approved erasing 96 percent of the nearly $24 million budget writers had recommended for Perry’s office operation over the next two years.
Some Democrats cast the House’s move as a rebuke of the governor’s recent comments about Texas seceding from the Union.
“That’s the headline: Two days after governor says we ought to secede, House zeroes out the governor’s budget,” Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, told reporters….
Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestne…
Id, ego, super-ego. Humm, Chuckie. You can have him to. But you have to take Bush and Perry as well. I have heard that Smith and Wesson make for good friends. Sam Colt not so good. But then again if its the end You don’t need a Judge or Jury. Nor would the costs of appeal be very much.
Turkish,
You bring up a good point and a question:
How many Chuck Norris’ (Norri?) can one fit into a sub-compact car?
Chuck Norris: “I may run for president of Texas”
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/norris%20volunteers%20to%20lead%20texas%20revolution_1100919
What’s a circus without a clown?
I like Ralph Nader. He is the Man, Natural Law Party. He went to Harvard don’t you know. He is my Hero.
Do Liberals suck better than the GOP or Democrats. Naw, they spit too.
Warren Burger
1, April 16, 2009 at 12:40 pm
“You liberals all suck. And of course you are just jealous of the real Texan spirit.”
we aint all liberals and neither are most of the people on this site, more libertarian live and let live folks, down home folks, the kind you sit with on the porch sipping lemonade on a spring afternoon watching the magnolias bloom with your hound dog ole’ Blue and discussing politics, economics, religion, philosophy, cooking, and any other subject that might come up.
United States currency- You make this sound like a bad ideal
NASA’s Johnson Space Center located in Houston- Its already here.
Federal Banks- Whats the loss again?
Federal Correctional Institutions- Again what the cost?
Federal Highway system-Oh well, has not been kept up to well to start with.
Federal Public Health Institutions-Who pays for these again?
Military Major Bases and Installations
– Army (Fort Bliss, Red River, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston)-Ya think we can’t fight?
– Navy & Marine Corps (Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, Kingsville Naval Air Station-Hey man we got mud wrestling.
– Air Force (Randolph AFB, Brooks City, Lackland, Sheppard, Carswell, Dyess, Goodfellow, Laughlin)-Like we don’t know how to get High.
– Coast Guard (Corpus Chrisit, Galveston, Houston, Port Arthur)-Like somebody can do it better. I hear some Somolians might be looking for work.
Federal Buildings (Ft. Worth, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, McAllen, Texarkana, Terrell, Abilene,(just a partial list because these buildings are in most cities in Texas))-Again whats the loss?
– All U.S. Post Offices-You need this still? Have you not heard of the internet? We have that and more. we can still use 2 cans and string.
– All United States Courthouses-We have our own Judges-We’ll give you Keller for somebody to be designated later.
– All federal law enforcement agencies- What do they do again?
Federal Funding to education (just a few of a very long list of federal funds sent to TX educational institutions)- Let me check my wallet on this one. Ok, we have been dealing with this since NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND. As you are aware W wanted to bring the K-12 level to something he could understand. We can do better.
– Texas A&M University ($623,961 for Nuclear education & research and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station Undergraduate Scholarship Program- I went to Texas-in Austin, so I think that the other school is a waste. But we do need Goat Ropers. If ya need a job later, you can apply.
– Texas A&M U. at College Station: $11.6 million, son is that the cost of that schools education bill for a semester? You all must have some bond fire, did W go with you?
– U. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio ($88.8 mil in federal science and engineering funds-More money in Highland Park than that, so no problem. Remember we have a designated Judge to trade for.
– U. of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ($2.2 mil)- Ok, we will suffer.
– Texas Tech Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing ($1 mil)-I rest my point. That is another school. But in case you cannot read. ANITA THIGPEN catch the last name “PERRY” yeah that is it. Oh and who is the Governor? My G-d son, did you learn anything for that 11.2 million or were you cutting class with W ?
Do these people think that all of these and other resources provided by the federal government from our tax dollars are going to continue?
– Hate to break the news to you but where again does the money come from that you say is going to be taken away. Oh yeah, we just don’t have to give it to start. I think that ones complicates the issue for you.
What company would want to start up in TX? Help me again, is not Texas as bad off as the rest of you all?
What would TX be able to offer as incentives?-we can trade W? What more do you want?
A Democratic member of the Texas legislature should introduce a bill to start the secession process. I doubt that a republican will do it. Then we will see what Perry and the republicans are really all about. I think you have something there son.
Like we don’t already know.
Well Good luck. Son, did you learn to add to 22 without taking your shoes off? I would ask about socks, but if you spent 11.2 million at A&M I am not sure you need them.
