Proposal would establish California as separate nation

[sabang]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Another attempt is underway to establish California as a separate nation.

Election officials announced Thursday that a proposal has been submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office that would ask voters to repeal part of the state constitution that declares California an inseparable part of the United States.

If the proposal qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it could be a step to a future vote on whether California should break away from the U.S.



Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the group behind the proposal, Yes California Independence Campaign, was cleared to begin attempting to collect nearly 600,000 voter signatures needed to place the plan on the ballot.

Similar attempts to establish California as a nation, or break it into multiple states, have failed.

The election of President Donald Trump in November rekindled talk of California seceding from the union. The proposal makes no mention of Trump, who was trounced by Hillary Clinton in California by more than 4 million votes.

The proposed constitutional amendment, titled California Nationhood, would also ask voters to repeal language that states the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law. If approved, it calls for scheduling a vote in 2019 to ask voters, “Should California become a free, sovereign and independent country?”

Threats to secede from the United States have been a part of American politics almost since the nation was founded. The most serious attempt came before and during the Civil War, when 11 Southern states left to form the Confederacy.

Another hurdle would be the U.S. Constitution, which does not provide for state secession.

The campaign must submit the valid voter signatures by July 25 to qualify for the November 2018 ballot.
Proposal would establish California as separate nation - Pattaya Mail


What do you think?
Should CA secede, thus forming the world's fifth largest nation by economy?
Should they leave the 'real amerkin' heartlanders, with their entrenched voting patterns, entrenched poverty, and cold winters behind?
Should Oregon and Hawaii (possibly Washington state too) join the new Californian Union?
California voted for Hillary with a majority of over 4mm voters, which exceeds the popular vote majority for the whole US.

I don't expect this resolution to succeed, or even gain much traction- but it does highlight the glaring differences between the US coastal and interior states.
Certainly, a Califorlandia would enjoy a considerably higher standard of living than the remaining union. Nicer weather too.

[sabang]

The 2019 #Calexit Independence Referendum

In the Spring of 2019, Californians will go to the polls in a historic vote to decide by referendum if California should exit the Union, a #Calexit vote.

You will have this historic opportunity because the Yes California Independence Campaign will qualify a citizen’s initiative for the 2018 ballot that if passed would call for a special election for Californians to vote for or against the independence of California from the United States.

This is a very important question. It is the responsibility of this campaign to explain what a yes vote will mean for you, your family, your community, our state, our country, and our world. We have designed this website to answer many of these questions and look to you to ask more.

"As the sixth largest economy in the world, California is more economically powerful than France and has a population larger than Poland. Point by point, California compares and competes with countries, not just the 49 other states.”

In our view, the United States of America represents so many things that conflict with Californian values, and our continued statehood means California will continue subsidizing the other states to our own detriment, and to the detriment of our children.

Although charity is part of our culture, when you consider that California’s infrastructure is falling apart, our public schools are ranked among the worst in the entire country, we have the highest number of homeless persons living without shelter and other basic necessities, poverty rates remain high, income inequality continues to expand, and we must often borrow money from the future to provide services for today, now is not the time for charity.

However, this independence referendum is about more than California subsidizing other states of this country. It is about the right to self-determination and the concept of voluntary association, both of which are supported by constitutional and international law.

It is about California taking its place in the world, standing as an equal among nations. We believe in two fundamental truths: (1) California exerts a positive influence on the rest of the world, and (2) California could do more good as an independent country than it is able to do as just a U.S. state.

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the international community with their “Brexit” vote. Our “Calexit” referendum is about California joining the international community. You have a big decision to make.

Yes California is here to help.



THE CASE FOR INDEPENDENCE IN 9 SIMPLE POINTS
Being a U.S. state is no longer serving California’s best interests. On issues ranging from peace and security to natural resources and the environment, it has become increasingly true that California would be better off as an independent country. Here’s a summary of why we think so.

1. PEACE AND SECURITY
The U.S. Government spends more on its military than the next several countries combined. Not only is California forced to subsidize this massive military budget with our taxes, but Californians are sent off to fight in wars that often do more to perpetuate terrorism than to abate it. The only reason terrorists might want to attack us is because we are part of the United States and are guilty by association. Not being a part of that country will make California a less likely target of retaliation by its enemies.

