The New Secessionists

Shooters, Ron Holland is the most reading fun I’ve had since discovering C. S. Stirling, and a couple of more articles like the last two may set that mark back to C. Northcote Parkinson. Dear glory, a man who writes elegant prose, has a brilliantly logical mind, and understands the true causes of the War of the Rebellion?! I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he keeps goats, smokes, and had served with the French Foreign Legion or with our guys in Viet Nam as a gunny, making him practically perfect if anything happens to my darling Charles. (I know…odd, the things ladies find attractive…)

Ron also introduced a subject I have been itching to discuss here for at least six months, bless him.

Strangely enough, given that paean, I’m going to begin by disagreeing with my new candidate for hero. He wrote, “We need to forget the causes of the earlier War Between the States, regional differences, slavery, tariffs and other related issues.”

No, no, dear man, we must not forget the causes of the First War of the Rebellion because we are still at odds over precisely the same issues. We still have very strong regional differences and an even larger one of city rats and illegals vs. country mice; slavery now comes in the form of wage and welfare plantation, tariffs are still a big issue (see my modest archived discussion of the nasty jump in the price of tires), and consider that now, as then, the root cause was a corrupt, big money-controlled Congress that had out-run what it could confiscate from the citizens easily. Two ways of solving the problem occurred to the in-crowd back then, the first being to declare that the western border of the US was the Mississippi River permanently and pluck those caged off at their leisure, while the second was to conquer and rape the Southern states which were the wealthy area at that time.

A population-dense industrial nation expected to find the less-populated agrarian portion of the nation far easier pickings than they turned out to be, a mistake Washington continues to make in backwaters ranging from Viet Nam to Afghanistan.

Slavery was being phased out as quickly as was feasible primarily because slaves are the most expensive–and least productive–form of labor, and let us not forget that all of the slavers were Yankees, who not only had virtually all the shipping but a great many slaves themselves. Yankees are the ones who came up with a solution to King Cotton’s demand for employees; we didn’t like it, but we had no alternative; everybody down here was already working. Lincoln’s (in)famous “Emancipation Proclamation” didn’t free a single slave in Yankee-held territory and it didn’t free any in the South at the time, either. I am not a fan of the original Illinois politico (or any of his successors), and Lincoln used the slavery issue cynically for emotional effect and spin. READ his opinion of blacks; it is well documented. (Ronald and Donald Kennedy’s The South Was Right is meticulously documented and official correspondence between Lincoln and his generals will turn your stomachs. Their idea, carried out brilliantly in war efforts and “Reconstruction” was to beat the South so far into submission that it would never recover. They were quite successful.) Ah, yesss, the Rothschilds and similar friends have made out well for centuries by funding both sides of wars while Krupps et al. provided munitions to both combatants and both stirred up conflict. That’s why I suggested investing in “defense” stocks in “Juggling Act.”

There is, indeed, a large and growing feeling that fiscal and cultural sanity can be regained only by going our separate ways. North Carolina has a vigorous movement, as do other South’n states and the Montana-Idaho-Wyoming-Utah area, and even Hawaii wants Liliuokalani’s throne and Iolani Palace back. (Chuckle…I say give it to ‘em. An island kingdom 5,000 miles from anywhere that has been firmly under the control of Democrats and the Japanese for half a century is something we need to support about as much as we do southern California.)

There is a very easy, obvious solution to getting the ball rolling, and if there is anything we have an amplitude of at present it is snow, literally and figuratively.

Pay close attention now, because the facts I am going to give you–and they are facts–are not in any of the history books the winners have written for 150 years. Gentle smile…sounds like a good anniversary to celebrate, to me. Quite a few states would like the simple no-fault divorce the South asked for last time, but Texas has an advantage. We’ve only been living in sin all these years. That’s right: we weren’t married, or, to stop being colorful, Texas has never been a legal part of “those United States.”

1. The Republic of Texas is not, has never been, and could never have been admitted legally to the USA. There is no provision in the Constitution for annexing or admitting another nation. True, there was an unconstitutional Bill drafted to do so, but it has been buried in committee for many a long decade and had a time clause in it. No one has ever dared bring it out for obvious political reasons.

2. Our flag does not fly at the same height as that of the US in recognition of the fact that we “were” once a sovereign nation or to advertise a failing amusement park, Six Flags Over Texas, but because we are still one, albeit under occupation since about six months after the rest of the South submitted. (I started to replace “one” with a more precise “sovereign nation,” but realized that our capitol, Austin, is also a failing amusement park. And we still went into the present deepening depression last and have felt the effects least.)