Let The Clowns Go Or Kick Them Out of the Union
Gov. Perry and the rest of the low-information people talking about removing TX from the United States have obviously not thought things through. Low-info folks generally have problems in the thinking area. Below is a short list of things the Republic of Texas will LOSE:
United States currency
NASA’s Johnson Space Center located in Houston
Federal Banks
Federal Correctional Institutions
Federal Highway system
Federal Public Health Institutions
Military Major Bases and Installations
– Army (Fort Bliss, Red River, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston)
– Navy & Marine Corps (Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, Kingsville Naval Air Station
– Air Force (Randolph AFB, Brooks City, Lackland, Sheppard, Carswell, Dyess, Goodfellow, Laughlin)
– Coast Guard (Corpus Chrisit, Galveston, Houston, Port Arthur)
Federal Buildings (Ft. Worth, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, McAllen, Texarkana, Terrell, Abilene,(just a partial list because these buildings are in most cities in Texas))
– All U.S. Post Offices
– All United States Courthouses
– All federal law enforcement agencies
Federal Funding to education (just a few of a very long list of federal funds sent to TX educational institutions)
– Texas A&M University ($623,961 for Nuclear education & research and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station Undergraduate Scholarship Program
– Texas A&M U. at College Station: $11.6 million
– U. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio ($88.8 mil in federal science and engineering funds
– U. of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ($2.2 mil)
– Texas Tech Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing ($1 mil)
Do these people think that all of these and other resources provided by the federal government from our tax dollars are going to continue?
What company would want to start up in TX? What would TX be able to offer as incentives?
A Democratic member of the Texas legislature should introduce a bill to start the secession process. I doubt that a republican will do it. Then we will see what Perry and the republicans are really all about.
Like we don’t already know.
Now I have had a gun showed to me in the lovely area of Cartwright Oklahoma when I was 17 and in a bar, go figure. The drunk at the bar holding his beer in one hand and gun in the other looked at me and said “You don’t belong here” I said ever so nicely, “YOU ARE RIGHT” I left never to return.
Then in 76 went to beach and low and behold we were having a party, at a beach none the less. Seemed like a good idea to me. I had just gotten back from Mexico (another story). A stupid officer decided to bust one due for smoking a joint. Well, it did not take long before the locals occupying there own portion of the beach decided that that was not such a smart officer. And assailed him and the car. About 2500 people were in attendance at the beach. So you guessed it a riot broke out. I had never seen so many beer bottle flying and never ever saw people rip apart a cop car with there hands. Sucker got flipped. This was the age of the end of the muscle cars and I had a Riv. I was more concern with the safety of my car that the dang cop car. I took a couple of hit from flying bottles to save my car.
Well at the end I do believe that it took over 17 different jurisdictions to settle the crowd down. I was going back over the bridge to Texas and it was lined with DPS members making sure no one was drunk or high or was a part of the riot. A friend of mine worked for the TV station and took some pretty good pictures it was wild.
Well they were the good old day, well some of them were. Other than that. No bad experiences with Guns being pulled on me unless you count running away from jail so I could get to court faster counted. I had a client waiting. Some reason they did not think that was too bright. Now that I look at it, it probably was not.
Hey now, that was low and mean spirited. grinning as I say that. We are stuck with W and the good smart people at SMU don’t want his shit. Faculty protested and students to boot. The people whom were or are displaced are suing the Bad W for fraud.
Did I mention Dallas is the only place I’ve ever had a gun pulled on me in traffic? Not once, but twice. I lived years in New Orleans and never had a gun pulled on me in traffic. Once going back to my car from the Quarter sure, but never in traffic. It was in a nice Dallas neighborhood too. Well, what they consider nice anyway. By well dressed people in nice cars too. Not gangbangers.
Biased in re: Texas?
You bet.
Wizard’s Assistant, out.
Only Toto by proxy. Technically I’m a neighbor of Texas from the swampland. I’m not a coonass, but I’m close enough. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, but according to Wiki – if you mean the Cheech & Chong movie – it was not filmed in the Sunflower State. “Much of the film was shot in Los Angeles, California, including scenes filmed in Tijuana, Mexico. Scenes set on the Mexican border were actually filmed at the border in Yuma, Arizona.” We do however have that terrible flying monkey problem and a propensity to elect people like that tool Phil Kline and the every lovely Sen. Brownback. I won’t even go into the right to lifers and anti-evolution factions. I’ll just say it’s easier to clean up after the monkeys than any of the rest of them. But at least it’s not Dallas.
Well ok, TOTO. You all have that wizard and did not they film up in smoke in kansas?
I’m from Kansas, OL. And screw Texas.
We are not in the least bit Amused. We got stuck with W when daddy had to deposit the silk ears someplace when he was running around as a CIA man. OK. He could have been from you name it Maine. Ok. If he is deported where shall W be sent?
Now Buddha, I am not laughing. You are from WHERE? Thought so. Afraid to say, are you close to the Home of Dahlmer or Gacy? You have yours?
There are some very good people in Texas. More folks are dying in Iraq and all over are from Texas. Yes we have Houston, which sometimes is a paring lot. And we have Dallas, Dallas. It ain’t so bad, but some dang Yankee had to have designed the interstates.
I Think Tejas should be given back to the Indian whom are having the last laugh by the way. All the way to the Bank.
Crazyland does come to be good. I have just googled up Crazyland. I want to go. You might to as well when you see what is there.
FYI it had to be translated from Dutch. Yeah Baby.