[ALPAPilot]

No state has a "natural right" to deny the natural rights of others. Geez, that is the WHOLE point of the Declaration of Independence; governments DO NOT have the right to trample upon anyone's liberties. When they do strife, violence, bloodshed follow. American knowingly trespassed upon the rights of Blacks. Jefferson knew it, Lincoln knew, Washington knew it they couldn't figure out a way to stop it and Americans paid a dear price for their sins. People can blame Lincoln, Jefferson, Davis, Lee or whoever, I don't really care.

My point has always been we had better know the Principles upon which this country was founded. They are found in the Declaration of Independence they need to be carefully read and understood. I have quoted at length from that document. No one has pointed out where or how I misunderstand its principles. Make the argument based on the text, I'm all ears.

[Cincincinati Spiritus]

I've commited the same error I'm accusing others of. However, I think we are talking past one another. Here's more of what you said:

The south had a “natural right” to secede in order to perpetuate and extend the institution of chattel slavery.

Your error is that the South only seceded to perpetuate slavery. Even if you are correct, your other error is that because the South screwed up, therefore the states have no sovereignty and we must all take whatever the feds dish out. However, it's not true. The structure of the US did not fundamentally change, at least in law. The states still are sovereign.