On this Secession Talk

I’m sure most of you have heard that 20 states are gathering signatures to have their states secede from the Union. First of all let me assuage your fears: no, it won’t happen. After the civil war, the states were signed back into the union under an amendment stating that they would never be allowed to secede again with a few exceptions, such as Texas. (God, I love Texas!) That said, it doesn’t not eliminate the possibility of another War of Secession. (Which is not the same as a civil war; I will explain the difference in a note if you need clarification on the differences in the two.) I see this as highly unlikely, but not totally impossible.

Do I think that the states should secede? Well, honestly, in at least some cases, I do. Texas has a balanced budget; why should it be forced to help the nation with its debts? I suppose some sense of unity and camaraderie could be called into play, but honestly, I find that unfair. Conversely, with as many enemies as we as a nation have, I also don’t see the point in making us a smaller, and therefore potentially weaker, target (or group of targets) to anyone seeking invasion. While a state no longer part of our union could have some pact of mutual protection (as well as likely trade agreements) with the rest of the Union, it begs the question of why secede in the first place?

Economically speaking, secession might actually be good. Having to remake currency might force us back into a reduction of the amount of currency in circulation (which cuts back inflation) and into having something (i.e.. gold) backing our currency again, which would raise the value of the dollar (or whatever comparable currency is issued) in a new coalition of states and through trade agreements could help boost the value of the dollar in the states remaining in the union.

In the end, I think it comes down to what is mutually beneficial to all parties. If the seceding states formed a new union or unions with each other, it could potentially work, but arguments can be made for the harm that it would do too.

Of course it’s all speculation. It may turn out fine; it may be the end of us all. Personally, I say let them go their own way. But I’m speaking from a constitutional/historical opinion when I say that. And, since my state is one of the ones petitioning for secession, a bit of the old anarchist creeps in a says "bring it on".

On a side note, I feel a bit more optimism in the idea of secession than I do in the idea that we keep this same government that has been failing since the 1840’s going. Just me though.

That’s my penny and a half on the matter. You want the other half of a cent, you’ll have to ask nicely.

Peace,
CCG