3. Our current Capitol building was constructed in 1939, and in the Great Rotunda is an enormous, splendid marble and brass mosaic that proclaims proudly “The Republic of Texas.” Once again, that wasn’t “history,” it is how a lot of us see the matter. Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnston reposes in the adjoining cemetery. That was when what you think of as the “Texas” flag was foisted upon us. The true Republic of Texas flag, the Burnett, a single golden star on a field of blue, flies in front of the ranch house and quite a few other places. I don’t tilt at windmills or I would prepare a brochure to hand yahoos who fly the US flag above the false flag on a single pole.

Hopeful look. Is anyone expostulating, “Now, Mrs. Traynham, all of that was long ago and isn’t relevant?”

How relevant are treaties–nations deal with each other by treaty, as you should have learned in Civics classes, if those are still taught–between the Republic of Texas and the US? How relevant is the decision of a Federal Judge? He takes himself pretty seriously and as far as I know he is still behind the bench over in West Texas. Is 2004 recent enough for you?! Yes, indeed, you may not have heard about it through the MSM, but in this century that splendid gentleman ordered the Feds “to cease and desist hostilities against the land and people of the Republic of Texas.” The Washington gang didn’t do it–regulations and taxes being very hostile, indeed, to say nothing of troops quartered on our soil–but they went back to D. C. a very unhappy bunch.

Some of you have read my remarks about the project I was engaged upon when I realized we had better shelve it because my analysis said that we were going to have either The Greater Depression or dictatorship before we completed the last two steps (three, if you count a wide-spread education effort) to free our nation. The RoT was it. I had reached the point of preparing a packet for volunteers covering the twenty top concerns of most citizens, and in every instance the answer is “Restore the Republic.” If it will amuse you, send me your question on how an independent Republic of Texas operating under a real, unsullied Constitution would improve the lives of all those who are honest, law-abiding, hard-working, and oppressed under current conditions.

Take heart, America, in how close we are. ALL that need be done is a Resolution from the Legislature calling for a public vote on the matter, and to conduct that vote. If we have a successful outcome Texas will cease to be a “for profit corporation” subsidiary to the for profit corporation known as the federal government. (Look them up in Dun & Bradstreet, along with the Federal Reserve.) We will revert instantly to the 1837 Constitution which has been updated very slightly and quite legally to allow suffrage for females and non-whites. Well over a hundred taxes and millions of pages of regulations will be rendered null and void immediately. (One slight problem is to keep the first Legislature elected and sworn in from restoring a bunch of in-crowd regulations wholesale and thoughtlessly. See Tex Norton’s upcoming article on how and why regulations are promulgated.)

The new President–who will not be the current governor unless he or she runs for that position and wins–will have a mansion and a salary of $10,000/year! The cream of the jest is that the new Legislature cannot raise salaries effective during their terms of office. We’ve got good stuff in our Constitution. For another example, it says simply that we have to come up with a plan to educate children, and it doesn’t say a thing about forbidding prayer or teaching fifth- graders the joys of sex. I’ve got a great plan for educating the children; I figure I can volunteer to be Secretary of Education and have all half dozen choices parents will have up and running in two weeks, at which point I will resign. No salary, no staff, set it up and let it work from home-schooling to on-line schooling to private schools to smiling sweetly and telling local neighborhoods that if they want traditional “free” neighborhood schools, by all means fund them out of their personal budgets no longer subject to income tax, sales tax, gasoline taxes, cigarette taxes, or property taxes. Nothing in life is free, people.

We have just a few possibilities for President that a lot of Texans (or “Texians,” in ancient parlance) might be excited about, including Dr. Ron Paul and a conservative writer who has a ranch not far from mine, a fellow named Chuck Norris. It could be that Ross Perot could make a comeback, I suppose…

If you look at the Red vs. Blue map you will discover–no surprise–that the Bluebellies hold the major cities and the area which has been invaded by Mexicans. The Red has everything else. Yes, we tend to vote Democrat but that is ancient rebellion against “the party of Lincoln.” In all save the big cities we’re a conservative, old-fashioned, pretty self-sufficient bunch. When I was a girl we called ourselves “conservative states-rights Democrats” rather than Republicans to differentiate ourselves from the “Progressives.”

We have a year before the next Legislature meets, and a useful pastime will be seeking candidates who are receptive to the notion of disentangling ourselves from an arrogant, oppressive government (two of them, actually), and starting over. Reclaiming our freedom is do-able. If I hadn’t thought so I wouldn’t have spent over a year working out details.

If we gain our independence again Texas will become, overnight, the ninth richest country in the world. Not only can we claim a 200-mile limit for oil exploration through international law, but we have a Supreme Court Decision that says the same thing–and the railroad commission controls such funds with schools having first call. There will be lots left over. We have deep water ports and nuclear facilities, tourism, wineries, and many miles of golden corn we won’t turn into Ethanol. We have plenty of gas and sweet, light crude left; the problem at present is Greenie legislation and transportation to refineries, which we also have. Texas has far more than our “fair share” of small farms and ranches, major universities, superb medical and vetinerary schools, and our own distinctive culture. There isn’t any good way for the US to pack up a few handy airbases when we toss their minions over our borders with jovial civility. We have the only independent power grid and several vast wind farms. We even have salt domes which hold “strategic reserves,” although my numerous oil friends tell me that it will be a miracle if 25% of the contents can be recovered, and Washington can try suing us in our courts if it wants first dibs on them.

