Debate it all you want. Secession as practiced by the southern states violated the Constitution. What are you planning on doing about it? People are challenging Roe v. Wade all the time, without success so far but that doesn't stop them from continuing to try. So how will you challenge Texas v. White.
I think we can agree that a SCOTUS decision, while carrying the weight of law, can be in error. Dred Scott, Plessy v Ferguson, and Roe v Wade are some examples. Does Texas v White fall into that category?
I agree with your contention that Supreme Court decisions can be in error. I disagree with your belief that Texas v. White falls into that category.
Don’t try to tell me that SCOTUS has decided secession is illegal.
As I believe I have stated several times, the Supreme Court has not decided secession is illegal. Secession with the agreement of the states is completely legal. Secession as practiced by the southern states, i.e. walking out without discussion, is not.
And yes, the states are the legally sovereign entities, at least in the original conception of the FedGov.
Only if you make up your own definition of 'sovereign'. States are separate political entities. The Constitution vests in them many powers, specific and implied. They can pretty much run their own show within their own borders and the federal government, for the most part, can't interfere. But they are not sovereign in the generally accepted political definition of the word.
For example, the state of Virginia, prior to the ratification of the Constitution, had the power to negotiate treaties with foreign governments.
Not without consent of Congress they didn't.
The Feds only have said power because the states gave it to them. Thus, the state governments are a higher power than the Fed.
The Supremacy clause would dispute that.
I said “in the original conception” above because I realize that our political system has evolved away from this concept.
Or at least in your opinion.
Challenge it as Victor's Justice.
Fact is, Texas v. White is becoming meaningless as you can see nightly in Portland.
What had meaning in Bismarck's day (probably coined by the ole rail-splitter) still has relevance for you today: any argument is adequate if one has the majority of bayonets.