So what, states don’t exist anymore?

Traitor – a person who commits treason by betraying his or her country.

America – ..that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…

Remember, America is an idea, not a place on a map. If you go against the idea of America, you are a traitor. Protecting her ideals makes one a Patriot.

I think 360,000 Union soldiers died for the American Ideal, and not to keep Virginia on an American map, personally.

secured upon it’s joining the union as an independent country, the question of secession is by no means settled for any of the original 13, Texas, and perhaps Hawaii. It is noteworthy that even after Lincoln’s death and with the Country firmly in the hands of the Radicals, the US decided discretion was the better part of valor in pursuing treason charges against Confederate leaders.

Did you think it was “disgraceful” when the Washington Post and New York Times splashed across their front pages top-secret operational details about how the United States was tracking the banking transactions of Al Queda terrorists?

THAT, pal, is the definition of “traitor”.

Let’s leave aside Texas specifics — i.e., the treaty by which the Republic of Texas joined the USA — and arguments about states’ rights.

Here’s what a traitor is: someone who commits the legal act of treason.

So what’s treason? “”.. a citizen’s actions to help a foreign government overthrow, make war against, or seriously injure the [parent nation].’ In many nations, it is also often considered treason to attempt or conspire to overthrow the government, even if no foreign country is aided or involved by such an endeavour.” (credit: Wikipedia)

The Constitution defines treason in Article 3, Section 3, as follows:

“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.”

It bears a careful re-reading of what the Declaration of Independence says on the subject:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

Let’s read this part again: “…That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…”

So…. how is it treason to say, “Hey, people are getting fed up by Government intrusion that they do NOT consent to… and if this continues, do not be surprised if people don’t decide to pull out of this country, or states such as Texas….”?

I heard Governor Perry’s entire, in-context statement. And I don’t completely agree with his legal/factual basis. But how can we look at what is happening around us and disagree that people are starting to think, how do we get out of this mess?

Personally, I have to wonder, in the back of my mind as I look down the road at the ultimate consequences of current actions, if leaving the USA may not be what it takes. God, I hope not. I pray not. I love my country. I understand now, better than ever, how the Founders felt, and how torn they were — for years — before they took the final step.

They loved their country too — and viewed themselves as Englishmen. For years, they asked for equal treatment. They asked for respect. They asked for parliamentary representation. They begged King George.

The first shots fired in Concord were more to get England’s attention than to force independence. But the English resolve hardened, and the “traitors” meeting in Philadelphia ended up writing the Declaration.

When they signed it, they knew they were now, officially, in the eyes of the Crown, traitors. They did it anyway — pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. Can we do less?

One of my personal heroes is Patrick Henry. When England passed the Stamp Act in 1765 — one of its many unpopular efforts to tax the colonies — Henry drafted five resolutions against it, presenting them to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

Henry was a firebrand, no doubt. Some of his fellow legislators tried to calm him down, while others went were enraged by him. The Speaker of the House accused Henry of treason.

Henry replied: “If this be treason, make the most of it!”

In 1765, Patrick Henry was not advocating the colonies leaving the British empire. He saw himself as an Englishman who wanted his Crown Government to respect him and his colony (state). Ten years later, after numerous rebuffs, he was ready to be labeled a traitor and risk his life, property, and liberty.

So it’s happened here before, as one sign I saw yesterday proclaimed:

“George III Didn’t Listen, Either.”

If Obama follows through with his opinion that the Constitution needs to be rewritten and does something extremely radical, will that not dissolve the union by default?

The Constitution is the only thing binding the states together as a nation. Before it was adopted it had to be ratified by every one of the original thirteen colonies. Now, we are 50 states, some blue, some purple, and some red but each and every one of them had to agree to the binding Constitution and even had to model their state Constitutions after it.

To do away with it he would have to count on all the states being willing parties to it. I don’t think that’s going to happen but what if he is egomaniacal enough to think he can get away with it? What would be left? How many states would follow along?

The federal government might find itself the federal government of the country of Washington, D.C. Congress critters have no authority from their respective states except as representatives of that state. Since the president is not a representative of any state but supposedly of all, where will he derive any authority if he follows through with his Constitutional rewrite?

Exactly. Well said!

Radical talk does hurt Republicans, and plays right into the hands of the Napolatano’s of the world who want to paint us as dangerous.