It's Time for a National Divorce
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a U.S. Representative from Georgia, suggested in February 2023 that it's time for the United States to start discussing a "national divorce," where red (Republican-leaning) and blue (Democratic-leaning) states would separate from each other.
Her comments reflect deepening political and cultural divides in the country, where many conservatives feel increasingly alienated by federal policies that they see as infringing on states’ rights and individual liberties.
"From the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats to the Democrat’s traitorous America Last policies, we are done."
Growing Tensions Between Texas & Feds
The idea of a national divorce, while controversial, taps into a broader sentiment among most conservatives who believe that the federal government no longer represents their interests or respects their way of life.
Texas has been at the forefront of challenging federal immigration policies, particularly under the Biden administration. The state government, led by Governor Abbott, has implemented measures like deploying the National Guard and building border barriers to counter what it views as lax federal enforcement. The conflict over immigration highlights a fundamental disagreement between Texas' desire for strict border control and the federal government's more lax approach to immigration and asylum.
Texas has clashed with the federal government over various economic regulations, including those related to environmental policies and energy production. Texas' economy relies heavily on oil, gas, and other energy resources, and federal environmental regulations are often seen as threats to the state's economic interests. The Biden administration’s emphasis on green energy and carbon reduction is at odds with Texas' commitment to its traditional energy sectors.
Texas has taken a strong stance against federal mandates on issues such as COVID-19 restrictions, gun control, and abortion. Texas passed laws that directly challenge federal policies, such as the Texas Heartbeat Act, which restricts abortion access, and open carry laws that expand gun rights.
These actions reflect the broader cultural values in Texas, which emphasize individual freedoms, self-reliance, and limited government interference. The federal government's push for more progressive policies is often seen as an imposition on Texas' traditional values.
Texas has also been at odds with the federal government over education policies, particularly regarding curriculum content related to critical race theory (CRT) and other social issues. Texas lawmakers have sought to limit the teaching of CRT and have passed legislation to ensure that public school curricula align with more conservative perspectives on history and social issues.
The Sentiment for Secession
While talk of secession in Texas has ebbed and flowed over the years, recent conflicts with the federal government have reignited discussions about the possibility of Texas becoming an independent nation.The Texas Nationalist Movement, a group advocating for Texas independence, has gained more attention as frustrations with federal policies have increased.
Texas' strong economy, cultural identity, and history of independence contribute to the argument that it could thrive as a separate nation. Supporters of secession argue that Texas could better manage its resources, control its borders, and uphold its values without federal interference.
Despite the growing sentiment, there are significant legal and political challenges to secession. The U.S. Constitution does not provide a clear path for a state to secede, and any attempt to do so would likely face strong opposition both domestically and internationally. While the Texas Nationalist Movement has already collected enough signatures to put the question of Texas secession on the ballot for public consideration, it is facing pushback from within the Republican Party to block the question from going to a vote.