2. ELECTIONS AND GOVERNMENT
California’s electoral votes haven’t affected a presidential election since 1876. On top of that, presidential election results are often known before our votes are even counted. So, why should we keep subjecting ourselves to presidents we play no role in electing, to 382 representatives and 98 senators we can’t vote for, and all the government officials and federal judges appointed by those very same people we don’t elect.

3. TRADE AND REGULATION
The U.S. Government maintains a burdensome trade system that hurts California’s economy by making trade more difficult and more expensive for California’s businesses. As long as California remains within this burdensome trade system, we will never be able to capitalize on the trade and investment opportunities that would be available to us as an independent country. On top of that, the United States is dragging California into the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement which conflicts with our values.

4. DEBT AND TAXES
Since 1987, California has been subsidizing the other states at a loss of tens and sometimes hundreds of billions of dollars in a single fiscal year. As a result, we are often forced to raise taxes and charge fees in California, and borrow money from the future to make up the difference. This is partly why California presently has some of the highest taxes in the country, and so much debt. Independence means that all of our taxes will be kept in California based on the priorities we set, and we will be able to do so while repaying our debts and phasing out the current state income tax.

5. IMMIGRATION
California is the most diverse state in the United States and that is something we are proud of. This diversity is a central part of our culture and an indispensable part of our economy. As a U.S. state, our immigration system was largely designed by the 49 other states thirty years ago. This immigration system has since neglected the needs of the California economy and has hurt too many California families. Independence means California will be able to decide what immigration policies make sense for our diverse and unique population, culture, and economy, and that we’ll be able to build an immigration system that is consistent with our values.

6. NATURAL RESOURCES
Certain minerals and other natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are being extracted from California at below market value rates by private corporations with the permission of the U.S. Government. While a small portion of the revenue is shared with us, our share has been withheld during times of sequestration. That means the U.S. Government is paying their debts with royalties collected from selling off California’s natural resources. Independence means we will gain control of the 46% of California that is currently owned by the U.S. Government and its agencies. We will therefore take control of our natural resources and be the sole beneficiary of royalties collected if and when they are extracted from our lands.

7. THE ENVIRONMENT
California is a global leader on environmental issues. However, as long as the other states continue debating whether or not climate change is real, they will continue holding up real efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The truth is this country accounts for less than five percent of the world’s population yet consumes one-third of the world’s paper, a quarter of the world’s oil, 27 percent of the aluminum, 23 percent of the coal, and 19 percent of the copper. Independence means California will be able to negotiate treaties to not only reduce the human impact on our climate but also to help build global resource sustainability.

8. HEALTH AND MEDICINE
The Affordable Care Act was enacted by the U.S. Government to lower the cost of health care and expand health insurance coverage to the uninsured, yet millions of Californians still lack access to quality health care because they can’t afford it. For many, access to hospitals and medicine is a life or death issue. Independence means we can fund the health care programs we want and ensure everyone has access to the medicines they need because our taxes will no longer be subsidizing other states. Finally, California can join the rest of the industrialized world in guaranteeing health care as a universal right for all of our people.

9. EDUCATION
California has some of the best universities but in various ways, our schools are among the worst in the country. Not only does this deprive our children of the education they deserve, but it also costs taxpayers billions in social services and law enforcement expenses linked to lacking opportunities resulting from poor education. Independence means we will be able to fully fund public education, rebuild and modernize public schools, and pay public school teachers the salaries they deserve. On top of that, independence means freedom from federal education policies and one-size-fits-all standards set by political appointees on the other side of the continent.
Yes California Independence Campaign

[Slick]

So dumb

[David48atTD]

Maybe Isaan is next?

Isannext*

*TM

[sabang]

So dumb

Why? Politically and economically, they are quite different.
Actually, next big question- would the rest of the US let them secede? Actually, I doubt it. Civil war looms!

[Slick]

Of course they wouldn't let them secede. You can't just leave when things aren't going your way. This whole 'thing' you posted is absolutely nothing more than a 'feel good campaign' by retards.

[misskit]

California would do well to shed the rest of the USA. It's hated by most of the country's rubes, even though California subsidizes their states with federal taxes. That tax money alone is enough reason for the federal government to fight to keep California a state.

