A free California? Trump visits as initiative to leave U.S. cleared to gather signatures

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

LOS ANGELES – President Donald Trump, long a vocal detractor of California, touched down in Los Angeles on Friday to tour fire ravaged areas, pledging federal support after days of criticizing Democrats over the fires.

The visit came the day after a new ballot initiative asking voters whether the state should become an independent country was cleared by the California Secretary of State's office to begin gathering signatures.

Could the Golden State just fly the coop, become its own nation and walk away from 175 years of union with the United States?

After all, the idea of California becoming its own country has been around for decades. The state flag still commemorates the 25 days it was once its own republic. Even Gov. Gavin Newsom has slipped and called it a "nation state" more than a few times.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/country-california-could-state-largest-162645688.html

[diane in sf]

1. I'm sure Putin would like the US broken up. But the blue states would probably not miss the red states.

[qazplm135]

2. Silly

No state is seceding. It's just as silly when blue states talk about it as when red states do.

[Magoo48]

14. It's not silly. One, referendum, Two, switch fed income tax payments to Sacramento.

Look for west coast alliances.
If push comes to shove, and our freedom depends upon it?
I’m convinced that as a state we’ll be able to block much of his bullshit. Some states will have it much worse than we do. Who knows?

[qazplm135]

17. Absolutely

Silly

[Bread and Circuses]

3. This is dangerous

A divided nation is what our adversaries want.

[LauraInLA]

4. This is not feasible, and I wish people would stop writing about it (not you!).

[3Hotdogs]

10. It's feasible if the Constitution is amended to allow for withdrawal of a state. Now before you dismiss this,

Every southern state would support such an amendment. I suspect that several western states and Alaska would join in.

Iowa? You bet'cha.
Utah? Probably
Texas? They're already talking about it.
The mainaics? If they're dumb enough to elect Susan, well....
W.V. Need I say more?
Ohio? Who did they just elect as senator?

[LauraInLA]

12. I don't think they and the 3/4 state legs would support it, once they realized how much revenue they'd lose.

P.S. I also don’t think Dems would support it because CA is essential for any strength they have in Congress.

[3Hotdogs]

13. "realized," is the operative word.

How many of them knew that Trump wouldn't be as bad as he is?

[Magoo48]

15. Then, every progressive citizen best get off their asses and into some kind of direct action.

Consistent, massive, direct grassroots actions will be needed to save what’s left of our freedoms. 5 or 6 fighters in Congress can’t do it on their own.and, the general public has yet to show any willingness to be inconvenienced enough to save their own freedoms.

[LogDog75]

19. They wouldn't because they're dependent upon federal welfare

California and a number of other Blue states receive less money from the federal government than they give. Most, if not all Red states, depend upon the federal government to support their state budgets which is why they can claim to have lower state taxes. If they secede, then they would have to raise their taxes to make up for what the federal government provide. IOWs, those states like being welfare queens.

[3Hotdogs]

21. You and I understand that. But ask any goober/maggot and they will explain to you,

how the iimegrints and welfare cheats are sucking off the gub'mint tit and real 'mericans are paying taxes to support the northern welfare states.

[PortTack]

6. You are terrible for saying that at a time like this!

[dickthegrouch]

7. He still needs our money

In 2023, California's gross domestic product (GDP) was about $3.9 trillion, comprising 14% of national GDP ($27.7 trillion). Texas and New York are the next largest state economies, at 9% and 8%, respectively. California's economy ranks fifth internationally, behind the US, China, Germany, and Japan.
https://www.ppic.org
California's Economy - Public Policy Institute of California

[kansasobama]

9. Yes, all red states need California money

California should play hard ball and put Trump on the defensive. A DC Bishop put Trump in his place. Why not California?

[kansasobama]

8. Discussion about California is valid

California does not have to secede in that manner. But, something has to give. California should fight for autonomy within US. In fact, the present arrangement with Trump or future Trumps as President is unacceptable. An autonomous California would be able to teach a lesson to MAGA states. The way the Constitution is, frankly. I don't see the current union feasible. Why not a Confederate States of United States? Do we want to be dictated but the MAGAs and uneducated uninformed masses? Constitution is way too inflexible for Amendment. We are fooling ourselves if we think we are in a functioning union if democracy is replaced by MAGA fascism. Yes, we could be in a banana Republic.

Czechs and Slovaks had a peaceful divorce. We are not even talking about divorce. We are talking about California being allowed to mind it's own business within the union.

[Magoo48]

16. Yes, it is feasible. It begins with ignoring, rejecting, and resisting his every move.

[twodogsbarking]

11. Leave the country where Trump is Dictator. No brainer.

[LogDog75]

20. As a Californian, I say NO!

It doesn't matter how bad things can get, we can weather it. It's more important for us to resist president dump and vote out all MAGAts out of office.

[twodogsbarking]

22. I don't know what is best but I hope for it.