Should American States be allowed to hold referendums on leaving the Union?

Poll - Total Votes: 13

Yes, each state has sovereign territorial rights and a right to self-determination.

No, the last time it was attempted was in 1860 and it failed.

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DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F

All I know is that Texas has tried to secede before and they're about the closest to being their own country. They suck. Their energy grid is always failing (they don't rely on the US government grid), their infrastructure is crumbling, they have privatized everything which means there are fees for literally every little thing you can think of, and there are little to NO building code regulations or zoning laws, which means you may buy a shoddy-built house in a seemingly quiet neighborhood only to have your neighbor turn his house into a noisy nightclub- and there is nothing you can do about it.

If that's your idea of quality of life, be my guest. But I will pass.

RocktheHouse · M

@DearAmbellina2113 If the people of Texas choose to live under a capitalistic system with little government interference, shouldn't that be their right? Who am I - a mere Georgian to exert authority over the great people of the long star state?

DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F

@RocktheHouse as I said- if that's what they like, they can have it. I'll pass tho.

LeopoldBloom · M

There is no constitutional mechanism for secession. Joining the union is permanent. Texas v. White established this in 1869. There are a few crackpot theories that the states can legally secede, but these have no valid basis. If nothing else, by ratifying the Constitution, the states accept the authority of Supreme Court decisions.

Of course, if a state did secede and the federal government took no action, that would amount to an unconstitutional act. Same if a county, city, or house seceded.

RocktheHouse · M

@LeopoldBloom Constitutionally, sucession may be impossible. However, the will of the people may supersede the constitution. Many Americans are unnerved by failed government policies that are keeping us in a cycle of economic confusion. 401Ks are so low right now that people in their 70s are contemplating on coming out of retirement; in fact, many are doing so. People just don't know what's around the corner. Another world war... nuclear war? And the thing is, it doesn't have to be this way if Americans would stop meddling in foreign affairs and get our own house in order.

LeopoldBloom · M

@RocktheHouse Maybe if the conservatives hadn't wasted trillions meddling in Iraq or Afghanistan. And if you think we shouldn't be helping the Ukrainians, they're doing the fighting for us. Anyone who doesn't see the value of stopping Putin is either a stooge or an idiot.

Any state attempting to secede would be a bloodbath. If the MAGA freaks in my state tried it, I'd fight on the side of the federal government. At best, you might be able to carve out a small area if it was remote enough and no one felt it was worth the effort to dislodge you. Kind of like those idiots who captured the federal building in Malheur County, Oregon a few years ago.

However, nothing would stop a mutually agreed-upon secession. The only issues would be transferring the seceding state's portion of the national debt, and coming up with a fair price for federal property (like military bases) in that state.

Oh, you thought your state could just declare independence? It doesn't work that way. Look at the discussions around Quebec independence if you want to get an idea of how difficult and complex it would be. If you think your 401(k) is bad now, it would be zero after secession.

Stargazer89

Yup. Imagine if the southern states could actually break away again. State's rights would win and we'd be able to have a secure hoarder, no abortions, gay marriage and whatever else liberals push

LeopoldBloom · M

@Stargazer89 Won’t happen. Not everyone in the South is a traitor. But if you want to live in a country with no abortion or gay marriage, you can always emigrate to Iran.

Ontheroad · M

Let them hold their referendums... I look at those who want to like I do special needs children. They need a safe place to play where they will won't be a harm to themselves and others.

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