A White House petition to allow Georgia’s peaceful withdrawal from Union
We’ve entered the period for thoughtful responses to last week’s woodshedding of the Republican party in the presidential sweepstakes.
In the take-my-ball-and-go-home category, we have the news that 20 petitions have been lodged with the White House website, seeking the peaceful withdrawal of certain states from the Union. Georgia, of course, is among them.
Most of them contain the same language:
As the founding fathers of the United States of America made clear in the Declaration of Independence in 1776:
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
“…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 abolish it, and institute new Government…”
The Georgia petition, filed Saturday, currently has 4,067 “signatures.” According to the rules of the “We the People” portion of the White House web site, a petition requires 25,000 signatures to elicit a formal presidential response. For instance, this is how the White House came to release its famous beer recipe.
So how might the White House properly respond to these new secessionists should they get to 25,000? The answer is very clear: Free tickets to Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” which opens Friday at a theater near you:
Seriously, it’s the toleration of this kind of foolishness that got the GOP in trouble. And if Republicans are sincere about learning from past mistakes, this seems like a good place – an easy place – to start.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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182 comments Add your comment
Anita
November 12th, 2012
4:51 pm
As a resident of Georgia, I must admit there a lot of idiots that live here. Next they will petition to start slavery again.
Anita
November 12th, 2012
4:51 pm
As a resident of Georgia, I must admit there a lot of idiots that live here. Next they will petition to start slavery again.
TG
November 12th, 2012
4:57 pm
Agree with 2DPointAtlanta! Don’t let the door hit you in your big wide butt gas hog behinds. .
Oscar Knight
November 12th, 2012
5:02 pm
……..This will be the Game Changer for Obama, and Our Nation, before we go into the total self destruction motions. Aloha Obama !!!
tiger5
November 12th, 2012
5:03 pm
These people are just reacting irrationally to an event that crushed their confidence and hope in America. I personally do not identify with either party but I can see that Obama is a representative of the extreme left and his policies WILL destroy our society; economically and morally. This is just fact. hopefully a consevative House can keep him somewhat in check. Remember Libs, NOTHING is free. Absolutely NOTHING. We will pay the price, sooner or later.
Harold
November 12th, 2012
5:07 pm
Not a bad idea. Obama has done a magnificent job dividing us along race, ethnicity, income and gender so why not just go our own way? The libs can have CA and all the blue states and let all the illegals in they want. Take a look at the path CA is on, lets get out before it consumes us here.
Dumb Dixie Goobers
November 12th, 2012
5:20 pm
Wow! Let them secede, and yes, Israel, Gawd’s chosen country [among the evangelical freaks] can provide the foreign aid, ’cause gubbermint dependent Georgia will need it. Just pay me in US currency–my relatives were fleeced last time filing out was tried.
The star has such dumb ‘leaders’ that the ACOG past president, County Commissioner PAarish, of UNION county declared a special confederate day, and more stars and bars went up all over the county and on all the Big Foot Trucks. Nobody told ‘em it’s Union County for a reason–they weren’t on the side of the losers.
I’m sure they are this time….
Independent
November 12th, 2012
5:21 pm
If they want to secede, then they can pack their bags and go to another country that suits their desires. Perhaps, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen or some other right-wing country. While I am not one to gloat over a victory, these folks make me want to. The people of the US have spoken, and I might add that only 53% of Georgians voted for Romney so that isn’t exactly overwhelming. The election is over. Get over it; stop whining; go out and try to do something constructive to make your community a better place.
atlmom
November 12th, 2012
5:23 pm
Oregon is one of the states requesting to leave hardly a republican stronghold.
Tired
November 12th, 2012
5:24 pm
Isn’t this just the next logical step after the fiefdoms of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, etc. seceded from their counties?
Allen
November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm
Jail’em all for treason.
