Thirty years from now the map will be different

Many people, especially those who study history and the history of empires, believe the map of the U.S. will look different 20 to 30 years from now. They know that ALL empires break up. Empires break up for many reasons, including moral decay, a debasement of the currency, and attack from outside their borders.

Many people in America want out now. As you can read in this article, there a many candidates in Vermont who want to split off from the empire, I mean the U.S. In fact, there are active secessionist movements in 33 states. So go down to the local CVS or Walgreen's and buy a $5 map of the U.S. and write "2010" on it. Thirty years from now, you can pull it out and show your kids and grandkids, telling them that "this is what America used to look like."

What states we can secede? The Declaration of Independence, of course. In the second paragraph it says that if the government doesn't serve you, you have a right to abolish it and start a new form of government. I'm ready!

Happy Secession Day!

When the people in America seceded from Great Britain in 1776, they exercised a right that is fundamental to liberty. Today, as you have hot dogs, soda, or a cold beer or two, remind your kids, friends, and spouse that the second paragraph of the document we are celebrating says that Texas can secede. The Declaration of Independence states: ". . . whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government . . . "

I'm ready for the Lone Star State again. With well over 20 million people, a nice big port, oil, and lots of farm land, Texas would do well nicely as its own independent republic again. At least we would have one benign neighbor (Mexico).

Can Texas secede?

Every July 4th, we celebrate a document that states Texas, or any state, can secede from the United States: "whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and institute new government . . ."

What if an overwhelming majority of Texans voted to leave the United States? Would the U.S. let us go? After all, we could easily survive on our own. We have over 22 million people, which is a lot more than dozens of countries. We have a productive port, the Port of Houston, and an economy that could thrive without the rest of the U.S. dragging us down.

What if the overwhelming majority of Texans said: "you know, we've had enough of high taxes, military spending and an over aggressive foreign policy, limits on our personal liberty, crummy roads and crummy public education, etc. etc." Would the U.S. let us go? NO! The rest of the U.S. would not let us go, and would use military force to keep us in. But how could they, since they celebrate a document every year that says we can?

Because Mr. Lincoln's War took secession away. Even though every delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 believed secession was a fundamental right and important for liberty, it was taken away by the Civil War. That event was a watershed moment in American History. Now, unchecked by the threat of secession, the federal government could grow dramatically (and boy, did it ever!).