CNN cover - "Texas governor says secession possible"

CNN cover - "Texas governor says secession possible"

I know there have been threads on Texas role and talks about sucession but finally mainstream media is picking up on this.

(CNN) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry isn't ruling out the possibility his state may one day secede from the nation.

Speaking to an energetic and angry tea party crowd in Austin Wednesday evening, the Lone Star State governor suggested secession may happen in the future should the federal government not change its fiscal polices.

"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said. "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."
Perry, who is beginning to gear up for what could be a challenging re-election race, rejected more than $500 million in federal stimulus funds earlier this year and has been highly critical of President Obama's stimulus package.

His comments come a week after endorsing a resolution in the Texas state House reasserting state sovereignty over federal mandates.

Specifically it states that "all compulsory federal legislation that directs states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties or sanctions or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed."

Texas, America's second biggest state in area and population, was its own nation for 10 years before joining the United States in 1845.

Should Texas one day secede, one man may already be vying to be its president. Actor Chuck Norris said last month he may be interested in the post.

“I may run for president of Texas,” Norris wrote in a column posted at WorldNetDaily. “That need may be a reality sooner than we think. If not me, someone someday may again be running for president of the Lone Star state, if the state of the union continues to turn into the enemy of the state.”

Please visit link source to see the videos as they also give a clearer insight. CNN cover - "Texas governor says secession possible"

Now, I am a proud native Texan. Seeing the thread discussions pick up and now this really tends to bring out my "Texas pride." I have a few thoughts which need "EDUCATED" and well-informed discussions before I can conclude. Whereas I do believe that as a whole Texas seems to be "waking up." I realize that Gov Rick Perry is not ultimately whom I would want to follow but at least now he is talking the talk. I do not think he has the courage to follow-up with Texans convictions when push comes to shove.

Reasons why he is purposefully getting media spotlight. Governor Perry is up for re-election and running against Kay Bailey Hutchison (which I have a strong dispassion for). If the 2 were my only 2 options I would vote for Perry over Kay Hutchison. Debate for later time when we actually see who else runs. Who knows? Maybe Ron Paul will run for Governor of Texas!!! or possibly Chuck Norris

Actual viability of Texas succession. I do believe that if Texas were to succeed, Washington DC will not allow us without a fight. I do believe that a strong possibility would come of Texans fighting the might of the US Army and all it's technology. This is not uplifting at all. Us Texans and our six-shooters would not stand a chance against that lion. However I do feel Texas would gain unexpected allies. Mexico would probably thrust support towards Texas. (I will discuss Mexico's possible role later on) Russia may very well want to form an alliance and supply us with what we need. (I wonder what strings would be attached to this though.) All in all, I do believe that if Texas goes into war with the US army, many army personnel will defect or disappear not wanting to fight. There are those who just don't have morals and will fight anyone upon orders. Any vets or current members want to comment on this possible scenario?

Mexico and Texas. It is known that Mexico wants to re-gain territory in Texas, along with Southern Cali. This could be an opportune timing to gain such control if Texans and whoever would be President is not careful. I would like to see closer alliances with Mexico, however. Trade between the two could benefit everyone. I wonder if Mexico would seize the opportunity to claim Texas militarily though. Fighting off Mexico and the US Army is an even worse scenario.

I do feel and believe that Texas does have the ability to stand on its own without Washington's dollars. Texas has more than enough citizens and Texas is a leader among technology based research and companies. Texas Instruments, Perot Systems, Micro Semiconductor, just for starters. What aspects and opinions would promote or falter Texas from standing as it's own Nation?

“Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.” - Sam Houston

but also remember his other quote:

“To secede from the Union and set up another government would cause war. If you go to war with the United States, you will never conquer her, as she has the money and the men. If she does not whip you by guns, powder, and steel, she will starve you to” - Sam Houston

[edit on 4/16/2009 by Amaxium]

If Texas (God Willing) were to secede I doubt the US Govt would raise arms. Texans are a different breed - the insurgency in Iraq would not even come close to the resistance in Texas and that is known.

Texas has the resources and income to survive on its own without Pelosi and Obama telling Texans how Texas should be run. We see what a mess both of their home states are in.

My question is, what would be best for the people of Texas? Just what benefits does staying a US State hold?

The loss of federal revenue and taxes from a state as populated as Texas? The fed would never let it happen.

I respect the resolve of Texans, but I still believe that attempted secession from the union is tantamount to treason, just as it was during the Civil War. Texas, and any other state for that matter, can't decide to be part of the union only when it is convenient.

reply to post by Phoenix2


According to the Constitution

Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.

www.law.cornell.edu...