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC)
November 12th, 2012
5:29 pm
That could be confusing. There is already a country called Georgia. Would they sue for international copyright infringement of country names? Is there such a thing? What if Russia accidentally invades the wrong Georgia? Then there is the matter of all the change of address forms everyone would have to fill out. Sounds like too much hassle.
Old Dawg
November 12th, 2012
5:30 pm
Georgia has greatly benefitted from the federal government. Military bases, road construction, academic research grants, the construction of new bridges in Savannah and Brunswick, the deepening of the Savannah Harbor, transportation grants at Hartsfield-Jackson airport … the list is endless.
Sad to say, the Age of Nut-jobs continues!
Jim8307
November 12th, 2012
5:31 pm
Traitors all, IMO. What part of the Pledge of Allegiance did these morons fail to learn in elementary school.
Lindas
November 12th, 2012
5:39 pm
How stupid racism makes people. Withdrawing from the union is something that more than likely would have to be voted on. Really? How do you idiots really think that would turn out? Save the waste of tax dollars. Pack it up and move on out of the country. You won’t be missed. Idiots.
Keyser Söze
November 12th, 2012
5:40 pm
Sad and funny at the same time. This is the right version of the lefties that threaten to move to Canada when a republican gets elected. Irony certainly is not a strong suit with these people.
MeME
November 12th, 2012
5:42 pm
Dear “me”, you really are a tool. How does me think it could be any group other than the. GOP. Don’t be insulting… I’ve lived in GA. The GOP IS narrow minded.
MeME
November 12th, 2012
5:43 pm
So Oscar and the likes of you…where were you during the Bush years? How offensive
Kris
November 12th, 2012
5:47 pm
When the last CROOK and idiot leaves the gold dome, please turnout the light.
America Love it or Leave it! Delta is ready when you are.
I pledge Allegiance to John Boehner (bonehead) oops my bad my name is not price (is wrong).
Buymadeinusjobs
November 12th, 2012
5:55 pm
Hot dog, that will let blue states keep more of their money if they do not need to worry about 41% Georgians who fit Rommey’s 47% moochers. Good Bye Ft. Benning, Ft Stewart, Moody AFB, Atlanta IRS, CDC, mail procesing, all good paying jobs. Good bye Most hospitals, nursing , homes , doctors, they are dependent on medicare/medicaid. I think one poster had it right , put them on train to some states who want all whites , maybe AZ or ALA ,,,, No VA or social secuity. The want it like 1800’s so let them have it, You guys may want to go camping for a month and make sure that life suits you, no internet/cable.
If you hear someone threatening to fire employees because of election , find some place else to spend your money. Employees/other person::Set up business to compete and put him out of business. Employees , you can probably get almost as much money from unemployment, food stamps, medicaid for your children’s healthcare and not buying gas for your car.If that small business is operating that close, they would have failed anyway. We all know if I make 350,000, I can deduct expenses for plant, equipment and employees say $ 100,000 so that leaves 250,000 minus Itemized or standard deduction[about 7500] , exemptions 2300. each. So most businesses fit in 98%.
GaBlue
November 12th, 2012
5:57 pm
From the referenced story: “Petitioners only have to put a first name and last initial on the site.”
I hope they’ll stand behind their beliefs and put their first and last names on the petitions. I’m sure our Veterans would like to know for whom they’ve put their lives on the line, and which of their neighbors have rejected U.S. citizenship.
Neal
November 12th, 2012
5:57 pm
Yet another reason not to cut education spending.
WAW
November 12th, 2012
5:58 pm
Bit history: Georgia was not readmitted to Congress of the “One Nation” after losing the War Between the States until June of 1869 but was kicked out in December of the same year. It finally acknowledged reconstruction in July of 1870 and was readmitted again. The United States government has never recognized the right of states to secede, and considers the states to never have left the union during the war. So the President’s answer would be the same today, “You can’t.”
