Would you let a US State cecede?

[viper37]

Question only for Americans, obviously, inspired by the 100 or so Texans from the Texas Nationalist movement.

So, it's 1861 all over again, and some States wants to quit the Union, on some issue or another.  Except we're now in 2012, and we're supposed to be civilized.  That, and some northerners seem fed up with the pro-GOP states.

So a State or some States want to cecede, now.  They have held popular assembly, there is a firm democratic resolve in these states behind the idea of independance.

If it were up to you&only you, would you let them secede?  Why?  Assume it's not your state of residence or origin.

[Barrister]

Yes they have the right to secede.  But yes it has to be negotiated (in good faith) and can not be done unilaterally.

[CountDeMoney]

No.
But I would provide them with the addresses of the closest international consulates, for all their immigration needs.



edit:  And naturally, the Canuckitard lawyer steps in with an answer for a "Question only for Americans".

[Barrister]

edit:  And naturally, the Canuckitard lawyer steps in with an answer for a "Question only for Americans".

Naturally.

[jimmy olsen]

No.

[Razgovory]

No country would survive if people could split it up every time they don't get their way.

[Eddie Teach]

In 1861, sure. Now, no way.

It's a silly hypothetical anyway, as I doubt you could find 10% of the population in support of secession anywhere in the country. Certainly not on the basis of these overwrought "red state/blue state" divisions. Nothing like the case where the South Carolina's legislature voted unanimously to leave the union. You're comparing apples and radioactive grapefruit.

[Razgovory]

What makes it better in 1861?

[Eddie Teach]

What makes it better in 1861?

The fact that there were much greater divisions within the country and that they were largely dependent upon geography.

[Valmy]

Yes they have the right to secede.  But yes it has to be negotiated (in good faith) and can not be done unilaterally.

There is no right to secede.  If they did have a right to secede then your second sentence wouldn't be true.

According to the Declaration of Independence secession can only be undertaken legitimately if the individual rights of the people are being abused somehow.

[viper37]

It's a silly hypothetical anyway,

Dude, remind me where we are again?   We discussed warp drives, colonization of distant planets, who would win, etc, etc.

[CountDeMoney]

There is no right to secede.

That's right;  there was a ratification process that was publicly debated at great length.  NO TAKE BACKS

[Razgovory]

What makes it better in 1861?

The fact that there were much greater divisions within the country and that they were largely dependent upon geography.

There were greater divisions, but they lousy reasons.  "We lost an election", is not a good reason to tear the country apart.  Not now, not then.

[viper37]

According to the Declaration of Independence secession can only be undertaken legitimately if the individual rights of the people are being abused somehow.

but who would determine if those rights were abused?

[CountDeMoney]

It's a silly hypothetical anyway,

Dude, remind me where we are again?   We discussed warp drives, colonization of distant planets, who would win, etc, etc.

DONT FORGET INTERGALACTIC AIRCRAFT CARRIERS