[hirn_man]

" What business did the founders have to sever their ties to mother England? Why is the authority to sever ties with Britain valid, but not the authority for the south to sever ties with the Union?"

The colonists exercised their "right to revolution"(recognized in the declaration of independence). They took chances. If they had lost treason and the gallows awaited them.

The south could of exercised their "right to revolution", but they chose to exercise some unrecognized "right to secession". Once again read Jackson's proclamation to South Carolina.

When you start a revolution, you get held accountable for losing or if you are lucky you get termed "patriot" by the new country you have formed.

[exmarine]

Yes, I have changed my mind since my earlier posts on secession after encountering some good arguments in this forum. I can no longer be so dogmatic about the right to secede.