[DoodleDawg]

We would have reunited, and become the United States again. But without a lot of the baggage with which we are presently saddled. We would have been a more disciplined and respectful -- and respected -- nation than what we are today.

And short of becoming the kind of economic basket case the Republic of Texas became, I can't imagine what would ever make the Southern states decide to give up their independence and subordinate themselves to the greater U.S. again.

[ought-six]

I can't imagine what would ever make the Southern states decide to give up their independence and subordinate themselves to the greater U.S. again.

They would not be subordinate; they would be equal, as was the original intent of the Constitution.