[misskit]

Of course they wouldn't let them secede. You can't just leave when things aren't going your way. This whole 'thing' you posted is absolutely nothing more than a 'feel good campaign' by retards.

Didn't your governor, Rick Perry, suggest Texas secede from the union not long ago?

If California went, Texas would follow.

On second thought, no, not while Trump is President. Texas only wants to break away when a Democrat occupies the White House.

[blue]

Be funny if they voted yes (due to the massive Hispanic population being pro family and anti-homo)
and next they have a referendum to (re)join Mexico, and do so.
The population soars..standards of living drop
Then the white snowflakes libtards will be begging to get back into USA.

[Cold Pizza]

Interesting OP, Sabang.

As noted, it's not in the Constitution and the Federal govt would not allow it.

But the concept of a state moving on is more than just rhetoric now. It's a concept.

[birding]

If they left they could have Hillary as their president and all the Trump haters could move there, another wall needed.

[tomcat]

Of course they wouldn't let them secede. You can't just leave when things aren't going your way.

Texas has been threatening such a move for years, encouraged by the other 49.

[DrB0b]

If they left they could have Hillary as their president and all the Trump haters could move there, another wall needed.

Yes, Jerry Brown said that last March. Ho ho.

[Cold Pizza]

Of course they wouldn't let them secede. You can't just leave when things aren't going your way.

Texas has been threatening such a move for years, encouraged by the other 49.

Numb-nut Rick Perry was running for re-election a few years ago and down by 18 points (during the Obama administration).

He started yelling "secede! secede!" and started the topic in Texas over some Federal rule or regulation.

Then the polls started moving in his direction and he won re-election.

Secession will not happen in my lifetime.


And seriously keep in the mind the concept of the Reconquista from Mexico. It's real.

[tomcat]

Secession will not happen in my lifetime.

Don't give up! 49 states + Guam can't be wrong...

[sabang]

Why should California stay with the Union? It only drags it backwards, and plunders it's resources and tax dollars. Are they a registered charity?

[Cold Pizza]

Why should California stay with the Union? It only drags it backwards, and plunders it's resources and tax dollars. Are they a registered charity?

Interesting note about CA paying to the Feds.

I will try to get some numbers later today.

I don't know how much the Feds are taking from CA. As we know it's the 5-6-7th largest economy in the world.

(I've always thought it was too big to administer, economically and geographically. CA does have problems. Haven't read about them in a while.

[sabang]

Oh, and in the Electoral College, a Californian vote carries the least sway!
Now that's gratitood for ya.

[Polo]

Maybe California and Quebec can form a union and build a bridge across the rest of the US of A...

[sabang]

Or a Wall.

[misskit]

^^ Why on earth would California even consider joining up with Quebec? Talk about a bunch of poor rubes!

[Polo]

^^ Why on earth would California even consider joining up with Quebec? Talk about a bunch of poor rubes!

because both want secession... and Quebec is such a wonderful place with such wonderful peopleeeee....

[harrybarracuda]

Here's option 1, as described in a statement from Yes California:

"A member of the California federal delegation to Washington would propose an Amendment to the US Constitution allowing the State of California to withdraw from the Union. The Amendment would have to be approved by 2/3 of the House of Representatives and 2/3 of the Senate. If the Amendment passed it would be sent to the fifty state legislatures to be considered (to satisfy the 'consent of the states' requirement in Texas v. White). It would need to be accepted by at least 38 of the 50 state legislatures to be adopted."

Alternatively:

"California could call for a convention of the states (which is currently being organized to tackle other constitutional amendments as we speak) and the Amendment granting California its independence would have to be approved by 2/3 of the delegates to this convention. If it passed, the Amendment would be sent to the fifty state legislatures to be considered and 38 of the 50 states would have to approve the measure in order for it to be adopted."

Californians are calling for a 'Calexit' from the US ? here's how a secession could work - Business Insider

[Cold Pizza]

California ranks 46th out of 50 states for being most dependent on Fed money. "1" bein most dependent and 50th being least.

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-mos...vernment/2700/

[Polo]

Maybe California will fall into the sea next time the San Andreas fault cracks-- That would be a real secession...