Exactly. Every time someone calls for them to secede, I remind people of that fact. They would go from being a propaganda and cultural beachhead, to being a physical beachhead and military stronghold. Chicomms would come pouring in with money, military equipment, manpower. Welcomed with open arms by the communists running CA.
A dangerous position, and would force some very clearcut and difficult choices. ( Go to physical war with, even bomb a former part of our own country? With many relatives of US citizens living there?) And once again we would be bitterly divided, with patriots knowing we would have to, and leftists in certain parts of the country clamoring for peace.
People need to understand that having California break off doesn’t mean all our problems are solved and we can live in peace. Would probably just mean the conflict takes the form of a conventional war instead of a civil war., while still facing bitter divisions in the rest of the country
Wisely said !