Doesn't sound like treason to me as defined by the Constitution. However, rest assure this is pure political grandstanding. If Perry was serious he would have filed a lawsuit for every tenth amendment violation or just flat out secede, To threaten or insinuate that he will only shows me that he isn't that serious about befriending the people he sleeps with. Instead he chose to support a resolution that Congress will merely disregard.

reply to post by Amaxium


I also have to go with looking at this as nothing but tough talk from a gov who needs publicity points. Last person from TX who had an important job was named bush, is that the best your state can do? The fed govt will not let it happen, they just want you to think that it could.

This was the most overplayed **** on the news today.

Its total garbage, and this guy just needs to get reelected.

But hey, have fun with Mexico in your backyard.

So, then tell me how Texas plans to enforce their status as a sovereign state? Sounds like military force is the only option, which is tantamount to treason. I am not insinuating that him speaking of seceding is treason, but the actions required to back up that foolish plan will be. As a member of the US Military, I would hate nothing more than spilling the blood of my own countrymen and countrywomen, but if ordered by my nation, I am literally sworn to do so, and will. It would be one of the most unfortunate and heart wrenching experiences. I do not think that the governor of Texas speaks for his people or for their welfare. I think most Texans, as I, am loyal to the UNITED States of America.

reply to post by Phoenix2

then tell me how Texas plans to enforce their status as a sovereign state?

If a state secedes peacefully, where is the force. If the US sends in the military(which half are probably from Texas) then in Texas we call that SELF-DEFENSE.

Like I said, Perry is jumping on the bandwagon for votes. Whatever happened to legal remedies by the court?

news.yahoo.com...

I am no fan of Rick Perry and realize that he is merely doing a little dance to garner support for re-election, however Jim Dunnam is a *&!%-#$&!@*& propagandist.

Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco, joined by several fellow Texas House Democrats, said "some people associate talk of secession with racial division and the Civil War."

No kidding? Could it have anything to do with comments just like that? Yes.

"Talk of secession is an attack on our country. It can be nothing else. It is the ultimate anti-American statement," Dunnam said.

This kind of talk is just to brainwash people into believing that pro-secessionists are equivilent to terrorists. I'm sure Rick Perry will be singing the same tune just as soon as he wins another term in office. It's bull*&$!.

Secession is a tool of democracy. Without it, dictatorship is inevitable.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, said that by not rejecting the possibility of secession out of hand, Perry "is taking a step down a very dangerous and divisive path encouraged by the fringe of Texas politics."

So... we're either with you or we're whack nutjobs. Is it not obvious to anyone else that a secession would require support from a majority of Texans? How is the majority to be considered "the fringe"? If "the fringe" were the only ones in support of any such actions would it even be an issue? No.

$*%& Jim Dunnam.
$*%& Rodney Ellis.
$*%& Rick Perry.

$*%& all you lying %!$&-*&@&%!# politicians.

You're all playing politics at the expense of our liberty.
Go to Hell, or at least get the $*%& out of Texas.

Just wanted to give a heads up to everyone regarding HCR 50 which is in the Texas House right now. (the resolution of sovereignty).

Its been schedualed for public hearing on 4/21/09, next Tuesday so if your in Texas write your reps...

HCR 50 Info

reply to post by XTexan


X- Does it have any bite to it or is it merely something to make people feel good?

My feeling is that it does nothing to resolve the issue of the Feds abusing State rights.

What's your say?

I know it's part of the job and all that but it is a little creepy to hear that soldiers would fire upon TX citizens if for some insane reason the state seceds (i think that's spelled right). I'm sure that your statement alone ticked off people in TX and hope it will never ever get to that point. Once again, the gov is talking crap because he needs the publicity.

reply to post by jam321


I think it has potential... its got 71 supporters in the House so far, but we'll have to see.

Its more than likely a lot of BS, but I'm gonna support it just in case it gets the ball rolling on it...

What would happen to American Airlines and Continental Airlines and Southwest Airlines? Hmmmmm????

AA and WN (Southwest) are headquarted in Dallas/Ft. Worth. CO in Houston.

Not to mention EVERY OTHER Company that does interstate (or international) business. This is a can o'worms, and a pipe dream/ploy to appeal to the ignorant masses. It is a ploy bereft of any true character, and smacks slightly of racism.

There will be no need to send in the military, because we are already there. As for your conjecture that half the military is from Texas, most of them with whom I have interacted claim Texas only because the income tax benefit -- this is common with Florida also. If they were to raise arms against the US Military they will be guilty of treason, and dealt with appropriately by courts martial or their commanders.

The US Constitution states that all treaties made between the US and any other nation become the supreme law of the land. This implies that the treaty between the former nation of Texas and the USA is law. Federal law cannot be unilaterally changed by any state. Texas would have to request to be approved to be ratified out of the USA by congress and the President. Texas agreed to be bound by the US Constitution and by implication the US Code when it became a state. This due process to changing law is part of US Federal Law. Texas does not have the right or privilege to unilaterally secede from the United States of America, and should and will be bound by the laws of the USA until such time the state would be released by the union itself -- which we all know would be a cold day in Hades.

Time picks up coverage about Texas sucession talk.