And while you’re thinking about it, what about saying good bye to Kings Bay, Robins, Dobbins, Fort Benning. Also, most of the corporate headquarters located in Georgia, the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks. Finally, try to balance a budget (as the State Constitution requires) with pecans and peanuts (you ain’t got no money).
jude the obtuse
November 12th, 2012
6:06 pm
@me: Would you like to make a serious wager on that? You can’t be silly enough to REALLY believe what you’re saying here?!
Shar
November 12th, 2012
6:10 pm
I wonder how these folks would have reacted if they had been on the losing end of the Bush-Gore situation, with the guy who lost the popular vote and only squeaked out an electoral college win with the help of one Supreme Court justice. Back then, the Democrats heard, “Shut up. It’s over and we have a mandate!” Now, with a Democratic victory, albeit it thin, in the popular vote and a flat out mauling in electoral vote, it’s a howling of insults, claims of vote improprieties and whining about secession.
The far right of the Republican party, long used by the establishment as a vocal group that reliably turns out on social issue fear mongering, is now wagging the dog – to the great discomfiture of the part of the party that moderates would actually vote for. The fringe, convinced of their righteousness and power by echo-chamber media, has been caught completely unaware by the national rejection of their attempt to legislate morality, and the frustration of that rejection coupled with the dawning realization that demographic change will make it impossible to win on that platform in the future has translated into absurdist responses like secession, doomsday prophecies and name-calling.
Let’s hope that the majority of the party will come to terms with the fallout of their strategy and will take the obvious steps of repudiating divisive and rancorous entertainers-cum-party leaders like Limbaugh and re-forming themselves around the small-government policies that made the Republicans a viable, meaningful alternative to the Democrats. Another excellent move that could restore credibility like a sudden tonic would be for the party to outlaw lobbyist donations to individual legislators – any and all such donations would go into a shared pot, so no particular legislator would (supposedly) know which special interest was buying their time. That would address a huge concern of the electorate and catapult the Republicans past the Democrats in terms of appearing to embrace ethical conduct and smaller government.
Gerald
November 12th, 2012
6:11 pm
I’m not for it. This bunch of Idiot’s would want to put Jimmy Carter as president. Then they could bring back 21% interest rates.
Jim8307
November 12th, 2012
6:30 pm
Revoke their citizenship and deport them all, Kenya would be a nice location. After all, these are likely the same idiots who believe the POTUS was born there instead of Hawaii. If that doesn’t work then Afghanastan or Iraq should be considered once all US troops are withdrawn.
Constatine
November 12th, 2012
6:42 pm
It’s becoming a huge embarrassment to live in this state. Georgia was on the path as being the gateway to the new south, when it hosted the Olympics in 1996. And now the least educated among us want to carry us back to the pre civil war era. Here’s an idea, why don’t all of you that want to secede and thumb your nose up at all the veterans that fought for this country, just leave. This state would be better without you and your 5th grade education.
jess
November 12th, 2012
6:47 pm
Who said these were Republicans?
Shelley Thull
November 12th, 2012
7:01 pm
I would like to apologize from Brownbackistan. Not all Kansans are stupid–just the majority.
ray
November 12th, 2012
7:27 pm
Why not let the GOP peacefully leave the Union? They seem to be the typical children who bring their ball to the park, and get spanked… and want to take their ball and go home! Bye– SEE YAH!
BILLY MAYS HERE
November 12th, 2012
7:28 pm
tiger5
November 12th, 2012
5:03 pm
…I personally do not identify with either party but I can see that Obama is a representative of the extreme left and his policies WILL destroy our society; economically and morally.
Stop lying dude you would never vote for anyone left of Pat Buchanan
Thomas
November 12th, 2012
8:09 pm
Throw your sucker in the dirt and cry! LOL
Facepalm
November 12th, 2012
8:19 pm
Have a counter-petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/please-ignore-petition-secession-state-georgia-we-dont-know-who-those-people-are/13JQK1QP
The Woman!
