Background

This Texas legislative session, State Rep Bryan Slaton (R-Greenville) filed H.B. 3569, which, if passed, would place a referendum on the 2024 election ballot to decide “whether or not the State should investigate the possibility of Texas independence, and present potential plans to the Legislature.”

Admittedly, this bill itself does nothing more than start a conversation about secession and perhaps demonstrates the state’s displeasure with the federal government, but what it does do is create controversy about the legality of Texas secession. Here’s why Texas can secede.

Consent of the Governed

The preeminent idea of the American way of governance is that the governing body derives its power solely from the consent of the governed. All subsequent principles follow this fact, and if a government loses that consent, it also loses its power—no, its right—to govern.

Consequently, if Texans no longer offer their consent to the dominion of Washington, it is their fundamental and God-given right to take that power back. The federal government’s refusal to recognize Texas secession would be nothing short of tyranny.

Popular Sovereignty

If independence is what Texans want, then they should have it. It is as simple as that. After all, don’t we, as Americans, support “democracy” above all else or just when the decisions of the people align with our own political beliefs?

A Tyrant’s Law Only Applies to His Subjects

The main argument I see journalists and politicians use to dispute the right of Texas—or any state for that matter—to secede form the union is usually the precedent setting ruling of Texas v White.

However, this argument ignores a fundamental fact about the inherent nature of secession or an independence movement. The seceding country will no longer be subject to the rules of the nation they are seceding from! That is, quite literally, the entire point of gaining independence. Federal law becomes irrelevant the instant a seceding body declares itself so, including Texas v White.

What Really Matters

Since the federal legality of Texas secession is irrelevant, and ultimately, Texas, and every other state, can secede; I believe the following questions are far more important. What would the federal government do if Texas does decide to leave? Would they be willing to go to war against her? Would the American people be willing to sacrifice their sons to stop Texas’ independence? What would other states do, specifically those that share the same values as Texas, if the federal government did militarily act? Finally and most importantly, should Texas secede? Yes, Texas and the rest of the South could and should follow common sense and declare independence.

Become a Cavalier, and we can make Southern independence a reality.