What's All That Secession Ruckus in Texas?

It was the shout-out heard around the world: Texas' Republican Gov. Rick Perry's praise for his state's tea party protestors, accompanied by not-so-veiled references to a potential Lone Star State secession. The remarks prompted glaring red website headlines and instant fodder for cable TV pundits. But for Texas political insiders, Perry's waving of the flag of secession was just the latest volley in a Texas-sized Republican civil war — a face-off between Perry and his potential rival for the 2010 Republican gubernatorial nomination, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Most observers in Texas believe Hutchison will indeed challenge Perry. She has moved from being coy about her plans to being less coy about running for governor. Still, there has been no official annoucement. And so Perry has embarked on a Pavlovian political exercise: you say "Hutchison" and he says "Washington." Some Perry backers have even dubbed the 16-year senate veteran "Kay Bailout Hutchison."

Bottom of the line, so far, here are my thoughts and opinions. It would be "cool" to think of Texas standing strong as it's own independant nation. But ultimatly, there are perks to being in the Union. As long as the Union does not continue down the road the public is just now becoming aware of. HR 45 is truely a scary bill to anyone who likes to hunt or shoot for sport. In it's current form it appears (I am not a lawyer) to classify most popular modern firearms used by hunters as an assault weapon. Most semi-automatic handguns, most current shotgun configurations, Remington 7mm (c'mon it's hard enough trying to shoot with windage at 300 yards to drop a fine whitetail), etc... But, this is not a debate on HR 45 there are plenty of forums already existing on HR 45. This is just one example which I do not particularly care for.

I want to believe that all this talk is just talk to wake people up and remind DC it's role according to the Constitution and go back to it's roots. Everyone's happy, still 50 States, cheap alcomahol just accross the border. Beautiful! Perry's publicity stunt worked and brought about more attention that I think he bargained for. I do not want to vote for Perry or Hutchison. I would like to see someone else run for Govenor. Cali has Arnold, maybe we could have Chuck.

It is sad to see that military personel would draw first blood and shoot the first bullet. Typically the media paint the US Army as a "do not fire unless fired upon" retaliation self-defense stance. But at least now we all can see the true nature the Army does to an enlisted person. Phoenix2, my first friendly foe, I doubt it would ever come to this. I do not want to sucede. But, if US continues down the road and all of the sudden we are living in a Socialist military rule, I can garuntee you I would support sucession and Texas is not the only State that would attempt sucession. You will have a broad range and choice of targets to choose from besides Texans. Hopefully you do not have family in those states.

If Texas were to attempt secession, I believe it would eventually succeed. But at a high price. I think that most of us in Texas do not want to but if there is no other choice on getting out of a military rule of Socialism most would ultimatly choose to Bug Out of the Union. Then we have to consider the 2nd quote from Sam Houston in my OP.

Time will only tell what happens. Too soon to jump to any conclusions. publicity stunt achieved. Everyone knows the hairstyle of Gov. Perry now accross the world.

Originally posted by Phoenix2
So, then tell me how Texas plans to enforce their status as a sovereign state? Sounds like military force is the only option, which is tantamount to treason. I am not insinuating that him speaking of seceding is treason, but the actions required to back up that foolish plan will be. As a member of the US Military, I would hate nothing more than spilling the blood of my own countrymen and countrywomen, but if ordered by my nation, I am literally sworn to do so, and will. It would be one of the most unfortunate and heart wrenching experiences. I do not think that the governor of Texas speaks for his people or for their welfare. I think most Texans, as I, am loyal to the UNITED States of America.

You are literally sworn to the US Constitution, to follow the Law of Armed Conflict and obey lawful orders.

This whole spilling blood nonsense is inappropriate and unprofessional.

If hostilities became necessary the Pentagon would deem what would be appropriate, meaning minimum casualties, winning hearts and minds, humanitarian relief, and keeping the peace. We have CONPLANs for this. We would not go in guns blazing and killing civilians. We would only do what was necessary.

Yes I said We.

reply to post by slicobacon

Texas has the resources and income to survive on its own without Pelosi and Obama telling Texans how Texas should be run. We see what a mess both of their home states are in.

In what world do you find evidence to make such a bold statement seem true to yourself?

Texas could not survive on it's own.
Every state in this union depends on other states for trade and other types of business. Every state in this union depends on the government for aid.



...


from Xtexan

I think it has potential... its got 71 supporters in the House so far, but we'll have to see.

Its more than likely a lot of BS, but I'm gonna support it just in case it gets the ball rolling on it...

...alrighty. You have fun with that. Let us know how it goes when Mexico invades to take back their land and you got no help from the American Government Military.



[edit on 17-4-2009 by Fremd]

Oh man,you people,already talking of civil war and mindless killing
Was'nt one civil war enough...
To you gun toting texans chill out and relax in less than 4 years there is every chance
that there will be a white man back in the oval office
hey who knows maybe jeb bush could save you...