The White House officially responds to secessionists

[TaraJo]

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/respons...ain-united

Our States Remain United
By Jon Carson

Thank you for using the White House's online petitions platform to participate in your government.

In a nation of 300 million people -- each with their own set of deeply-held beliefs -- democracy can be noisy and controversial. And that's a good thing. Free and open debate is what makes this country work, and many people around the world risk their lives every day for the liberties we often take for granted.

But as much as we value a healthy debate, we don't let that debate tear us apart.

Our founding fathers established the Constitution of the United States "in order to form a more perfect union" through the hard and frustrating but necessary work of self-government. They enshrined in that document the right to change our national government through the power of the ballot -- a right that generations of Americans have fought to secure for all. But they did not provide a right to walk away from it. As President Abraham Lincoln explained in his first inaugural address in 1861, "in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual." In the years that followed, more than 600,000 Americans died in a long and bloody civil war that vindicated the principle that the Constitution establishes a permanent union between the States. And shortly after the Civil War ended, the Supreme Court confirmed that "[t]he Constitution, in all its provisions, looks to an indestructible Union composed of indestructible States."

Although the founders established a perpetual union, they also provided for a government that is, as President Lincoln would later describe it, "of the people, by the people, and for the people" -- all of the people. Participation in, and engagement with, government is the cornerstone of our democracy. And because every American who wants to participate deserves a government that is accessible and responsive, the Obama Administration has created a host of new tools and channels to connect concerned citizens with White House. In fact, one of the most exciting aspects of the We the People platform is a chance to engage directly with our most outspoken critics.

So let's be clear: No one disputes that our country faces big challenges, and the recent election followed a vigorous debate about how they should be addressed. As President Obama said the night he won re-election, "We may have battled fiercely, but it's only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future."

Whether it's figuring out how to strengthen our economy, reduce our deficit in a responsible way, or protect our country, we will need to work together -- and hear from one another -- in order to find the best way to move forward. I hope you'll take a few minutes to learn more about the President's ideas and share more of your own.

Jon Carson is Director of the Office of Public Engagement

I didn't think that would go very far. I was right.

[Annik]

I don't know what the fuck these people where thinking.

[Minimalist]

"Thinking" is never very high on the right-wing's list of activities, my dear.

[Annik]

Indeed, in this case. I was so confused to see similar sentiments on my facebook. Have none of them taken a government class? Fuck, have any of them taken a history class?

[CapnAwesome]

It's funny how people are treating these online petitions. Just because you can get an officially reply from some intern at the white house doesn't change what it is. A fucking online petition.

"Well 30,000 Texans signed an online petition, I guess they aren't part of the Union anymore." Give me a break.

[Jackalope]

I so wanted the official response to include more pointing and laughing.

[TaraJo]

It's funny how people are treating these online petitions. Just because you can get an officially reply from some intern at the white house doesn't change what it is. A fucking online petition.

"Well 30,000 Texans signed an online petition, I guess they aren't part of the Union anymore." Give me a break.

Yeah, the only thing the White House has said about the petitions is that they will respond to any petition that gets a certain number of signatures. They hit that point, so they followed through and responded.

Even if 30,000 Texans did sign it, what then? I hate to tell them this, but 30,000 is just a drop in the bucket compared to the state population. If we put it up for popular vote, I'm more than willing to bet most people in Texas would rather stay a part of the US. Even moreso for Lousiana (which seemed to be the state that was specifically mentioned in the petition). If I didn't live in Houston, part of me would hope Texas seceeds, just so the rest of American politics isn't dragged down by their ass backwards House members and electoral college votes. I mean, really, what chance would any Republican have of getting the presidency if Texas electoral college votes suddenly disappeared? Not to menion a lot of Republican legislation would grind to a halt without congressional reps from Texas.

[Minimalist]

Even if 30,000 Texans did sign it, what then?

I figured there were more than 30,000 assholes in Texas. Maybe the rest couldn't figure out how to sign the petition?

[Brian37]

"Thinking" is never very high on the right-wing's list of activities, my dear.

It is mere human evolution and fear of change. Unfortunately some media and politicans play off the fears of people.

---

In the eyes of a fundy
The unsuspecting "other"
Better bow to the only god that's right

Cause the eyes of a fundy
Are upon you
Any thinking you do he's gonna see

When you're in Texas look behind you
Cause that's where the fundy's gonna be