Courts? Our Constitution calls for a series of common law courts. To simplify, all that is needed to try most cases is an elected Judge/Justice, half a dozen citizens gathered at random, no lawyers allowed, and the decision of the Jury is final. No lengthy waits, no incessant appeals…and one of my bright little ideas is that we outsource prisons for anything more complicated than sleeping it off over night in the drunk tank to Mexico. This would be extraordinarily cost-effective (not that the Republic of Texas Constitution calls for coddling criminals and terrorists, and it certainly does not mandate “Miranda” warnings), and most instructive. Mexican jails are exceptionally unpleasant places, that being the point of incarceration. Recidivism rates for the survivors should be very low; in addition being sentenced for crimes of violence will carry automatic revocation of citizenship if some of us persuade the rest. Let those who are inclined moan over lousy childhoods and evil companions elsewhere because real Texans believe we are responsible for our own actions. Golly…that would mean we didn’t need parole boards or parole officers, either, further reducing the payroll…and our stance will be that Social Security checks–but not taxes–will be enforceable contracts between the US and citizens of the Republic of Texas. Our Constitution calls specifically for minting our own gold and silver money–and the first serious country to revert to the gold standard will have a commanding role in world politics. Everything that needs doing can be funded handily by a 15% tax on non-resident corporations and a 10% tax for two years on those who apply for citizenship.

The breakup of any long-term relationship is at best painful and expensive. At worst it is messy and violent. The advantage the North held last time in terms of armaments was nothing compared to the current disparity between citizens and governments the Founding Fathers dreaded would come to be. Last time, until “we” had access to arms captured on the field of battle, fortunate Southerners used the accurate sniper rifles made by Whitworth, in England, while Lincoln had the precursor to the Winchester, went to the trials for the Spencer repeating rifle and got it into the field, as well as the Colt revolving rifle, Sharps made his sniper guns, and he had Dahlgreens and Parrot to cast canons. A descendant of Dahlgreens’ technology of exterior banding to strengthen barrels is in use currently. Texas is at the same apparent disadvantage multiplied many times.

Think long and well, fellow citizens, before deciding that we cannot, in conscience and in self-preservation, do other than echo Patrick Henry. IS life so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!

Those are the words which preceded “As for me, give me liberty or give me death.” It is highly unlikely that Pharoah will let the people go in peace this time, either. It is certain that should hostilities develop once again those who do not care one way or the other will be caught in the middle. Yes, I agree with Mr. Holland that secession is the most efficient way out of the fiat currency mess and many others, but I cannot see it as an “easy” way out. I must point out as calmly as one can say such a thing that a government which staged the tragedy at Waco under the code name “Operation Showboat” might well not eschew a homegrown version of Tienamen Square if it feels threatened.

Despite the strictures of Janet Napolitano and her ilk I do not regard myself as a Bible-thumping, gun-toting domestic terrorist. I love my country and I love our heritage. A primary reason I write is because those of us who can see most clearly what American can be do so from firm grounding in what America was. If left to my own devices I would raise cattle and goats, be happy, and do private charitable good works. All I have ever asked is laissez faire and common sense.

A diplomatic solution is at hand; all the Feds have to do is abide by the court order while we have our vote unsupervised and we will all see whether ending our version of apartheid could be a rousing success. There are at least face-saving legal grounds for acquiescing while Texas and Hawaii strike out on their own. Perhaps, given a fair vote, the preponderance of citizens will come down on the side of enormous, intrusive government. A lot of us have the nerve to put the issue to a test.

Still, I fear that the growing call for secession is on the order of nuclear deterrence, which thus far has deterred nothing but nuclear wars. Heavy sigh…we’re talking about a different sort of nuclear fission, the desire of the nucleus to throw off the useless atoms which have attached themselves to our core principles. I’m no Neville Chamberlain, but the wrath of those who hold the US Constitution prisoner must be taken seriously. That is a question for individuals, whether or not “we hold these truths to be self-evident.”

There is, indeed, a large and growing feeling that fiscal and cultural sanity can be regained only by going our separate ways.

Which is another way of saying the Constitution was a mistake. I agree with that. Not sure about completely separate ways. We benefit greatly from being a federal union. We should return to that model. Ditch the supreme national government. Ditch "mixed sovereignty". Return to a confederation of states.

