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The idea that state officials could declare themselves independent and start giving ultimatums to the federal government overnight is so far from experience and understanding that it's hard to take it seriously. [Emphasis supplied.]

You're the one retailing that fantasy. Secession was another creature entirely, and transacted at the level of the People determining their own fate, as they had, and have, every right to do.

Or will you now join your compeer in insisting that there is a superordinating principle or entity that has the right and power to tell the People the limits of their freedom and authority? And that that entity has a name and a face?

Secession was another creature entirely, and transacted at the level of the People determining their own fate, as they had, and have, every right to do.

Then it is revolution or rebellion, and hence outside, perhaps even against, the Constitution. It's likely to result in war, since just who the People are is always open to debate.

You'll most likely argue that every state is a separate "People," and that nothing larger or smaller than a state is a "People." But once you break with the Constitution, as you do break with it to "determine your own fate" outside existing constitutional constraints, all bets are off, and everything from the smallest village to the largest ethnic group can declare itself a "People" with its own destiny and right to self-determination.

Cher compère, I'm saying stay with the existing system for as long as you can and don't open up Pandora's box. One you do there's a world of pain. Not just from some higher authority, but from everyone else who wants to take up the same power that you've assumed for yourself.