November 12th, 2012
9:15 pm
This is a joke, right? These folks are full of S***. I live in Georgia, but am so embarassed by the ignorant racists who HIDE behind what they “claim” to be conservative views. They are fooling no one but themselves. Idiots.
George Chidi
November 12th, 2012
9:42 pm
The counter-stupid petition.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/please-ignore-petition-secession-state-georgia-we-dont-know-who-those-people-are/13JQK1QP
This is Mrs. Norman Maine
November 12th, 2012
10:04 pm
He should call their bluff and let them go. Well they can’t have Georgia of course but let Texas secede and the Georgia folks can move over there. Seriously.
Charlie Sargent
November 12th, 2012
11:14 pm
If the cravkers want G,, we should ALL leave and let them have it. I plan to do so. I donot want to live in a state where people are this DUMB!!
Oscar Knight
November 13th, 2012
12:33 am
…The Splitting of California, and Areas around Atlanta,Sandy Springs,Dunwoody, Buckhead,and Johns Creek,is a role model for having more control over our Government, How our Taxes are being spent (Wasted), and cleaning up uncontrolled Government corruption, by electing our own Elected Officials.
Diane
November 13th, 2012
5:55 am
Why does Jim assume these petitioners are Republican? Because those are the folks who lost and who have been calling for secession. Responsible reporters like Jim Galloway don’t report what readers want to hear. They report what they perceive as the truth. Why would Democratic voters want to secede when their candidate won? Perhaps you are not accustomed to reading truly responsible journalism?
Edmund Ruffin
November 13th, 2012
7:20 am
Secession was right in 1860, it is right today. The states, who created the union, not the other way around, always had the right to leave until the better armed army of dishonest Abe did their dirty deed.
robert
November 13th, 2012
7:57 am
I do not believe that Georgia should withdraw from the union, however the hate and ignorance of most of what I assume are from liberals is what is truly embarrassing. Especially “professor says” that person wants it to be a racial thing when the only races talking points I’ve seen for years has been from the liberals. They like to make fun of the GOP and say they’re too white and say they don’t represent the minorities, but closer to the truth is that the minorities that stand up for conservative ideas are call uncle toms. But really they are the ones standing for true freedom, standing to be free to explore their opportunity, not taking a token to stay in the life style they are in. and for those minorities I salute you!
Logical Dad
November 13th, 2012
8:08 am
Dear Seceders:
Why do you hate America?
Keepin' It Real
November 13th, 2012
8:10 am
I tell my CHILDREN all the time: “If you don’t like the rules in MY house, pack your things and leave.” My children are not allowed to live as they want in a part of my house.
ideas
November 13th, 2012
8:18 am
Hey JL….Delta is ready when you are
ideas
November 13th, 2012
8:19 am
Hey JL….Delta is ready when you are. You have the right to leave just like the majority of Georgians who want to can leave the Union. I wish it would come to a vote and then maybe all of you who are embarrassed or carpetbaggers would leave.
wishing
November 13th, 2012
8:20 am
Conservatives use to say, “America, love it or leave it.” While I disagree with the sentiment, why don’t they stay consistent with their past diatribes?
Keepin' It Real
November 13th, 2012
8:21 am
@ Robert:
Not so fast my friend. Both my wife and I are graduates of GA Tech, six figure salaries, kids in private school, live in the suburbs, very fiscally conservative, and belieive in individuality. The demographics are there (for the GOP) so you would think… The problem with the GOP include but not limited to:
1. GOP leaders not condemning racist elements in the party
2. GOP leaders not calling out idiots with “legitimate rapes” mindsets
3. GOP leaders focusing on keeping the 3% rich when 90% of their constituency comes from households un $60k.
Just keeping it real, who want to be a part of that? This past presidential election confirmed that the power of the old white man vote is no more. Change your tactics and policy and pay attention to the new face of America.
disgusted
November 13th, 2012
8:26 am
Hey, “DOC” Delta is ready when you are!!!
jimbo
November 13th, 2012
8:31 am
You lost the civil war, get over it.