By the way, the Confederate Constitution was a joke. It wasn't even a confederacy! It was a consolidated national government just as bad as ours!

A constitutional convention is the forum whereby the people can change their government. The fact that you are unwilling to hold such a convention demonstrates that self-government, in your own opinion, is futile. If you don't trust the people, who can you trust?

That said, in my view, a convention would also be the avenue to secession. Set the ratification requirements accordingly, and if you don't like what you get, don't ratify. Then you're out of the union.

The way things are going these days, secession and/or another civil war may be the only way to fix what’s been going on. Our last chance is in November, and if we do not vote people into Congress who respect the Constitution, then we might just as well find a way to bring the whole thing down.

The Constitution is only a problem because of the constant diddling with it. One good example is the 17th Amendment. When we supposedly gave the people direct election of Senators, we effectively surrendered them to the control of the National political parties. Originally, Senators were selected by the State legislatures, which made them accountable to the people back home via their elected representatives, and they were expected to look out for the State’s interests.

I don’t know about you, but I could not get close to my Senator much less engage her in conversation or even get her to listen to my concerns much less get a meaningful answer. Same goes for my State legislators.

A Constitutional Convention would be an unmitigated disaster in my view, because too many extremists who do not have the best interests of the Country in mind would have direct access to the very document that we base our whole society on. I’d rather fight the libs in the streets first.

If you don't trust the people, who can you trust?

I certainly don't want to contradict myself, but I will say this:

I like self government. I do trust the people.
But between public education and the Left-dominated media, I'm not sure the people would get a fair opportunity to understand their own self-interest. Saying so does not invalidate the position that "self government is good".

I believe that a Constitutional Convention would be dominated by professional politicians (Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, Olympia Snowe, John McCain, etc) and that private citiziens (Joe the Plumber, Sarah Palin, Huck, ClearCase_Guy, etc.) would be squeezed out.

The resulting document would be trumpeted by Chris Matthews and Jay Leno as the best thing ever, and would probably be ratified by NY, CA, MI and MA pretty quickly. With that kind of momentum, I bet a lot of other states would quickly follow.

The risks are too great. Our current Constitution isn't perfect but it lays out a framework of limited government, and it is still a fine idea. I look at the world around me and I see that the problem is with the men in power and the voters who put them there. The content of our current Constitution is NOT central to our current problems, IMO.

I like self government. I do trust the people. But between public education and the Left-dominated media, I'm not sure the people would get a fair opportunity to understand their own self-interest. Saying so does not invalidate the position that "self government is good".

I'm not trying to hassle you, and I do appreciate your thoughtful reply, but I have to say, I think it DOES invalidate your position. We have to deal in reality. You can't say you believe in self-government, so long as it's not with the actual people. Theoretical people, yes. Real people, no. It doesn't work.

I wouldn't expect to be a delegate. The original convention was comprised of professional politicians, as well. Hell, in the original process, the people didn't even get to vote on the Constitution--that was done by state convention. We the people? Don't make me laugh.

In other words, the people are stupid and can be easily mislead. I might agree with you there, but it doesn't do much to bolster the self-government argument.

The risks are too great. Our current Constitution isn't perfect but it lays out a framework of limited government, and it is still a fine idea.

This is where I strongly disagree. The Constitution lays out a framework for national consolidated government. It does not accomplish its stated objectives of "few and defined" powers. Article 3 blows the whole thing out of the water.

Anyway, I'm not arguing that the product of a modern Convention would be superior to what we have (it would most likely make explicit the implicit powers that already exist.) I'm arguing that it's the proper route to the exit. Simply don't ratify it, and withdraw from the union.

I think the biggest problem with a Constitutional Convention is there are no longer any God-fearing educated men that are smart enough to do a better job than the original.

I think you are probably correct. The problem is that no one on "our" side is even seriously considering the question. All you get is moony love-odes to the founders, and to the Federalists, even though they were gravely mistaken about many things. Mixed sovereignty, the supreme judiciary, implied powers, etc.

All the way down to the grass roots, it is impossible for people to imagine a better system. They just rattle on absurdly about how great it would be "if only" people would follow the Constitution. As if everything that has occurred hasn't occurred under the Constitution.

AHHHHH! I see! I would strongly endorse such an approach.

The key would be setting the terms of ratification. And if a state didn't like the agreed terms of ratification, they could walk out of the convention and be done with it. They would need foreign support in case of trouble. They'd have to go to Russia or China or someplace and form an alliance as protection against aggression from the new US system.

The founders who forged our revolution against Britain, and then forged the revolution of consolidation (The Constitution) were THE players in America. The rich, the powerful, the famous. Middle class people like us won't make such a change occur. We don't know the right people. We're too busy making a living. It's really just a fantasy. But personally, I'd love to get out from under the Constitution and have an opportunity to make something better.

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